Nintendo DS Lite | FAULTY Top Screen & BROKEN Hinge | Can I FIX It?

This Lime Green DS Lite was purchased from eBay a few months back. It was sold as having a "Faulty Top Screen" - will I be able to fix it?
Hope you enjoy!
Steve
Support me on Patreon: / stezstixfix
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The magic things I use to break stuff;
My soldering iron: amzn.to/2Isf360
My leaded solder: amzn.to/3giGtI1
My flux: amzn.to/3lTrPIh
My soldering wick: amzn.to/3groIGn
My microscope: amzn.to/2VP3msU
My blue mat: amzn.to/3mUiIZl
My tweezers: amzn.to/2VOMjYc
My multimeter: amzn.to/2LjBgnN
My oscilloscope: amzn.to/3mUiIZl
My underpants: amzn.to/3gknvjY
PS. I'm no expert, obviously. This is not a How To video, but you may find some parts helpful! That's the intention, anyhow.

[@TheBrokenPast]

Great job, Steve! This brings back memories from when I started repairing DS Lites, replacing top screens, re-shelling, etc. Well done; especially for not having any guides and going into it blindly! I knew exactly where it was heading when it "was going well, until..." I feel your pain on that when not knowing the trick to make it easier. Also, I chuckled at your jump cut over putting the shoulder buttons in place, and managing the pins and springs, without pinging them off into the great beyond. That's the 2nd most frustrating part about it for me! I know your video's over 3 years old and you probably won't see this message, but I just came across your video, so I figured I'd share in your pain. :)

[@pgncutez2617]

I’m going to be fixing my moms ds lite for her birthday, it has the broken hinge and the top screen flickers. I’m so happy you made a video repairing this so I can do it :) keep up the great content

[@StezStixFix]

Thanks PGN! Good luck with the fix on your Mom's DS! I hope you can get it working 👍

[@somjedrattanapongwattana9104]

@@StezStixFix I try to replace the bottom screen, After can't even open.

[@Determinator21]

Your mother has a ds lite?

[@UserUser-ww2nj]

How did it go , did you fix it ??

[@pgncutez2617]

@User User yep! Took 2 tries cuz I damaged the ribbon the first time but I got it working

[@superduperdrew12345]

I feel so much catharsis from this. I have always liked repairing things but early on tried to repair a ds lite and it was hell for me. I admit it was hilarious to see someone else open it and have the springs go flying or try to route the ribbon through the metal piece only to shred it to bits.

[@HD-wf3bp]

Muhahha same here! I fix alot of ds lites and that black cable can be very ennoying at first. I can do it now In like 10 seconds. I also destroyed like 10 top screens when I started out xD

[@ibrahimkocaalioglu]

Good job Steve 👍. Big minus for the engineers and managers of Nintendo 👎

[@Zurimullen]

11:08 I've recently had a breakup, and I want you to know that, for some reason, this is the first time I've laughed in weeks. thank you very much for your sense of humor.

[@captcraig777]

Well done! I love to see toys like these repaired, rather than tossed in the dump. This video will help many people looking to do the same!

[@hashrulsubzero]

13:57 I have similar problem that I've encounter with my PS1 disc laser where its flex cable has a tear that it rips one of the traces which resulted the disc not spinning at all. I've managed to get it working again by using a *conductive paint* (kinda like putting a UV mask), it just need to scratch the traces (like how you repair the traces with a wire) so the paint can touch it. It surprising works well, the paint doesn't come off (when it's dry) when I'm move the flex cable around. You can try this (if you want to) for future repairs that involves ripped traces on flex cables. Definitely don't use a wire to fix the flex cable.

[@ncross1857]

Great job Steve. This brings back bad memories. I destroyed my NDS Lite about 15 years ago trying to change the casing, after the hinge broke.

[@yeahright9014]

You forgot to replace the metal ribbon shield. If you've somehow lost it, you can use a similar-size cut piece of plastic straw. Otherwise, the ribbon cable will shred again, as the top screen opens and closes a bunch of time.

[@IceofDream.]

That hurts

[@UserUser-ww2nj]

He might have put it in but just not shown it

[@dupy18]

Hey Steve, to make things a bit easier for you with regards to the black antenna wire, just thread through a piece of enamel wire and use it as a draw/pull through wire 😊

[@StezStixFix]

Great tip, thanks for sharing Dan! I will do that next time 👍

[@rorykelly8275]

ah i was gonna suggest that, you beat me to it lol.

[@CandleComics]

Thank you for this video. I just finished replacing the screen and cover on my son's DS. His had the exact same problem as yours.

[@StezStixFix]

Thanks CandleComics! Glad you got your son's DS fixed! 👍

[@ocoe5528]

Gosh, I have that problem as well. I pulled a bit too hard after taking my DS apart to tighten some screws, and the cable had a slight tear in it. I might try to do the impossible and fix it. Maybe it’s possible.

[@UserUser-ww2nj]

It almost seems like Nintendo went out of their way to make repairs difficult with that ribbon cable and the black antenna wire

[@jodu626]

by the 8:12 mark i’d totally be overwhelmed by all the bits.

[@mikethemusicman1978]

Wow that was an incredible fix Steve, love this channel. I wish I could afford all the tools and bits you have, saying that I wouldn't have the know how to fix things.

[@Goldthecat]

I just fixed the hinge on my old ds lite with a donor piece. It was just like the one in the video, broken like that since as long as I can remember. The top lcd doesn’t work as certain angles just like in the video, so I will probably have to replace that at some point. But happy to have my old ds lite working again, only cost me $12 for the replacement piece.

[@chanyphilly8266]

Man you have the patience of a saint! My head would've gone with that hinge fiasco!

[@DeathpunchTactics]

After 1 minutes of disassambling... this device would hit my wall... what a puzzle pain in the ass

[@justinhoffmann7034]

Best channel on KZbin. Keep it up bud! May I ask what microscope you use

[@StardustTyphon]

I always love this heroic music you use for the repairs :D Sounds always like "I'm gonna rescue you buddy!" :D

[@rastamouse7861]

It makes me laugh because it seems a little absurd 😂

[@brokenastartes2848]

I really enjoy your videos fun entertaining and educational. Nice.

[@LarixusSnydes]

Such a shame that the case is broken. The lime colour looks striking :-).

[@user-ym4on1dx4y]

Hello from Russia! I love your videos! I making some sort of repairing any devices and your videos SO NICE for me! I discover a lot things in repairing! Thank you a lot!

[@stevietee67]

I spent over an hour trying to thread the damned Wi-Fi antenna under the cartridge slot. Eventually managed to guide it through using a needle from the wife’s sowing kit. The relief was palpable!

[@michaelgoedeker9697]

Great video!! I bought 24 broken ds lites off of eBay, and a ton of the repairs were screens. I think I got through 6 of them, and gave up on the rest. Those ribbon cables drove me nuts.

[@BatteryPowered]

I would be up for it if you still have them 🙂

[@michaelgoedeker9697]

@@BatteryPowered I sold them to a guy on Marketplace. I sold them for next to nothing. I like the idea of those being restored as opposed to being thrown away.

[@parttimegamer5938]

Done 2 never again fiddley as f and bloody nightmare to repair but very impressed with myself when I was done lol

[@KorAllRBare]

***Tip*** Threading Cables or wires is always difficult, the trick with initial DISSASEMBLY is to attach a thread "STRONG cotton in this instance should suffice" to the end of the cable being disconnected and pulled through, once the cable is pulled through cut the Cotton Thread on both sides leaving enough to tie it back for reassembly. Now in your case where this practice was omitted, an easy way is to rely on a long lengthened Zip Tie 😉 Alas if the path is not direct then a stiff bendable wire "Usually saved during the unboxing of cables wrapped by said wire", Which will need to be fashioned to shape in order it may be navigated through the path, Once its been threaded it can be wrapped/Taped around the cable that is to be threaded, and then using the Zip Tie or threaded wire pull it carefully through.

[@StezStixFix]

Awesome tips, thank you! 🙂

[@michaeletzkorn]

Sorry I don’t quite follow the description and I have a nintendo ds with this exact problem. So essentially: have cotton string tied to the disconnected end to pull the wire / ribbon / cable back through? But what is we are replacing the ribbon cable entirely?

[@michaeletzkorn]

Oh, is it that we tie the new ribbon on? Edit: yeah I was focused on the ribbon cable but it seems like the same trick is needed for the black wire that goes under the card reader. You can tie the new wire / cable / ribbon to the thread during reassembly and pull it back through.

[@keeperofzengarden]

Man I love your videos. Got myself a DS lite JUST LIKE THAT and Ill have to fix it, was sincerely surprised when found this video. Man, I gotta say, your videos were bad. Im glad you evolved a lot. Cheers.

[@dagvidarsigvartson6291]

I saw someone use a straw to fix the top screen ribbon cable. You make a cut in the straw in one end. Then you wind up the cable in the straw. Then you use the straw to put it through the difficult hinge hole thing. (Sorry for my bad english.I am not native in english) But i think you can find video on that on youtube. Also i think the cut down the straw to a short one .

[@RichsRandomRetroReviews]

I'm so glad you don't use this kind of music any more!!

[@TheMystogrigen]

When it came to my DS, I became irritated enough that I took a hacksaw to that metal piece and filed the edges. When it came to putting it back together, I added a section of a plastic smoothie straw to the inside with a similar cut. I think I made the raw a little longer for easier management.

[@OOOHBILLY]

Just shows how a little bit of crack can make for a bad day. Nice fix!

[@kennethbarker852]

1st class video to watch thank you take care kind regards from me kenneth🤨💕👍

[@ashevillecomics637]

These things are so annoying to work on. My daughter broke hers a couple weeks after she got it. I bought all the parts, made an effort, but got so frustrated I just bought a new one and sold it for parts

[@albeanudaniel]

Hey Steve. I repaired a few of these myself. That ribbon cable is nasty :)) i struggled with it also.

[@lubomirrolko1967]

Hello. Good video. all DSs have such a complex top screen design. I would do something else with that intermittent music. Better quieter in the background or none. I have a subscription so I'm looking forward to another video

[@StezStixFix]

Appreciate the feedback! Will be better on the next one, I promise ☺👍

[@dirtbagdarrell2008]

Great video. If you dont mind, where did you get the replacement housing from?

[@lucasrafael1395]

Great video!!! I need to change my top screen...after watch this video, I give up hahahaha I think I can't do it....thanks for this video and congrats!

[@StezStixFix]

Thanks Lucas! It's quite tricky, but if I can do it, you probably can too! 😬

[@jss636]

One easy way to feed the ribbon cable back through the hinge is to use a long bobbie pin...... ....I think.

[@mick0905]

I'm not a Nintendo fan but I enjoyed this one. 👍

[@StezStixFix]

You'll probably hate my next video then. Although it does involve some burnt PCB carnage. Silver linings and all that.

[@Zanzuibarth]

I'm impressed how good you soldered those speakers. Thumbs up

[@StezStixFix]

Thanks Zanax 😊

[@goldegreen]

Also, did you replace the shell or what kind of sorcery did you do to fix that hinge?

[@StezStixFix]

It was a replacement top part of the shell. An original one bought from eBay 👍

[@andreyachimescu9253]

Hello. Where did you get the replacement shell from?

[@bedo2354]

What if i only replace the screen? I dont have the nesessary tools to put the speakers on the new screen?I wouldnt have speakers, but would it still work?

[@dj_noxxie]

Tronicsfix has some videos how to repair those screens

[@shinogames9602]

Hey Steve. Do you accept shipping. If I send you my ds lite what would be rated?

[@tsbeech]

Steve, what microscope do you use?

[@StezStixFix]

I actually have 2, the one in this video is a DigLife cheapo one from Amazon. I think it was about £35GBP. The other one I have is an Andonstar AD407, but I haven't set it up yet. I'll probably be using that one in my next video, as the recording function looks to be a little better 👍

[@tsbeech]

@@StezStixFix great! Can't wait to see it in your next video!

[@elenatheartistandgamer2001]

that happened to me except mine split in half

[@Mizai]

my ds top screens refresh rate seems weird because it shows moving lines

[@LockeTheCole]

Whatever happened with the Guitar Hero DS you were going to fix?

[@MF.FINLAY]

Where did you buy the screen?

[@N1ickem4n]

Did I miss it, or didn't u resolder the card reader 🙈 Nice work again however!

[@StezStixFix]

Well spotted. I did do it, but it got cut to speed the reassembly up a bit. In hindsight, I should have kept that bit in to make it flow better! 👍

[@scottydog27614]

Lol the ribbon cables are notoriously bad

[@zigzag8111]

Did you do the guitar hero console repair ?

[@chrisrobson8540]

think i reshelled my kids 4 or 5 times......still twitching seeing that bloody rolled up ribbon cable......no ripping hair out emoji........good job im already bald😂😂

[@Mr_Whippy92]

did you do the guitar hero one?

[@StezStixFix]

I've still got one of those to look at! I'll dig it out and do it soon! 👍

[@goldegreen]

Was the green DS exclusive to Europe?

[@PsyduckVideos]

Could a ph00 work instead of a ph000?

[@identicalsnow]

What is the background music?

[@philash824]

What happened to the guitar hero DS?

[@MiakuA.L]

Where did you bought your new screen and shell?

[@StezStixFix]

I bought them from ebay if I remember rightly! 👍

[@MiakuA.L]

@@StezStixFix okie,thanks ^^ I'll give a look there

[@pianosnoosh]

Why don’t you do more things people can relate to ,you know things around your home and try to keep it real + I’m subscribed so I’m not saying this to be mean 😃👍

[@StezStixFix]

Appreciate the feedback! I will definitely try and do that. Nothing has broken yet, unfortunately! I gave the DS to my daughter, so I only buy things that I want for myself or that I can give to family 👪 🙃

[@benyhhill]

you slide the front of the screen down to removed it from the back piece not rip it apart

[@JC-ld6yz]

I always say it, if you want to know hell, take apart a nintendo ds lite. greetings from Chile.

[@djrkzr]

What music is that?

[@withersouls]

plsss my ds is getting white spots and white lines on the top screen! do you know how i can fix it?

[@drivenbyfate]

The DS has to be like the worst console to work on. Every time I forget and start working on one I go "oh right this thing is a nightmare."

[@animationsrandom146]

Hi Steve, I was trying to fix my DS lite, the bottom screen would just flicker when I tried to turn it on, So I tried to fix it and disconnected the top ribbon cable and got the metal ring out of the way from the hinge, after I unwinded the ribbon cable and turned my DS on it turned on, on both screens, but only for a while, I later on realized that top ribbon cable had ripped a little :,( I don't know if that could be a reason why it doesn't turn on anymore, I have tried several times disconnecting it and back, but it seems to not work anymore. I wanted to ask you, if there isn't any way of the ribbon cable working "ripped" or if I need to replace the ribbon cable completely. Thank you for your time.

[@StezStixFix]

Hi there! A ripped ribbon cable can definitely stop it from turning on, so I would replace it 👍

[@animationsrandom146]

@@StezStixFix Ok, Thank you :D I might buy another screen or just turn my DS into a GBA micro.

[@StezStixFix]

@@animationsrandom146 yes! A Micro is a great idea. I want to make one of those at some point, not got round to it yet! Good luck 👍

[@animationsrandom146]

@@StezStixFix Thank you, I'll try my best to make it work 🛠️

[@meirdavid7193]

Hello can you please send me a link to the screen you ordered for yourself I would appreciate it very much thank you

[@jeffcarriere]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@dylanwickund9109]

You couldnt have picked a better ds lite those lime green are sort of rare this is only the 5th ive ever seen including the one i own and paid like 700$ for from the uk

[@Daffydubs]

Geez you probably got 12.50 worth just out of the box it came in being it was complete.

[@SimonNemeth]

It's funny you should fix a DS on the day I buy a 3DS.

[@StezStixFix]

I've been looking for one of those. If I can pick one up at a reasonable price, that is.

[@SimonNemeth]

@@StezStixFix White 2nd Gen 3DS with official custom cover plates, almost mint (I hope), Officially licenced Pokemon Pikachu hard case, £75. Very happy.

[@SimonNemeth]

@@StezStixFix I did my own DS lite years ago that had the exact same break. I did a full reshell in red and black. Those ribbon cables can be painful but think yourself lucky it wasn't an original fat DS because those are even worse. I can't remember how I did the antenna but I followed an instruction sheet so there was probably a method to it. Good luck with the next one. I'll be looking forward to it.

[@StezStixFix]

@@SimonNemeth Thanks Simon. That sounds like a very nice purchase!

[@Brandon-kw8wm]

Lol my ds had this problem when i was 6 and always play mkds with the map

[@StezStixFix]

😁 yeah, I think it's a fairly common problem!

[@joey69d]

Aren't the lime green lites rare AF?

[@BadBoyz1231]

I cant pop the top screen back togheter.. I tried everything.. It doesn't want to .. XD

[@StezStixFix]

Oh no! I'm sure you've tried it, but double check that your wiring is routed correctly through the casing. And that your screen and speakers etc. are sat in there flush. Good luck! 👍

[@araigumakiruno]

I dunno why I ruined 2 top screens trying to install it.....idk why

[@StezStixFix]

That ribbon cable is quite fragile isn't it? 😊

[@araigumakiruno]

@@StezStixFix Yep....you need to be gentle with it....but I managed to rip it anyway....ahhh I want to rip my hair out and $10 wasted

[@TheFruitingChamber]

I’m a low income dad is there any modded ds or 3ds I can search for to play with my kid while we have no internet net :c

[@kristatipton91]

Maybe you can buy my Nintendo DS lite? It also has a broken hinge.

[@BrokeJoker04]

Hey, can you make your videos without the Music? It’s so kid sometimes that it cancels you out.

[@stefanschneider3681]

👍👏💪😅

[@EgoChip]

A device this ugly does not deserve to be repaired. What were Nintendo thinking with that colour? Baby shit green, really?

[@IAmNeomic]

It's actually supposed to be the same shade of green as Yoshi.

[@dr_ned_flanders]

first

[@StezStixFix]

😀👍

[@chrissheppard342]

The music in this video so distracting. Why do u even have it on.

[@BoopTheSynth]

this was painfull to watch please watch a tutorial next time