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The L1 & L2 Button Broke on My PS3 Controller; How Do I Fix It?

Since the original PlayStation, the L1 and L2 buttons have been standard on all Sony console systems, including the PlayStation 3. In fact, they are so useful that virtually all rival console companies incorporate them into their controller design. The problem is, with use, the L1 and L2 buttons can stop working, or the button covers can be cracked. PlayStation 3 controllers are very expensive, so it could be useful to try and reset the buttons and replace the button covers instead of the controllers.

Things You'll Need

Philips screwdriver
Replacement buttons

Instructions

- 1
  Unscrew the four Philips screws on the back of your controller.
- 2
  Pull the controller apart at the seams. Make sure not to put more pressure on the circuit board than you have to.
- 3
  Push the frame holding the L1 and L2 buttons in up and away from the controller.
- 4
  Take out the broken L1 and L2 button covers from the frame. They will slide backwards then lift out.
- 5
  Determine if the switches are broken. Underneath of the button covers you removed, there are two rubber pads with rounded mounds on top of each. Press them. If they click, the switches are fine. If they don't click or are in a down position, then manually pull them to the upright position. Once the switches are up, press them down again to see if they click. If they stay down or do not click, your controller cannot be repaired.
- 6
  Place the replacement button covers into the shoulder button frame.

PlayStation 3