How to fix Nintendo DS Lite D-pad buttons. Broken / Unresponsive. Easy!!

This video will show you how to fix those bad buttons on a DS lite. The buttons will lose contact with the internal metal tabs and will need to be cleaned. This is the best way I have found that is lost cost and effective.
Tools needed:
-tri wing screwdriver for nintendo (eBay)
-00 Phillips screwdriver
-220 grit or higher sandpaper
Links:
Tools:
amzn.to/3gHvgSz
Please be patient when attempting this repair, the logic board is sensitive.
Please like and subscribe!
Thank you.
***Disclaimer: This video is not sponsored. I use affiliate links. As a customer, you do not pay any more or less because of an affiliated link. A small percentage of the sale will go to the person who generated the link. Thank you for supporting my channel and helping me grow.

[@electricbill1778]

DON'T USE SANDPAPER! You can scratch the protective layer above the traces, if the traces corrode due to their exposure then traces can be broken and the buttons will stop working completely. Short term this will work, but long term this could cause a lot more damage that will need wires soldering to bridge the gaps :)

[@starynebula8750]

What should we use then?

[@conscious-ness]

@@starynebula8750 One of the other comments said to use contact cleaner.

[@starynebula8750]

@@conscious-ness thank you fellow Star

[@standodan2356]

Does this also apply to the tiny metal disc for the shoulder buttons? Then I may have a problem

[@etherraichu]

@@Bamblez It can be used as a last resort when everything else fails to work. because it just might do the trick. and if not, well, you were going to have to replace it at that point anyway.

[@juanromo2382]

Use 99% alcohol instead of sandpaper!!! It worked really well in my case and it does not damage the motherboard. Thank´s for your video anyway :)

[@bobbymak6964]

I use a cotton Qtip and isopropyl alcohol and it works. I just don't know how a clump of dirt got onto the metal. It was fully enclosed.

[@Braaains1978]

The left direction on my D-pad was laggy to unresponsive. I opened it up, replaced the D-pad under-rubber, and cleaned the contacts with 99% isopropyl alcohol and q-tips. Controls are now precise and responsive. Thanks for the directions on how to open and expose the inside!

[@thalassaphobia2029]

That feeling of satisfaction i got when checking the buttons when they are done are simply overwhelming. Thank you man. Seriously.

[@etherraichu]

ive had my ds lite since the year they were released, and honestly its kinda amazing that its 2022 and my only problem is that one of the d-pad axis isn't consistently responsive. They made these things really well.

[@Thing9999]

Thank you so much I always wanted to fix my old Nintendo DS Lite so bad but I never had the courage to do it 😭 Your tutorial has been very helpful and I followed it step by step (except I used rubbing alcohol and a q tip instead of sandpaper), now finally the A button is back to life and the whole console works like it's new 💖

[@jimftr]

I would not use sandpaper, use contact cleaner and patience and get it properly clean.

[@oilybrakes]

Was thinking the same. They are coated with gold, the best conductor, for a a goddamn reason.

[@jimftr]

@@oilybrakes Using sandpaper is ridiculous to be honest. Sure it might work now, but it's going to be bad long term(potential corrosion), and now it's permanently damaged. Would have been easier and simpler to get a cloth with contact cleaner and do it right.

[@jamilahu]

Are there alternatives for contact cleaner?

[@jimftr]

@@jamilahu Alcohol works fine too. I wouldn't use anything like water etc.

[@thegameboyboy3444]

@@jimftr I have one motherboard in particular that is giving me issues. After cleaning the d pad on the motherboard it still requires a hard press to be responsive. Any ideas? I've worked on many ds lite and have always been able to resolve the issue. Definitely don't want to use sandpaper to scrub off that beautiful gold plating like you said :)

[@Sonjya5]

This video was SO helpful, I was able to open up my "new" Nintendo DS and fix the down button thanks to this :)

[@user-po1lk7bx9o]

I am so lucky you upload this recently

[@josephwinborne3620]

Apparently I am too. Found one in my couch from 3 years ago.

[@cindyelias2279]

Awesome! It worked perfectly! I only needed to order the tri-wing screwdriver and the replacements for the buttons. But it left it like new. Thank you so much!

[@seththezombiekiller]

i found that using an eraser worked well with getting the black dirt off the actual connection

[@Aaron.YT3]

Fixed my problem! Scraped off the same black stuff! Awesome video! Thanks so much

[@TheFixTech]

Good work!

[@yairbtz4930]

As you can see if you use sandpaper you will remove the golden layer which protect and provide a flat surface. Don't do it

[@Pocket-Calculator]

I removed the corrosion using white vinegar. Takes a while longer, but it leaves the golden parts intact.

[@jaymoniez]

are you referring to the darkened back areas on the dpad and button contacts?

[@Pocket-Calculator]

@@jaymoniez I'm talking about the golden contacts. They were corroded and white vinegar removed that

[@skymaster33870]

1:34 pull the L and R buttons off gently. Undo screw on left side motherboard. Flip motherboard over gently to access button receptors without undoing the whole console. This also gives access to the buttons if you need to pull them for cleaning too.

[@captain4318]

Thanks my man, that's gonna save me a lot of extra work.

[@sunshine4278]

Thank you so much, I’ve got exactly the same problem and I’ll try to fix it tomorrow!

[@TheFufyFufy]

Thx bro. IT works again. My son is happy now 👍

[@joeymontroy4621]

It worked for me, thank you for the help

[@shibasu0469]

Thank you so much man good job👍

[@user-qv6eg2uh3d]

i can fix my nintendo ! thank for your video :) from south korea

[@ozeatimberlamd8405]

Thank you Bro, now i fixed my Buttons

[@quemquaeritis_]

The problem with my buttons is that they arent really solid, you have to press them very hard to make them work, normally with the bone of the finger, any idea for that??

[@TheFixTech]

Yes, you must take apart and clean the actual trigger button and housing as it is clogged.

[@treyx2597]

The Fix what do you mean by the actual buttons? Is it the rubber under the button or what? Could the old rubber under the buttons cause this?

[@mmert138]

Some DS Lite buttons are like that by default. Nintendo had poor quality control on DS Lites. Some are really solid but some are wiggly like that and you can't go diagonally. This makes some games unplayable, like Mario 64 DS because you must use the dpad very actively. Let me know if you find a fix.

[@quemquaeritis_]

@@mmert138 uff, personally I don't believe that, I dont remember as a child presing the buttons to hard. It might be that problem, but why would nintendo create different buttons for nds, not new buttons, but why he would accept such a defect. Cause this is serious problem for the customer. This summer, when I find a time, I'll try fixing that thing, and eventually making a video for KZbin... If you need to email me, just send me a clip of that issue. I've been searching for years for someone with that same problem as me, and I dont know if we are talking about the same thing... dont be afraid to send me your videos showing that problem. My email: [e-mail]

[@david2point107]

Checkpoint Xray same for me

[@aditamadwiputra3866]

I am watching this while listening to macgyver music. Thanks btw i will perform this after looking to this video thoroughly

[@TheCocoDane]

tx :) one DS lite saved

[@rolfdabrowski8871]

Your video helped me very mutch spezaly the Video with the R L buttoms BUT don't scratch it with sandpaper insted use a Qtip and Elstergkanz like we call it in Germany

[@darkproclaimer]

Thank you!

[@midwestairtech]

I don't think sandpaper is the best method here. Scotch brite or something softer even like a polishing material. Might even be able to use a clean toothbrush. 220 sandpaper looks very harsh on those contacts and could remove enough material to make contact less reliable. Perhaps better than it was, but not ideal. Why go through the trouble of opening this up to do a half-assed job? 400 grit sandpaper at the lowest. Something softer would be better IMO.

[@t-06]

The left d-pad of my DS didn't worked, after oppening it I noticed the internal metal tab was black, as if it had been painted over with paint, after I used a hyssop with isopropyl alcohol to fix the d-pad left, it worked. Thanks.

[@HomemadeArtistry]

Back again, had to order the right screwdrivers and replacement bits but I managed to fix my D-Pad! On the down side, I screwed up the top screen a bit. But other than that, I can use it again :)

[@hurilo999]

I'm working on one currently that no matter how many times I clean with IPA or scrub with a toothbrush, there is still slight discoloration on the gold plating and you need to hard press the d-pad to get it to work. I am going to try distilled vinegar like someone mentioned before I resort to lightly sanding

[@TheFixTech]

Also clean the black pad on the rubber piece that makes contact

[@Journey_Awaits]

Would it be possible to use a angular dpad similar to the original ds instead of the smooth one without having to cut it yourself, are there any custom button kits. Swapping between systems may not work if they’re a different size

[@chiimotosuwa8423]

I put... my buttons in the wrong way... but it works perfect now!

[@user-rz5nz7lm9r]

thank you very good 😀👍

[@knuxuki1013]

Helpful

[@BeyondBirthday8]

I think this might be the issue i have with my ds lite, the problem is that the 2 screws on the left side are stripped and i have no clue how to get them out without breaking the ds

[@ariannathompson5466]

I was doing fine, I had all the star head screws out, and two of the tri-head screws, but then the other two tri-heads wouldn’t budge and I ended up stripping them... most of the buttons work fine, I just have to press really hard on the left d-pad, but still annoying the screws wouldn’t come out haha

[@essho9912]

I didnt know that i have to unclip the ribbon cable thingy. Tried to pull it but i didnt work so i cleaned it while the ribbon is still attached. Now my top screen is all white and can barely see anything.

[@TheFixTech]

Either the top screen cable is not inserted all the way in or the cable has gone out (requires new top screen now) try reinserting the cable first.

[@yuri-zx5od]

Can i use a cotton bud and alcohol at the end of the cotton tip as a alternate to the sand paper or is just gonna break???

[@TheFixTech]

I’ve tried that, it not enough. Use a very fine grit sand paper to sand off the corrosion.

[@CapitalProductions-zv5bo]

thats the same exact shell my ds has is it reshelled?

[@xiroravenna6506]

Thanks i fixed my Buttoms but i broke the flex of the up screen lol

[@superpeppe97]

i stripped the two screws on the left, how can i remove them?

[@bibarel3323]

In My nintendo ds The right button of ''+" Not work i have To hold and press a lot before it reply To My clicks, but also if i press a lot only very few times will work And reply To My clicks :/ what could i do To fix this ? Cheers

[@AGuyNamedRex]

Would this also work for the New 3DS as well? I'd assume they're built slightly differently, but similar enough, right?

[@TheFixTech]

Similar concept, that has been a requested video that I will be uploading soon.

[@SIlentZedrikMusic]

I remember playing Mario Party with the slide minigame on the snow and gliding right using the R button doesn't work.

[@TheFixTech]

I’ve got a video showing how to fix that

[@SIlentZedrikMusic]

@@TheFixTech Nice!!!

[@bluecookie4206]

Instead of sandpaper, can I use isopropyl alcohol?

[@TheFixTech]

Try, if it doesn’t work use something abrasive.

[@Aleks7963]

Is it save to scrape it all off and is it necessary to do every button to prevent future cleaning or only ones who have black residue?

[@TheFixTech]

Might as well do all of them...

[@Aleks7963]

@@TheFixTech Thank you for the quick reply. Your videos are simple and instructive. But maybe just a little bit too quiet. :D

[@cool1010com]

is there any other altrrnative to sandpaper? can I use wooden toothpick? or something more common in a household?

[@TheFixTech]

You can get sandpaper at your local hardware store, I found it to be the easiest to use. Anything that can scrape off the buildup should be fine, just so long you don’t knock off any of the small resistors on the motherboard.

[@cool1010com]

@@TheFixTech just ordered rubbing alcohol, does it have to be 99%? is 70% fine? What is the limit?

[@HomemadeArtistry]

I'm having trouble removing the one foil where the left shoulder button is

[@TheFixTech]

Sometimes they can stick due to corrosion, in this case try using a magnet and or a needle to wiggle it out.

[@Rosemary81463]

Will this work for a dsi xl

[@rickymonfil9236]

Does this work the same for dsi?

[@dandelionofluff-2791]

Would this guide work for a new 3ds xl with a d pad which the input stuck on left position?

[@TheFixTech]

It is similar, the buttons are taped down on that model, you will have to remove the tape and carefully clean and or replace.

[@magnus00125]

new 3ds xl is stronk

[@audunolsen1975]

Very nice fix, but I managed to fail with the r and l button so they are not one piece. How can I fix this?

[@TheFixTech]

Do you mean the shoulder buttons on the ds lite? If so I have a video showing the process.

[@cryptid_momochi]

Found this while looking into whether or not I need to replace the actual motherboard or not. I think I'll avoid your channel from now on. I don't think I've ever seen worse advice from a channel pretending to be helpful. You can literally see him scratching the contacts off with the sandpaper and go out of his way to ignore all comments that are critical of his method, only hearting the ones that say it helped, demonstrating, *at best*, willful ignorance. OEM motherboards are a limited and forever-dwindling supply, and videos like this one only make that issue worse.

[@MeganB2023]

This is such a helpful video. But I have one question. The LED light on my ds lite, doesn’t show green when I turn it on. It shows red, to show when it needs charging, and it shows orange, when it’s charging. But it doesn’t show green when I turn it on but it shows all the other colours. Do you know what I mean? How can I fix this?

[@TheFixTech]

Possible bad battery.

[@MeganB2023]

@@TheFixTech are you sure? I changed the battery in my DS but it didn’t fix. Could this be a problem inside of the DS?

[@markhovscrch4050]

Is using toothbrush for brushing the black in metal parts better than sandpaper?

[@TheFixTech]

Yes, use the softest available. If severely corroded then sand paper. Be sure to clean the rubber pads, they are just as important

[@markhovscrch4050]

@@TheFixTech Let me try to clean the old NDS Lite that I brought after the seller was scam me unresponsive dpads and buttons

[@markhovscrch4050]

@@TheFixTech when I did brush my Dpad not so hard, I reput all the parts, when I put the NDS back on it lights up and died in 1 sec

[@user-cn1yw7gj6p]

Where can i buy the button pads if broken

[@1020ojom]

ebay, aliexpress or amazon have them

[@snwdy5303]

DONT USE SANDPAPER USE A Q-TIP WITH ALCHOHOL

[@markhovscrch4050]

I spray alcohol the dpad and clean it by brushing with toothbrush and the rubber pads, after I put them all together I turn on the NDS but 1sec it dies

[@TheFixTech]

Make sure all cables (especially lcd cables are fully inserted.

[@markhovscrch4050]

@@TheFixTech I tried again, Its work somehow the flex cable might not put properly I open the nds and the upperscreen flex cable was (Its hard to say but I might fix it later on) somehow the Dpad rubbers are bad condition.

[@cool1010com]

Hey, you replied to my comment before so thought you might be able to diagnose what is wrong with my dsl So beforehand, my dsl was normal (Charging and Turns on okay). But, I mistakenly plugged a 2.1A power brick. It didn't charge anymore (no orange light), even back with 1A brick. However, dsl turns on okay with battery. Here is what I've tested: - 1A Brick and Cable , OK (Charged another ds fine) - The battery, OK (Put in into another ds, charges fine) I've gone online and the closest thing I found is Fuse is faulty (Makes sense, considering I plugged in 2.1A instead of 1A). But If fuse is the problem, orange charging light should turns on for 1 second then gone. right? In my case there is no orange light at all. So, do you whats wrong? or what tools or step I have to do to determine? Thanks for reading this long, Cheers.

[@TheFixTech]

It depends on which fuse is burnt, there are two fuses, and a charging coil. If the first fuse is burnt and or the coil is burnt then you will not get a charging light. You can take it apart, the charging coil with the first fuse will be near the charging port, you can test them with an ohm meter set to continuity

[@cool1010com]

@@TheFixTech Definitely will do this, thanks man. Subbed!

[@ari-gato4160]

I have a question. The button A on my Ds is very loose and doesn't work, but the rest do. Will it help me if i do this method? Also would using a nail file and rubbing alcohol work too???

[@TheFixTech]

Yes, this fix will work

[@ari-gato4160]

@@TheFixTech Thank you so much!

[@FEBRIZIOtv]

My left button goes up. Even opened it and touched ONLY the left copper button pad with the contact and it still goes upward… why?

[@claudzy]

Uhm my ds lite's dpad is like.. Pushed in so uh i have to press REALLY hard to get them to read and it really hurts when i try playing pokemon on it. Still works but just very hard and uncomfortable

[@TheFixTech]

You will need to replace the rubber pad/gaskets.

[@melvinhandoko9818]

Did you just broke the nds and then fix it

[@TheFixTech]

It was already broken

[@-_-._.-.]

cotton buds and alcohol should be enough don't use sandpaper it'll expose the copper under the circuit board.

[@msrikavya9651]

The power button on my 2ds xl doesn't give any click sounds, my mum says the button has gone inside but I don't know, pls tell me what I should do and i live in a country where nintendo doesn't sell supplies.

[@TheFixTech]

Does the power button work? These buttons don’t really click like the L/R shoulder buttons. If the power button works then it is fine.

[@msrikavya9651]

@@TheFixTech how do I know if it works or not? When I click the button the lights don't glow.

[@iiMaxx_]

My R button isnt clicky anymore is that just a spring issue? Or do you know a fix?

[@TheFixTech]

Yes, I have a video on that, check my videos for DS lite should trigger buttons.

[@iiMaxx_]

@@TheFixTech I fixed it kind off... I was trying to open it but I realized that I didn't have the special screwdriver so I put all the screws back in and now its kindoff clicky again not as new but it works 👍

[@quantumgirl4423]

When I push the right arrow close to the center of the "+" sign, my dsi shuts down, as if I pushed the power button. Can this be the solution?

[@TheFixTech]

Definitely sounds like you have a short somewhere, you can try this solution and look around the board in that area (front/back) and see if there are any burned spots.

[@quantumgirl4423]

Thank you!

[@milesium-487]

Help the screws wont budge

[@lad6388]

While trying to detach the lcd cable, I ripped it so now I need to replace the screen as well ;(

[@Avarice297]

I am so sorry for you, I hope you find one at a good price.

[@lad6388]

@@Avarice297 I actually was able to completely fix my ds, so I've recently been playing a lot of Mario Party DS :D

[@naristgn1]

Hey when I press my d pad it turn of and it’s fully charged. Also I can press any other button and doesn’t turn of. Also when I have my charger plugged and disconnect it, it turns off as well

[@TheFixTech]

Open the console, there may be a loose wire or screw shorting.

[@naristgn1]

Hey thanks for answering. I opened it an hour ago and checked all the inside and everything looked fine even checked that everything right in place. Also U see the setup screen it stay on even pressing d pad. But now that I’m at menu when I press d pad shuts off. Also I’ve had it since 2008 but I’ve only used it no more then 10 times back then and didn’t come to use it after a decade later. So it’s practically new

[@TheFixTech]

With the console open (motherboard showing) place and hold the battery in position, turn it on and see if it still does it, if yes then the mother board itself has a short

[@naristgn1]

Oh really damn! Btw say it does have a short how do I fix that. Do I have to get a new motherboard?

[@13010293]

bruh the black cable is the hardest shit ever

[@blueguyhere]

for future me! DONT USE SANDPAPER! use cloth or Q-tip cotton bud with alcohol (isopropyl)

[@jordancard9489]

I can't get the thing the black wire is connected to to come off of the board

[@jordancard9489]

Is there some kind of clamp holding it on that I have to remove?

[@nashwa520]

Hey how to fix bent pins?

[@TheFixTech]

Which system do you have? I can make a video of that.

[@ashleymerritt-bogner2273]

Hi, do you or anyone know how to clean underneath the little gold dome contacts, for the start/select buttons, on a 2ds, or 3ds xl? It's probably the same little tiny gold one on the ds lite too, thanks!

[@TheFixTech]

I’ll look into it, I think those buttons may be similar to the shoulder buttons on the DS lite which I have a video for....

[@ashleymerritt-bogner2273]

@@TheFixTech That'd be great, thanx :)

[@rockman6666]

does this fix issues with diagonals on dpad?

[@TheFixTech]

Yes it does, make sure to test the rubber piece and replace if necessary

[@rockman6666]

@@TheFixTech Nice! Thank you!

[@TheWatcher080]

i think i scrapped the golden layer and my button now become more unresponsive. so sad.

[@g3ek178]

Does this aply to the nintendo DSi?

[@TheFixTech]

Similar but different, more like the 3ds, which I have a video for.

[@funnysillycat2355]

Im having trouble getting the black wire back on its spot

[@TheFixTech]

I believe it’s the nfc/WiFi antenna. Some people don’t need it. Are you having trouble clamping it down or passing it under the game port?

[@funnysillycat2355]

@@TheFixTech i got it. It was just hard for me to get it to clamp on

[@anzardimasius]

Is changing the rubber pad essential?

[@TheFixTech]

Only if they are torn, otherwise you can clean them with alcohol

[@anzardimasius]

okay imma buy one rn

[@ilmediosu]

i used a rubber and alcohol. no scraping

[@erendirafuentes3297]

Bro im kinda stuck at the tri wing part because i dont have 1 😕

[@259]

You are going to have to buy one. Look online and you should easily find game console repair kits with those exact drivers for like $10.

[@johangomez6676]

@@259 I found one on ebay with like 20 heads for about 3$, sent from china so It took a bit of time. but a monster purchase

[@fatfaffy9891]

you can register on aliexpress and buy a 0.01 usd screwdriver set from china with free shipping

[@lemonsky275]

only thing stopping me from doing this is the damn triwing screws :(

[@saged1513]

I know you can get them online! A very quick search for DS screwdriver showed some that were $5-10, but I'd double check they're comparable by looking at reviews and stuff before buying!

[@bence3461]

I did the same, and now my ds lite bottom screen flashes on then off immediately, somebody have any idea how to fix it?

[@TheFixTech]

Check the top lcd cable, make sure it is inserted all the way

[@bence3461]

​@@TheFixTechThank you, this fixed my problem.

[@WaterSheep9281]

5:56 how do I get new ones?

[@rhysjohnson5555]

try ebay

[@Somew111here]

Do not use sandpaper. Use a toothbrush with isopropolyc alcohol.

[@Assassionlordjk]

Ds lite won’t turn on

[@giulia5537]

Does this work on nintendo ds?

[@giulia5537]

if not what else can I do to fix it?

[@TheFixTech]

I believe it is the same, newer devices from DSi and up were different.

[@giulia5537]

@@TheFixTech thanks!!

[@MuffinMan87]

Now, I need a new game. I can't put it back together. Everything keeps moving.

[@georgied7777]

wish me luck, hope i dont mess things up hehe

[@TheFixTech]

Good luck, just be careful and patient.

[@XMSWRLDX]

You gott abe kidding me triwing why the hell how am i supposed to find that

[@TheFixTech]

I have added the link to the description, Nintendo loves using the tri wing….

[@XMSWRLDX]

@@TheFixTech haha just actually fixed it this year watching this same video😂 thanks man!

[@Spongebob_131]

Uh I found water in mine

[@TheFixTech]

Dry it up, clean it with rubbing alcohol and toothbrush, then see if it still works

[@DrakeHaze]

Man this ain't easy at all, the nds is the most difficult one to fix

[@xavi0mg]

don't EVER use sandpaper!!! this guy is tweaking and is completely wrong... all those contact points need is a cleaning

[@PeterTSF]

This was not helpful

[@MCKeevey]

Who has a tri-wing screwdriver D:

[@barrymanutts8223]

Bud you took the good rate off of it lol please know one use sandpaper smh