How can I fix a missing pin in the 4v DC In port without replacing kt

Hi Troy,

The problem here is that with that pin missing there's no way to connect the power from the charger into the 3DS. If the pin is simply bent out of place, then the fix would be to bend it back to match the other remaining pin so it'll make contact with the power jack when it's plugged in.

However, if the pin is broken or missing, that's a significant problem. You need some way to connect the pin on the jack to the spot on the circuit board where the power or ground pin comes in. My first thought would be to take a short length of bare wire and insert it in where the pin used to be. It should then come out the back side of the connector, but then it must be securely connected to where the original pin was and the only way to do that for sure is to solder it in. It may take some fiddling with how far the wire sticks out and what position it needs to be in to properly connect with the pins on the jack.

The thing is, if you're going to the trouble of opening up the console and doing the necessary soldering, it's not going to be all that much more work to just replace the whole connector. From what I've seen, they're readily available for around $5-6 USD, so the price really isn't a huge factor; if you do an extensive search you may be able to find a replacement even cheaper.

I don't know exactly why you can't replace it right now; whether it's something you don't feel confident in doing yourself, but the only way you're going to get it working again is to reconnect that missing pin to the logic board, and the only way to do that so it'll work is to solder it. Sorry, but I really don't see any other options.