| Nintendo Switch Not Charging | |
|---|---|
| Type | Troubleshooting/Diagnostics |
| Device(s) | Nintendo Switch |
| Difficulty | ◉◉◌◌ Medium |
The Nintendo Switch can display several critical charging issues including issues where no power will be going into the motherboard at all, charging will only occur using the charger in a certain orientation and where fast charging functions will not work, amongst other issues.
The Nintendo Switch has 2 main failure points for charging-related issues, M92T36 and P13USB. M92T36 is a custom USB-C power management IC created by Rohm Semiconductor specifically for Nintendo Switch products. P13USB is a video output IC which also plays a crucial role in charging functionality. When port damage or charging cable damage occurs, either of the 2 primary charging ICs regularly fail. These failures can usually be pinpointed with a multimeter fairly easily, although the failures are often less obvious and do not show up using continuity mode by testing components around the ICs.
Things to be aware of when replacing charging ports
- When replacing damaged Nintendo Switch charging ports, it is common that the P13USB (audio video driver) as well as the M92T36 (charging power IC) may also have gotten damaged.
- Check for shorted capacitors around those components when changing out the charging port. If you find shorted caps, remove the chips to see if the short is still present.
- If short is still present after the chip it corresponds to is removed, you may have a CPU issue. It is also safe to check the fuse right above the charging port to ensure it's not blown.
- Plug a USB-C ammeter into the Switch to ensure it is pulling 15 volts after repair. 15 volts means the charging circuit is functioning properly. If no image still recheck P13USB.
- If still no image, check to ensure the Switch is not in RCM mode using Hekate.
- autoRCM mode can cause the battery to drain to a point where it can no longer be charged by the Switch brick. If amperage from the charge port is not around .5 amps, try a new battery and check for RCM.
The information here and any pages will be updated over the coming days/weeks. Any information provided here will be based on my own experience with the hundreds of these devices I've worked on in the past and will be as accurate as possible.
For specific information that I have not added yet, you're welcome to get in touch with me.