PlayStation 2 controller issues

[ZenErik]

I have never had any issues with first party controllers until recently. But now two of my PS2 controllers have buttons that dont work unless pressed hard. On my white controller its the x button. and on my emerald controller its the right button on the d-pad. There does not appear to be liquid damage when I open the controllers.

Anything that might help besides new controllers? I would rather not replace the white one that matches my console. I could swap the controller's board with a good one, but the white cable is soldered on. It wouldnt be terribly difficult to desolder that too, but I'm feeling lazy.

Suggestions? D:

[CRTGAMER]

Pics of the board and button contacts?
While you have the PCB exposed, clean the pads with alcohol and let dry. Clean the button contacts too, but just use a clean DRY cloth to avoid rubbing off any of the material off the button carbon.

Desperate measure
You can do this if the cleaning does not work. All the PS2 buttons are "Analog", the harder you press the less resistance between the button and pad. My 3rd party controller buttons needed a heavy press to work correctly. I used a small slotted jewelers screwdriver and very LIGHTLY scrapped each PCB carbon coating contact pad. Just a couple of light drags to make the carbon coating shine. The buttons now respond with a light tap.

[Hobie-wan]

I agree that the carbon might be worn or got some dust in there. Maybe cleaning the carbon pads will work. You can buy stuff to paint on the pads to rejuvenate them, but I haven't needed to try it myself yet.

[Ziggy]

Probably just got gunked up. Cleaning out the debris should fix it.

[ZenErik]

Thanks for the tips. I'll let you guys know how it goes once I get home from work and take a look at them.

[CRTGAMER]

Thanks for the tips. I'll let you guys know how it goes once I get home from work and take a look at them.

Please post a pic
If they are like the 3rd party one I fixed, the PCB pads have a layer of factory carbon coating on them. The carbon coating is designed for resistance to get the analog "throttle" capability of the buttons. If cleaning doesn't make the button sensitive enough, try what I posted in my previous reply. Good luck!

[AznKhmerBoi]

like all the comments aboved, take it apart and give it a good cleaning. Should b good as new