Check the issue with DUALSHOCK 4 and follow the troubleshooting steps provided.
Check the issue with DUALSHOCK 4 and follow the troubleshooting steps provided.
While working on fixing drift issues in my DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT2U), I cleaned the potentiometers with 96% ethanol. Unfortunately, another issue appeared, likely due to my cleaning technique. After thoroughly drying everything using compressed air and letting it sit for 5 minutes with a fan, I suspect the controller is misinterpreting a closed circuit when it shouldn’t be. It seems like the R1 button circuit appears to stay open even when I’m not pressing it. Even more surprising, the R1 circuit opens when I press the triangle button. I’ve added a video to clarify what’s happening. Sorry for the low quality—I had to zoom out so the triangle press wouldn’t hit the screen limits. Untitled video - Made with Clipchamp.mp4. I’m convinced the problem isn’t with the button PCB (the small plastic part that detects presses) or the connection between the PCB and the logic board. After extensive testing and cleaning, I’m 100% sure something is wrong with the logic board. My guess is that some liquid got inside the CPU and caused a malfunction. I know ethanol isn’t great at conducting electricity and dries quickly, but I’m confused. I’ve spent many hours on this and posted several times on Reddit without getting much help. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Edit: grammar corrections made February 25, 2025 by MarcosIsLost
Here are some key points:
1: Ethanol isn't the best choice; isopropyl alcohol is preferable for cleaning.
2: Five minutes isn't enough drying time.
3: Check that everything is assembled properly and nothing came loose during cleaning. This seems like a mechanical concern. Visit a hardware store, get a can of contact cleaner, disassemble the controller carefully, rinse electronics with the cleaner, let them dry on paper, then reassemble. Before putting it back together, confirm all connections are secure and solder joints are intact, ensuring buttons and joysticks move smoothly without any pinching or misalignment.
Thanks for your input. Concerning ethanol, it was the option available and alcohol-based, though research after the repair post suggests it isn't fully recommended. In some situations it behaves similarly to isopropyl alcohol, but it dries faster than 99% isopropyl. I’m worried it might not be gentle on delicate parts. The contact cleaner approach sounds promising—I’ll try it this week and share the outcome. Lastly, I’m confident everything was set up correctly; you’ll need to assemble it precisely for it to work. Thanks again for your feedback, hope you have a great day!