snes black screen

[mbannick]

So I got a couple of snes's recently and there is one in the bunch that powers on but it will just hang at a black screen on every game. I've tried every game I own but nothing boots except one and that game only makes it to the copyright screen before it freezes (terminator 2). So after searching the internet without any luck I though I would try here. What I've done so far is take it apart and clean up the 62 pin connector (which looked fine but I ended up cleaning it multiple times just to make sure). Visually the caps in the system look fine and overall the inside was pretty clean. I'm not sure its a connector issue because you would think after multiple attempts I would get something out of these other games and it will boot t2 every time (sometimes the screen is a little darker before it freezes). So, has anyone had this problem before? Have you managed to fix it? What should I try to fix the problem? It's an old model snes with the separate sound board if that helps since some people mention this as a reason for games not booting.

[Oldgamingfart]

The one time I had an issue like this was with a system that hadn't been used in years. It would only display a blank screen like yours. I simply left it on for a couple of hours then reset it a few times, and it worked fine after that.

I guess it might've been a capacitor issue, or possible dirty contacts on the power and reset switches. Have a play about with it, you never know it might just fix itself.

[mbannick]

Well what I find odd is it will actually display the copyright screen for terminator 2 every time I put it in. Everything else is just a blank screen. For what its worth I've already taken it apart and there really isn't any residue or damage on the power or reset switches. Also, I have tried leaving it on for a while and I still get the same results (I might just leave it on for a really long time and see if that does anything but i'm doubtful).

[l_oliveira]

Very likely that the sound module failed.

Most games will hang on a infinite loop if they cannot start the sound module.

Some will show stuff on the screen before they try to start the sound so that's what you got with the Terminator 2 cart.

[mbannick]

Yeah I have heard of this. Guess I'll buy a working sound card and see if that does anything. There is a slight audio pop when I power down the system (maybe just the tv?).

[mbannick]

Put in a new sound module and still nothing :(. Don't know what else it could be.

[l_oliveira]

You need to first check the easy things. It can be a broken trace. So look for broken traces, missing parts, oxidization.

[mbannick]

When I took it apart I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. I'll give the motherboard another look though. Also, I think I have some pictures of the motherboard if you want to take a look.

[l_oliveira]

Sure, why not ?