My PS3 controller presses buttons by itself

[kipkeior]

My controller is connected through a USB cable but the ¨charging port connector¨ of the controller is a little opened/bent and now the Mini-USB (the small cannector that goes into the controller entry) is a little wobbly which I think is the reason why it causes the controller to go crazy with the buttons. Is there a way to fix this? because where I live all the electronic stores are closed due to the pandemic.

If there's a way, do you know a trustworthy tutorial?

[r.linder]

Any of the buttons kind of recessed or sticky? Really common issue.

[kipkeior]

Originally posted by Escorve:

Any of the buttons kind of recessed or sticky? Really common issue.

When I barely move the controller I can see the inputs go crazy, the controller is ¨fine¨ at first glance but the little USB charger entry of the controller is a little bent. So when I move the controller the USB mouth that connects to the controller (the smaller not the big one) wobbles, which I think is the reason why the buttons are being pressed without my hand.

[r.linder]

YouTube™ Video: PS3 controller buttons pressing themselves fix - YouTube 

Views: 842,466

PS3 controller buttons pressing themselves fix I take a look at the random button presses and general PS3 controller problems and offer a simple fix.

See if this can help. If anything it'll just show how to take it apart carefully.

[_I_]

the ps3 ribbon cable design is a pain from the start
cleaning the contacts and putting a piece of foam under it to help support makes a huge difference

easy check if its the ribbon is to gently twist the controller, if joy.cpl test shows inputs go crazy its the ribbon

[Jamebonds1]

Also, don't use a mat like one in the video. It doesn't look like it is ESD safe mat. That flex connector in the controller is far worst I have ever seen. Flex ribbon is very fragile, so don't pull it too hard. Use isopropyl alcohol at least 70% to clean the contact, so that it doesn't create small water on the PCB. Most important, always discharged yourself before touching the PCB.

[kipkeior]

Originally posted by Jamebonds1:

Also, don't use a mat like one in the video. It doesn't look like it is ESD safe mat. That flex connector in the controller is far worst I have ever seen. Flex ribbon is very fragile, so don't pull it too hard. Use isopropyl alcohol at least 70% to clean the contact, so that it doesn't create small water on the PCB. Most important, always discharged yourself before touching the PCB.

Is okay if I use regular alcohol (for wounds) and duck tape? Also how do I discharge myself? (I'm not very clever when the subject is about technology)

[Jamebonds1]

Originally posted by kipkeior:

Originally posted by Jamebonds1:

Also, don't use a mat like one in the video. It doesn't look like it is ESD safe mat. That flex connector in the controller is far worst I have ever seen. Flex ribbon is very fragile, so don't pull it too hard. Use isopropyl alcohol at least 70% to clean the contact, so that it doesn't create small water on the PCB. Most important, always discharged yourself before touching the PCB.

Is okay if I use regular alcohol (for wounds) and duck tape? Also how do I discharge myself? (I'm not very clever when the subject is about technology)

You can discharge yourself by touch any metal that is connected to the ground. You can also use regular alcohol if it has no sugar or any edible ingredients.

Here is the link. You also can minimize ESD more by taking off your shoe.
https://sciencing.com/rid-static-electricity-body-5862942.html

[_I_]

Originally posted by Jamebonds1:

Also, don't use a mat like one in the video. It doesn't look like it is ESD safe mat. That flex connector in the controller is far worst I have ever seen. Flex ribbon is very fragile, so don't pull it too hard. Use isopropyl alcohol at least 70% to clean the contact, so that it doesn't create small water on the PCB. Most important, always discharged yourself before touching the PCB.

agreed, those suck, not only useless for doing any work (screws fall through holes and solder sticks to it), they degrade also melt other plastics

solder mats like this are a good size (35x25cm) for smaller electronics repair
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pad-Desk-Pad-PC-Phone-Anti-Static-Heat-Insulation-Silicone-Mat-Soldering-Repair/392658456031

as for esd, just be careful, discharge large/high voltage caps with a screwdriver
(pressing power button while unplugged does not drain them, the power enable circuit still shuts off before they are drained)
and handle components by their ground/shields

[Jamebonds1]

Originally posted by _I_:

Originally posted by Jamebonds1:

Also, don't use a mat like one in the video. It doesn't look like it is ESD safe mat. That flex connector in the controller is far worst I have ever seen. Flex ribbon is very fragile, so don't pull it too hard. Use isopropyl alcohol at least 70% to clean the contact, so that it doesn't create small water on the PCB. Most important, always discharged yourself before touching the PCB.

agreed, those suck, not only useless for doing any work (screws fall through holes and solder sticks to it), they degrade also melt other plastics

solder mats like this are a good size (35x25cm) for smaller electronics repair
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pad-Desk-Pad-PC-Phone-Anti-Static-Heat-Insulation-Silicone-Mat-Soldering-Repair/392658456031

as for esd, just be careful, discharge large/high voltage caps with a screwdriver
(pressing power button while unplugged does not drain them, the power enable circuit still shuts off before they are drained)
and handle components by their ground/shields

Mat looks good. The company where I work has a stringent ESD policy. ESD mat ~ $500, soldier station ~ $1000, soldier tip ~ $30, soldier cable ~ $200, cutter ~ $80, pliers ~ $70, and wire stripper ~ $60. All ESD safe.

[_I_]

i worked at nokia repair, back when they were popular

alot of esd mats are not solder safe, will melt/burn with 300+c hot air or iron

[Jamebonds1]

Originally posted by _I_:

i worked at nokia repair, back when they were popular

alot of esd mats are not solder safe, will melt/burn with 300+c hot air or iron

ESD mat at the company is heat resistant.

[Dr0mangle]

Originally posted by 乇丂匚ㄖ尺ᐯ乇:

YouTube™ Video: PS3 controller buttons pressing themselves fix - YouTube 

Views: 842,466

PS3 controller buttons pressing themselves fix I take a look at the random button presses and general PS3 controller problems and offer a simple fix.

See if this can help. If anything it'll just show how to take it apart carefully.

I just had a similar issue as OP with my old PS3 controller. PS3 controller connected trough USB and items and weapons were changing randomly in Dark Souls 2 when the controller or the USB cable was moved.

Clean up and a bit of tape following that video fixed the issue with my controller.
Just adding a comment in case someone else gets here trough a google search.