The popping noise syndrome is often considered as one of the most horrendous and expensive 3DS problems to fix locally.
Symptoms:
- After pressing the Power button, the blue LED indicator will light up but it will be immediately followed by a popping or static noise before the system completely shuts down.
- A brief flash of light on both screens will appear simultaneously with the aforementioned popping or static noise.
- The only way to prevent this is by unfolding the 3DS top screen at an angle of 45 degrees or less and to maintain this position as you use your system. This is further explained below.
- The 3D may or may not work properly. For example, the 3D may appear permanently active on its maximum setting even though the 3D depth slider is turned off.
Possible Causes:
There are several factors that may cause this to happen. Three of the most common causes are a defective or damaged upper LCD, a torn ribbon cable (sometimes called as the flex ribbon), or a fried motherboard. The 3DS itself is sturdy but if the system is handled roughly, frequently dropped at a significant height, or if it is constantly compressed with adequate crushing pressure, then it can tear the ribbon cable or damage the LCD and nearby components. Splashing liquid on the 3DS is equally devastating if not more as well.
The Regular 3DS and the old 3DS XL are likely candidates to this problem because of their clam-shell design. Theoretically, the New 3DS XL is also susceptible but we do not have sufficient data to confirm New 3DS XL cases at the time of writing.
Solutions:
According to Nintendo's official support article for this problem, the system will need to be repaired. Unfortunately, there are no certified Nintendo Service Centers in our country. Since we are outside North America, the Nintendo Warranty (manufacturer warranty) mentioned by the Operations Manual does not cover us at all. The only assurance we can utilize is the store warranty offered by local retail stores.
If your system is still covered under store warranty, we recommend that you return to the place of purchase and coordinate with them for support.
Only a number of individuals and establishments have the necessary experience to check 3DS systems so if your system is out of warranty, please coordinate with the following (remember, their prices may vary):
- i.TECH SM North branch - (02)332-2871
- Mr. Ei-tran Tehserak +639435628774 / Pinoy 3DS Marketplace - thread
- Mr. Mark Cabradilla
- Mr. Robert Abellar Jr. +63918-334-2986 / Exceline Stationary Shoppe & Desktop Publishing, 3F Shoppesville Plus, Greenhills
If you know other trusted 3DS technicians, kindly refer them to us so we can add them to the list.Depending on the establishment, your system's model, and its actual problem/recommended solution, total costs can go as high as P2,000+ including parts and service charge. Attempting to repair it on your own can be very risky especially if you do not have any experience. Aside from the lack of replacement parts, the *steps involved in LCD removal can be far too complex for novices. *not official instructions, link included only for reference.
Other Options:
Replacing the LCD screen requires a decent sum of money. Because of this, some people would rather:
- Buy a new system and use one of the two possible temporary workarounds mentioned below to perform a System Transfer.
- Sell the defective system. Technicians can still use it for spare parts.
Temporary Workarounds:
The following techniques are only short-term workarounds. The long-term solutions mentioned above remain the best answers for this issue.
- Unfold the 3DS top screen at an angle of 45 degrees or less and maintain this position as you play:
- UPDATE: Sadly, DeelinF's workaround video is no longer available on Youtube
Sources:
System Makes a Crackling or Popping Sound, then Powers Off
Nintendo 3DS Popping Noise
Nintendo 3DS Upper LCD Replacement
