I had same problem, just fixed it by a little hack. The volume up switch is broken.
1. Remove accessory door on bottom.
2. Remove all screws on back.
3. Open back cover.
Looking at the exposed board, there are 2 volume switches (back to back). Directly next the switches are four contacts: the upper 2 are for volume down, the lower 2 are for volume up.
4. Place the battery pack on the board and hold it down.
5. Press the power button to turn on the unit.
6. Use a small wire to jump the volume up contacts multiple times to change the volume to maximum (or desired level).
7. (Optional) Remove the volume buttons and throw away the rubber cushions to prevent the volume from changing.
8. Replace everything back in place.
Hi..I am having this same problelm with the leapster explorer's volume button..can you explain more in detail number 6 above. I am having trouble understanding that part.
Thank you
There are two volume buttons: vol up # vol dn. They are momentary switches. The contactor for the vol up button is broken for whatever reason so the two contacts for the circuit remain open at all times. To activate "vol up", you'll have to close the circuit momentarily. To do this, you could use a short wire to jump the two contacts, or you could use a flat screwdriver to close the circuit. The idea is to close the circuit so that the explorer thinks that you'll pressing the vol up button. You'll need to repeat the jumping a few times just as you would press the vol up button. Once you get the desired volume level, you can press the power button to turn it off. The explorer seems to remember your desired volume level even if you remove the battery pack.
This is great if the volume "up" is broken, but the switches are on opposite sides of the circuit board. If the volume "down" is broken, as in my case, the pins on the "down" momentary switch are not visible unless you unscrew the circuit board from the front face as well, then flip it over.
Just did this and it worked great! Thanks so much for the great info! My daughter will be so happy:)))
Thank you so much! It worked like a charm!
I'm really sorry but I really am not getting step 6 - I don't understand or see where the "contacts" are - would there be a image someplace that you could direct me - this is exactly our issue but i am stuck at what to jump. I'm not a very mechanical mom :)
Thank you!
Thank you so much Joe Maestro. Your solution worked perfectly and I am thrilled I fixed my son's explorer myself. Thank you esp for the extra details on step 6 - it took me a little while to get the connection to work, but I managed it. Thank you!!
Here's a solution that won't require opening up the leapster. Connect the toy via Leapfrog Connect. Click on "Settings" on the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Three tabs will appear: General, Advanced, and Leapster Explorer. Click on "Leapster Explorer." Three more buttons will appear: Reset, Repair, and Check for Updates. Click on the "Repair" button. Leapfrog Connect will bring up the volume to the best level (not the loudest).
chia517's solution worked for me. I think this is a much better option than having to open the machine.
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We have the same problem. Did you get it fixed or talk to anyone at leapster?
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This was a life saver! It worked like a charm! Thanks so much for posting!
This was a life saver! It worked like a charm! Thanks so much for posting!
Thank you s much Joe Maestro and especially for the more detailed explanation of step 6. It worked great and our Explorer has sound again. I am so happy I fixed it myself. Thank you so much!!!
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