Official GameCube Repair Thread [Mobile/Archive]

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Moxio

02-13-2005, 07:30 PM

I think this should be stickied.
Official GameCube Repair Thread

******BEFORE YOU BEGIN.

**********WE WILL NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY IF YOU BREAK YOUR NINTENDO GAMECUBE DURING THIS PROCESS. ALL ACTIONS YOU TAKE WITH YOUR GAMECUBE ARE YOUR OWN RESPONSIBILITY.**********

How can you tell your GameCube is in need of repairs/cleaning?

-When you start up your GameCube with a game inside, it doesn't read the game (better known as the infamous Disc-Read-Error [DRE]).
-Your game keeps "crashing" while in play.
-Your GameCube is making scratching sounds while in play.
-Your GameCube is generating more heat that normal.

How can you fix your GameCube with as few tools and as little money as possible?

This thread was made to guide people whose GameCubes have broken. Here, we will supply...

-FAQs on how to fix your GCN.
-Places where you can purchase the tools needed.
-Advice from people who have firsthandedly fixed their GCN.

Guides to fix your GCN

A member of GameFAQs.com has kindly generated a full FAQ on how to fix your GameCube with a GameBit.

http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/gamecube/game/915781.html

Navigate down to Lens Calibration Guide.

People over at Planet GameCube Forums have designed a guide for a different type of GameCube disc read errors. This error consists of a broken CD spindle.

http://www.planetgamecube.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=9&threadid=7918&STARTPAGE=2

UPDATE: 12/29/05

If you need videos, UltimateConsoleGuides has a HUGE amount of fixit videos and articles! These come at a price, however.

http://www.ultimateconsoleguides.com/gamecube.htm

Places where to purchase a GameBit
*Prices do not include shipping

Play-Asia.com (http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-5-15-gamebit-70-140.html)
$14.99

NCSXShop.com (http://www.ncsxshop.com/cgi-bin/shop/NUS-45MM.html?id=BWJJUGc2)
$4.85

^^BEST DEAL^^

Lik-Sang.com (http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?category=81&products_id=1440&)
$14.99

Jandaman.com (http://www.jandaman.com/games.mvc?p=gamebit45&Category_code=GC)
$11.95

Ebay GameBits (http://search.ebay.com/gamebit_W0QQfkrZ1QQfnuZ1QQfsopZ1QQhtZ1QQsatitleZga mebitQ2a)
Various Prices

Advice From Fellow CAG Members

MOXIO:
- Make sure to have all the tools you need (GameBit, socketed longbarrel screwdriver, etc.) before you begin the repair. This way, you won't have to leave to find another screwdriver, leaving your GCN unattended.
- If you have shaky hands, you may want someone else to fix your GCN for you. You can't afford to make costly mistakes.
- Make sure that when you take screws out, DO NOT LOSE THEM. Place them in a spot you will remember to get them, and keep them organized.

Feel free to contribute what you know to this thread! Help us to help you, CAGs!

AdamInPlaidum

02-13-2005, 07:34 PM

Good idea, Mox.

DenisDFat

02-13-2005, 10:07 PM

-while your gamecube is open, slap a region mod switch in it..

My Name Is BoB

02-14-2005, 11:52 PM

I got my gamebit that I ordered on thursday today, fixed my black gamecube using the gamefaqs guide, but I managed to lose a screw connecting the fan. Oh well, as long as it holds together I'll be fine.

Moxio

02-16-2005, 10:52 PM

Bump.

Moxio

03-09-2005, 02:51 AM

Bumped for someone who has this problem.

lurknomore

03-09-2005, 01:02 PM

this would be a great sticky, mods. Hopefully this will never be an issue that I have to read in any great depth, but I imagine this would be a great help for many.

My Name Is BoB

03-09-2005, 06:38 PM

I'll do a picture guide if anyone wants me to.

munch

03-10-2005, 11:14 AM

I'll do a picture guide if anyone wants me to.

that would actually be awesome. i would like to see how it's done.

yellowaznboy

03-10-2005, 05:03 PM

My near-launch GameCube is acting up and every game will not load anymore. No more SSBM or PSO while I attempt to fix the system. :(

The picture guide would be useful, though. Thanks.

My Name Is BoB

03-10-2005, 06:27 PM

Well, I was gonna fix another one, but I lost my gamebit somehow, and I had to order another one. I'm going out of town next week, so it will get done sometime after then.

Trakan

03-10-2005, 06:32 PM

Very good idea, Mox. I'm going to make this a sticky.

MillerTime2523

04-05-2005, 05:16 PM

yea great idea, thanks and i bet you could buy a broken one from ebay cheap and fix it up and basicaly get it REALLY Cheap

David85

06-06-2005, 01:31 PM

Mine "broke" last week. I had one of the systems with a messed up opening button. Then all of a sudden the thing got stuff and i couldn't close the system. So i pushed done on the button more, held it for a minute and it was fixxed. Now it looks better than new because the button is no longer slanted.

Indiana

06-06-2005, 01:51 PM

I was one of the lucky one's that failed in month 11. Nintendo installed a new DVD drive. Hopefully it is a drive that does not have the issue.

So why is it hard to make a reliable DVD drive? All 3 systems this gen have had issues.

Americanpierg

07-01-2005, 06:55 PM

mine laser was beyond repair, i did the recalibration thing and it wouldnt work. discs could be read at 400ohms but no more and no less, and it could only be read for like a minute or until excessive loads in the game... ended up selling it at gamerush for 27$ and buying a new one from ebgames for 99

munch

07-17-2005, 10:13 PM

my reset button is now permanently stuck down. does anyone know of an easy way to fix this problem?

My Name Is BoB

07-17-2005, 10:22 PM

my reset button is now permanently stuck down. does anyone know of an easy way to fix this problem?

How did that happen? If no one can find a fix for you, I'll buy it off of you if you don't want it.

munch

07-21-2005, 11:30 AM

How did that happen? If no one can find a fix for you, I'll buy it off of you if you don't want it.

i just pressed it and it stayed there. i looked at it last night and it was fixed, so i have no worries. it still played fine, though. i had no intentions of selling it.

darkcrawlspace

09-16-2005, 09:39 AM

scp89

09-16-2005, 10:04 AM

For some reason my GameCube just isn't working. I put a game in, and turn the system on, but the disc doesn't spin. So I don't think I should classify the problem as a DRE, but I'm not really sure. Has anyone had, or heard of, this problem before?

this is a dre...I fix GC's all the time....to those that have a working cube and to those attempting to fix...the key is the little noise the GC makes when it is powering/spinning up a disc...you will hear the little whirl/beep noise if it is reading correctly...

dark...try the guide trust me...In fact I just fixed one last week that did the exact same thing...in addition to the tools above...the tiniest phillips screwdriver is important too....and I will warn you...there are lots of those little tiny bastages!! :)

darkcrawlspace

09-16-2005, 10:11 AM

Thanks a lot. I'll try it out.

Larsin

11-20-2005, 03:42 PM

i let my friend borrow my gamecube a few days ago and he had it running fine till today.

he said that if he turns it on with the controller plugged in, the game doesn't spin. but if he turns it on without the controller, it runs just fine, till you plug a controller in, then it stops.

any tips?

Psyc

12-24-2005, 07:16 PM

Hmm, so basically with the faqs, I could fix a broken gamecube bought on eBay? Also, the planetgamecube link is broken.

Moxio

12-30-2005, 12:45 AM

I updated the guide. Changed the hideous orange to white, removed/added links, etc.

To Psyc: Perhaps. If the error is SPECIFICALLY DRE, there's a chance. However the seller could have tried fixing it to no avail, so if you buy it, there's nothing you can do.

To Larsin: Strange. If you're willing to take apart the GCN, I could see what I could do.

Frogger

12-31-2005, 03:01 PM

the gamefaqs fix does work. but in my experience, its a temporary fix.

people, it is $50 (shipped!!) to send it to nintendo for repair. well worth it, especially if you have a first gen system and want to preserve the component output.

Also, I'll save you the trouble. you cant buy a new GC and replace the dvd drive in the 1st gen systems. they don't fit. I already tried. :)

simpsonps121

06-02-2006, 02:10 PM

My GC is doing the same thing. It will not spin - just says insert GC disk. :-)

I will try to Gamefaqs guide and see if that works.

Matthew

thewin10

06-25-2006, 03:03 PM

Is there anyway to check spinner? I think that's my problems. Don't really want it to lose this cube because it has the Digital AV out.

Edit: Never mine pretty much killed it now.

snakeyes0101

08-07-2006, 03:06 AM

When I press the POWER button, the orange light turns on and immediately off but the fan keeps spinning. It's needless to say that it doesn't play games at all since it doesn't even show the main menu now. Is there any way i can fix this without sending my GC to Nintendo ?

Riyonuk

08-07-2006, 08:32 PM

I know this is a "Fix your GC topic", but is there a place to "Clean my GC"? Like taking it apart, soaking it with soap or something, and screwing it back together so its not all dusty and gooey from stickers?

Genocidal

08-07-2006, 08:35 PM

Compressed air and Goo Gone. Soaking things doesn't work in 90% of cases, especially if all you're going to soak it in is water/soap water.

Riyonuk

08-07-2006, 09:00 PM

Maybe a new case or a custom case?

Genocidal

08-07-2006, 09:07 PM

You could spend the money on a new case, but generally those are for... other purposes, and thus have a larger lid. They're also nearly as much as a used Cube would run you.

DungDude0

08-12-2006, 05:03 PM

I have had the Reset button and the Open button jam. They have been jammed for months. I can't reset the game or shut the case. I jsut put some game cases on top of the case to keep it closed. I think some soda or sugar got in there and jammed it. I don't really want to open up my GC. Does anyone know hoe to fix this. Here is a crappy pic to show you what I mean.
http://http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f12/puggy55/4565f73d.jpg

The pic probably doesn't work so here is a link.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f12/puggy55/4565f73d.jpg

snakeyes0101

08-14-2006, 01:29 PM

Ok an easier question : what is the cheapest way to open up my GC besides smashing it open ?

Riyonuk

08-14-2006, 01:42 PM

Use a tool built for the screw that the gamecube has. Nintendo sells them or a mod site. Or, you could take a pen cap, and a lighter and melt it so that it forms around the head of the screw. Instandt free screwdriver :)

snakeyes0101

08-14-2006, 09:24 PM

snakeyes0101

08-15-2006, 06:31 PM

BTW, is there a special kind of or brand of pen that works best for this ?

Riyonuk

08-15-2006, 06:38 PM

Your actually going to attempt it? Haha dont hurt yourself. Maybe you could use a candle :p or I think any pen cap will do, the real cheap ones work.

Genocidal

08-15-2006, 07:41 PM

I don't know if I'd attempt it personally; if you screw it up badly then you won't be able to open your Cube up.

snakeyes0101

08-16-2006, 08:08 PM

I don't know if I'd attempt it personally; if you screw it up badly then you won't be able to open your Cube up.
I don't really care if my GC doesn't work anymore if I fuck up since Wii is just around the corner with it's backwards compatibility.

snakeyes0101

08-28-2006, 04:22 PM

IT WORKED !!! Now I just have to find a way to fix it :)

cheerboy0506

09-16-2006, 04:56 AM

I bought my gamecube back to Hong Kong (asia) and it works once and all of the sudden is smell the burning and it burned out. can i just get a new adaptor and the machine will work or... its the whole thing RIP???? HELPPP and if i get a Hong Kong ac adapter for the game cube will it works???????

HELPPPPPP !!

totalkone

10-05-2006, 01:28 PM

my gamecube broke 4 years old i need it repaired so i can have a system, hey if i cant get it fix than fu*k gamecube and bring out a wii, but i will really want to play super smash bros. melee

tangytangerine

10-05-2006, 03:39 PM

Got a question on something I just noticed with my Gamecube. During gameplay, if I play over a hour, the system starts making a clicking noise. Now the only one that it really affects is Metroid Prime, but that's cause it's resurfaced, and freezes up. Is this a sign of it dying?

I need to know, cause I've still got a 1 year warranty from GS that I can swap the system out with.

Incandescent

11-02-2006, 12:38 AM

Greetings.

I am hoping someone here can help me.
I ordered a new lens for this GC as I was getting the standard read errors, etc that older GC's get.

Now, the disk wont spin up, or spin at all.
I have checked all connections over and over again...I am about to toss this thing and return the laser part.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks.

tangytangerine

11-03-2006, 04:35 PM

Kagath

01-03-2007, 09:31 PM

I have a Cube that has started to freeze with a loud buzzing noise. It will even do it when the system is still in the dashboard. It's not a bad memory card as it will still freeze when it's not inserted. I'm guess it is heat related as it will load the discs fine until it has run ~10 min. I opened it up and it was spotless inside as far as dust contamination.

Any ideas on what damage to look for? I didn't find any obvious bad areas on the pcb or components.

Porygon

03-18-2007, 09:33 PM

bmulligan

04-28-2007, 12:44 AM

If I were to just send my GCN to Nintendo for repair due to a dead lazer, would they just tighten the lazer on the GCN- or would they actually replace it with a new one? I'm willing to go through with that for a new lazer in the system, but not for a no-effort job.

Thanks.

Who knows, they might just replace your Gamecube with an already refurbished model. There's no way to tell. The laser "recalibration" technique is a good one to try, though.

A lot of people who are complaining about non-spinning disks probably don't have bad motors, they just have unreadable disks due to an underpowered laser, dirty lens, or bad lens spring. Once the laser output has been increased, it will usually trigger a feedback loop to engage the spindle motor. Try it, what have you got to lose?

Just make sure you adjust in very small increments, and remember, it might not work the first time.

Ranger Rick

06-02-2007, 12:57 PM

Today my gamecube died :(

biohazard1

06-25-2007, 04:39 AM

hi my controller work but it keep stopping now it dont work at all wht should i do

Hibiwa

09-03-2007, 01:39 AM

Hope I won't need to use this great reference thread, but a few questions:

1. Were early Cubes with digital out more likely to die?

2. What problems were associated with these particular units?

3. Would NOA fix it if I'm not the original owner?

Firebomber

12-05-2007, 04:55 AM

My gamecube was working perfectly one day and then the next i tried to tunr it on but there was a blank screen. The light turns on and i can hear the fan running but the disc doesnt spin and the screen in blank. Anyone know how i can fix this? I really dont want to pay $50+ to have it fixed by nintendo. thanks

tickdude

12-28-2007, 06:57 PM

Bought a gamebit on fleaBay and opened the ol' GC up. Turned the potensiometer ever so slightly counter-clockwise and VOILA - the laser lens is apparently recalibrated. Now, disks are being read again at startup (no more DRE's!). Used the instructions found here (http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/gamecube/file/915781/30525) and here (http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/585542).

Here's the location of the potensiometer on the back of the disc circuit board (circled in red):
http://modthatcube.psx-scene.com/images/gfx/image157.jpg

If you are having problems with your discs not being read at startup (the GC will tell you that there is no disc in the drive), you really should try calibrating the lens.

Good luck!

tickdude

12-28-2007, 07:00 PM

Casiotech

09-11-2008, 01:27 PM

I wonder if you recalibrate the laser too strongly, can it damage the disc?

PhrProfess

01-24-2011, 04:49 AM

To those with DREs whose discs won't spin: a solution—

I've just discovered personally, through trial and error, that if one tweaks the potensiometer even just a little bit too far then the disc will stop spinning. If your disc doesn't spin anymore, it might just be that your laser is out of range and that your motor is actually fine.

My situation was that I had a working console, but was just starting to get DREs again, mid-game. From this I reasoned that the time to make another potensiometer adjustment was nearing. I opened up the box, made an adjustment, and closed 'er all up again (sans screws) to test. I'd forgotten that I could simply hold down the two little prongs in the back-right corner to fool the console into thinking it had its top on, and that I didn't need to replace any of the panels or the cover—and so that's how I was testing for adjustments at first.

After about four tries, I noticed I wasn't getting anywhere. I also noticed that my discs weren't even spinning anymore, no matter which one I used. At first I thought that I'd gone and fubar'd my console, and made a big mistake of some sort—but then I discovered that I'd just fallen into a trap that I'd set for myself. The trap was this: If one adjusts the potensiometer, still gets a DRE, and tries to turn it again a little further (thinking that this is the solution)—it just might be that the potentiometer's been tweaked too far already the first time. To continue turning it might be pushing it even further away from where it needs to be. This is an easy trap to fall into if one replaces the cover in between each test-run, because in doing so one wouldn't even notice that the disc has stopped spinning altogether (provided that it did to begin with, of course).

Anyway, I eventually boiled the process down to an efficient science that allowed me to complete a casual adjust-and-test cycle every forty-five seconds or so (by not replacing anything in between test-runs—no screws, front/back/side panels, or even the cover), and came to learn that I had the potensio' turned about 180° too far. T minus two hours in, I finally got it right and saw the disc spin with the cover open (and my fingers on the two-pronged cover-sensor). My insides lit-up and I got all of my energy back! After all was said and done, I'd performed about 15-20 guess-and-checks.

I am just here to pass along my notes to those with DREs, because if your disc isn't spinning then it might not be a motor problem but rather one to do with that pesky laser. I suggest you that follow the guide on Gamefaqs (GreyRainCloud's Lens Calibration Guide, under GameCube FAQs), and make a series of positive and negative adjustments until you get it right.

lurknomore

04-02-2011, 02:59 PM

I never knew that GCN's could break down. Mine is still ticking....now, if I could only find a GCN component cable.

gillianreynolds

05-10-2011, 03:04 AM

Does the fan come on?
Does the Laser Move/Turn On?
Does the power light come on?

I Had a problem where My Fan worked, the laser did nothing and the spindle did nothing and the power light just flashed on/off. Turned out I had blown the fuse while doing an LED mod (the 2 legs of my LED connected while with power on to the GC). The fuse is a small 5amp surface mount that sits right next to where the power line connects to the board under the motherboard. I could not find a place to get these fuses so I just temporarilly jumped this with a solder bridge (Yeah a hack but it works for now until I can locate the correct fuse).

-----------------------------------------------------------
Thankshotels in prague (http://www.praguehotelsstay.com )

Hopefully this helps you, Thanks!:hot:

packof1

06-11-2011, 12:24 PM

I am currently trying to adjust the lasar pot to get my gamecube to read any game. I bought it cheap, second hand. I have no idea if the pot was adjusted by a prior owner. I do know that all efforts so far have been fruitless. Is there some sort of way to measure voltage or resistance to try to get a proper calibration?? I really do not want to use the trial and error method; I will if necessary.