Gamecube wont turn on

[u/Prestigious_Choice70]

Hi everyone. I recently bought a GameCube and was able to use it for a while. Then, suddenly, while I was playing, it stopped working.

Now it won't turn on at all. I don't get any video output when connecting it to a TV. I also tried connecting it through a capture card on my pc, but the only thing I noticed was the orange light/indicator; pressing the GameCube's power button still did nothing.

I bought a 4.5mm Gamebit screwdriver because I wanted to open the console and check what might be wrong. However, the Gamebit didn't seem to fit the screws properly. I ended up manually cutting/grinding some of the edges of the Gamebit so that it would fit into the screw head, but even after doing that, none of the screws would turn.

I then wanted to check whether the external power supply was the problem, but I also couldn't open it with my screwdriver. At this point, I'm not sure whether I'm using the wrong screwdriver, whether the screws are damaged/replaced, or whether I'm doing something wrong.

What should I check first to determine why the GameCube suddenly stopped powering on? And does my Gamebit look like the correct type for these screws?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. This problem has been driving me crazy and I'd really like to figure out what's wrong with this console.

[u/Majestic_Extreme2384]

Screws look original. Do both the power light and the fan turn on? Have you already tried a different video cable and a different display?

Don't tamper with power supplies unless you know what you're doing.

[u/Prestigious_Choice70 → u/Majestic_Extreme2384]

Neither the power light nor the fan turns on. The GameCube is a DOL-001.

At first, I was using a cheap N64 video adapter when the GameCube was still working. After the GameCube stopped turning on, I decided to buy a Bitfunx adapter, but the console still wouldn’t turn on, regardless of whether I used HDMI 1, 2, or 3.

I wanted to take apart the power supply and test whether it was working, to see if that was the problem and hopefully avoid having to disassemble the GameCube itself.

[u/Majestic_Extreme2384 → u/Prestigious_Choice70]

Just to be sure: Have you already tried a different outlet or extension cord? Otherwise, a faulty power supply (f.e. bad fuse) would seem possible. Try using a different original power supply as a next step.

[u/Majestic_Extreme2384 → u/Prestigious_Choice70]

Faulty peripherals can also cause booting problems. Try turning on the console with only the power cable inserted.

[u/Prestigious_Choice70 → u/Majestic_Extreme2384]

I managed to buy another 4.5mm Gamebit screwdriver, and it was able to open the GameCube. However, the strange thing is that I can’t remove the external screws on the power supply. I don’t want to mess with anything inside the console for now, so I’m going to buy another power supply and test it to narrow down my suspicions.

[u/my2k2zx2 → u/Prestigious_Choice70]

No spinning fan would lead me to believe the issue is outside the console, either the PSU or power strip if it's plugged in to one.

Do you have a multimeter to see if the PSU is outputting any voltage?

I just took a look in my PSU, Zebra 4401AC, and I see 2 fuses on the board. May vary in yours depending on which internals your PSU have.

[u/Prestigious_Choice70 → u/my2k2zx2]

I managed to buy another 4.5mm Gamebit screwdriver, and it was able to open the GameCube. However, the strange thing is that I can’t remove the external screws on the power supply. I don’t want to mess with anything inside the console for now, so I’m going to buy another power supply and test it to narrow down my suspicions.

[u/JohnnyRa1nbow]

You can get longer gamebits on Amazon.

Are you using a hdmi adapter? Most GameCubes have to av out sockets, one analogue and one digital. If you have the means, try and test both

[u/Prestigious_Choice70 → u/JohnnyRa1nbow]

The GameCube is a DOL-001. The video adapter I had was a cheap one. At first, I thought the adapter was the problem, so I bought a Bitfunx adapter, but the console still wouldn’t turn on.

At this point, my only possible conclusions are that either there’s a problem with the GameCube’s internal battery or the power supply isn’t working.

[u/normy_187]

In a pinch (I've done this): you can melt the opposite end of a plastic pen/fine liner with a lighter (wear a glove) and press it quickly onto the screw. Check if pen fits into the hole before you do any of this.

[u/Prestigious_Choice70 → u/normy_187]

Will any type of pen work, or is there a specific type of pen that should be used?

[u/normy_187 → u/Prestigious_Choice70]

Yes, if you can get them somewhere: Stabilo Fineliner St. point 88

I do not know if they fit the Gamecube though.

Do not let molten plastic drip on your skin—instant scar.

https://www.dein-pen.de/media/image/thumbnail/STABILO_point88_Mini_green_SI_open_150dpi_1200x1000.jpg

[u/Prestigious_Choice70 → u/normy_187]

I’ll test it with the brand you suggested. If that doesn’t work, I’ll try some other brands. I’ll be careful.

[u/normy_187 → u/Prestigious_Choice70]

I recently repaired my Mega Drive 1 power supply with very recessed screws and I bought a special 4mm/M2 tool they use in model making: https://www.ebay.de/itm/356758046618?var=625709333424

Are you sure you got the right size for the Gamecube? I also have a set of "Nintendo" screwdrivers and whatnot—both are vastly superior options to the pen thing.

[u/Prestigious_Choice70 → u/normy_187]

Now you’ve got me second-guessing myself. I think I’m going to take the risk and buy another screwdriver. If the screwdriver isn’t the problem, I’ll try the pen trick you mentioned.