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How To Repair A PS2 Controller

Jeff Huber/Demand Media

The PlayStation 2, or PS2, is a video game console made by Sony. The PS2 is still one of the best-selling game systems today, even though more advanced models have been released. One of the revolutionary components of the PS2 was its vibrating motors that are located in each handle of the controller. The controller also gives users the ability to switch back and forth between analog joysticks and the traditional PlayStation D-pad directional controls. There are a few common problems that can occur with the PS2 controllers.

Things You'll Need:

  • Phillips Screwdriver
  • Wd-40
  • Cotton Swab
Jeff Huber/Demand Media

Unscrew the six screws from the back of the controller with the Phillips screwdriver. Once these screws are removed, separate the two halves of the controller to expose the internal components of the PS2 controller.

Jeff Huber/Demand Media

Lift out the green motherboard of the PS2 controller, which is attached to the two vibrating motors and the right and left top buttons. The entire electronics piece will come out together in one section.

Jeff Huber/Demand Media

Locate the rubber buttons on the front section of the PS2 controller. The rubber pieces get worn out over time, so the buttons may not go in far enough for the motherboard to register that a button has been pressed. Wad up a small piece of paper and stick it in the back of each button on the rubber pad. This will ensure that when you press a button, the paper will hit the motherboard, making it acknowledge the button press.

Jeff Huber/Demand Media

Locate the black plastic coverings of the analog sticks at the front of the motherboard. Pull off the black coverings to expose the underneath section of the analogs. The black coverings will not be connected to anything, so there will be nothing that you will have to remove first. Use a cotton swab and rub WD-40 on the metal moving parts of the analog device. Place the black plastic covers back on the analog sticks, and these controls should begin to work more smoothly.

Jeff Huber/Demand Media

Check the wires that lead away from the vibrating motors located in the handles of the PS2 controller to make sure that they have not become disconnected. Reassemble the PS2 controller by putting each component back exactly where it was removed from during these steps.

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