Gamecube not recognizing controllers anymore. Help!

[Golgo 14]

I recently bought a used Gamecube. It would turn itself off after about 30 minutes, so I opened and cleaned it (disgusting, btw). Anyway, now neither one of my controllers work. One of them is a wireless controller and the receiver that plugs into the system doesn't light up at all.

I guess I did something wrong when I was cleaning the system and I'm going to open it up and see what I can do. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Should I be looking for anything in particular?

[Jontendo]

I recently bought a used Gamecube. It would turn itself off after about 30 minutes, so I opened and cleaned it (disgusting, btw). Anyway, now neither one of my controllers work. One of them is a wireless controller and the receiver that plugs into the system doesn't light up at all.

I guess I did something wrong when I was cleaning the system and I'm going to open it up and see what I can do. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Should I be looking for anything in particular?

Double-check the ribbon cable that connects between the controller 'header' board & system. That's the first thing I can think of.

[Golgo 14]

Thanks for the quick response, Jontendo! That ribbon's in good shape and looks connected well. Any other ideas?

This is a real bummer. I now have two useless cubes. The other recognizes controllers just fine, but won't load discs. This is what I get for straying from the world of cartridges.

[Jontendo]

Thanks for the quick response, Jontendo! That ribbon's in good shape and looks connected well. Any other ideas?

This is a real bummer. I now have two useless cubes. The other recognizes controllers just fine, but won't load discs. This is what I get for straying from the world of cartridges.

I'd try swapping in the known good controller input board to help rule it out.

I don't remember if GCN is the same way, but Dreamcasts have a pico fuse on the board that can often restore function if replaced (soldering required). I'm not too sure what kills 'em in the first place (static, flaky 3rd party controllers maybe?)

It sounds like you could probably get one fully functional 'cube outta the deal at least.

[GameMasterGuy]

Same thing happened to two of my friends years ago; one after only about a year, one after around four. Both of them swapped controllers while the consoles were turned on (even when I was over and warned them against it), and to this day I personally believe that that was the cause of the problem.

[DinnerX]

Same thing happened to two of my friends years ago; one after only about a year, one after around four. Both of them swapped controllers while the consoles were turned on (even when I was over and warned them against it), and to this day I personally believe that that was the cause of the problem.

I've never had a problem. I think the gamecube was made for that. I've frequently plugged in another controller while the system was on. Unlike the N64, games will recognize them.

[Jontendo]

I've never had a problem. I think the gamecube was made for that. I've frequently plugged in another controller while the system was on. Unlike the N64, games will recognize them.

It does make me wonder which (if any) systems are at risk from 'hot-plugging' peripherals.
With PCs, this was considered rather risky with Firewire. I'd think any reasonably modern console would be safe though (just don't pull a memory card during a read/write).

At any rate, I still say try a controller board swap and use caution (first party peripherals & cold-plugging only).

[Golgo 14]

At any rate, I still say try a controller board swap and use caution (first party peripherals & cold-plugging only).

I guess I dont have anything to lose, but how do I connect the ribbon to the new controller board? I'm not very good with technical stuff like this.

[Jontendo]

I guess I dont have anything to lose, but how do I connect the ribbon to the new controller board? I'm not very good with technical stuff like this.

* First, there are 'clips' (Lego man hand-shaped) at the sides of the controller port assembly that should release very easily (use your finger to widen these a bit while pulling forward and they'll let go). The assembly should tilt out towards you (lay it over carefully as the ribbon is still attached).

* Now, with your thumb on top of the ribbon and index finger on the bottom, pull it out of the connector. Alternate pulling one side, then the other slightly towards you as you go to help it along.

The picture here shows the only end you need to unplug/replug for the swap.
http://www.nesrepairshop.com/online_sho ... pt002a.jpg

* When you're ready to plug in the ribbon of the replacement assembly, repeat "Alternate pulling one side, then the other slightly towards you" while pressing it into the connector (helps avoid snags & potential cable bending/creasing).

This video may also help (but you don't need to disassemble that deeply just to swap controller ports):

[Golgo 14]

Thanks for the help, man, but I think I'm gonna have to get a third cube. I replaced the controller ports, but it didn't help.

The wireless receiver lights up now which didn't happen before, so there is some sign of life there, but nothing happens when I press the buttons. I have an official controller too and it's no dice with that one either.

Also, instead of going to the game, the system now says I have to set the calendar which I obviously can't do without a working controller. Sucks!