SNES playing in black and white

[DobbyDobs123]

I've been having problems with my SNES displaying games in black and white lately. It started over the summer. I was playing a game and after about 45 min to an hour everything flickered and became just shades of grey. I had just gotten the game so I thought it was just an issue with the game itself. I didn't play my SNES for a few months after that and the next time I put in a game it was in full color.
Recently though I was playing DKC (a different game from when it first turned black and white) and after an hour of play the screen flickered and lost its color. It hasn't played in color since then.
I've checked and the TV wasn't the problem. I changed games and they are all in black and white now. I've tried a different AV cord too and it didn't help. Does anyone have any idea how to fix it?
Oh, and if it makes any difference its an NTSC model 1 SNES "modded" to play SFC games. Thanks!

[Ziggy]

I don't think it's the problem, but did you try cleaning the console?

I have a friend that told me his SNES went B&W and never went back. Though he's the kinda guy were if something breaks he throws it out and gets a new one

[DobbyDobs123]

I don't think it's the problem, but did you try cleaning the console?

I have a friend that told me his SNES went B&W and never went back. Though he's the kinda guy were if something breaks he throws it out and gets a new one

No I haven't tried to clean the console since I don't have the screw driver to open it. I guess I'll have to get one though since that seems to be the only other thing I can do. Thanks for the suggestion.

[zxqdms]

Here's someone's response on fixya.com about the same problem:

If you have tried all the standard tricks (checking tv, inputs correct, clean cartridges, etc) you may need to open up your super NES. once the top is off you'll see a motherboard protected by an aluminum cover plate. At the bottom left of the cover plate (just behind controller #1 input and immediately to the right of the power switch) you'll see a hole in the plate with an adjustable trim pot below on the motherboard. This may have become dusty over time like the volume controls on an old transistor radio. Use a jewellery screwdriver to move it back and forth a few times then return it to its original position (I adjusted mine with the power on and connected to the TV for optimum picture). This fixed the problem.

[Ziggy]

No I haven't tried to clean the console since I don't have the screw driver to open it. I guess I'll have to get one though since that seems to be the only other thing I can do. Thanks for the suggestion.

No, sorry, I didn't mean that. I meant clean the cartridge connector pins (the thing you plug the carts into).

Here's someone's response on fixya.com about the same problem:

Yeah, I was reading that too. This you will have to open the console to do. You need a 4.5mm security bit. Here's an eBay auction for 3.8mm and 4.5mm (3.8mm opens SNES carts, NES carts, etc)

http://cgi.ebay.com/3-8mm-4-5mm-SECURIT ... 4152ff1699

[DobbyDobs123]

Thanks for the responses. I turned my SNES on yesterday and it started playing in color without me doing anything to it. I have a feeling it may switch back to black and white so I'll definitely keep your suggestions in mind but for now I'm happy.

[Jamisonia]

how do you have it connected? RF, composite, s-video? I've seen happen a lot with my work on modifying snes jr for s-video. Usually its either the s-video pinout or connector. If you have connected composite or RF its most likely inside of the unit. The video chip is processing the color or something.

[bacteria]

It may well be a failing capacitor in the console. If/when the problem happens again, open up the console, if you see the end of a capacitor bulging, bowing or leaking, replace it with a similar spec - if this is the case and you need advice, feel free to PM me.