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How to Troubleshoot the Sony Sixaxis or DualShock

The PS3 has two traditional controllers: the Sixaxis controller, which was the original option available at the console's launch, and the DualShock 3 controller, which adds a vibration feature. Setup and game play for these two controllers are identical, so if you have a problem with either type, you can troubleshoot both the same way. Unless the controller is defective, you can usually fix the problem quickly.

Instructions

- 1
  Turn on your PS3 if it's not on already. You'll need to use it to check settings for your controller.
- 2
  Press the "PS" button and watch the LEDs on the front of the controller. If the LEDs don't light up at all, the controller is either defective or has a dead battery.
- 3
  Plug the controller into the PS3 with its USB cable. The LEDs will begin blinking to indicate that the battery is charging; if you wait for a minute or two and the LEDs remain unlit, the controller is defective. Press the "PS" button after the lights begin blinking, and a single LED will light up, indicating that controller's number on the console. If this is the first time you're trying to use the controller with this PS3, the gamepad will pair itself to the system.
- 4
  Press and hold the "PS" button for more than two seconds until the charge level appears on the screen. If the charge is low, the problem with the controller is likely a drained battery. Let the controller recharge. The LEDs will stop blinking when the charging is complete.
- 5
  Adjust the controller's settings if the controller's battery dies too quickly. If the battery never lasts more than an hour or two, the battery is most likely worn out, and you should replace the controller or only use it with its USB cable. You can adjust the controller settings to conserve battery power. Select "Settings" in the XMB menu. Select "Power Save Settings," then "Controller Auto-Off" to change the period of inactivity before the controller shuts off automatically. You turn off DualShock 3 vibration to further conserve battery power. Select "Settings," then "Accessory Settings." Select "Controller Vibration Function."
- 6
  Reset the controller if it still isn't working properly. Unplug the controller from the PS3 and insert a small metal object, like a paperclip, into the hole for the reset button on the underside of the controller. The reset button is near the "L2" trigger button. You'll need to pair the controller to the PS3 by connecting it again with the USB cable.
- 7
  Contact the retailer you bought the controller from if it's new, or if you have a warranty on it. If the controller still won't work properly. Contact Sony's Consumer Services department at 800-345-7669.

PlayStation 3