Step-by-step

1. 1

   Pry off the lower accent plate trim

   2 min

   Insert a plastic opening tool into the seam under the bottom tips of the black accent trim. Carefully lever the trim upward to release the initial plastic retaining clips.

2. 2

   Remove the accent plate

   2 min

   Slide the plastic opening tool along the edges of the black accent trim toward the analog sticks. Lift and pull the accent trim away from the controller body.

3. 3

   Pry off the L1 and R1 shoulder buttons

   3 min

   Insert a flat spudger between the L1 button and the upper casing, then gently pry upward to pop the button cap off. Repeat this process for the R1 shoulder button.

4. 4

   Remove the top housing screws

   2 min

   Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the two exposed screws located under the L1 and R1 shoulder buttons.

5. 5

   Remove the bottom handle screws

   2 min

   Unscrew the two Phillips #0 screws located at the bottom tip of each handle grip, previously covered by the accent plate.

6. 6

   Release the rear casing clips

   3 min

   Use a spudger to press the two plastic locking tabs located near the bottom microphone port. Carefully pop the rear shell loose from the main body.

7. 7

   Separate the rear cover

   2 min

   Work a plastic pick along the side seams of the controller handles to unclip the rear shell. Lift the rear cover straight off the assembly.

8. 8

   Disconnect the battery pack

   2 min

   Grasp the battery connector plug with precision tweezers and pull it straight out of its socket on the motherboard. Do not pull on the wires directly.

9. 9

   Remove the battery

   1 min

   Lift the lithium-ion battery out of the plastic battery tray and set it aside safely.

10. 10

    Unscrew the battery tray

    2 min

    Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the single screw securing the plastic battery holder to the motherboard.

11. 11

    Disconnect the microphone ribbon cable

    3 min

    Use tweezers to gently unlock the ZIF connector flip latch, then slide the thin microphone ribbon cable out of its socket.

12. 12

    Remove the battery tray bracket

    2 min

    Unclip the top edges of the battery holder bracket from the frame and remove it from the assembly.

13. 13

    Clean or service the thumbstick potentiometers

    8 min

    Pry open the green potentiometer sensor housings on the side of the thumbstick module using a spudger. Wipe the internal wiper contact discs using a cotton swab dipped in 99% isopropyl alcohol.

14. 14

    Realign and snap the sensor housing shut

    3 min

    Ensure the wiper contact disc sits flat inside the sensor wiper wheel, then firmly press the green housing back against the thumbstick frame until it clicks.