Backslider has done a great job of explaining this fix. In appreciation of Backslider and others on this forum, I would like to add some thoughts on what worked for me when trying to fix our child's gamecube.
1. The spindle consists of an outer ring and an inner ring. These rings are where you snap down the game disc. The inner ring is about the size of a dime. The outer ring (around the inner ring) is about the size of a quarter. If you take a dime and center it on top of a quarter, you should be able to picture this. The entire spindle assembly is only about 1/4 inch high. You must gently pry up the outer ring. I used two small screwdrivers on opposite ends of the outer ring. It took very little force and about 2 -3 seconds to get the spindle out. In my case, this was not the problem.
2. I also tried adjusting the potentiometer, a procedure which I believe is also explained very well on this forum. That did not work either at first.
3. I ordered a replacement laser on eBay (total cost including shipping of $35.00). I also ordered the tri-wing screwdrivers and gamebits from an on-line vendor (total cost I believe was about $20.00). So I have invested about $55.00 in this, but I need to clean the games for the kids' Nintendo 64 & Gameboys and I have to occassionally clean the Gameboy itself. The tri-wing is also useful on little kids' toys so I consider the purchase of the tools to be money well spent.
4. Replacing the laser was suprisingly easy. Removing the old laser involves disconnecting a ribbon cable (
) that leads from the laser and three screws that hold down two rods over which the laser slides. Note: I found it helpful to leave the old laser in until I was ready to install the new laser because I am a bit slow when it comes to new technology. I needed to see how everything goes together. There is also a white piece of plastic on the old laser that has to be popped off and attached to the new laser. After that you reverse the process. I also used a toothpick to place a little white lithium grease on the 2 rods over which the laser slides. After that I had to adjust the potentiometer again to get the laser to work properly for an extended period of time. I suggest holding off on putting all of the remaining 14+ screws back in until the kids or you have played the game for a few hours.
5. Another key factor that appears to be affecting these Gamecubes is heat/humidity. I brought a big fan into the playroom. That seems to have helped.
I believe that if I could fix this anyone can. It was not all that complex. I hope this helps.
MickeyG
Topic: FIX your game cube READ DISK ERROR problem (Repair Guide Inside Post) (Read 37021 times)
