Welcome to the forum! It's great you're trying to repair your Nintendo DS Lite independently. If the console isn't turning on after replacing the bottom screen, there could be several reasons for this issue. Here's a checklist of things to consider and troubleshoot:
1. Check the Battery Connection
- Loose or disconnected battery: The battery might not be properly connected. Double-check the battery connection to ensure it's securely plugged in. A loose connection can prevent the system from powering on.
- Battery charge: Ensure the battery is charged or, if it's old, it might be dead and need to be replaced.
2. Examine the Ribbon Cables
- Bottom screen cable: The ribbon cable connecting the bottom screen to the motherboard could have been misaligned, damaged, or disconnected during the screen replacement. Even though you replaced the bottom screen, it’s important to ensure that the ribbon cable is securely plugged into its socket.
- Other cables: While working on the DS Lite, other cables might get knocked loose. Double-check all internal connections, including the power button, speakers, and other components.
3. Check the Power Button
- Button mechanism: If you handled the power button during disassembly, it might have been displaced, or the contacts could have been damaged. Could you ensure the power button functions correctly and properly contacts the internal switch?
4. Inspect the Screen Replacement
- Short circuit or improper installation: The bottom screen or the ribbon cable might have been installed improperly or could be shorting out the system. If any part of the screen or its cable presses against something it shouldn't be, it could prevent the system from powering on. Could you double-check the screen placement and make sure no connections are shorted?
- Static electricity: If the replacement screen was mismanaged (such as not grounding yourself), static electricity could have damaged the motherboard or screen. If you suspect this, try unplugging everything, including the battery, and leaving the device unpowered before reconnecting.
5. Examine the Motherboard
- Loose screws or parts: Sometimes, during reassembly, a screw or small part might have fallen into a spot it shouldn't be, causing a short or interference with the system. Check to ensure no screws are loose or misplaced.
- Physical damage: Ensure the motherboard was not damaged during disassembly or screen replacement. If any components were damaged or pins bent during the process, the DS Lite could be prevented from turning on.
6. Perform a Hard Reset
- Remove the battery and leave it out for 5-10 minutes. Then, put the battery back in and try turning it on again. This can sometimes reset internal components, preventing the device from powering up.
- No SD card or peripherals: Try removing any external SD cards or peripherals, as they can sometimes cause boot issues if improperly inserted.
7. Check for Overheating
- If the device was powered on while being reassembled, it may have overheated, mainly if you worked on it for an extended period. Let the DS Lite cool down for a while, and try powering it on again.
8. Consider Re-checking the Screen Replacement
- Screen failure: The replacement screen may be defective or incompatible with your system. If everything else checks out, try reinstalling the original screen (if it still works) to see if the DS Lite powers on. This will help you confirm whether the issue is with the new screen or something else.
What to Do Next
- Recheck all connections: Review everything again—battery, ribbon cables, internal parts—to ensure nothing is loose or disconnected.
- Test with original parts: Revert to the original bottom screen and check if the DS Lite powers on. This can help isolate the problem to the screen or another component.
- Test with a new battery: If it is old or you suspect it might be dead, try replacing it with a new one.
Hopefully, one of these steps will help you identify the issue with your DS Lite! If it still doesn't turn on after all this, there might be a deeper issue with the motherboard or a specific internal component, which may require professional repair. But don’t give up! Many repairs are possible with the right approach.
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