GameCube Not Reading Discs? Try This Right Now. | MorganMendIt! 

Do you fix it in Australia, or just the United States?

That’s awesome! So glad to hear that you got your GameCube working again. Great job! Also greatly appreciate your kind words! Thanks so much!

Thanks for watching and thanks for your comment. So glad to hear that you found the video to be helpful. Great work getting your cube back up and running!

did u adjust it counter clock wise?

Awesome job! Appreciate the kind words! Thanks for watching!

That’s awesome! You are very much welcome! So glad you were able to get your system reading again. Your comment made my day. Thank you! Enjoy your GameCube!

I will be sure not to! Glad to hear you found it to be useful! Thanks for watching!

So glad to hear! That’s awesome! Merry Christmas!

Glad to hear you got it working!

You are very much welcome! Thanks for watching and thanks for your comment!Never fails to make my day! Great work! Have fun and enjoy your GameCube!

Thank you! Awesome work getting your cube working again!

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching.

Great to hear! Glad you found the video useful!

Same I did the same too lol

You are very much welcome! So glad to hear your repair was successful, and that you found the video useful. Never fails to make my day. Great work!

Great to hear! Excellent work! Appreciate your kind words. Thanks for watching!

That’s awesome! So glad you found the video useful. Enjoy your system!

Great to hear! Glad you found the tutorial useful! Enjoy your GameCube!

Happy to hear the video helped you out! Never fails to make my day! Great work getting your Gamecube working again. Thanks for watching!

Thanks for watching! Glad I could help. If interested in a set like mine I do have it linked in the description. Good luck with your GameCube!

You are very much welcome! Thanks for the comment! I greatly appreciate it!

Thanks so much!

Did u check the ohms with that device or did u just open it up and turned it? Bc I don’t have those machines

You are very much welcome! So Glad that you found the video to be helpful. Have fun with your GameCube!

Awesome to hear! Great job 👍

Thank you! Glad it helped

Thanks for the tuto!! You saved my beloved GameCube!!

@@oluharyu524you are very much welcome!

Wow, thank you! Great work!

Absolutely Awesome! Your comment made my day. Great work getting your cube back up and running! Keep making those memories!

Glad it worked for you! Thanks for watching

Great to hear! Thanks for watching!

Glad to hear you were able to get your system up and running! Thanks for watching and commenting, made my day!

Nice work! Glad the video helped!

You are very much welcome. Great work! Enjoy your GameCube!

Great to hear!

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching! Glad to hear it worked for you.

You are very welcome! Very happy to hear it worked for you. Thanks for watching!

Awesome!

Glad to hear it! A restoration of my Uncle’s GameCube that I grew up playing is in the works!

You are very much welcome! Great work fixing your GameCube! They are fun systems to tinker with. Thanks for watching and enjoy your system!

Glad I could help!

Thanks! Glad you found it useful! Yeah that’s definitely not a bad idea. Thanks for watching!

Thank you! Yes, I have had some success with capacitor replacement as well. I will be posting a video at a later date. That said, I still stand behind the POT tweak. It is a simple and effective way for someone wanting to play their GameCube to play their GameCube, and is in no way an immediate detriment to the laser lens, despite growing popular belief. Thanks for watching!

Awesome! So glad to hear! Great work and thanks for watching!

I replaced C408 and C401 to my 2 GameCube not reading disc and after replacing the two caps it can now read disc

Yeah this is a relatively recent discovery that I am learning more and more about. The optical drive caps are aging out and losing their charge. I will be looking into this further with future systems. The good thing about the pot tweak however is that it is a relatively quick and simple fix that will get a GameCube functioning again in a majority of cases. A reading GameCube is better than a non reading GameCube. Do what you’re comfortable with. Thanks for watching!

Glad you found the video helpful!

You are very welcome. Great work!

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching!

Glad I could help!

Glad to hear it

The blue set is an Oria 125 In 1 tool kit. Very reasonably priced. I would highly recommend it or one similar to it.

Cool find! Best of luck getting your GameCube back up and running!

@@morganmend I did! I forgot I left this comment, been too busy playing hahaha I'm probably going to have to open it up and adjust a little more though, as it still doesn't read some discs sometimes. When it runs its fine for the most part, but getting it going seems to be the issue because it keeps giving me the same error of not reading the discs, and it also resets the date and time after almost every fresh boot up. It's a 001 model so I'm ballparking the adjustment window, but its still operational and still seems to be fixable which is what I care about lol.

How’s it working for you now? If it works fine after warmup, it could be a bad capacitor on the optical drive board. The clock function is reliant on a CR2032 battery soldered into the controller board. You mentioned that the calendar keeps resetting, this would be because this battery has gone bad. If you want to restore clock function, this battery will have to be replaced.

@@morganmend I haven't really had an opportunity to tinker around with it honestly. I got it working and played for a couple of days but between birthdays, holidays, and starting a new job I just haven't been able to mess around with it. I still need to go in with a multimeter and get the numbers exact but thankfully I found one like you use in the video at my parent's house so I can make much more accurate adjustments when I do finally get a chance to mess with it. The clock doesn't bother me that much but I do have a couple of watch batteries laying around so maybe I've got a 2032 I can try and swap it out with. A bad capacitor is a little worrisome though I can't lie lol one thing at a time.

Glad to hear! Thanks for watching!

You bet!

If you don't have a multimeter, I suggest just turning it ever so slightly and then plug gamecube and check if it works. Repeat the process until you hit the sweet spot

Thanks so much! It is definitely possible without a multimeter. Before touching the POT, take note of its position. This will give you a baseline that you can return to. Dial the POT back in very, very small increments, until you are able to get your system to read discs. I have done it this way several times when I did not have my multimeter on hand. It may take multiple tries, but it is definitely doable. It is not necessary to fully reassemble the console between tries either. You can plug and play without having to reinstall all of the hardware, and this will allow you to easily go back in should you have to. Once you get it to a point where you’re happy, then you can fully reassemble. Also, another thing that I have learned is to pay attention to the “chirp” sound the GameCube makes when spinning up the disc. If the disc is not reading, most of the time you will not hear the chirp. Ideally, when the POT is adjusted properly you will hear a short and sweet chirp, just like the one heard in the video. If the chirp sound is elongated and drawn out, then the resistance is likely set too high or too low, so make small adjustments until the disc is reading and you hear the short sweet chirp upon disc spin up. Short and sweet is what you are after! Hopefully this helps, and please let me know if you have any additional questions! Thank you for watching, and best of luck with your system!

@@morganmend thank you so much for your detailed reply, it worked!! You're the best

@@danhoad Thank you for your kind words! So glad to hear you got your GameCube back up and running! Great work!

Definitely worth a shot!

You are very much welcome!

the disc I'm using works; I tested it on my Wii

I've done the same I've adjusted it many times now I've forgotten how much. All it does is spin then says no disc. You can see the laser move back and forth.

@@raylaknight6753 I have the exact same problem

Thanks for watching. I greatly appreciate the compliments! It sounds like your are almost there, but not quite. Sometimes the laser can be very sensitive. I would ultimately suggest a multimeter in this scenario, this way you are able to obtain a baseline reading and adjust accordingly. You don’t need an expensive multimeter to obtain a resistance reading. Many retailers offer basic multimeters at surprisingly low prices. They all read the same, and that’s all you need! If you are unable to get the laser to read the disc even after lowering the resistance below the highlighted range, it is possible that the laser has gone bad and may require replacement. I plan to post a tutorial on this procedure very soon. If I think of anything else I will add it here. Please feel free to reach out should the need arise, and keep me posted! Best of luck with your system!

Sure is! Lucky find!

Hi thanks for the comment. Yeah it was a relatively recent discovery that the original caps are aging out and causing disc read issues. I have learned more about it recently and have encountered several systems where in which the caps are testing bad. Replacement of the faulty capacitor(s) has solved the disc read issue without pot adjustment in the systems I found to have bad capacitors. However, I have also performed the pot tweak successfully on many consoles and while I understand the stigma surrounding it, I have yet to have one of my personal consoles need further adjustment or laser replacement after the fact. In my opinion it is still a viable solution for someone wanting to play their GameCube. I still stand by the pot tweak as it is much easier and in no way an immediate detriment to the laser lens, despite growing popular belief. Thanks again for the comment, and thanks for watching.

Thanks for watching! Great work! 👍🏻

As I’ve previously stated this is something that was discovered recently within the last five years or so. The capacitors have began aging out and losing their charge, with the capacitor plague being a major contributing factor, I’m sure. I personally have had some success with capacitor replacement as well. I will be posting a video delving more into the specifics at a later date. However, I have also encountered several consoles where in which cap replacement did not correct the issue. In these systems, I have still had to resort to POT adjustment in order to get the disc drive operational. I still stand behind the POT tweak, as it is in no way an immediate detriment to the laser lens. I have systems from years ago that have required no further tinkering after the pot adjustment. Moreover, very seldom have I had a console that I have had to readjust after successfully getting it to read utilizing the pot adjustment. I still stand behind the pot adjustment, because in many cases It serves as a simple and effective way for someone wanting to play their GameCube, to play their GameCube. Thanks for watching and thanks for the comment!

That is the optimal range. However if you are still unable to get your GameCube to read discs you may try going lower. The laser won't go bad per say but lowering the resistance too much can cause additional wear overtime, which could lead to eventual laser failure.

It is possible that it could be bad or on its way out. Of course there could be other issues, there is a capacitor known to go bad, or it is possible there could be debris in the laser track. My advice would be to look it over thoroughly one more time, and to turn the resistance up to around 300 ohms, and try slowly lowering it from there. If you still have no change, and find no other issues, it may need the laser replaced.

Absolutely! email me at tooltek.md@gmail.com

Hope repairs are going well Morgan! Sent my GameCube to you

I have purchased quite a few GameCubes that were unable to properly read discs, and in my experience this is all that is needed to get them working again roughly 90% of the time. I have had great success utilizing this pot tweak. I would consider completing this job very low risk. The only real harm that could be done would be to the laser if the resistance is lowered much more than needed. The effects would not be immediate, but this could cause the laser to burn out prematurely. Stick to the ranges highlighted in the video for your model GameCube, handle all of the components with care, (I.e. be gentle with the ribbon cables ect.) and you will be absolutely fine. Let me know if you have any other questions!

@@morganmend Thank you for the prompt response, I will be trying this out soon, thanks again for the tutorial!

@@FFacepalms you are very much welcome. Thanks for watching!

Sounds like you’ve done very thing you could in terms of POT adjustment. Caps likely need replacement or laser needs replacement.

Thanks for watching! Glad you found the video helpful!

Try lowering the resistance beyond the highlighted range. Lowering the resistance further may get them up and running, but replacement may be necessary down the line. There is also the possibility of bad caps. That said this is where I would start. Thanks for watching!

Dial it back slightly further and see if that solves the problem! Sometimes it will just be on the cusp of being properly adjusted, and will spin but still not read.

It very well may be. I have had this same issue occur with several GameCubes and performing this POT tweak has solved the problem every time. Thanks for watching!

You definitely wouldn’t hurt anything by trying to fine tune the POT, if it makes you feel more comfortable. Having said that, a multimeter might be in your best interest.

@@morganmendThanks for the reply! I will definitely have to pop it open again in hindsight anyway and do a better fine tuning. It's working but I have to meticulously clean my disks every time I boot up the GC until it reads, so I guess the power isn't strong enough after all. Will see if I can get my hands on a multimeter.

Sounds like this would likely solve your problem. Out of the 50 or so GameCubes I have worked on where in which proper POT adjustment solved the problem, I have had to readjust zero.

@@morganmend good to know! Thank you.

@@ModeSOLOgaming you’re very welcome!

This is a sign of failing capacitors. They can no longer hold a charge properly, and will need to be replaced eventually.

@@pikachu896 I was thinking about doing that anyway. Just get some practice in. I'll be new to soldering but I'll have to learn to upkeep all these old consoles I have. I got the bad clock capacitor on the Xbox right now so that's top priority.

It sounds to me like it is just on the cusp of being properly adjusted. You have a baseline reading of 517 ohms that you can always revert back too. DOL-001 can range from 300-600 ohms. First try lowering the resistance a bit more and see if there is any improvement. You may have to repeat several times. If you are unable to get the laser to read within the specified range, you may try going lower, but know that this may cause premature wear to the laser. If there is still no change, I would thoroughly inspect the laser track. Sometimes the slightest bit of debris can cause an offset, and it won’t read properly. It goes without saying but be sure that the lens is clean. You can use a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol to gently clean it. If you’ve went through all of the aforementioned steps and there is still no improvement, then it is possible that you may need to replace the laser. Don’t fret though, they are fairly cheap and It is actually quite easy to do. If I think of anything else I will gladly add it here. Hope this helps, and best of luck with your GameCube!

@@morganmend thanks for the response. Adjusting to around 280 ohms did work. However, I still have 2 discs that it struggles to read. They both boot up instantly with no issues on a fully functioning GameCube that I’m testing against. These discs might be slightly more scratched than some of my others. This is after replacing the capacitors as well. My only theory so far is that maybe the laser is indeed failing, but the adjustment at least has helped extend the life a bit longer.

Thanks for watching. Glad to hear it worked for you. Great work!

Mine was around 380 and not working. I’m debating going to 300 but I’m thinking that’s the lowest safest range?

This is a common occurrence. A slight POT adjustment would more than likely remedy this issue.

Mine did the same thing. Mine is dol-001. I fixed 6 GameCube already setting them to the numbers he showed in the video but this one that’s doing the same thing as yours nothing worked. Im pretty sure laser will need to be replaced I end up setting mine to 82.5 and it starts up every time.

@@TheSanchezFamily1062I have a dork-001 and mine won’t read discs. I had it set at 450 ohms, no luck. Before that it was around 380. I’m a complete newb, I’m thinking of trying 300…. Any tips or ideas?

@@Pinball_Jurist believe it suppose to be set between 450-600. I was mistaken the 6 I fixed were dol-101

Play around with the adjustments further. Sounds to me like it is not properly adjusted. I have had this issue before. There is a sweet spot but it is different for every console. Keep trying!

Every system seems to have a sweet spot, and it differs greatly.

My advice would be to try to obtain a multimeter if you can, this way you can get a reading on where you stand currently. It is possible without a multimeter and I have done it several times, but before touching the POT I make a note of where it is positioned firstly, and then as I turn it, I count the number of turns. This will give you a baseline position that you could return to and attempt the tweak again if unsuccessful. Turning the POT counter clockwise decreases the resistance, while turning the POT clockwise will increase the resistance. Based on what you are describing, it sounds like your POT is still not properly adjusted. I could be wrong, but I would definitely start there. Without a baseline reading or position, it’s hard to know where you currently stand. A multimeter would be your best friend in this scenario, as it would show you the resistance reading which in turn would allow you to adjust the POT to the ranges highlighted in the video. Best of Luck!

Same issue

in case you're still left hanging, I had a working gamecube that i stripped and put the laser into the broken gamecube, and it fired up perfect. So I think you need a new laser. I recommend getting one from xyab@@Mikeshitboxes

Sounds like there could an issue within the laser track. Disassemble the optical drive assembly (the plastic housing will split in the center, there are three clips that secure it together, just be mindful of the wire for the disc motor, and be sure to unplug the ribbon cable from the board). Thoroughly inspect the laser track. I have had GameCubes in the past act very similarly, and most times it has either been due to the fact that one of the laser guides have come out of adjustment, or due to the fact that debris are preventing the laser from making its full travel. If nothing abnormal is found, it may require a laser replacement. Best of luck.

Check the laser track for any debris, this will require that you disassemble the optical drive a bit further. The upper plastic portion of the drive clips into the bottom portion. Unclip this, and unplug the laser ribbon cable. From there you can gain access to the laser track. Inspect it throughly for any debris. If this is not the issue, keep playing around with the adjustments. There is a sweet spot and it sometimes varies.

@morganmend thank you for the quick response I really appreciate it

@@MrTexas76301 you are very welcome thanks for watching!

Boy, Was it ever! So many memories playing that game back in the day. Damn that itchy finger!

hahaha dolphin diving with double pistols is what i remember most. I didnt think they made violent games like that on gamecube... and then i got this haha. I also remember looking for a motorcycle everywhere@@morganmend

The console in this video showed the exact same symptoms as yours, as have many others I have repaired where which the POT tweak was successful. The POT tweak would almost certainly get your console up and running again. Feel free to reach out if you have any additional questions!

Definitely a strange issue, and unfortunately not one I am familiar with. If I were in your shoes, I would first start by checking if the game discs are genuine. If they are, and all of the discs have similar amounts of damage, then I would try lowering the resistance by turning the POT counter clockwise slightly. This may offer some improvement.

Dial it back slightly and see if you notice any improvement! I have had this exact issue in the past and the pot tweak has solved it for me many times.

He literally tells you which kind of screwdrivers you need in the video

3.5 mm game bit driver 2.0 Phillips head screwdriver

Hey, can’t knock a guy for trying! Not everything goes my way either, believe me. Picoboot is an awesome mod, I have done it to a few consoles and have really enjoyed it. Enjoy your system!

It may help you get it back up and running, but based on recent findings, what you are describing sounds more like faulty optical board capacitors. They are aging out and losing their charge. Pot adjustment can likely get you back up and running, probably for a very very long time, but cap replacement is likely the true fix. For what it’s worth, I have several consoles where in which I performed the pot adjustment over five years ago and they have needed no further adjustments. Up to you how you wish to proceed. I still stand by the pot tweak as it is much easier and in no way an immediate detriment to the laser lens, despite growing popular belief. Best of luck with your system. Thanks for watching!

@@morganmendUPDATE: it did work. I didn’t have a multimeter so I had to turn it blindly with some trial and error, but I got it. Also small back up question: if you were to turn it counterclockwise to far, would the laser damage the disk? Just wanna know just in case.

⁠@@vegavisions97glad to hear it’s working for you. No need to worry there is no risk of damage to the disc. It is impossible.

@@morganmend thank you very much

There are a number of things that can cause a sudden disc read error. Bad or failing capacitors, failing spindle motor, debris in the laser track, laser degradation or failure, to name a few. These are some of the more common issues. The good news is that all these aforementioned issues can be resolved through either repair or replacement.