Original NES problem...unusual? *update...new problem*

[Kiko68]

Alright, so I've had a lot of experince with base NES consoles, and I haven't encountered a problem with any NES like this. Everyone knows that when you put the cartridge in, you push down so that the cart slot locks in place. This is where I'm having the problem. The cartridge slot will NOT lock in place, it just comes back up everytime I push down. I've tried everyway to make it lock down, but it never stays in place. Is there something that's holding the cart in place, maybe something has broken off? Anyways, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Kiko68

[skate323k137]

i don't know how to fix it, but in a pinch, a quarter on its side will hold the cart down just past where it usually locks in.

[HellHammer]

I had this happen once on a really beat up NES I found at a yard sale. I never figured out how to fix whatever it is that was broken (a small plastic clip, I assume), but you can still force it to make contact and play your games by stacking a second cartridge on top of the first one.

[everydayJOE]

I had a terrible time with this in the past. I feel you, they're is a solution. If you can get ahold of a 2 by 1 piece of plywood or trim, you can widge it in between the cartridge and the top of the casing. and then cut, as necessary. If you have a tight fit it can drastically help. I really recommend that you take your NES apart and replace the 72 pin connecter. I recommend the entire cleaning kit that gives you a bit to take apart cartridges and clean them also, along with etc. cleaning stuff. Here is a link that has instructions of assembly and to purchase the pin connector. I bought one and it works everytime I turn it on without even having to blow on the cartridges. Works like new!
LINK:
http://nintendorepairshop.com/shopexd.asp?id=78

[alienjesus]

my Nes plays even if the cartridge isnt locked down I thought that was normal.

[Kiko68]

Hey everyone, thanks for the help!

skate323k137 - Thanks for the quick response! Probably one of the easiest fixes around. This method works really well!

HellHammer - This gives me a good use for that non working copy of Super Mario Bros. / Duck Hunt hehe. I'll probably just keep it in there above my SMB3 for a while

everydayJOE - I was thinking about getting a cleaning kit, but as long as it still plays games, I'm going to hold out until it gets REALLY bad. The unit works well, just the darn cart slot won't stay down (until now, thanks guys!). If all else fails, I'll give it a tight fit by cutting a piece of 2 by 1.

alienjesus - You must have a pretty kick-ass NES then!

If anyone has any permanent fixes or solutions to why this happens, post them please! Thanks!

Kiko68

[vlame]

go in and clean it.

this happened to me when i tightened the screws for the cradle too tight.

[Xonticus]

go in and clean it.

this happened to me when i tightened the screws for the cradle too tight.

Yeah, I open quite a few NES's every month, and if you tighten the screws on the actual cart-lowering plastic TOO MUCH when attaching it, the plastic on the front will bend too much, and the locking pin will not be able to lock, because the plastic is too bowed.

Don't be afraid of opening one of thems. There is not much to them. Maybe someone opened it it and tightened the two screws on the front too much.

[MyNESstayFR3SH]

This problem actually is happening to my current system and it happened after I replaced the 72 pin connector so I guess what some of the posters said about tighting the screws to much is correct(i tend to do that with all screws(pauz)) What I did to fix it is nothing but keep pressing it down till the joint works. If that don't work I'll fix it by punting it out my window. To lazy to open up that joint again. lol.

[vlame]

wow, for once i was fucking right.