Gaming DSi D-Pad Problem

[Deleted User]

So my 3DS has just stopped working, and I have decided to avoid hacking for a while and I am using my dsi xl (the only ds I have left). It perfect, EXCEPT for one problem. My d-pad doesn't work. Specifically the left d-pad button, It works, but it has to be pushed very hard on for it to recognize it has been pressed
Other then that, it works absolutely fine, but it kinda bugs me when I need to use my d-pad and that happens.
PS: It also (very very rarlely) happens with my right d-pad, but it happens like once and then it works, so I think it is just a coincidence.

 

[Wanderersi]

If you take a look inside maybe find a teardown online you'll see the dpad is actually just 4 rubber feeling covers on top of buttons if you clean these with some rubbing alcohol it might fix the contact.
In the link below if you scroll down a bit someone else details the process if you need a step by step guide check out a youtube guide of a teardown.

https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/45200/Why+is+my+right+d-pad+button+not+working

 

[justin-dabath]

It's cheaper to just replace the D-pad board (less than £5) http://www.ebay.com/itm/262810145996

But, it could just be lots of wear to the rubber pad for that button, a cheap replacement set of pads could fix it - http://www.ebay.com/itm/281043770177

Sadly when they made the DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL the buttons were more sensitive / not as firm so it's a common problem.