Trying to FIX a Joblot of Faulty PS4 Controllers - PART 1
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- Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
- Hi, this video series shows me attempting to repair a job lot of faulty PlayStation 4 controllers. I bought 5 of them (+1 part controller) on eBay from the same seller for £70.
This video is part 1.
Remember that this is just for entertainment and I am not an expert in these repairs. The processes in the video may not be the best way, the correct way or the safest way to fix these things.
I do love fault finding and trying to fix broken things so I hope that comes across in this 'Trying to FIX' series.
Many thanks, Vince.
Nice repair Vince. It seems you found a rare old beast; a genuine Ebay seller!
Lol, watch the next part
Andres: "How many Controllers do you fix?"
My Mate VINCE: "Yes."
Lol
More like a faulty joblot of *5 1/2* ps4 dualshock controllers am I right?
exactly what I was thinking when I saw that clip lmao
5 7/10 because plastics cost very cheap than electronics inside them
Thank you Vince....that pot metter has always been a problem with any game console controllers. I have had the same problem with other controllers and couldn't figure it out. Thanks again.
As a DS4 repair enthusiast and a fan of the channel, I'd like to contribute a couple things I've learned doing exactly this. Peel the stickers off the bottom of the shell, they're useless and look crappy. The time to clean is when you have everything apart. All the silicon bits come out, all the buttons. You can alcohol/soap/water/whatever you want and scrub with a toothbrush. Don't get addicted! It all started when the left thumbstick rubber wouldn't even hold a silicon grip/cover and R2 was flaky in BF4. Now both primary controllers are quite modified and I have 2 more stock ones I got for cheap on eBay and repaired. Always seemed like the DS4 got knocked for various reliability issues but they are super easy and kinda fun to work on. Big kid legos
Hey Vince, at 9:50 you notice the contacts for the flex contact pad. Sony's been using this design for a very long time! I work at a retro game store and I have to say the pressure fit is the best variant. There's the ribbon cable variant and the soldered-on variant which is the worst.
The problem with these things is they are extremely prone to oxidization. If you ever open up a model A PS2 Dualshock 2 controller you can usually see the contacts on the ribbon have gone almost completely black. The good news is they're salvageable! Simply scrape with a fiber glass pen, clean with alcohol and return it to its mounting position. This will fix most problems with these controllers.
Since the flex contact sheet is such a thin material, it's prone to wear over time. This means the entire sheet will be compromised in time, but for now they are often easily fixed by cleaning off the contact points from their oxidization. Just be wary of H revisions. Those are a lost cause.
Give me a 'real' connection any time. Same with the triggers using that crappy pad thing instead of a potentiometer with cams. Cutting costs by using these cut rate connection systems is why the current DS controllers are so fragile.
For the love of the game I fixed up most of my friends PSone controller and it works great (translucent ones) but I didn't manage to get the R1 working. I cleaned up the contacts with IPA which fixed up the rest of the buttons since they were unresponsive but I couldn't get R1 working. Have you got any suggestions?
@@Lightning2011 it's likely the film has oxidized to the point that it needs to be replaced. Unfortunately the fixes here are temporary, as all the films will need to be replaced in time.
You can order new ones from AliExpress but it may be some time before orders actually go through on it.
"when I use the analog stick here---"*controller disconnects itself*"--this is far from ideal." Ah yes, that's a good one
for the game controller testing window, you don't need to go into control panel. you can just search "controller" or "game controller" on the bottom and you should see an option called "set up USB controllers". that takes you to the same window. hope it helps :)
9:45 The pressure fit ribbon cable absolutely cause problems over time. It eventually stops making a strong connection and the controller behaves erratically. Very poor design on Sony's part. Had to fix 2 controllers with the same issue.
It was also the most common issue with PS2 and PS3 controller. Fixed about 10 just putting layers of electrical tape under the film in order to raise it and make strong contact with the board. If a controller Acts crazy, that's 100% the problem
This video helped me repair one of my own controllers that started acting weirdly recently. Thank you Vince!
I don't know why, but lately I find restoration videos so interesting , entertaining and relaxing.
Too bad I can't find nice joblots as this one in Italy.
Nice one Vince .
A little tip ,if you have to desolder something use a little flux and reflow the solder joints with some leaded solder it brings the melting temp of that lead free stuff down and is a lot easier and clean the joint with the solder suction tool.
I don't like the high temps you use with the hot air station and your iron ,no need to go 400 °c
50 °c above the melting point should be enough so 320 -350 °c accept if the joints are on a big ground plane.
Thanks for the tip :-)
Keep in mind that Vince's method of testing out the controllers is only recently available on Windows 10. For a good number of years on PS4 launch, the PC drivers for the controller had to be reverse-engineered because PS4 controllers, like PS3, were never meant to be used on Windows, but when Sony released the Playstation Now service, they included official PC drivers for Windows.
There are a couple of better 3rd party applications on the web to do more in-depth testing (even Steam can read them better). Of course, for the tech dummy, this test method is perfectly fine.
I don know if anyone has mentioned this, but you can use your TITAN ONE on your laptop with your PS4 Controller to check all the inputs etc.
remember the little pin to reset bluetooth (use a paperclip) I have taken more than 10 apart, most of the time because the controller sticks are terrible and I need to replace the sticks often.
For testing purposes you can always download DS4Windows. It's a simple little program that converts the DS4 into an "XBOX 360" controller. Doing so will allow it to be seen, as an "XBOX" controller, by the Game Controller Tester app you've used for XBOX One controllers. DS4Windows will also allow you to check the touch panel as it automatically acts as a mouse pad and you can just slide your finger around on it and the mouse cursor should move.
If sellers haven't opened them up themselves, controllers can be some of the easiest "broken" eBay items to fix and people sell them on the cheap! I've all too often seen eBay listings of "broken" controllers (namely XBOX) going for as little as $20 USD where all that is "broken" is a drifting stick.
Thanks for all the info :-)
My Remote dropped and struggled t make a conection. Was only the Ribbon cable that partially pulled out from the charge port
Yessss jus bought a faulty controller today! Was looking for part 2 and then realised this was only uploaded today! Hows that for luck!
The usb port replacement is a nice feature, nice job, PlayStation!
****HINT****
Vince, When de-soldering components and you're using solder wick, it's really easy if you put some flux on the solder wick, "FLUX IS OUR FREIND".. ;)
Dropped a like BTW..
Thanks mate :-)
Great video Vince. Nice to see the PS4 controller taking the limelight.
Am I the only one watching Vince crush that USB port and thinking "dude, you're gonna break it!"
Kinda. I was thinking "here, he's gonna tighten it too much".
And I was right. XD
Hi Vince.. nice to see someone fix ps4 controller, there was a time i fixed lot of them so i wish to give you some advice about them...well ps4 controller is very tough smart device if there is something dirt, water damaged or short circuit, he will not turn on for hardware protection. Thats why 80% off my repairs required just cleaning!!!!.. seriously, before you will try remove something from board try clean everything before ( sticky or fail working analog) use contact cleaner first or IPA... doesn't charge??...check fuse on this small usb port pcb and check for any oxidation and clean them (many times hard to spot at first time)... short ciruit with heat exposure???..make sure there all ribbons wires connected in the right angle specially inside touchpad (behind glued plastic cover)...hope that will help in future repairs...🤓
Brilliant tips, thank you :-)
Finallyy ive been waitin for a tryin to fix a faulty ps4 controller for sooo longg ❤
@D M M who gives a damn bout the other channels m lookin for my mate vines ver :p
In version one you have to push down the trigger buttons to take the back of the shell off on version two it will just come off easily I'm constantly taking my controllers apart and cleaning them
Rapidly approaching half a million subs, well deserved.
So Glad I found this channel! Love the content bud!
You should use DS4 Windows to use the controller via bluetooth and also check out the controller's gyroscope. You also might want to test the speaker and the headphone jack port. GTA V uses the controller's speaker when you're in a police chase inside a car.
this controller's simplicity is beautiful.
My first option would have been to spray some contact cleaner into the potentiometer. Still, you did good.
That pressure connection cable is the same on DualShock 3 and it ruined so much fun back in the day until I figured out what it was
Another fix well done. You're getting quite good you know!
Sony has been doing that pressure membrane fit all the way back since the PS1 days. They started with that on late models of the first Dual Shock controller.
I always thought it would have been a poor solution as well, but hey, it's worked for them for decades at this point. :)
I do find it a bit awkward to work with for repairs though, and if the membrane breaks for some reason, there's not much that can be done to fix it, as far as i know. But i'm thinking that it's probably a much cheaper solution than putting in a whole other PCB.
Thanks for the info and nice comment :-)
Get some car body filler on the burn, fill, sand and then spray black.
bah, you stole my thunder, but I agree 100%
Test your six axis controls let me explain games like flower and the playroom require six axis control most ps4 controller faults are a faulty firmware update by the console and it messes with the six axis controls. Which is the tilt functionality of the controller.
Also the boards are not interchangeable there are 2 different model ps4 controllers with two different board revisions in it one has the light bar across the touch pad one doesnt if you dont have a light bar on the touchpad it means you have a model 1 board with light bar model 2 board. And test six axis with games like flower or the playroom
I fixed my own PS4 controller's left joystick problem. The problem was that there was a tiny dead zone with pressing up right. In most game it didn't bother me but when I played Gravity Rush 2 it was causing my character to stop running completely when I was hitting that zone. I took the controller apart, removed those green plastic things on the sides of the joystick and cleaned the little metal pieces inside with IPA. It work like new now. I could have also ended up breaking the joystick completely but I was at a point where I was considering buying a new controller if it didn't fix the problem.
Great nice easy fix =D I was surprised to see the analog stick fix that issue, especially when the trigger seemed to be causing it to move upwards?!? I wonder if there was a particle of solder somewhere around the stick connections bridging something it shouldn't?
Thanks Chris :-) Very weird. I don't know why the left trigger caused an upwards movement. It would be interesting to remove the analog stick completely and see if other buttons caused movements :-)
The good thing about ps4 controllers is that they have easy fixes.
You can't mod ps4 controllers
@@korbin2594 define mod as a soldered scuff conversion in my eyes is a mod, adding autofire also a mod, new paint job 3d printed custom buttons, yep you guessed it mod?
The PS3 controllers had the same connection between the two boards. They sucked. The pad that kept them connected would get worn down and buttons would randomly press themselves. Luckily, you could just stick a piece of paper underneath the ribbon cable, and it would work if it’s done right. I’ve had to fix 2 of my own controllers that way.
I bought a camo ds4 from a thrift store for $3. The shell was broken in half and right grip pried open, along with the left analog being stuck. I assume the owner broke the stick and trashed it in a rage. Replacement analogs are like a dollar from china, so I got that along with some replacement shoulder trigger and after carefully piecing the shell back together with epoxy and soldering on the new analog she worked beautifully. In case you were wondering the knockoff $1 analogs from china work just as good as the originals.
You don’t need to unsolder anything to change them you can pop out the carbon tracks and wipers after you prise them apart slightly while they’re still soldered into the board if you’re careful I’ve done it a few times 👍🏻 lasting fix as well
Thanks. Very interesting. I knew you could pop out the wipers without desoldering but I thought the carbon tracks where glued down onto the green housing. I will have a look at the old ones :-)
I’ve only done 2 so far but yeah I just managed to pull them out and drop new ones in and clip the green plastic back it saved a lot of time, only problem I came across is the green plastic didn’t seem to clip back on as tightly mate but I sold one of these on eBay and got positive feedback so it definitely lasted just going down that route.... I was just thinking because you do so many it could potentially save you some time 👍🏻 there’s a video somewhere on UA-cam which is how I found out
If you did what i think you did. There is no need to desolder the side of the potentometer you can slip a thin tool down the side (look at the grooves on the green section where the disc pads are) There is also a gap where you can add a drop of lubricant. I can't recall the name of it. But that will work sometimes if the carbon track isn't worn out and there is just crud in there. Sorry if i am mistaken!
Right OK. :) Nice comparison on the ohm values of the potentiometer's. I will criticize that you did not attempt to give the guts of the analog stick a good clean with alcohol before replacing. That would have been a nice service to see if it makes a difference. Also giving the carbon tracks a closeup comparison with the old one would be a better estimation of how worn or not it was.
5:10 thanks for showing that, liked.
Cheers Paul :-)
Hey Vince, you have a ps4 to Xbox one controller adapter right? Well if you do you could use the ps4 controller on the Xbox app!
The most common problem with Dual Shock 4 controllers is the micro USB port. They get loose and break really easy. Fortunately the port is on its own tiny PCB as you've seen and is very easy and cheap to replace. Just beware that there are many revisions of that board and they're all incompatible with each other so you have to match the USB board to the main board that it's designed for. Just Google the model number of the USB board (JDS-030 is one example) and you'll usually find them for a few pounds each. The batteries are also terrible but again they are cheap and easy to replace.
Thanks Adam :-)
I worked on repairing a job-lot of these. The main problem I encountered is there is more than one style of the conductive silicon pads that press on the contacts on the PCBs. The 3rd-party replacements are generally poor quality, with a clicky, non-tactile feel to them.
I just ordered some spares on ebay, they should be coming in a few days and if the parts I need are in them maybe I could send you the board I replace for you to trouble shoot around with. If all goes well, I'll circle the exact spot I cleaned with a sharpie, where the build up was, and write a detailed note of what I did already. I wouldn't mind footing the shipping bill if you were interested in looking at it. Maybe I'll look into sending it to your p.o. box and how much it will cost to ship it for shits and gigs while I wait for the parts. Keep it up, I love your vids and always Stay Well.
the ps3 controller is the same kind of contacts between boards and i had to put something to put more pressure on the contacts because the foam they used stopped pushing like it did. guess the ps4 ones might have the same problem sometime.
Yea the built in windows tool dates back to the 90's for flight sticks. That's why it only has one x and y box and all other axis were displayed for things like a throttle, rudder, and et cetera.
little tip: use DS4windows. It's made for the dual shock controller, so everything will be properly labled
Awesome a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star seller . Also sometimes the metal thingybob inside the usb bends & stops it from charging
20:26 what a nice burns on finger and thumb from touching soldering iron :D
I know this is an older video but alot of times you can fix drift on the older controllers by cleaning the potentiometer tracks with some IPA and a q-tip, no soldering iron required, fixed a few like that but there is some such as a brand new week old controller that started drifting that I could not get that to work on so I replaced it.
Hi, just as a heads up, that flex cable is the source of ghost inputs if it's not being pressed evenly on the other board.
A common fix involves using an antistatic spacer to put more pressure on the contacts.
Also, you should be able to test the analog sticks with the multimeter before desoldering them to understand if you are swapping in a bad one.
Cheers.
Thanks Mad Dog :-)
the control sensors, the backlight components and the touchpad are defferent between the old and new controller. I tried to see if I could swap basic parts before and noticed differences.
This is brilliant! Nice work with the controller! What equipment do you suggest on using with IPA for cleaning components? I've tried to find suitable stuff, but it seems like the ones I've tried don't work so well. Is that some specific brush you're using to clean the USB connector?
Yeah Not being able to go up on the PS4 controller's left stick is a common problem, happened to 2 controllers of mine
Some dielectric grease on the faulty analog sticks would fix them better than replacing the pots, notice how yours didn’t fully go all the way up after replacing.
I first wondered if a calibration on the sticks (on the first tab of controller properties on Windows) would have maybe fixed the incorrect axis, but seeing that changing the potenciometer have fixed it now I doubt about it, but then again, how then was the left analog trigger registering as moving up the left stick? (Sorry if I make grammatical mistakes, I'm from Spain :) ).
Nice break with the straight forward fix.
You needed a break before you pulled all your hair out
DS4 Windows you can connect a PS4 pad up via bluetooth and usb to windows.
Take it easy Hercules... Hahaha! Lineman's pliers... Hey, just a little squeezy will do, you're not trying to crush it... Heh heh!
I love what you do. Nice video...
See I don't have a soldering iron so I can't desolder the potentiometer I just unclip them and bend them back to clean them, not advised as repeated bendage will eventually break the solder joints but I work with what I have lol also the motors I just cut the wires off on them as the controller vibrating is annoying in my opinion so I never bother connecting them back up.
I would really appreciate if you show how to change every single botton next time, because my Controllers are dying ATM.
I think the little plastic/silicone piece for the reset button is missing, it's a little grey cylinder that goes right next to the battery.
Great video half the usual length!
Hey Vince. I'm enjoying these Vids but what happened to the remaining XB1 controllers? Also what rework station are you using and where do you buy your pcb components? All the best.
Maybe you will find a solution to a controller that has the same stupid problem i have with my first (next-gen) controller
Basically: when i hit L2, it registers but it also ties forward movement on the L stick for some odd reason, i could never figure out why since everything looked perfectly fine to me but after taking it apart my square button stopped responding so i use my replacement.
-The replacement’s problem is just a dying speaker which from what i see is a very simple swap out from the looks of things
Love the videos vinc I'm a sub like the way u do the videos they help me learn so nice one man
Thanks man :-)
Not saying it's the issue, but the Xbox play and charge cable has the device select pin shorted to ground through a led, so it's different then a normal USB cable, I have no clue what the PS4 controller thinks of it.
Your awesome mate ! I dropped my controller for the first time since I got my System and was freaking out about it getting damage I hope its okay I tested the bottons and they seem fine I just hope nothing inside got knocked about or lose or even damaged thats how hard I dropped it off the bed.
Sorry, did I miss the end of the other controllers ? or is this a different machine? (I'm not really a gamer but love the vids )
Hi, these are for the PlayStation 4 which is a different console. I still need to do Part 5 and 6 on the other series of Xbox controllers. I thought I would try and break up the videos a bit :-)
For the guts yes you can purchase a case not sure on the touch panel though also for a couple of quid on eBay you can replace the top cover of that controller if you don't like the controller looking the way it does!
The black tape on the USB port is just to stop light leakage, at the port. It has no structural purpose just esthetic.
Thanks for the info :-)
Much better than those darn Xbox controllers.
You can get a housing shell for £4.99, if you were selling it on.
You can find a better tester/program that will work wireless as well (given your laptop has bluetooth) if you google "DS4Windows" this is the actual programs name, keep the great vids coming!!
Just wanted to go to bed, but hey let's watch this instead. Got 3 controllers needing giving anyways.
Seems like a better seller than the xbox one controllers
For testing PS4/PS3 controller you can install SCPToolkit on your mini laptop, and it will install a Xbox 360 controller emulator (driver), and you will be able to use the Game Controller Tester App on Windows 10.
Just in time! My PS4 controller has been having issues (no power unless plugged in, battery replaced and no change). Hoping you come across a similar problem to help me out with mine.
It's probably the charging IC having a bad joint or gone bad all together.
I would probably try to locate it, test it with a multimeter, and try again after reflowing the joints.
If, again, the multimeter misfires in some joints, change the IC ( or the board containing the IC , if you want less to solder/desolder )
@@ShinryuZensen that's what I'm thinking too. Just need a new multimeter to test with as mine capped out.
"Dealing with a small tip here" - My Mate VINCE 2019
Those ribbon cables that connect to the usb port are horrible for tearing. I've done multiple jobs on the v2 and v1 ps4 controllers and on a number of occasions there was a micro tear in the cable stopping it charging also found it wouldn't light up too if that cable was faulty at all.
that's why I use controller charging stations.
Good man, thanks Dave, I will look out for it in the other controllers :-)
@@Mymatevince no worries Vince definitely worth looking out for as it's only a couple of quid for the ribbon cables and really simple to sort out.
Pls more videos about ps4 controller s
On the right rumble you wired it backwards. But it's fine it will just spin backwards.
Hi, thanks for the message. I just checked back on the vid and they are wired up correctly, remember I mentioned the little symbol earlier on in the vid to show which one is positive :-)
@@Mymatevince oh ok have a good one Vince
@@Mymatevince at least so far the seller isn't a scammer like with the Xbox one controllers
Thanks :-) Yeah, I think these will be 'normal' faults. The Part 2 video which I will put live tomorrow has an interesting issue with it :-)
@@Mymatevince can't wait
The flex ribbon touch pad does cause problems if it goes bad the controller won’t power on at all I have a blue PS4 controller that I’ve replaced the charging port and I’ve gotten a new battery because I thought that was the problem but it wasn’t it was the flex ribbon touch pad I haven’t finished fixing my because I’m still waiting for the flex ribbon. I’m hoping that fixes my controller
cool video, my charge port is also not working so well. I might have to just squish it down like you did in the video so it will connect better, rather than buying a new controller at $60.
Try that.
Also, replacing just that little USB board it's CHEAPER AS HELL for sure.
Grate Job, TOP GO ON Next One
After watching this video and hearing you say something about a tester I now wonder why the hell hasn't Sony released a controller tester app on ps4? Or an app for mobile to test the input of the. controller,
If you ever wanted to you can always get a 3rd party replacement controller shell off ebay for a little over $2, and that's including postage to the UK.
I like that packaging
I love this channel
There is a test app for the controller on ps4... its in the Playroom app
At 3.15 you said you used the Microsoft controller tester app thing to check the ps4 pads. Is it the same 1 as the xbox tester? If so that will come in handy as I've got some ps4 pads to fix and no ps4 to check them with.
300th like I LOVE THIS SERIES
Won't be long before you get yourself a workshop set up, must be a pain to sit on the floor and do all this especially if someone opened that door lol
Could you create a video showing the equipment that you use to fix the controllers?
Don't do what he did. It's way easier. It will not take you 5 min. Just look in UA-cam.
Basil J I didn’t understand your comment
inb4 “How to modify your DualShock 4-controller”-video coming up, or “Making a fancy DualShock 4 controller” or something...
In any case, a decent fix. Shame about the plastic burn, though...
I like reparing these nice to work on
Great job
my old DS4 has a problem with the circle and PS buttons activating simultaneously when i press either. Checked the controller with control panel as seen here. And as i expected 2 inputs activate when i press the circle or PS button