Hardware Problem with L-Button

[SpaceJump]

I have a Cosmo black 3DS and its L-button starts to not react at press. After asking Google I found out that blowing into the button should fix the problem. So I did that and the L-button started to work again. But after a while it stops to work again and I have to blow into it again, sometimes a few times within minutes.

Anyone knows how to fix this permanently?

 

[Boy12]

I think it's just broken, and that the permanent fix is to just send it to Nintendo, or get a new one (what i should do, 'cause ninty updates your console, unless you don't care about hax). I also had this problem with my DSi. Sorry bro

 

[SSVAV]

Same happened to me.

Your L button is broken, get it to Nintendo quickly or they may refuse to fix it (replace your console) if your warranty is up.

 

[SpaceJump]

But why does blowing into the L-button fix it temporariliy if it's physically broken?

 

[SpaceJump]

Sorry, double post.

 

[Boy12]

But why does blowing into the L-button fix it temporariliy if it's physically broken?

Hm, that's a good one, i don't understand that either

 

[Snailface]

Hm, that's a good one, i don't understand that either

Problem: Dirt clogs up between the button's metal contact points and shorts the electrical connection.

Solution (sort of): The conductive moisture in your breath temporarily bridges that connection again until evaporation.

 

[Sicklyboy]

Oxidation on the button contact; I can assume that the moisture in your breath helps to create a more conductive surface.

Luckily, the buttons on the 3ds are on ribbons instead of soldered directly to the mobo. If you're not comfortable with soldering, you can pay more to buy them pre-soldered onto the ribbon. I've only found them on ebay though, and only from one seller, a few months back. You could try to solder new buttons on for much cheaper and always fall back on a complete ribbon replacement if you fail, which is what i am gonna do. Both of my shoulders are bad, i have a set of new buttons and a replacement ribbon at as well. If i properly solder the buttons, i can save the ribbons for the future.