Console · Sony · PlayStation 3
Sony PlayStation 3 Controller Repair
Controller Repair guide for the Sony PlayStation 3
Before you begin
Tools
- Precision screwdriver set
- Plastic opening tools
- Spudger
- Tweezers
- Anti-static wrist strap
Parts / materials
- Replacement conductive rubber pads
- Isopropyl alcohol (90%+)
- Cotton swabs
Safety
- Disconnect the controller charging cable before starting disassembly.
- Handle the internal lithium-ion battery with care to avoid punctures.
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap to prevent electrostatic discharge damage to the motherboard.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Unscrew rear housing
2 minUse a Phillips #00 precision screwdriver to remove the five screws located on the back of the controller casing.
- 2
Pry casing apart
3 minInsert a plastic opening tool into the seam between the front and rear shells near the handles and gently pop the clips loose.
- 3
Separate lower shell
2 minCarefully lift the lower rear shell up and off, keeping an eye on the spring-loaded L2 and R2 trigger buttons so they do not snap out.
- 4
Disconnect controller battery
2 minGrasp the white two-pin battery connector plug near the circuit board and pull it straight up to disconnect the battery.
- 5
Remove battery holder
2 minUnclip the black plastic battery bracket from the main motherboard using a spudger.
- 6
Unscrew motherboard
2 minRemove the single Phillips screw located between the two analog sticks securing the circuit board to the front casing.
- 7
Lift out motherboard assembly
3 minCarefully lift the circuit board along with the attached rumble motors and thumbsticks out of the front shell.
- 8
Remove worn rubber button pads
2 minPeel away the conductive rubber pads from behind the D-pad, action buttons, and PS button inside the front shell.
- 9
Clean contact surfaces
3 minDampen a cotton swab with 90%+ isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe the flexible circuit board contact pads to remove grease and debris.
- 10
Install new rubber pads
2 minAlign and press the replacement conductive rubber pads over their corresponding guide pegs in the front shell.
- 11
Reinsert motherboard assembly
3 minLower the circuit board assembly back into the front housing, guiding the thumbsticks through their holes and placing the rumble motors in their slots.
- 12
Secure motherboard screw
2 minReinstall the single Phillips screw in the center of the circuit board to fasten it to the front shell.
- 13
Attach battery bracket
2 minSnap the black plastic battery holder back onto the motherboard until both side latches engage.
- 14
Plug in battery
2 minAlign the battery wire plug with the circuit board socket and press down firmly until fully seated.
- 15
Snap rear casing closed
3 minHook the rear shell over the top L2/R2 triggers and press the casing halves together until all perimeter latches click into place.
- 16
Reinstall rear screws
2 minInsert and tighten the five Phillips screws on the back of the controller to finalize assembly.
After your Sony PlayStation 3 controller repair
Power the PlayStation 3 back on and test the controller repair function before you put every screw away. Check touch/display response, charging, cameras, buttons, and wireless as relevant to this repair. If something fails after closing the device, reopen carefully and reseat the connectors for this Sony PlayStation 3 job before assuming the part is defective. Keep leftover adhesive and screws labeled in case you need a second pass.
Keep learning
Explore more Sony PlayStation 3 repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
