Gaming Replacing shoulder buttons...

[Rokku]

My DS Lite's L trigger has gone bad, which seems to happen a lot to DS and DS Lite systems. My question is...how intensive is replacing or repairing DS shoulder buttons? I don't really have any knowledge of electronic hardware and I've never soldered anything in my life, so is this something I could fix myself with a new trigger and a tri-wing screwdriver or should I try and find a professional?

 

[stitch123]

Try to just blow into that trigger first, it may help.

I'm not completely sure, but I think there's no way you can replace it yourself. It'd be better to ask proffesionals (bring your DSL to a local Nintendo store, for example). It will cost you some money, I doubt your DSL is still in a varranty, but it should be a lot cheaper than buying a new one.

Or you can just buy a 3DS if you have spare money.

 

[Foxchild]

Actually, this should be doable... Online places that carry replacement DS screens, etc. should have the shoulder buttons as well for not too much $. There are lots of tutorial videos out there you can google for taking your DS apart and putting it back together. You'll need a tri-wing screwdriver as well to get it apart. Just be careful taking it apart that you don't tear the ribbon connecting the screens or you'll be replacing that too.


EDIT or there's also http://gbatemp.net/threads/kipmudzs-solution-to-malfunctioning-dslites-shoulder-buttons.335590/

 

[stitch123]

Actually, this should be doable... Online places that carry replacement DS screens, etc. should have the shoulder buttons as well for not too much $. There are lots of tutorial videos out there you can google for taking your DS apart and putting it back together. You'll need a tri-wing screwdriver as well to get it apart. Just be careful taking it apart that you don't tear the ribbon connecting the screens or you'll be replacing that too.

Thank you for correcting me. I thought there were no shops with replacement parts...

 

[Rokku]

Actually, this should be doable... Online places that carry replacement DS screens, etc. should have the shoulder buttons as well for not too much $. There are lots of tutorial videos out there you can google for taking your DS apart and putting it back together. You'll need a tri-wing screwdriver as well to get it apart. Just be careful taking it apart that you don't tear the ribbon connecting the screens or you'll be replacing that too.


EDIT or there's also http://gbatemp.net/threads/kipmudzs-solution-to-malfunctioning-dslites-shoulder-buttons.335590/

I was thinking of trying that...but I would probably try and get sanding sticks from a hobby store instead of folding up a big piece of sandpaper.

I do have a 3DS, but my Lite is my flashcard machine.

Also, the main problem is that the triggers are a bit spongy and require quite a lot of presses before the system actually registers that I pressed them, so I don't know if that changes the required fix.

 

[Pox]

As long as you can replace them yourself its cost effective, cause every repair shop gonna rip you off, so you better buy a new device then. I couldn't fix similar problem, so I just bought new one, cause its not that easy to open and fix, very tricky job.

 

[Cartmanuk]

so is this something I could fix myself with a new trigger and a tri-wing screwdriver or should I try and find a professional?

You can pull the rubber parts out and use a can of spray air I do this all the time also put some Isopropyl Alcohol 99.9% inside the remaining hole it, Replace rubber and click constantly for a minute.

 

[Rokku]

Hmm, I'll give it a try.

What size tri-wing screwdriver do I need for opening a DS Lite, anyway?

 

[Voltshock R]

I believe #000 if the same as GBA screw size.
The best thing is to contact the seller/business you buy from before hand. Some know about their products, even larger chains.

 

[Monty Kensicle]

I've done that repair to many a DS Lite before. tri-wing to open it up, use some painter/masking tape to keep the plastic shoulder buttons attached to the case and hold the volume slider in place.

The whole bottom half of the DS can be separated to avoid damage to any other components (Do mind the ribbon cable)

With access to the naked main board I blast the buttons with a heat gun to get the solder molten and pluck those off with tweezers.

Then tack one leg of each button with a little solder to help position them and then solder them in place, put your DS back together and you're done!