Sega Genesis Model 1 repair (cart slot repair in general)

[gamer2]

Ok, I have a sega Genesis model 1 that will not read carts, I have tried cleaning the connector with Cotton Swabs, I have even tried cheese cloth and a credit card. Are there any other ways to clean cart slots that are much more effective?

[zylon]

My weapon of last resort is 400 grit autobody sandpaper folded over a couple times. Check for bent pins in the slot first.

[Koopa64]

You tried cleaning the slot with cotton swabs? How did you get those cotton fibers out of there? Well, either way, my most recommended solution is the easiest:

 

Take a cartridge

wet it's edge connector in rubbing alcohol

insert and remove the cartridge from the console several times

dry off the cartridge

wet it again

repeat lines 3, 4 and 5 a couple more times

let everything dry for 5 - 10 minutes

[gamer2]

You tried cleaning the slot with cotton swabs? How did you get those cotton fibers out of there? Well, either way, my most recommended solution is the easiest:

 

Take a cartridge

wet it's edge connector in rubbing alcohol

insert and remove the cartridge from the console several times

dry off the cartridge

wet it again

repeat lines 3, 4 and 5 a couple more times

let everything dry for 5 - 10 minutes

 

 

I think I may have found the issue. Jumpers 2 and 4 are not making a connection like it should (the solder looks like it chipped away and is not touching the trace). I am gonna try a manual bridge for the jumpers using wires and see how that works.

[Hatta]

Blast the shit out of it with some contact cleaner or mass airflow sensor cleaner (automotive). Do this outside, of course. Then insert a cartridge a few times like Koopa said. Maybe wrap an old t-shirt (thin and not linty) around the edge and wet it down with solvent too. Repeat a few times. Dry thoroughly.

 

Contact cleaner is a better solvent than alcohol, and it's under pressure so there's a mechanical advantage too. Worst case scenario, if nothing else works and the pins aren't bent, put it in the dishwasher.