Trying to get my old NES working again

[Steve551]

I'm sure you guys get this alot and if so I apologize.

I've got an old front loading NES and years ago it fell victim to the usual problems, blinking, etc.

I researched online ways to fix it and have tried everything and am hoping someone here can provide further help.

I've replaced the 72 pin connector twice, cleaned the games and NES motherboard contacts with brasso metal cleaner then rubbing alcohol, and nothing seems to work. I've read numerous threads on here containing success stories after doing exactly what I've already done, so does this mean my NES is beyond repair or what?

Attached is a photo of the screen I keep getting when I try games, the picture is of Super Mario Brothers, I've tried Double Dragon and River City Ransom with similar results, except I do hear music.

Thanks in advance for any help anyone can provide.

http://xs510.xs.to/xs510/06523/IMG_1989.jpg

[Gentlegamer]

I'm in the same boat as you are. I found some advice that seemed to have worked, but I haven't had time to complete: bend the pins up. The pins are designed to act like springs so the carts are easy to pull out. Over time, they lose their tension and stay down, meaning they don't make proper contact with the cart. Get a small screwdriver (the kind for adjusting the tiny screws on eyeglasses), and gently bend each of the 72 pins upward. They all need to be flush with one another. As I said, this started to work, but my effort was interupted.

[Steve551]

I'm in the same boat as you are. I found some advice that seemed to have worked, but I haven't had time to complete: bend the pins up. The pins are designed to act like springs so the carts are easy to pull out. Over time, they lose their tension and stay down, meaning they don't make proper contact with the cart. Get a small screwdriver (the kind for adjusting the tiny screws on eyeglasses), and gently bend each of the 72 pins upward. They all need to be flush with one another. As I said, this started to work, but my effort was interupted.


I've tried two brand new 72 pin connectors, first one didn't work so I sent it back for another one which yielded the same results. You really think it will make a difference bending all the pins on the original connector?

[ECW_fan]

Bending all the pins works and to stop the blinking there is a pin you can cut hold on I will find it.

EDIT:Here it is and worked for me, but had to do both. I still have to blow on the games before I play them, but they play until the power goes off. http://www.retronintendo.com/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=7

[Paco]

Yeah, you still have to blow into the games. BUT one more step you REALLY need to look at is the connector. Remember when you take off the teeth to put in the new ones? I'd clean those too before installing the new set in. Those also get dirty and cleaning them helps out too.

[MarkMark]

replacing the 72 pin connector usually is the most common fixer upper

[Circa2113]

replacing the 72 pin connector usually is the most common fixer upper


I've replaced the 72 pin connector twice
Hmm...

[Paco]

Try what I recommended. Though it may just be dirty carts.

[Circa2113]

When you take the 72 pin out, thourougly clean the pins it connects to on the board. Use a pencil eraser to remove most of the grime and then go back with DW40 (works much better than alcohol) and scrub it down. Then clean it off and let it dry, put it back together and see if you had any luck.

[Steve551]

When you take the 72 pin out, thourougly clean the pins it connects to on the board. Use a pencil eraser to remove most of the grime and then go back with DW40 (works much better than alcohol) and scrub it down. Then clean it off and let it dry, put it back together and see if you had any luck.

Thanks for the recommendations everyone. Like I said, I've tried two new 72 pin connectors, I figured the first was defective thats why I tried the second, so I'm pretty sure the connector isn't my problem. I'm going to try sanding down the contacts on the motherboard with some fine grit sand paper and clean them up real good again and if that doesn't work I'm thinking about just trying a new motherboard.

Also, has anyone else had a game load up like the picture I posted and if so what was your fix?

[bmulligan]

Don't use sandpaper, use 000 steel wool. It's less abrasive and easier to mold into different shapes for hard to reach areas. Then wipe with WD-40 and a Q-tip . Then clean your games as well with the steel wool and WD-40. 9

I've done it to all 120 of my NES games and every one plays perfectly.

[Steve551]

Figured I'd post an update.

Tried the sandpaper on the motherboard contacts but it made no difference. Decided I'd ask some friends if they had any broken NES's sitting around so I could try another motherboard.

I ended up buying a blinking NES from a friend of a friend for $5 and figured I'd just try to get that one working instead of swapping motherboards. I opened it and cleaned the motherboard contacts with some brasso and alcohol, then installed the new 72 pin connector I had. Put it all back together, plugged it in, and it worked! The exterior cleaned up pretty well with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and now I have a working NES again!

I'm pretty sure the motherboard is shot in my original system and thats why I couldn't get it working by just cleaning it and the new connector.

Anyways, thanks for the info and suggestions. Now I gotta get some more NES games!

[gamereviewgod]

If you ever run into this again, get a Game Genie. It doesn't require the carts be pressed down which can solve a lot of issues.

Enjoy!

[Inf^Shini]

wow, i guess I should be happy, I've never had to do anything with my NES and it still works nice. The only thing I have to do is load the carts while pushing down on em so that they dont go all the way in. It almost always works and once in a while I use some cotton swabs to clean the catridges and the NES =D