You do want to remove the screen. Clean the connector with some isopropyl alcohol and cotton tip applicator. Check the ribbon cable for tears, corrosion or frayed ends. Check the button with a multimeter in ohm mode, to see if you have continuity when on and no continuity when off. It also depends on how dark is dark.
I bought a refurbished SP from etsy wit ha fancy paint job. The unit appears to charge but when I use it the red light comes on after about 3 mins. Either the unit is not charging, the battery is bad, or the connector/circuit board is bad. I cant seem to google similar problems. Is this common
First up, the charge indicator light does not work (or at least, it doesn't change color until long after the console is unusable). For all of the issues mentioned below, the battery indicator light is green. The only way I know the battery is low is how long it has been off of the charger and sometimes, when the situation is dire, a multimeter.
The gba wont power on at all so idk if thats an accurate measurement. Reads at .33 ma i think, Cant tell if any bridges or shorts, I’ve visually inspected it though close up with a light. Tried to put some iso in the power switch and move it back and forth but didnt notice any difference.
The Game Boy Advance SP power LED is always RED even on new batteries or LED will flicker/ will restart randomly or if jolted. The most effective method to clean the power switch is to disassemble the switch and ensure everything is clean. Remove all the oxidation and carbon buildup from the inside-out.
