Topic: My cube stopped working today, anyone help?

[dmonte]

Hey everyone...this is my 1st post here (but I read the site every day, and support the advertisers)...anyway...

My cube stopped working properly today....here's what happens

I can't play any game for more than 30 minutes TOPS, the problem is not consitent, and i believe it is part to do with a laser malfunction.

Whenever I play, at a random point in ANY game...it comes up with the error message "Disc is unreadable..please see manual". At first I was playing Eternal Darkness and thought this was a sanity trick, but the game never came back. I also have tried to play Time Splitters 2, Mario Sunshine, and Madded 2003 and the same thing happens each time, never at the same point in the game.

I have wiped every game clean, and looked to see if there is anything on the lens of the cube...but I am stumped.  I have thus far been afraid to touch anything else. But I have tried to use it every few hours, but the same thing keeps happening. I fear the worst with this....

I used my system as recent as last night and yesterday afternoon with no problem.

Has this happened to anyone before? Or at least know how to fix it?

I dont know when i can check back so if you could email me with any possible solutions... djm.design@NOSPAMverizon.net (delete "NOSPAM")

[nolimit19]

u should call the nintendo hotline.......or maybe a phycic hotline.

[RockmanX]

Lol at the sanity effect.  I had the same problem, and for me there was no way to fix it myself, I needed a new laser.  I called Nintendo, I was still under warranty so they had fedex pick it up, drop it off, all free of charge.  Took about 2 weeks I think.

[dmonte]

my cube is past the 12 month warranty....would you happen to know what the cost will be to repair? or anyone else?

thanks for the info though. thats pretty much what i thought i would have to do.  

[Slab]

Buy a new one with the same color.  Save the receipt then repackage and return the old one saying that it is defective and that you want your money back. Make sure the place you buy the new one from will give you your money back and not store credit or something like that.

[Kai]

They all have different serial numbers don't they?

Is there a lot of dust in the disc well?

[dmonte]

I don't think there is a lot of dust in the disc well. i (thought) have kept it pretty well stored. I have an entire glass enclosed shelf on my entertainment unit for it...i have tried unplugging it and using a static duster over the sides and the top...it cleaned it, but still doesnt work right..

any/all games still freeze up at random points. i try every few hours.

the buying and returning a different one may not be that bad. even if they all have seriel #'s is a 18 year old that works at best buy really care that much about it? plus if you return it saying it is defective, they will send it out to repair anyway so no one gets stuck with the dud

[dmonte]

Just as an update to anyone who cared...I called nintendo about this problem, and the guy did not seem surprised about what had happened....took me through some troubleshooting procedures and said "this wont work" but try it anyway. Something tells me this is more widespread than i thought. but probably not enough to do a recall on it.  

He even extended my warranty (which had expired over a month ago since it was purchased in december of 2001). And they set me up with a fed-ex pick up for tomorrow morning. all repairs and shipping are free of charge.

i made the assumption that buying a new one and returning the busted cube would not work because when i read him the seriel # on the bottom of the cube, he knew EXACTLY which store it was bought from and when it was purchased.  

[RockmanX]

Yeah, I wouldnt keep it leagal.  Nintendo is really good with these things, great customer service.  But just for your information, if you weren't covered it would cost $75.