Hacking Question Switch won’t power on after turning off AutoRCM then Power Off via Hekate.

[xextorior]

I hacked my Switch a week or so ago (Hekate 4.2 / Kosmos 0.7.5), it worked fine (v6.1.0) then I accidentally updated to OFW v6.2.0. Here is a list of what I have done to get me where I am now:

• Followed the SDSetup Manual Downgrade Guide (sorry can't post links) to downgrade to version 5.1.0 (I don’t know why I chose that version, I think it was because that was the version my switch was on when I initial hacked it.

• Rebooted and I created a new full NAND backup of the system, moved it over to my PC. I should note that I have AutoRCM on through all of this.

• Booted back into CFW (same one I used initially) then I used ChoiDujourNX on the Switch to update to v6.1.0 exfat. That updated without any problems.

• I installed an NSP file used it for a few hours with no issues.

• I rebooted into Hekate, then powered off.

• This morning I turned on my Switch, booted via Hekate into CFW, turned on WiFi so I could download something in the HBM App Store. After this I went to launch that previous NSP, and it gave the option to Update or Launch Software. This is the same menu I accidentally updated my Switch in the first place.

• I googled a way to block updates, during this I learned about 90DNS. I configured 90DNS settings for my WiFi.

• Also in my research, I read that if I booted my Switch into “Maintenance Mode” (Vol – and Vol + and Power buttons from a powered off state) then reboot when I got to that menu that my Switch would not ask me to update anymore.

• I restarted my Switch into Hekate, and turned off AutoRCM (I figured this would make going to maintenance mode easier), then Powered Off via the option in Hekate.

Now my Switch will not turn on. No power what so ever. Nothing on the screen. Nothing when I plug it into my PC. Nothing when I dock it. Nothing when I plug the dock’s AC Adapter directly into the Switch.

I have tried every button combination I could find and for lots of varying durations.

I even went as far to open my Switch with my iFixIt kit and disconnect the battery for about 20 minutes hoping to clear any memory.

I do not know what to do at this point, and I am hoping I do not have a $300 paperweight. Any suggestions?

 

[Ilie11]

Try to push a payload maybe?

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

 

[xextorior]

I have tried from my PC and my Android. Neither device detects the switch is connected.

 

[Shift-X]

How much battery did you have before it stop working?

 

[Ilie11]

I thought it might be stuck in autorcm still.
The battery could of 'died' while in RCM mode and, if so, it'll take quite a while to charge it. Have you tried to leave it on charge for a few hours?

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

 

[xextorior]

It is primarily used in dock mode. Doesn't ever drop below 95%.

 

[a9lh-1user]

You didn't turn OFF AutoRCM you turned it ON!
When the system made an update to 6.2 it DEACTIVATED AutoRCM!
So if you directly after that went into Hekate you turned AutoRCM ON not OFF!

Boot again with Hekate and turn AutoRCM OFF (ATTENTION you WILL burn fuses when boot into ORIGINAL FW!)
Let us know if this solve the problem.

 

[Shift-X]

try holding the power button for 20 secs> then hold vol+ then press pwr button. Connect to computer and see if tegra picks it up

 

[xextorior]

You didn't turn OFF AutoRCM you turned it ON!
When the system made an update to 6.2 it DEACTIVATED AutoRCM!
So if you directly after that went into Hekate you turned AutoRCM ON not OFF!

Boot again with Hekate and turn AutoRCM OFF (ATTENTION you WILL burn fuses when boot into ORIGINAL FW!)
Let us know if this solve the problem.

I had rebooted many many times after updating to 6.2.0, I know this and I did reset AutoRCM back to On so I didn't have to use the jig. It is primarily on the dock on my computer desk to I can send a payload quickly when needed. It was on until I turned it off to put it in maintenance mode.

try holding the power button for 20 secs> then hold vol+ then press pwr button. Connect to computer and see if tegra picks it up

I have tried every button combo for 7, 10, 20, 30, 60, and 120 seconds. Nothing works. I get no responses. I plug it into my computer and device manager/windows doesn't detect the switch in any state.

 

[a9lh-1user]

Please hold the POWER button for 30 seconds and then release it.
Now plug in your cable to yor PC.
Hold the Vol up on your Switch and plug in the other side of the cable to the switch. (After that you can release the vol up button)
Is it connecting now?

 

[Canna]

Ok so hold power on switch for 20 secs..
Open tegrasmash gui on pc.
Go to settings in tegra and install driver.
Then make sure to put your switch into rcm mode by press and holding volume up + power button for 1 sec
either via a jig paperclip or by using autorcm if available
After driver install plug in the usbc cable to the pc and the switch.
Send hekate payload if not automatic..

Pay attention to the connect indicator at the bottom of the screen
should go from red to orange if detected then green to payload sent..
If the indicator stays at red then the switch is not in rcm mode or not connected correctly to the switch / pc

 

[RHOPKINS13]

Sucks dude, potentially sounds like a paperweight to me. Yeah I get what everyone is saying about trying to hold the power button for 10, 20+ seconds, but you've already disconnected the battery and tried plugging it back in, which should have definitely left it in a 100% off state.

The only thing I can think of is that AutoRCM is off, but something is still wrong with boot0/boot1 and the Switch is locking up instead of booting. So my only advice would be to try disconnecting the battery (at this point I'd just leave the Switch open until you've got it fixed), plug it back in, and use a jig to enter RCM. Then maybe you'll be able to see it on your PC and send a payload to it. Best of luck, that's all I can say.

 

[xextorior]

Sucks dude, potentially sounds like a paperweight to me. Yeah I get what everyone is saying about trying to hold the power button for 10, 20+ seconds, but you've already disconnected the battery and tried plugging it back in, which should have definitely left it in a 100% off state.

The only thing I can think of is that AutoRCM is off, but something is still wrong with boot0/boot1 and the Switch is locking up instead of booting. So my only advice would be to try disconnecting the battery (at this point I'd just leave the Switch open until you've got it fixed), plug it back in, and use a jig to enter RCM. Then maybe you'll be able to see it on your PC and send a payload to it. Best of luck, that's all I can say.

So it seems like AutoRCM is on, but now I am having trouble injecting a payload.

Please hold the POWER button for 30 seconds and then release it.
Now plug in your cable to yor PC.
Hold the Vol up on your Switch and plug in the other side of the cable to the switch. (After that you can release the vol up button)
Is it connecting now?

I am making some progress

Ok so hold power on switch for 20 secs..
Open tegrasmash gui on pc.
Go to settings in tegra and install driver.
Then make sure to put your switch into rcm mode by press and holding volume up + power button for 1 sec
either via a jig paperclip or by using autorcm if available
After driver install plug in the usbc cable to the pc and the switch.
Send hekate payload if not automatic..

Pay attention to the connect indicator at the bottom of the screen
should go from red to orange if detected then green to payload sent..
If the indicator stays at red then the switch is not in rcm mode or not connected correctly to the switch / pc

So I think you were onto something with the driver on the PC. I did exactly what you said and now it detected it in RCM mode, the Tegra is Green, then when I inject Hekate, it is orange and the app freezes and the icon is orange. Nothing happens on the Switch's screen (normally you would see the Hekate screen load on the Switch at this point). I am including a screenshot of Tegra.

 

[a9lh-1user]

When you removed the battery did you accidentally cut of cables or broke them for the screen connection?
It is very confusing that the screen on the switch is showing nothing!

 

[xextorior]

After about 2 minutes of the Tegra app not responding, I got no error, but then the Tegra app just shows a big X.

I restart the Switch back into RCM mode, and it shows green.

I included a screenshot of what the Switch is listed as while in RCM mode.


--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

When you removed the battery did you accidentally cut of cables or broke them for the screen connection?
It is very confusing that the screen on the switch is showing nothing!

No I was extremely careful. I have a lot of experience with cellphone/tablet repairs, so this was trivial for me to do. Based on the Tegra windows app not responding for a couple minutes then showing the red X, I am going to assume the injection is failing. Do you think I would be able to rebuild the eMMC with ChoiDujour like I did when I downgraded the firmware and that would help?

 

[Canna]

emmc does not conflict with hekate and or payloads loading...

Rcm and or payloads are done before accessing emmc.. hell you can remove the emmc module and still rcm into hekate...

Try a shorter cable please or another cable..
Different usb port maybe..
And also try other payloads and or a earlier version of hekate..

 

[xextorior]

emmc does not conflict with hekate and or payloads loading...

Rcm and or payloads are done before accessing emmc.. hell you can remove the emmc module and still rcm into hekate...

Try a shorter cable please or another cable..
Different usb port maybe..
And also try other payloads and or a earlier version of hekate..

You are my savior, but before I do anything, I am going to ask your advice on how to proceed?

I went out to my car and got a shorter USB-C cable (the official Samsung one that came with my cell phone, I think it is 3 feet).
I uninstalled the TegraRcmGUI app for windows, rebooted, downloaded a fresh portable version of TegraRcmGUI. Download, extracted fresh Hekate 4.2 and 4.1 bins into that portables folder, then reinjected the 4.2 using a different port (USB 2.0) on my motherboard. I was using a USB 3.0 port with an aftermarket USB-C cable that was almost twice as long. (I have been using that longer cable this entire time though, so I am not sure if that was the issue).

 

[Canna]

You are my savior, but before I do anything, I am going to ask your advice on how to proceed?

I went out to my car and got a shorter USB-C cable (the official Samsung one that came with my cell phone, I think it is 3 feet).
I uninstalled the TegraRcmGUI app for windows, rebooted, downloaded a fresh portable version of TegraRcmGUI. Download, extracted fresh Hekate 4.2 and 4.1 bins into that portables folder, then reinjected the 4.2 using a different port (USB 2.0) on my motherboard. I was using a USB 3.0 port with an aftermarket USB-C cable that was almost twice as long. (I have been using that longer cable this entire time though, so I am not sure if that was the issue).

Long cables dont work to well trust me from experience hence why i mentioned glad this solved your issue you are most welcome

 

[xextorior]

It is just sitting at the Hekate menu, I am a little scared to boot into CFW, do you think I am fine to do that and proceed as normal?

Also again, thank you so so so very much and the other people as well who gave their input.

 

[Canna]

It is just sitting at the Hekate menu, I am a little scared to boot into CFW, do you think I am fine to do that and proceed as normal?

Also again, thank you so so so very much and the other people as well who gave their input.

Backup follow my guide before you do anything https://gbatemp.net/threads/backup-...-your-biskeys-tseckeys-keys-txt-guide.513386/