How to fix a button on a controller which sticks sometimes ?

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
T

the_bears

Distinguished
Dec 6, 2013
215
0
18,680
Well like the title said, I have a slight problem which while I can live with it I'd rather fix it if possible.

Recently after a few weeks , I spilled some OJ on my PS3 controller and I made sure to clean it on the outside as much as possible. Ofcourse after sometime my "action " keys (Triangle, Square, X, Circle) started to stick and I wanted to clean it from the inside. After disassembling my controller I cleaned it with Alcohol and Q-Tips thoroughly (few hours of cleaning), and the keys worked again like new.

Now the problem that I have is that whenever I press my Triangle key, it sometime tends to stick a little (split second) and if pressed hard (like when button mashing in some games) it sticks in for a second or two.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me to try ?

Thanks
 
Solution
Frag Maniac
I would take it apart again, and this time try clicking the buttons themselves. It's one thing if the outer button cap is sticking on the gamepad shell due to something spilled, quite another if the button itself underneath gets something spilled inside of it that dries very sticky.

I would also consider using a clean soft bristle brush to whisk away the dirt. Even a Soft grade toothbrush can be quite effective. Cotton balls, swabs, and cloths can sometime smear dirt down into places you can't get it out of.

If you find the button itself is sticking, I recommend using a decent contact cleaner spray. Spray it down good, press the button numerous times, then set it so the dirt can drain out of the crevices, vs staying inside.

The last...
Sort by date Sort by votes
Frag Maniac

Frag Maniac

Illustrious
Oct 6, 2012
5,910
351
41,590
I would take it apart again, and this time try clicking the buttons themselves. It's one thing if the outer button cap is sticking on the gamepad shell due to something spilled, quite another if the button itself underneath gets something spilled inside of it that dries very sticky.

I would also consider using a clean soft bristle brush to whisk away the dirt. Even a Soft grade toothbrush can be quite effective. Cotton balls, swabs, and cloths can sometime smear dirt down into places you can't get it out of.

If you find the button itself is sticking, I recommend using a decent contact cleaner spray. Spray it down good, press the button numerous times, then set it so the dirt can drain out of the crevices, vs staying inside.

The last part is crucial, because electrical contact cleaner dries quickly. In fact it's best if you hold it so the button crevices are upward when spraying it, then so they're downward when pressing the button to loosen the dirt, and let it drain AS you do.

You could also try dripping a small amount of 99% rubbing alcohol first to see if that works, which also dries slower. Needs to be THOROUGHLY dry before using though. Overnight at the very least.

Here's a couple contact cleaner sprays that get great reviews at vendors that have best prices on them.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/CRC-Electronic-Cleaner-11-Oz./16817418

http://www.homedepot.com/p/WD-40-SPECIALIST-11-oz-Contact-Cleaner-300083/206356189

I know you're well aware of it by now, but this should also be a warning to you not to have your gamepad in the path of your drink while gaming. In fact it's best to take a 15 min break and eat and drink, clean your hands thoroughly, then go back to it. Even just skin oils mixed with skin cells and dirt can cause the crevices in your control devices to stick over time. It only happens faster when you add food or drink debris.
 
Upvote 1 Downvote
Solution
Frag Maniac

Frag Maniac

Illustrious
Oct 6, 2012
5,910
351
41,590

I've never taken one apart, so don't know. The first rule of taking something apart for the first time is paying careful attention to how the parts go together. I suggest trying to find a disassembly video and if you can't tell by the video, ask the video author in the comments.

 
Upvote 0 Downvote
T

the_bears

Distinguished
Dec 6, 2013
215
0
18,680
Well, I went and cleaned it with the soapy water after disassembling it again, now the sticky thing at the triangle button is no more but now when I press it, it produces that sound as you would rub your finger on a clean glass heh.

It doesn't matter as I can live with it, thanks again.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom