How do I deal with these buttons?

Question

New Nintendo 3DS XL

The Nintendo 3DS XL 2015, marketed as the New Nintendo 3DS XL, was released October 11, 2014 in Japan and February 13, 2015 in North America.

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Theg_ @theg18747

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crwdns2931729:0crwdne2931729:0: Mha 8, 2023

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How do I deal with these buttons?

UPDATE: I’ve made it past the motherboard and got to the buttons area, which I’ve swapped out the silicone bit with. Unfortunately, it didn’t fix the original problem, which was the A button needed significantly more pressure than usual to register. I think I should either get the sticker that covers the buttons on the motherboard, which I’ve checked and can confirm looks fine for the most part, or jump the gun and get a new button motherboard.

It also seems that my L button has stopped working as well; pressing down on it regardless of pressure doesn’t input anything.

Any ideas?

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@theg18747 Have you tried a screwdriver that's one size bigger?

crwdns2934271:0Mha 8, 2023crwdnd2934271:0 Dany crwdne2934271:0

@dannish I have, but the problem there is that it has the same result. I’ve attempted using a #00 and #000 Phillips head screwdriver for all of the unproblematic screws, and got them out easy, but I can’t say the same for the remaining two.

crwdns2934271:0Mha 8, 2023crwdnd2934271:0 Theg_ crwdne2934271:0

@theg18747 if you try a #0 does it slip?

crwdns2934271:0Mha 9, 2023crwdnd2934271:0 Dany crwdne2934271:0

@dannish The two #0 screwdrivers I’ve been using can just barely catch on to the motherboard screws, but the #00 one can do it more efficiently. I’ve tried to use the #0 on the more stubborn ones, but it’s only resulted in it bumping over.

crwdns2934271:0Mha 9, 2023crwdnd2934271:0 Theg_ crwdne2934271:0

@theg18747 yeah #0 is too big then. I would try a better quality screwdriver like a Wera, sometimes they can pull out screws other drivers can't.

I really would not recommend what the other guy said, lubricant residue on electronics is going to be hard to remove.

crwdns2934271:0Mha 9, 2023crwdnd2934271:0 Dany crwdne2934271:0

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@theg18747 Have you tried a screwdriver that's one size bigger? — Dany
@dannish I have, but the problem there is that it has the same result. I’ve attempted using a #00 and #000 Phillips head screwdriver for all of the unproblematic screws, and got them out easy, but I can’t say the same for the remaining two. — Theg_
@dannish The two #0 screwdrivers I’ve been using can just barely catch on to the motherboard screws, but the #00 one can do it more efficiently. I’ve tried to use the #0 on the more stubborn ones, but it’s only resulted in it bumping over. — Theg_
@theg18747 yeah #0 is too big then. I would try a better quality screwdriver like a Wera, sometimes they can pull out screws other drivers can't.

I really would not recommend what the other guy said, lubricant residue on electronics is going to be hard to remove. — Dany

JustFixIt @eureneh crwdns2934065:0crwdne2934065:0: 37 2 · Answer 1 · 2023-08-09T07:58:21-07:00

JustFixIt @eureneh

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crwdns2931729:0crwdne2931729:0: Mha 9, 2023

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All I can suggest (if you haven't tried italready) is to use a releasing agent - it usually comes in an aerosol can. (I've used a lubrcant/water repelling spray such as WD 40, with success with stubborn screws). Then leave for a number of hours or overnight. It also helps lightly tapping the screwdriver while inserted in the troublesome screwhead wth a small hammer. The more often you repeat the lube- hamering process the better.

I also assume the screws are tiny and difficult to reach. In that casee, use a toothpick wth a drop of the lube or release agent to apply to the screwhead. It ought to trickle down the shaft eventually, especially when applying the tapping.

Also note that it is not usually an instant cure but may take a day or two before whatever is locking up the screw to dissolve or loosen it's grip.

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I’ll look into this as soon as I can get my hands on some WD-40. Thanks.

crwdns2934271:0Mha 9, 2023crwdnd2934271:0 Theg_ crwdne2934271:0

The correct name is Penetrating Fluid. Philips used to sell it under the name PENFLU. Don't think it is still available but you can try WICKES PENETRATING FLUID. In any event it is a useful item for your toolbox.

crwdns2934271:0Mha 10, 2023crwdnd2934271:0 JustFixIt crwdne2934271:0

WD-40 also has a special Penetrating Fluid in a can.

crwdns2934271:0Mha 10, 2023crwdnd2934271:0 JustFixIt crwdne2934271:0

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score 0 · Answer 2 · 2023-08-10T00:06:26-07:00

jayeff @jayeff

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crwdns2931729:0crwdne2931729:0: Mha 10, 2023

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Hi @theg18747

Probably what you need to use is a JIS #000 size screwdriver as described in the ifixit Nintendo 3DS XL 2015 A,B,X,Y, Start or Select Button Replacement guide and not a Philips #000.
Here's a link that explains the difference

@theg18747

It would be hard to file the tip of the Philips driver. See the image of the tips that explains the difference between the two tips

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Question; would just sanding/filing down a Phillips #000 work just as well in the place of a JIS?

Like I’ve said, I don’t think it’s a matter of the screwdriver being wrong, rather the screws in question just being in too deep. I’ll try to get my hands on a JIS ASAP, but I think I should ask something like this beforehand.

crwdns2934271:0Mha 11, 2023crwdnd2934271:0 Theg_ crwdne2934271:0

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New Nintendo 3DS XL

How do I deal with these buttons?

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Update (08/11/23)

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