Resetting problem and solutions(DIY)

[Fable]

After reading mention of resetting problems, I thought this thread could be helpful to those still actively playing their DC's. The resetting problem is a common one, and caused me to place my Dreamcast in the basement as it was unplayable.But after some research and hands on learning, I found there is a few causes to the resetting and solutions.

Usually the reset problem is caused by heat expansion of circuit boards which lead to poor electrical connections.Located inside the DC is a transformer, which steps down the voltage so the components can handle it.The transformers generate heat, causing expansion.The transformer is located on the main power board, which is on the left hand side in the dreamcast above the Main mother board.The power board and mother board are connected with 6 pins.The heat from the transformer makes the board expand which in turn puts pressure on the pins.In time this can cause the pins to bend, giving a poor electrical connection that will cause your dreamcast to reset at random. To fix the problem:

1. Disconnect the power and all cables connected to the DC
2. Remove the modem
3. undo the four screws in the base
4. Remove the lid
   On the left hand side you will see the Main power board, with the GD rom
   assembly to the right.Connected to the power board with a grey
   cable is the power switch.At the power board end of the cable their is a white connector.Disconnect the cable by pulling up on the connector
5. undo the two brass screws holding the power board in place
6. at the base of the power board is a white connector with six pins sticking out.Gently lift the power board out of the dreamcast and off the pins.
7. check the pins and remove any debris.if they are really dirty use a bit of WD-40 on a rag to clean them. If the pins have obvious bend to them bend them forwards slightly.
8. using a small ammount of pressure,replace the power board.Do not force it back in
9. put it all back together and the problem should be gone

I have taken apart many controllers for my snes and ps2 for cleaning and this is no more difficult then they are.

If this doesn't help, or if you are having trouble with a particular game resetting, then the problem is likely the mvc2 GDrom laser. Clean the laser and if the problem is still there, watch laser as the game tries to load up.If it appears slow,or is making a little noise,then the track for the laser may be low on grease. In this case you will prob. need to replace the GDrom(good luck finding one) or replace the DC.

Disc Read Error

If you are experiencing a disc read error,the problem is likely the lever.When you close the lid,it pushes down on a black lever inside the DC. This lever can wear out in time,and if it does not push down properly the DC will load the disc.Solution,open up your DC.Remove the modem and you should be able to see the black lever.Push it and hold in down,then try loading up a game.If the game loads correctly without the disc scan error,then you have in fact found your problem.Get a piece of tape,use something sticky like a little piece of packing tape,and tape down the lever.If the problem shows up again sometime down the road just replace the tape.

Hope this helps and if you have any tips or tricks, repair and maintenence wise,post them here.

[Neo Matrix]

Now if only Andy would lock this, and keep it there for a LONG time... like, I dunno... 9 months? I won't get to do this with my DC until August.

[Northern Lights]

Your wish is my command...

Locked and stuck

Wait a minute, he doesn't want it locked

Unlocked

Ah well, it is still stuck.

[Fable]

I came across this today and thought I would add it to the thread.If you are experiencing a disc read error,the problem is likely the lever.When you close the lid,it pushes down on a black lever inside the DC. This lever can wear out in time,and if it does not push down properly the DC will load the disc.Solution,open up your DC.Remove the modem and you should be able to see the black lever.Push it and hold in down,then try loading up a game.If the game loads correctly without the disc scan error,then you have in fact found your problem.Get a piece of tape,use something sticky like a little piece of packing tape,and tape down the lever.If the problem shows up again sometime down the road just replace the tape.

[Neo Matrix]

I get this thing where I press Play on the options screen, it would look like it was starting to load, and then go back to the beginning again. Sort of like the reset, but it won't actually let the disc load in the first place...

Also, is there a reason for my Soul Calibur game to start the intro in green instead of the usual sand colour, and then have a load of errors... no scratches on the disc.

[Northern Lights]

Updated and fixed the coding to make it look nice.

[Fable]

Originally Posted by Neo Matrix

I get this thing where I press Play on the options screen, it would look like it was starting to load, and then go back to the beginning again. Sort of like the reset, but it won't actually let the disc load in the first place...

How often is it doing this? Every time you press play,only some of the time?if everytime you press play it goes back to the start without loading anything then you may be having trouble with the GDrom laser.

Originally Posted by Neo Matrix

Also, is there a reason for my Soul Calibur game to start the intro in green instead of the usual sand colour, and then have a load of errors... no scratches on the disc.

Again,GDrom laser.Clean the laser carefully.Try using some eyeglass cleaner and a lint free cloth.See if it feels loose at all.Listen to it and try watching to see if it is sluggish.Sometimes the heat from the transformer can dry out the grease in the track for the laser.

[six_sic_six]

I just casually visited this forum, since I used to be a huge DC fan, thanks for posting this info, very useful.

[Sk8plank]

Do i need to do one of these things to fix my DC? every time i turn it on, i have to reset the time and date. what's the problem with it?

[The Original M. Bison]

I just wanted to add that if you want to reset a game you hold L, R, A, B, X, Y, and hit start. Not to belittle anyone thinking no one didn't know, but just in case

[Fable]

Originally Posted by Sk8plank

Do i need to do one of these things to fix my DC? every time i turn it on, i have to reset the time and date. what's the problem with it?

That would be an Internal Memory problem. I used to know of a program you could use to reset the internal memory, but i cannot recall what it was. if I can find it, I will PM you.

[Surronded]

Thank you very much, I'll try it sometime

[necrotize666]

I need help!
I have 2 DC systems, one has the reset problem, one has the disc read problem.
I fixed the reset problem and the first works great!
However testing the second one with the disc read error did nothing. I even tried it with the lid OFF and holding down the black part of the switch, no luck! The laser moves noise free and the system tries to check the disc then stops and says please insert game disc.
CAN ANYONE PLEASE!

[gamertech]

Wow! Where to begin?

Originally Posted by Fable

...giving a poor electrical connection that will cause your dreamcast to reset at random...

If you've got bad connections: resolder them.

Originally Posted by Fable

If you are experiencing a disc read error,the problem is likely the lever.When you close the lid,it pushes down on a black lever inside the DC. This lever can wear out in time,and if it does not push down properly the DC will load the disc...Get a piece of tape,use something sticky like a little piece of packing tape,and tape down the lever.If the problem shows up again sometime down the road just replace the tape.

You're right about the lever switch. A far better fix, however, is gently heat the lever with a directed heatgun or lighter and reshape it back to its original curvature. Or, of course, replace it if possible. Another sucessful method is to use a short piece of heat-shrink tubing on the shaft. It'll last - tape won't (as you pointed out)

Originally Posted by Neo Matrix

I get this thing where I press Play on the options screen, it would look like it was starting to load, and then go back to the beginning again. Sort of like the reset, but it won't actually let the disc load in the first place...

Try cleaning the laser power adjustment pot on the laser assembly. Use a small screwdriver to rotate it back and forth a few times. Restore to the original position and test it out. If you do INCREASE the laser output, only do so a small amount. Clockwise should inrease.

Originally Posted by Sk8plank

Do i need to do one of these things to fix my DC? every time i turn it on, i have to reset the time and date. what's the problem with it?

Your lithium back-up battery is dead. It may just need to be resoldered to the board but this almost always means it's dead.

[Sk8plank]

Originally Posted by gamertech

Wow! Where to begin?


If you've got bad connections: resolder them.


You're right about the lever switch. A far better fix, however, is gently heat the lever with a directed heatgun or lighter and reshape it back to its original curvature. Or, of course, replace it if possible. Another sucessful method is to use a short piece of heat-shrink tubing on the shaft. It'll last - tape won't (as you pointed out)



Try cleaning the laser power adjustment pot on the laser assembly. Use a small screwdriver to rotate it back and forth a few times. Restore to the original position and test it out. If you do INCREASE the laser output, only do so a small amount. Clockwise should inrease.



Your lithium back-up battery is dead. It may just need to be resoldered to the board but this almost always means it's dead.

where can i get a new lithium backup battery for my DC to fix this problem? what type of battery is it?