PS4 Dualshock 4 controller only works when using Remote Play?

[Sugarfree405]

I have a controller that does not connect to my PS4, charge, or light up when pressing the PS button. I have followed all of the Playstation support steps to troubleshoot what is wrong with the controller but cannot send it in to be serviced as I purchased it second hand and no longer has the serial number sticker on the back. The controller shows absolutely no signs of working but when connected via micro-USB cable to my Windows PC with Remote play working it lights up and every button functions perfectly. With it hooked up via remote play I can use it just like any other controller and it works with no problems what so ever. However, the moment I disconnect the cable it goes back to being a brick. 

Again, I have tried all of the steps provided by sony to connect it to my PS4 including doing a "Class 4 Reset" on my PS4 with the controller connected. When I attempted this, the controller lit up with a faint blue color but all other functions were unresponsive. I have replaced with the ribbon cable which connects the two halves of the controller, replaced the charging board connected to the said ribbon cable as well as the battery, all with no change. I have tried every combination of new and original of these 3 parts, all configurations work with remote play when connected via USB but still, none can directly connect to my PS4. 

I have tried every micro-USB cable that I own (22 in total) and none will charge or work with my PS4. I have been able to sync it via Bluetooth with my iPhone 7 and PS3 but the controller shuts off after about 2 seconds, I'm guessing due to the battery being dead. I've synced almost synced it via Bluetooth with my PS4 but in the Bluetooth devices list it shows up as an empty box with no information given. When I attempt to choose this box it says that the device is not compatible with the PS4. 

I have tried numerous times to leave it hooked up via USB to my PC and running remote play so that the controller is obviously powered, but it does not seem to charge it. I have attempted with all of my 22 micro-USB cables to charge it with different AC outlet adapters, different computers, PS4, PS3, and my portable USB charger, all with no sign of charging the controller.

I've looked as closely as I can at all of the internals of the controller and there appears to be no sign of damage, no broken soldering points, no discoloration, no sign of melting or anything else. I'm really at a loss for what could be wrong with this thing and my next step will be to borrow a muli-meter but I don't really know what values I'm looking for there so I don't know how to diagnose if anything is wrong. Seriously any help or direction would be greatly appreciated!

[Wyano]

I have the exact same problem, work on PC perfect with steam, all ok.. DS4Windows all ok... once is plugged out of PC.. does'nt charge/respond work in any kind of situation.
My dualshock is acting as a PC joystick only... i've tried everything xD

Did you solved the situation ?

[Sugarfree405]

I never ended up fixing the issue. I eventually took apart the controller and started probing around with a multi-meter. The lack of current seemed to coincide on flexible sheet where the button presses are communicated into an electric signal and then sent to the motherboard. Not sure why this would change when switching to having it connected to PC with cord. Regardless, replacing this part costs more than what I spent on the controller. As well, I've since gotten a PS5 which cant use the DS4 controllers, so I've abandoned this project and will probably just use the controller for parts in future if needed. Good luck though, and if you end up finding a fix I'd love to hear about it!