Hardware n3ds xl partial repair - won't boot

michu3453

Member
OP
Newcomer
Joined
Oct 3, 2024
Messages
5
Trophies
0
XP
20
Country
United States
i've been working on my n3ds xl since late august, and it has been a difficult challenge. i practically tore it to pieces because i tried to "fix it" when i was little, but it resulted in me causing more damage than was originally there. i have bought another device in the meantime, and i plan to do a data transfer when my old device is fixed (enough to transfer data).

i also accidentally broke the camera because i grew a bit too impatient while trying to extract the hinge from the plastic cover. i turned it on before that w/o issues, but i believe that i may have broken it lol.
the speakers are also missing, but i'm not sure where they connect at.

i've heard that the bios does a check to identify disconnected or broken hardware, so what is exactly needed for the n3ds xl to boot?
does it check to see if the cable is connected? or does it check to see if the hardware is operable?

i believe that i may need a replacement camera and/or speakers, but i don't want to spend any more money than i have to.
i'll send pictures if requested. thank you for your time.

---

a few notes for anyone who would like more information:
- 2 zif connectors that face the table, downwards
- 1 upper screen ribbon cable (w/o screen, previously bent due to hinge issue)
- 1 ribbon cable next to the upper screen (cut, but in good condition otherwise)

- 1 zif connector facing up, towards me (possibly the camera or the speakers)
- missing, unknown purpose

- un-modded device (ofw)
- 4 GB sd card (is not the issue, properly formatted)
- all buttons are connected except for the L+R buttons
- everything else has been cleaned and reconnected
 

Mr_Marr

Active Member
Newcomer
Joined
Oct 5, 2024
Messages
34
Trophies
0
Age
33
XP
46
Country
United Kingdom
i've been working on my n3ds xl since late august, and it has been a difficult challenge. i practically tore it to pieces because i tried to "fix it" when i was little, but it resulted in me causing more damage than was originally there. i have bought another device in the meantime, and i plan to do a data transfer when my old device is fixed (enough to transfer data).

i also accidentally broke the camera because i grew a bit too impatient while trying to extract the hinge from the plastic cover. i turned it on before that w/o issues, but i believe that i may have broken it lol.
the speakers are also missing, but i'm not sure where they connect at.

i've heard that the bios does a check to identify disconnected or broken hardware, so what is exactly needed for the n3ds xl to boot?
does it check to see if the cable is connected? or does it check to see if the hardware is operable?

i believe that i may need a replacement camera and/or speakers, but i don't want to spend any more money than i have to.
i'll send pictures if requested. thank you for your time.

---

a few notes for anyone who would like more information:
- 2 zif connectors that face the table, downwards
- 1 upper screen ribbon cable (w/o screen, previously bent due to hinge issue)
- 1 ribbon cable next to the upper screen (cut, but in good condition otherwise)

- 1 zif connector facing up, towards me (possibly the camera or the speakers)
- missing, unknown purpose

- un-modded device (ofw)
- 4 GB sd card (is not the issue, properly formatted)
- all buttons are connected except for the L+R buttons
- everything else has been cleaned and reconnected
What happens when you try to power it on? The 3ds will work without the camera, but will not power on if there are issues with the screens
 

michu3453

Member
OP
Newcomer
Joined
Oct 3, 2024
Messages
5
Trophies
0
XP
20
Country
United States
the led turns blue for a few seconds, but shuts itself down off without the usual fade to black. the screens should both be operational, as the upper screen is "new" and the bottom screen & touch sensor had been working the last time i powered it on successfully (i haven't messed with it since, but it could've broken down on its own)
 

Mr_Marr

Active Member
Newcomer
Joined
Oct 5, 2024
Messages
34
Trophies
0
Age
33
XP
46
Country
United Kingdom
the led turns blue for a few seconds, but shuts itself down off without the usual fade to black. the screens should both be operational, as the upper screen is "new" and the bottom screen & touch sensor had been working the last time i powered it on successfully (i haven't messed with it since, but it could've broken down on its own)
You can test this by disconnecting the screens ribbon cables and trying to turn it on. If it turns on, try plugging in 1 screen at a time and this should tell you which kne is damaged. It is usually the ribbon cables that get damaged.
 

michu3453

Member
OP
Newcomer
Joined
Oct 3, 2024
Messages
5
Trophies
0
XP
20
Country
United States
You can test this by disconnecting the screens ribbon cables and trying to turn it on. If it turns on, try plugging in 1 screen at a time and this should tell you which kne is damaged. It is usually the ribbon cables that get damaged.
i plugged in both screens and it still doesn't boot fully.
 

Site & Scene News

Popular threads in this forum

General chit-chat
Help Users
    realtimesave @ realtimesave: @Pup he repaired the mod. the DAT0 failed. It has an Instinct NX chip in it.