That signature NES flashing screen & power light

Before boiling anything or replacing the original connector, did you try cleaning your game cartridges? Believe it or not, this more often than not is the problem. Most people have *never* cleaned their games and then they wonder why they won't work. Since you cleaned the connector, all that is left is to clean a game. If you have the appropriate screw driver bit, open a game and clean the contacts. You might try using a pencil eraser to rub the contacts first. Then after that wipe with a q-tip and alcohol. Dry it, and then try it out.

 

I have a copy of Dr Mario that has also had a clean with Isopropyl. It's my test cart for this operation at the moment.
(I clean all my cartridge based games with isopropyl, I was told it was one of the best things to use)
I don't have the tool to open them up, but cleaning the reachable contacts worked for my SNES, figure this one'll be similar.
Anyway, tomorrow, I'll have time to do the boiling thing. I will give the cart another test after re-cleaning to be doubly sure that it isn't cart grime before I do.

 

I tried the boiling trick on about 4 cart connectors and didnt really seem to make much difference, not sure if its to do with the hard water type we have in my area or something else. in the end i just got replacements and work like a charm

 

+1 for using a pencil rubber first before cleaning with IPA.

 

I'll give it shot, Jim.

 

I recommend you not use a mere pencil eraser. Use the Staedtler, because GERMAN ERASERS ARE THE BEST IN THE WORLD!
If the problem persists, the problem may be bigger than your cart connector.

 

I put back my original cart connector, and found that it really needed a cleaning. But I noticed an odd behavior with Soccer. White screen at startup, then reset and it works. Anybody had that happen?

 

Never use a pencil eraser. They're not designed for it, they leave residue. Isopropyl alcohol is the correct method.

Funny you should mention Staedtler, dc16. They make great erasers, so I asked their opinion. Their scientists told me they don't recommend it!

Boiling the connectors will not do them any good, either. And yes, there are some really dire, cheap replacements.

 

Did you clean the silver connecting pins on the motherboard (they tend to be overlooked). Otherwise lockout chips are known to malfunction so it is imperative to disable it before declaring the pin connector dead (all it takes is a flat head screwdriver no need for soldering). Also, its not as risky as it sounds to realign the pins as long as you are overly gentle (they generally only need to be moved half a centimeter.)

 

I have a PAL NES that had the exact symptom, the only way I could get it to work was to mod the lock out chip. I have a Tutorial on how to do so in my Youtube thread.
I can link it if you want..