Gaming GBA black screen with picture. Please help!

[cheebs]

Hey guys! New here so I hope this question goes here.

Recently I bought a severely water damaged GBA AGB-001 that I managed to clean up and get working. I get picture and sound but the back of the screen is black instead of white, meaning the Nintendo logo and game graphics can be seen but the back is completly black rather than white. I have a good GBA that I pulled the screen from which I know is good and I saw the same problem.

My question: Is there a fuse or cap or something that could have gotten damaged that would cause this? I know with some iPads, there is a fuse that when it goes bad it makes the screen black.

With light at the right angle, you see the game playing, but it’s impossible to see against the black background.

Any help would be great!

 

[Dionicio3]

The original GBA didn't have a backlight

 

[Issac]

The original GBA didn't have a backlight

I don't think that is the issue. It sounds like he's explaining that the screen's background is inverted. That the game graphics are drawn on a black canvas instead of a white one.

Sounds like an interesting error!

 

[Issac]

https://gbatemp.net/threads/gba-inverted-colors-on-screen.350346/

The video in the reply in this thread, do you get something like that?

 

[cheebs]

Yes, the video is just like that video. The graphics and game can be seen but the background is black instead of white.

By the look of that other thread, it might be c54 which I found, but it’s not a usual cap with colors if that’s really what it is.

Any way to find a schematic of it so I know what it might be? It just looks like a tan rectangle with silver ends.

If I could find out what it is I have the tools and would love to practice replacing it.

Thanks again for the replies!

 

[viral777]

change the screen out with a 101 and mess with the Pot.

 

[cheebs]

change the screen out with a 101 and mess with the Pot.

I tested it with a good screen from my other gba and it looked the same so I don’t think that’s the issue but it’s worth another shot.

 

[viral777]

I tested it with a good screen from my other gba and it looked the same so I don’t think that’s the issue but it’s worth another shot.

Try turning the Pot then. you can use a small screwdriver to turn it. Its located under the sticker above the batteries. Just put the screw driver in the hole and be very careful turning it.