Hardware v5 DS lite won't read carts after drop

[Mer]

I dropped my DS lite and it doesn't have any physical issues. The console boots up and can boot GBA games but can't read any DS games. I've tried to use alcohol and a q-tip to clean the contacts but the q-tip doesn't fit. I've tried recharging the console because it was nearly discharged but to no avail. I've tried my R4 cart and original games but none work. Any ideas?

 

[KleinesSinchen]

I dropped my DS lite and it doesn't have any physical issues. The console boots up and can boot GBA games but can't read any DS games. I've tried to use alcohol and a q-tip to clean the contacts but the q-tip doesn't fit. I've tried recharging the console because it was nearly discharged but to no avail. I've tried my R4 cart and original games but none work. Any ideas?

That sounds very much like a physical issue, when contact problems appear just after a drop.
Please remove the back cover and have a look at the solder joints of SLOT-1 – maybe provide a picture.

 

[Mer]

That sounds very much like a physical issue, when contact problems appear just after a drop.
Please remove the back cover and have a look at the solder joints of SLOT-1 – maybe provide a picture.

There don't seem to be any issues with the solder joints. I can always reflow the solder if needed.

EDIT: I was able to boot the R4 cartridge with the back cover off and hold the battery on the contacts. It crashed (as if I removed the cart while the console is on) instantly.

 

[Deleted member 301661]

There don't seem to be any issues with the solder joints. I can always reflow the solder if needed.

EDIT: I was able to boot the R4 cartridge with the back cover off and hold the battery on the contacts. It crashed (as if I removed the cart while the console is on) instantly.

Some R4 carts are slightly different from a real DS cart some are thinner and some are thicker.
This might give issues over time which can be fixed with a little layer or carton pasted on the R4 cart.

 

[Mer]

Some R4 carts are slightly different from a real DS cart some are thinner and some are thicker.
This might give issues over time which can be fixed with a little layer or carton pasted on the R4 cart.

As I mentioned, it wasn't working even with official carts. I also measured them with a calliper and they are the same in thickness, so that's not it. Also, I just tested and the behaviour is the same.

 

[Deleted member 301661]

As I mentioned, it wasn't working even with official carts. I also measured them with a calliper and they are the same in thickness, so that's not it. Also, I just tested and the behaviour is the same.

the pins ain't sollid in the slot, sometimes you'll need a dental hook and a flashlight to get the positions restored.
sometimes they look okaye but are already broken...

 

[KleinesSinchen]

As I mentioned, it wasn't working even with official carts. I also measured them with a calliper and they are the same in thickness, so that's not it. Also, I just tested and the behaviour is the same.

The precision of R4s isn't always good (but if you said you measured it, I will certainly don't doubt it). Also material of R4s is softer and prone to lose contact more than legit games.
For ruling out possible a possible problem, I'd recommend using a worthless retail game for troubleshooting.

To me the solder joints look good. Was just an idea. SLOT-1 is pretty good soldered on and not likely to break.
Maybe internal damage inside the slot? Try booting a game while applying moderate pressure on the slot. And +1 for the advise above: visual inspection with flashlight.

Be careful to not push the battery in wrong direction against the contacts. It happens quickly and might cause damage.

 

[Mer]

I don't see anything wrong with the pins here.

 

[IC]

The precision of R4s isn't always good (but if you said you measured it, I will certainly don't doubt it). Also material of R4s is softer and prone to lose contact more than legit games.
For ruling out possible a possible problem, I'd recommend using a worthless retail game for troubleshooting.

To me the solder joints look good. Was just an idea. SLOT-1 is pretty good soldered on and not likely to break.
Maybe internal damage inside the slot? Try booting a game while applying moderate pressure on the slot. And +1 for the advise above: visual inspection with flashlight.

Be careful to not push the battery in wrong direction against the contacts. It happens quickly and might cause damage.

It could still be something with the solder joints, a tiny crack on one of the pins might not be visible on the photo and even directly to the human eye, but could be the source of this problem and of the previously mentioned behavior (working for a very short time, then crashing as if the cart was removed, suggesting that the connection got broken again). Even worse if it's a lifted pad, but I don't think it's as likely to be caused by a drop as a crack in a solder joint.

 

[Mer]

It could still be something with the solder joints, a tiny crack on one of the pins might not be visible on the photo and even directly to the human eye, but could be the source of this problem and of the previously mentioned behavior (working for a very short time, then crashing as if the cart was removed, suggesting that the connection got broken again). Even worse if it's a lifted pad, but I don't think it's as likely to be caused by a drop as a crack in a solder joint.

Thanks for the feedback. I'll try to reflow on Sunday as I'm outside home and don't have the necessary tools to do so.

Post automatically merged: Dec 8, 2022

Update: I've reflown the contacts but it didn't work. It must be something else, but I don't know what. Could it be corrosion on the pins? Could applying some vinegar to the pins remove the possible oxide layer? I asked a friend if he could bring his soldering kit over and he said yes, so I applied some flux to the area of pins and swiped down with the soldering iron to reflow but it didn't change anything. I'm out of ideas.

Post automatically merged: Dec 8, 2022

Update 2: I have noticed that it only works when I apply pressure on a specific spot. The pins look perfectly fine. Should I buy a new cartridge slot? There's a local eBay listing for my country for 7€

 

[Mer]

Update 3: I've bought a replacement cartridge slot on eBay. I'll receive it next week. I'll keep y'all updated.

Post automatically merged: Dec 9, 2022

Update 4: Today I decided to remove the old cartridge slot, but unfortunately I ripped two of the four support pads. I guess that I'll secure it later with some hot glue. The good news is that the console still boots up.

 

[KleinesSinchen]

Update 3: I've bought a replacement cartridge slot on eBay. I'll receive it next week. I'll keep y'all updated.

Post automatically merged: Dec 9, 2022

Update 4: Today I decided to remove the old cartridge slot, but unfortunately I ripped two of the four support pads. I guess that I'll secure it later with some hot glue. The good news is that the console still boots up.

I've could have told you that before, but somehow forgot it, sorry. Desoldering Slot-1 form a DS-Lite is a major patience test (only did it yet on a fully busted motherboard for practicing). A hot air station can make it easier.

Good luck!

 

[ghjfdtg]

Or you use flush cutters to remove the broken slot.

 

[Mer]

I've could have told you that before, but somehow forgot it, sorry. Desoldering Slot-1 form a DS-Lite is a major patience test (only did it yet on a fully busted motherboard for practicing). A hot air station can make it easier.

Good luck!

Thank you. I am waiting for the replacement to arrive. I'll continue this thread just in case the repair doesn't work.

Post automatically merged: Dec 12, 2022

Good news! The replacement cartridge slot worked. I received the cartridge slot right on time after I came from high school and installed it right after. It came a little bit beat up, with some pins bent and one broken, but I managed to bend back to shape them and the broken one I was able to make a bridge out of solder to fix it. I left a review asking them to please protect more delicate things like these, so hopefully, they learn from their mistakes.