Hardware 3DS XL re-assembly issue (Both screens backlit, but no display)

Overmaster

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Modding my 3DS to work with a GameCube controller for SSB4. I won't bore you with the details.

Now here are the details.
Here is an issue. I understand if it may not be something you faced yourself.
We have just soldered in all the wires and re-assembled the 3DS XL. On our first attempt, the bottom screen displayed but the top one did not. The circle pad also went crazy, but I naturally assume this is because we have not soldered it's wires to the circuit board yet.

We identified this problem as the top LCD ribbon connector and found it to be crooked. We fixed that, put back all the modules and connectors, and gave it another try.

This time, both screens become backlit but do not display anything. The 3DS XL turns on and displays a blue powerlight, as well as we can hear the sounds of the 3DS menu screen. I have tried numerous things (Re-connecting the wifi board, mic, numerous attempts with the battery and reconnecting the bottom LCD ribbon connector) but none have worked. The only last detail is that we broke the white connector clip on one of the first ribbon connectors (It is the thinner cable alongside the top and bottom LD screen connectors) but it is seating properly.

So the obvious oddity here is that we got the bottom screen to display once, attempted to fix the top screen, and now neither screen displays anything. (But does become backlit, powers on successfully and can even be taken to the 3DS firmware update menu via special boot.)

If there is anything you can advise, it would be greatly appreciated.

Has anyone encountered anything like this?
 

EMegamanu

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Are you sure to have connect correctly all the ribbon cables?

When I shell swapped my 3DS XL for the first time, I had the same issue on one: powered screens but no display. These cable are a little bit difficult to replug...

I think you are more qualified than me, but try again. Unfold at 180° to get more cable length and replug.

Edit:
The only last detail is that we broke the white connector clip on one of the first ribbon connectors
I did the same mistake. Do not push the ribbon at 100% in the connector, just a little bit less. And fix it with some electrical tape.
 

Overmaster

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Are you sure to have connect correctly all the ribbon cables?

When I shell swapped my 3DS XL for the first time, I had the same issue on one: powered screens but no display. These cable are a little bit difficult to replug...

I think you are more qualified than me, but try again. Unfold at 180° to get more cable length and replug.

Edit:

I did the same mistake. Do not push the ribbon at 100% in the connector, just a little bit less. And fix it with some electrical tape.

This is super useful, but I'm still not getting anything. I've tried plugging in the third connector at a few different lengths. I've gotten some pictures to help illuminate the situation.
393be647821ef83f46927ed8564a6482.png

20141023_114832.jpg
 

EMegamanu

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I do not remember what is the exact purpose of the broken connector (sound ?), but I am sure at 85% the one for the upper screen is not visible on your photos because it is on the other side of the mother board. ;) And its twin this side must be for camera.
 

Overmaster

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I do not remember what is the exact purpose of the broken connector (sound ?), but I am sure at 85% the one for the upper screen is not visible on your photos because it is on the other side of the mother board. ;) And its twin this side must be for camera.
This is true. Originally, only the bottom screen displayed. (We got full images on it) but the top screen did not. We found out that the top screen connector was crooked and repaired it, then re-assembled it. I'm pretty sure the top screen connector is snug now.

So to help me understand this, I will tell you what I understand. Tell me what statements are true.
#1 There is a ribbon connector in the top-right corner going to the bottom of the motherboard. This is for the top LCD screen.
#2 There is an identical ribbon connector in practically the same place, but goes to the top of the motherboard. This is for the camera? (I thought it was for the bottom LCD screen before)
#3 There is a thinner ribbon connector in practically the same place, going to the left. This is the one with the broken clip. This is for the sound? (Probably?)
#4 There is a wide ribbon connector at the bottom-right corner going to the top of the motherboard. This is is for the bottom LCD screen?


Do any of these look disconnected? I was told that maybe connector #3 (Thinner ribbon) was loose, but I thought this would cause the 3DS to crash on start-up rather than cause neither screen to display. I have tried again and again to make it uncrooked but it is still not working.

Could it be connector #2 that is loose? Or would this also cause crashing? I have not tested anything with connector #2 yet, so it is suspect.
 

EMegamanu

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I am 100% sure for the #4, this is the one I broke and fixed with adhesive. It seems a little bit loose.

#2 and #3 are hypothesis, but I think that is their purpose.

#1 was the one that I refixed when I lost display on upper screen. But not totally sure, because to plug in this connector, all others must be unplugged.
 

Overmaster

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I am 100% sure for the #4, this is the one I broke and fixed with adhesive. It seems a little bit loose.

#2 and #3 are hypothesis, but I think that is their purpose.

#1 was the one that I refixed when I lost display on upper screen. But not totally sure, because to plug in this connector, all others must be unplugged.

You think #4 seems loose? I'm not sure. We've tried reseating that ribbon connector (Along with the rest of them) once, and reseated #3 a lot of times because it is the one that had it's clasp broken.

I'm still getting no display on either screen. I have no idea what's left to try-- except to find some way to get #3 (With the broken clip) to properly seat, if that's really the problem.


EDIT:

I got the bottom screen to work again! I crammed in the #4 ribbon connector quite deeply this time. This made the 3DS crash constantly. Then I worked with the speaker cable some more. If you put in the speaker cable (The one I broke the clip on) with a very light touch and don't screw around too much with it, then we can get the bottom screen to display. Still no top display :C
 

cracker

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I would try some blu-tack or similar to hold the cables in place. If nothing else, it will hold the cables that are properly seated in place while you troubleshoot further. Good luck on fixing your top screen. I know how frustrating it is from the same thing happening to me with a DS Lite. :wacko:
 

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