Need help fixing directional pad

[ThunderFist]

Yesterday, I received what I believe is a second model Lynx that I bought on ebay. The box was dented in badly, but the system still works except for one strange issue that I'm not sure could have been caused by the mishandling of the postal service. Although the system works, one of the d-pad buttons is active at all times and seems to override every other d-pad button. On games like Klax where you have to turn the system sideways since it uses the screen vertically, the button in question serves as the down button, while it serves as the right button for most other games. I took it apart hoping the pad corresponding to that button had just been mashed in, but no such luck. For right now, I put it back together and am hoping someone out there can help me in getting to what may need to be repaired. At least it's not working any worse than it was before, which is a plus.

[PFG 9000]

That happened to two of my Lynx II models that I had back in the day, around the early 90s. I shipped them back to Atari to have them fixed. I can't tell you how to fix them, but I can tell you that it's not an uncommon problem.

[GadgetUK]

I've had this problem. Usually if you take it appart and wipe all of the ribbon surface with a light damp cloth, focusing on the areas under the buttons, and use a cotton bud to carefully wipe them (without rubbing all the carbon off).

 

Also check youve not screwed through the ribbon cable - it sits bang under the battery holder screw - ive done that and it causes a short - mine stuck right on dpad. I had to get a new ribbon on that Lynx =(. Ive got a couple of spares but I can only ship to UK.

 

Then put it back together and retest.

[J_Mac]

I use this with cotton buds on the mainboard. As GadgetUK said, cleaning can work wonders A small amount of residue could be conducting between the switch terminals. Also ensure the rubber mats under the buttons are mounted on their pegs and reassemble starting with the front of the console face down on the bench. They can pop off and become wedged when you tighten the screws.