Hardware Bottom screen faded (o3ds XL)

[sroemr]

Just bought a old 3ds XL. The bottom screen is faded/heavy ghosting. Top screen tends to flicker some when loading a game. Bottom screen goes completely black for a bit while games load (sound for those games works fine while screens are both black). However, after playing for a bit the bottom screen reverted back to being fine, before fading again.

Any idea what the issue is? More specifically, is it the screen itself or the ribbon cable?

Thanks!

 

[lone_wolf323]

Just bought a old 3ds XL. The bottom screen is faded/heavy ghosting. Top screen tends to flicker some when loading a game. Bottom screen goes completely black for a bit while games load (sound for those games works fine while screens are both black). However, after playing for a bit the bottom screen reverted back to being fine, before fading again.

Any idea what the issue is? More specifically, is it the screen itself or the ribbon cable?

Thanks!

Where exactly had you bought this from? May be easier to get exchange or refund.

 

[sroemr]

Where exactly had you bought this from? May be easier to get exchange or refund.

Facebook marketplace. It was $100 with 19 games (15 or so of which are first party). I have experience working on 3dses, Playstation 3s, and 360s so I assume I'd be able to fix the problem. Originally I was thinking the screen was the problem, but then my son played Smash Bros on it for a couple hours and the bottom screen was fine for the majority of his playing. So now I'm leaning more toward a ribbon cable issue. I do plan on opening it up later tonight, was just wondering if others have had the same issue so I could order the part.

 

[IC]

I'm not sure if it's the screen or ribbon cable
Try reconnecting the ribbon cable and see if anything changes or it goes away

 

[Deleted User]

If it's both displays then I have a feeling that the motherboard might be failing

 

[TurdPooCharger]

Here are recent issues that are similiar to yours.

• Innacurate colours in bottom screen. Could this be fixed?
• [r/3DS] Currently having this issue with my 3DS XL

Due to the age of the o3DS and o3DSXL models, it would not be a surprise if this is a smd component failure on the motherboards.
These could be related to PMIC failure like seen in:

• 3DS Backlight problem
• Problem with Top screen brightness

 

[sroemr]

Replaced the bottom screen and it still does it, so motherboard seems likely

 

[TurdPooCharger]

Replaced the bottom screen and it still does it, so motherboard seems likely

Check my signature for official Nintendo refurbished 3DS systems. If you can wait right after Thanksgiving, be on the lookout for possible(?) Black Friday deals.

Backing up or transfering your setup to another system.

• How to perform a System Transfer without losing non-legitimate titles
  • Also see this thread's later post about DSiWare CIAs and saves.
• (Very Messy Tutorial) SDTransfer: Moving or cloning a (source) system's Nintendo 3DS folder to another (target) system.
• [3ds.hacks.guide] GodMode9 Usage
  • See backing up titles into CIAs and GBA VC saves.
• save managers: Checkpoint, JKSM, GBAVCSM

***

There's also replacing the o3DSXL motherboard, but the above backup/transfer still applies.

• [ifixit] Nintendo 3DS XL Motherboard Replacement
• [eBay] Original Main Board Motherboard For New Nintendo 3DS XL 3DSXL USA Version Parts
  
• [aliexpress] 100% original USA version Motherboard for 3dsxl replacement PCB board for 3dsll

 

[Marax]

I Got the same thing on my 3DS swapped the screen but still the same result might be a failing and resistor or something. Can someone help me finding the broken one?