Hardware So I think I broke my Switch...

[Mindful1]

I attempted to change the outer case on my Switch and accidentally broke the ribbon on the right control slider (which I found out later I didn't even have to unscrew). So I bought a replacement on Amazon, installed it, closed the Switch up, and now it will not turn on. When I put the Switch on a dock the light on the dock turns green for a second, then turns off, and it does not appear to charge (happens with 2 nintendo docks that I own). If it is charging, the Switch is not turning on (both in the dock and handheld mode).

I have also installed and been using SX OS on the Switch with the dongle from Xecutor to access Homebrew, etc...

I feel so frustrated, the new case was cool and all, but not worth me potentially bricking my Switch.

Any ideas on what I can do to fix? Anyone had this issue with the dock before?

Thanks in advance!

 

[lpoolm]

Not knowing what you did, my first thing would be to check all ribbon cable connectors are located correct especially the screen ones

 

[NightsEkim]

Are you using AUTORCM? If so this may be your problem as your switch will not show any signs of life until you send a payload to it.

 

[Mindful1]

Are you using AUTORCM? If so this may be your problem as your switch will not show any signs of life until you send a payload to it.

I’m honestly not sure, I loaded up SX OS using the Xecutor Pro dongle. Is there a way to find out? How do I send a payload to it?

 

[NightsEkim]

I’m honestly not sure, I loaded up SX OS using the Xecutor Pro dongle. Is there a way to find out? How do I send a payload to it?

If you insert your dongle and hit power on the switch does anything happen? That should send a payload to it, also make sure your dongle is charged.

 

[Mindful1]

ok, I have tried that, just didn't know it was sending a payload. Nothing happens when I have the dongle inserted, the lights on the dongle stay off as well, normally a green light will be on the dongle. And I have charged the dongle externally with a USB - while it is charged the light is on the dongle, but when I plug it into the Switch and try to turn it on, nothing. Even when I hold the on button for 15-30 seconds, even a minute, and hit the on button multiple times, as some videos online have suggested.

 

[NightsEkim]

ok, I have tried that, just didn't know it was sending a payload. Nothing happens when I have the dongle inserted, the lights on the dongle stay off as well, normally a green light will be on the dongle. And I have charged the dongle externally with a USB - while it is charged the light is on the dongle, but when I plug it into the Switch and try to turn it on, nothing. Even when I hold the on button for 15-30 seconds, even a minute, and hit the on button multiple times, as some videos online have suggested.

Question, during the case swap and joycon ribbon swap did you have the battery unplugged?

 

[Mindful1]

Question, during the case swap and joycon ribbon swap did you have the battery unplugged?

No

 

[NightsEkim]

No

Just for future reference, disconnect your battery next time you do anything inside of the Switch as one wrong move with a screwdriver could short something out and turn your switch in to a paperweight (if not already).

It might be worth leaving the switch on the dock for a good few hours and see if you can send a payload to it via the dongle after that. I'd check all of your connections make sure everything is seated properly but unplugging and re-seating everything. Make sure to do this with the battery unplugged. The order in which you do these things is up to you.

 

[Mindful1]

Thanks for the tip, wish I knew that before I attempted the install. I'll keep everyone posted, going to try it out again tonight.

 

[Mindful1]

So I let it charge all day and all night, then it still didn't work. After that I held the power button for about 30 seconds, then kept pressing it, and the Switch turned on!!! I tried turning it off, and found that the only way to get it on is to hold the power button, then hit it 3 or 4 times. Glad I got it on. The light still doesn't work on either one of my docks, but at least my Switch is working. Thank God. Thanks again everyone for your help!

 

[The Real Jdbye]

So I let it charge all day and all night, then it still didn't work. After that I held the power button for about 30 seconds, then kept pressing it, and the Switch turned on!!! I tried turning it off, and found that the only way to get it on is to hold the power button, then hit it 3 or 4 times. Glad I got it on. The light still doesn't work on either one of my docks, but at least my Switch is working. Thank God. Thanks again everyone for your help!

So you can't dock?
There are a number of things that could be causing that specific issue, and unfortunately it's not an easy repair to do yourself, but there are skilled people who do repairs like that, such as TronicsFix:
https://tronicsfix.com/collections/get-started
He has a YouTube channel if you want to see his work, and usually charges $99 for a repair (depending on what the problem is)

It may be worth taking the Switch apart again to make sure all the ribbon cables are inserted fully and not damaged, as even a small near-invisible tear could cause issues.

 

[Mindful1]

Well apparently it does charge on both of my docks, but the green light doesn't turn on. That's fine by me as long as it works.