Fix Your Stuff Join the Community Store

A more affordable, purely handheld version of the Nintendo Switch game console, with integrated Joy-Con controllers and a slightly smaller screen. Released September 20, 2019.

160 Questions View all

Options

Switch lite water / tea damage - is it possible to fix?

I spilled tea on a table that had my switch lite on, and immediately dried it up with paper towels. Initially there was no response from the switch but now it seems to just be the screen which isn’t responding.

I can hear the rest of the console responding to button presses. I’ve had the switch in a warm room for 4 days now, with no change in screen response.

Any suggestions welcome as Nintendo seems to consider liquid damage a breach of warranty.

Answer this question I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Yes No
Score 1
Add a comment

1 Answer

Filter by:
Most Helpful Newest Oldest
Most Helpful Answer

Options

Hi @bonkingmadsnek

The water/tea causes corrosion and provides circuit paths for the electricity which were not in the console’s operating design and could damage the components. The corrosion starts immediately and doesn’t stop until it has been properly cleaned away.

Do not try to charge or to turn on the console and then remove the battery as soon as possible so as to minimize any further problems.

Next you need to disassemble the rest of the console and clean all the affected parts using Isopropyl Alcohol 99%+ (available at electronics parts stores) to remove all traces of corrosion. Do not use "rubbing alcohol" as in some cases this is only 70% IPA or less, can contain additives and is not as effective. If you do have to use it, check the label to verify the amount of IPA. The higher the concentration (%) of IPA the better

Here is a link that describes the process. Electronics Water Damage

As always with electronics, especially surface mounted pcb, be gentle when handling and especially when brushing away the corrosion. You do not want to remove any components from the board. Also remove any shields that may be covering some components and clean there as the water may have got in under them as well. The ends of any cables and the connectors need to be cleaned as well.

Hopefully after you have done all this the console might possibly work correctly again.

Here is a link to the ifixit Nintendo Switch Lite Repair teardown guide. This will help you to open the device and inspect and clean as required

If this process seems too daunting, I suggest that take your console to a reputable, professional electronics repair service, experienced in liquid damage repair and ask for a quote for a repair. If you decide to do this, do it sooner than later. It isn’t going to fix itself.

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 3

4 Comments:

Thank you for such a quick and detailed response. I've just ordered products so fingers crossed I get into it in time and am able to repair it.

by

@bonkingmadsnek

If possible whilst you're waiting for the products, open the device and disconnect the battery to at least minimize any further damage

With most devices these days the power button is not a power isolating switch so there is always power available at some points on the motherboard when the device is off. Think of the device as being in an extremely low power state rather than being completely off.

Good luck with the repair

Cheers

by

Unfortunately one of the products is the tri point screwdriver that I need to open it - unless you have any tips to get around that? I have the tiny phillips one for the other screws

by

@bonkingmadsnek

Unfortunately no. Not without causing more unnecessary damage

I think that it is better then to just wait. Not turning it on anymore etc will definitely help.

by

Add a comment

Add your answer

Tara will be eternally grateful.
View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 1

Past 7 Days: 26

Past 30 Days: 133

All Time: 11,556