Corroded Battery Terminals - Clean or Replace

Step 1

Prepare your workspace:

Ensure your working on a clear, clean, and tidy workspace - a repair mat isn't essential but can be a worthwhile investment
Gather the required tools
We strongly recommend wearing nitrate gloves, goggles and a face mask for the entirety of this fix

Step 2

Disassemble the Game Boy:

Flip your Game Boy over, remove the 6 screws using your tri-wing or Phillips screwdriver - depends on console version
Carefully separate the two halves, being cautious of the ribbon cable connecting them.
Unplug the ribbon cable from the back half of the console

Step 3

Access the battery terminals:

Remove 2 screws from the logic board on the back half of the housing
Remove 2 screws connecting the audio port to the back half of the housing aswell
Set the logic board aside

Step 4

Remove the battery terminal contacts:

Push down on the clip on the inside of the battery terminal and down to release the the 3 metal contacts - a small screwdriver can help with this
The final 2 terminals are soldered to the logic board - if you are replacing or cleaning these you can optionally de-solder them now

Step 5

Replace or clean the contacts:

If cleaning the contacts, begin to soak them in a pool of distilled white vinegar for approximately 5 minutes, if simply replacing the contacts for new continue to Step 6
Use a toothbrush or other brushing implement to scrub any remaining corrosion off of the battery contacts
Once the corrosion has been removed, give the contacts a rinse of water
Finally, briefly soak the contacts in rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining vinegar residue, dry the now clean contact off using a paper towel - ensure they are completely dry

Step 6

Reassemble the Game Boy:

Insert your cleaned or new battery contacts back into the terminal - the 3 larger contacts should snap into place
If you've removed the two smaller terminals that were soldered onto the board, solder them back on now (the spring contact connects to the negative side of the board)
Place the logic board back into the housing, ensuring the contacts and power switch is positioned correctly
Secure the board back in place with the 4 small screws you removed earlier - 2 for board, 2 for the audio terminal
Reconnect the ribbon cable back into the port on the back board (if you disassembled the front board for cleaning, ensure it is screwed back its respective housing before re-attaching the ribbon cable)
Align the front and back shells back into place
Tighten the 6 screws for the housing (shell) back in place

Step 7

Test the Game Boy:

Insert 4 new AA batteries, a working game cart, and power on the Game Boy
 Verify sound, display, and buttons are functioning correctly.
If the Game Boy works but has screen issues (e.g. vertical lines), additional repairs may be required. (see our vertical lines repair guide)

If completion of these steps does not restore functionality, the issue might involve internal components such as blown capacitors.
Enjoy your refreshed Game Boy!

Thanks, Accreditation, and References

YouTube Channel/Video:
Howchoo