Repair an N64

Mr_Grinch

Some friends recently received an N64, it was free, so they can't take it back! The problem is as follows:

When the on switch is pressed up, you can hear the tv pop briefly as though a signal was sent to it but cut off immediately. The n64 power light is on but no sound or video can be seen/heard.

To get it to work they need to switch the system on, remove the power pack and plug it back in (when the switch is in the on position). Does anyone have any idea why? Is it something I could fix? I had a quick nosey at the underside and it appears the N64 uses some very odd screws, how am I best to get inside to have a nosey?

Cheers for any help guys.

Masqued Man

As for what causes it, I'm not quite sure, but I have a general idea. This problem can be caused by one of two things:

1. The contacts on the cartridge or N64's teeth are worn out.
2. Some unknown problem with the power supply.

Clearly, your friends' problem is #2. I don't understand precisely what causes it to happen. However, I have had this happen to me. When I turn it on abruptly, the TV pops, but gets no signal, just like in your friends' case. However, slowly moving the power switch from the "off" position to the "on" position stops the problem from occurring, (or at least it seems to. It's possible thatit is just a coincidence.)

Since I don't know what causes it, I don't know how to "permanently" repair it. However, I can point you in the right direction if you want to try anyway. The N64's bottom uses 4.5 mm security bit screws, (or at least American models do.) Estarland is currently out of stock. You could try eBay, instead.

If you don't want to shell out money for a bit, there are methods to creating a 4.5 mm bit. One involves melting the end of an old plastic pen casing, and pressing it against a 4.5 mm screw head, until the plastic solidifies in the negative shape of the screw bit. You can then use that as a screwdriver for the oddly shaped screw heads.

Hope that helped.

CarolinaBBQ

I had the exact same problem when i put my 64 back in rotation after 4 or 5 years. It took a couple of days of trying but I eventually got it working after wiping the contacts with a Qtip and alcohol. Blowing also helped....just treated it like a regular NES problem.

It actually came back on after my last attempt to test before I sold it to a game store. It must have known what was about to happen and willed itself back from the grave to be with me.

Mr_Grinch

Cheers for the advice folks! I'll pass it on to my friend suggesting I'll open it up at some point if they want me to, or they can just keep it as it is (after all, it's fiddly but it works).

ArcSyn

That or call Nintendo. They'll offer support for the N64 until about 2050 I think..

acidlacedpenguin

check for broken solder contacts near the power switch and near where the power pack plugs in.