DS Lite - no power

[fahlim003]

Recently picked one up. When plugged into the charger holds a solid orange light but the power switch does not power on. I swapped the battery with a known working one and that too yielded nothing. I've looked this up and I've yet to find a definitive reason behind this fault as it doesn't list it as one of the common fuse related issues. If anyone would like to clarify, please do so.

[Gameguy]

Is the power switch working? Maybe the switch is broken.

[fahlim003]

Is the power switch working? Maybe the switch is broken.

Power switch has resistance as I'd expect, doesn't seem loose or damaged for what it's worth.

[Ozito]

Does the green light flicker at all?

[fahlim003]

Does the green light flicker at all?

Nope, nothing at all. As mentioned, it charges on solid orange but nothing happens when toggling the power switch.

[Ozito]

I would advice you to disassemble the unit and check with a multimeter the two fuses, even if it's not one of the symptoms.

Usually a broken fuse still gives you a green flash.

Here's a disassembly guide
There's no need to completely remove the motherboard to test the fuses.

And here's where the fuses are located.


Another reason for not booting could be a broken screen, it doesn't have to be visible, but it could be a teared ribbon on the top screen.
But when that's the issue, the screen often flashes quickly and then off.

--EDIT--
I found this thread over at iFixit ,describing the same problem.





--EDIT#2--
Also besides checking the fuses and inductor L2 that was mentioned in the ifixit thread, check if inductor L4 is in in place.
L4 is located on the front side of the mobo, to the right of the "start" and "select" button.

[GNJMSTR]

I gotta open mine up. Pretty sure my button is broke on the inside. It has resistance and all when you press it, and it returns. The light comes on when it's charging. When I shake the DS I can hear rattling by the switch, I'm pretty sure the switch is broke inside. Saw some mods for to fix this, but I don't have the screwdriver for the DS yet.

Would be sweet if there was some way to bypass the power switch from the outside without needing tools to get in.

[Ozito]

I gotta open mine up. Pretty sure my button is broke on the inside. It has resistance and all when you press it, and it returns. The light comes on when it's charging. When I shake the DS I can hear rattling by the switch, I'm pretty sure the switch is broke inside. Saw some mods for to fix this, but I don't have the screwdriver for the DS yet.

Would be sweet if there was some way to bypass the power switch from the outside without needing tools to get in.

That rattling sound is most probable the L2 inductor that has come loose.
It's located near the power switch.

You are going to need a soldering iron to solder it back in place.