Snes start buttons not working

The start buttons on my original snes are no longer working. I tired other controllers with the same result. Is this an issue with the controller ports? I've only tested this so far with a super gameboy since I'm waiting for my carts to get to my new place.

 

Could be. If it is, you can probably replace them with ports from a Super Famicom since it'd be much cheaper than sourcing SNES parts.

 

If it's only the start button (the rest works that is), it is not the controller port because all other controller functions are passed over the same wire.

 

It is probably worth opening your controllers to clean the contacts and rubber pads. The Start and Select region has been the most common of areas needing cleaning for the SNES controllers that I own.

 

I tried that. It's doing the same thing with my original controller as well as some new ones. OBTW this is on a super gameboy plugged in. I haven't tried with a regular cart.

 

That is weird. Only one button doesn't work on your SNES, despite testing a few?

 

Yeah pretty much. I've only been able to test with the super gameboy though. I don't have any other cartridges right now.

 

Might be lots of things, including CPU going bad. Hard to pinpoint like that.
I usually cross test because I have tons of consoles and parts so I just swap them around to isolate where the trouble is located.

 

OK. I checked and it seems like also the Up, Start, etc aren't working on controller port 1. I'm starting to think that it's the ports. Is there a place that has them cheap or should I just get a unit off ebay?

 

I agree with MaxWar. It must be an onboard chip going bad, if the ribbon cable on the controller port looks okay.

 

Think it might be the controller ports? I was thinking it might be the chips as well but controller 2 works fine.

 

You should make sure by trying a different Controller port ( front panel ) that is known to be working good.
Hard to say 100% otherwise.

 

I don't want to discourage you. I had a simillar problem, others too. In my case the B button wasn't working. Someone mentioned the the diodes are the problem and if not it's the cpu. So you can check the diodes.