How to Repair A Joystick For An Atari 2600 System

So you found the old Atari 2600 System you used to play with your kids or yourself. It brings back a lot of memories and you decide to try it out. However when you start playing a game you find that the joystick isn't working properly. In most cases the joystick switches are dirty or have become defective. This article explains how to clean and/or replace the switches. Switches can be purchased on ebay and probably some other sites.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Phillips screwdriver
• Razor blade
• Invisible tape (like scotch tape)
• Isopropyl Alcohol
• pencil eraser
• Switches (5)

1. 
    
   Joystick Bottom

   Remove the base of the joystick by removing the four screws on the bottom of the joystick.

2. 
    
   Joystick with Bottom Removed.

   Remove the two screws holding the circuit board to the top of the joystick. Note: there are 5 springs pressing against the circuit board. make sure they do not fly out when removing the circuit board. Remove the white plastic piece covering the circuit board. It should just pull away from the circuit board.

3. 
    
   Switches On Circuit Board

   You can now see the circuit board with the 5 small flat silver switches about the size of a dime.

4. 
    
   Switch removed

   Each switch is held in place by a thin plastic film over the switch. Remove the switch by using a razor blade and lightly cutting the film from around the switch. Take care not to cut into the circuit board land patterns the switch is pressing against. Now clean the land patterns where the switch was pressing against it. Use a pencil eraser and/or isopropyl alcohol. If using an eraser be sure to wipe the area afterwords with a lint free cloth to remove any debris. If using alcohol, apply it with a lint free cloth and immediately wipe the area dry with a lint free cloth.

5. Once the area is cleaned install a new switch, making sure each leg of the switch is pressing againg each of the three land patterns of the circuit board. Secure the switch in place with scotch tape.
   Repeat this procedure for all 5 switches. Put the joystick back together in the reverse order it was removed. Make sure the 5 springs fit into the white plastic piece properly before screwing the plastic piece to the joystick top. You are now ready to play Atari...

Tips & Warnings

• If replacing the switches does not resolve the problem, it is possibly there is an open wire in the cable harness or plug. If you know how to use an OHM meter you can check continuity of the wires and find the open wire(s).
• be sure unplug the joystick from the controller before working on the joystick.