Console · Sony · PlayStation 4
Sony PlayStation 4 Controller Repair
Controller Repair guide for the Sony PlayStation 4
Before you begin
Tools
- Phillips #00 precision screwdriver
- Spudger
- Precision tweezers
- Opening pick
- Anti-static wrist strap
Parts / materials
- Replacement DualShock 4 thumbstick caps
- 99% Isopropyl alcohol
- Cotton swabs
Safety
- Disconnect the battery immediately upon opening the casing to prevent short circuits.
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap to protect sensitive surface-mount components from ESD damage.
- Do not puncture or bend the internal lithium-ion battery during removal.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Unscrew Rear Housing Screws
2 minUse a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the four 6.0 mm screws located on the back of the controller handle grips. Store the screws safely in a tray.
- 2
Pry Controller Shell Seams
3 minInsert a plastic spudger into the seam along the handles to release the internal plastic clips. Carefully slide the tool around the perimeter to pop the shell open.
- 3
Separate Lower Controller Housing
2 minGently lift the bottom shell away from the front cover, taking care not to strain the internal ribbon cable connection.
- 4
Disconnect Light Bar Cable
2 minUse precision tweezers to grab the white light bar ribbon cable near its base and pull it straight out of its socket on the motherboard.
- 5
Unplug Battery Pack Cable
2 minGrasp the white battery connector plug with tweezers and pull it straight away from the motherboard to disconnect power.
- 6
Remove Lithium-Ion Battery
1 minLift the battery pack out of its plastic retaining tray and set it aside on a safe, non-conductive surface.
- 7
Unscrew Battery Support Bracket
2 minRemove the single Phillips #00 screw located in the center of the black plastic battery holder tray.
- 8
Disconnect Touchpad Ribbon Cable
2 minUse tweezers to pull the flat flex ribbon cable for the touchpad directly out of its connector on the top edge of the motherboard.
- 9
Lift Motherboard Assembly
3 minGently lift the motherboard and attached rumble motors out of the front controller shell, exposing the thumbsticks and button pads.
- 10
Remove Old Thumbstick Caps
1 minPull the rubberized thumbstick caps straight off the metal potentiometers on the motherboard assembly.
- 11
Clean Potentiometer Assemblies
3 minMoisten a cotton swab with 99% isopropyl alcohol and wipe away dirt or debris around the analog stick sensors.
- 12
Install Replacement Thumbsticks
2 minAlign the flat notch inside the new thumbstick caps with the analog stick shafts and push them firmly into place.
- 13
Realign Board in Shell
3 minGuide the motherboard back into the front frame, ensuring the thumbsticks pass through the casing openings smoothly.
- 14
Reconnect Touchpad Cable and Tray
3 minInsert the touchpad ribbon cable back into its socket and resecure the plastic battery holder tray with its screw.
After your Sony PlayStation 4 controller repair
Power the PlayStation 4 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 4 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 4 repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
