NES cartridge connector repair

[davidbrit2]

My NES is getting so flaky, I think Tony the Tiger is going to start advertising it soon.

I've already tightened the pins on the connector, with minimal results. I've also replaced the carriage. Is there any kind of solvent I could soak the connector in to remove corrosion and oxidation without destroying it outright?

[Parodius Duh!]

just buy a new 72 pin connector for like $10 bucks on ebay or do a google search mad people sell them.

[VideoGameRescue]

Ya all the work you've put in you could have just replaced it

[davidbrit2]

The weird thing is I did replace it, about a month ago. Maybe it's time to open up some of my carts and give them the pencil eraser treatment.

[Cornelius]

The replacements in general suck.

First thing is to clean your games. Tons of threads around here about different ways to do that. Search for 'metal polish' and you'll find some threads I've posted in. Usually this is the biggest problem people have but they always blame the connector.

Second is to clean the original connector. Lots of options here, too, but I like to fold very very fine sandpaper over a CC and stick it in the connector, then do the same with an ethanol soaked rag or cotton paper.

I'd say 90% of the time this gets it working VERY well, if not perfectly.

If you need to, then tighten the connector using something to gently pull back each contact (be very careful!). I use a clipped off paperclip.

Last thing is a new connector or better a salvaged one from an otherwise dead NES.

[Jaruff]

For the games:

http://www.amazon.com/Eagle-One-1035605-6PK-Nevr-Dull-Wadding/dp/tech-data/B001IXQHBY

Stuff works miracles. You can get a single jar at your local Wal-Mart and likely hardware store too.

Cornelius' suggestion is good. For extra protection, however, use WD-40 on the games AND system after you've finished. That will give you an extra layer of protection going forward. Works for me.

[Gameguy]

Clean the games thoroughly, get a cleaning kit to clean the console connectors. Most games start up right away for me, I've never replaced any connector and I don't plan to. A cleaning kit is pretty much the best way to clean a console connector.

[sloan]

No need to buy replacement 72-pin connectors for the consoles. I have bought them in the past, but had better success with this:

Take the console apart and remove the spring loaded cartridge tray, exposing the 72-pin connector. Fold a piece of 400 grit sandpaper in half, grit side out, and run it back and forth about 5 or 6 times between the connector pins. Next, soak an old toothbrush in 91% isopropyl alcohol and run it back and forth between the pins about 5-10 times. Reassemble the cartridge tray and console casing and it is ready to go.

Finally, no games should touch these cleaned console pins until they are thoroughly cleaned themselves. Run 400 grit or finer sandpaper over both sides of the cartridge connector pins a few times. Follow this treatment with a cotton swab soaked in 91% isopropyl alcohol, wiping the cartridge edge connector pins until no more gray to black residue comes off.

Go and enjoy your Nintendo Entertainment System, which should now play like the day it was new.