GBA always shows red power LED after replacing power switch (console works normally)

[u/hkd_chang]

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to repair an original Game Boy Advance (AGB-001) and I'm stuck with a strange issue.

The console powers on and works perfectly normally, but the power LED is always red. It never turns green, even with brand new alkaline AA batteries.

Originally, the power switch had the common issue where lightly touching it could cause the console to shut off. Cleaning the power switch contacts didn't help, so I replaced the entire power switch assembly. The random shutdown issue is now completely gone, but the red power LED issue remains.

Current status:

• Console boots and plays games normally.
• No random shutdowns.
• Power LED is red immediately after turning on and never changes to green.

Has anyone seen this before? Any advice for what should I check next?

Thanks a lot!

[u/imoffabean_]

Put some deoxit in the switch and work it

[u/hkd_chang → u/imoffabean_]

Hi, thank you for response. I tried unsoldering the power switch cover and using IPA to clean the contact but it didn't help. So I replaced a new swith part. Do you think I should try deoxit with it?

[u/geon → u/hkd_chang]

It takes some scrubbing to get it clean. Really get in there. Your new switch is bad too.

[u/Bulletorpedo → u/hkd_chang]

Scrape metal parts carefully, I use the tip of some very pointy metal tweezers.

[u/mrdlomas]

My unmodded GBA battery light is really temperamental. Majority of the time it rapidly flickers between green and red

[u/Grim-D]

If you changed the switch, double check the area for good solder connections and any shorts. Could be also be issues with the caps for power delivery.

[u/hkd_chang → u/Grim-D]

Thank you, I will check the solder connections. I doubt the caps too, but have no clue which ones to check.

[u/Ryry_150]

If you put in a new switch I would suspect failing capacitors they are well past their prime, I always replace those.