N64 Trouble. Please Help.

[HurricaneAndrew]

I am having trouble with my N64. It seems to not want to make good comnnection with the AV cable, but when I open it up, everything looks fine. Atleast there seems to be no loose connections or anything.

I have changed the AV cable, but it still has the problem with the new one.

What could I do to fix it?

[TheDomesticInstitution]

I have opened a few N64s, but I don't remember the area around the AV out that well. I have never had a problem with this area on an N64, so there reallywasn't a reason for me to inspect it closely. I would recommend inspecting for loose solder points, or capacitors that are leaking (if there are caps around the AV jacks).

Of course, you might want to be a little more descriptive with your symptoms and let us know what's exactly happening with your AV port. Someone may have had a similar experience and may be able to tell you how they fixed it.

[BetaWolf47]

Of course, you might want to be a little more descriptive with your symptoms and let us know what's exactly happening with your AV port. Someone may have had a similar experience and may be able to tell you how they fixed it.

I second this. A lot of people post the same problem about N64: "Help! My N64 turns on, but there's no audio or video! What do I do?" If this is the problem you're having, then the issue is dirty games, not your AV output.

[Game Freak]

i second betawolf's suggestion. I have that problem a lot with my games. I *expect* them to work rather well (seeing as it still is not that old of a system) but I usually have to pull the cartridges out about half a centimeter or so before they will run the game. Otherwise it just shows a black screen. Do you have a black screen?

[HurricaneAndrew]

Yes, I have checked for loose solder points. They all seem to be intact.

I willl try cleaning the games, and will post back with the results... I will feel really stupid if that's the problem, but I am almost sure I have tried cleaning them.

[HurricaneAndrew]

The cartridges being dirty wasn't the problem.

I turn the switch on, the power light on the console comes on, but the TV screen remains black.

Another reason I think it is the AV output is becuase I have an automatic AV selector box with lights indicating which system is on. When I turnon the N64 the selector does nothing. I have tried the different inputs on the box but nothing happens with any of them.

[TheDomesticInstitution]

The cartridges being dirty wasn't the problem.

I turn the switch on, the power light on the console comes on, but the TV screen remains black.

Another reason I think it is the AV output is becuase I have an automatic AV selector box with lights indicating which system is on. When I turnon the N64 the selector does nothing. I have tried the different inputs on the box but nothing happens with any of them.

Do you see a slight flicker on the TV, when you turn the N64 on and off? If you do, it's probably an issue with the cart not reading properly. If cleaning your games thoroughly doesn't work, you may want to take the connector off of the N64 and make sure no dirt has fallen down in the pins, or that no corrosion has started where the connector attaches to the motherboard. Dust and dirt can work their way in here, and it's hard to see without taking it apart. I had an N64 recently that wouldn't read games, which I had a dirty connector.

[HurricaneAndrew]

I see no flickering, no flashing, or anything.

I will check the connector for corrosion.

[BetaWolf47]

Another reason I think it is the AV output is becuase I have an automatic AV selector box with lights indicating which system is on. When I turnon the N64 the selector does nothing. I have tried the different inputs on the box but nothing happens with any of them.

That's different then. If your TV displays the word "INPUT" or "VIDEO" when nothing is turned on, does that go away when you turn it on?

[crazzywolfie]

have you tried pluging it straight into your tv?

[HurricaneAndrew]

That's different then. If your TV displays the word "INPUT" or "VIDEO" when nothing is turned on, does that go away when you turn it on?


The TV has "AUX", meaning front auxillary AV ports. It doesn't go away when the unit is turned on.


have you tried pluging it straight into your tv?

Yes, I have tried that, but still nothing.

[crazzywolfie]

if all else fail get a new one. they are dirt cheap.

[HurricaneAndrew]

if all else fail get a new one. they are dirt cheap.
I believe that is what I am going to do... I have tried it completely apart and cleaned the contacts, checked every part fro signs of damage. Still nothing.

So an N64 has been put on my shopping list.