Fixing ps2 controller with dead buttons

Hi

This has been bugging me for a while because it doesn't seem to be a basic cleaning job and other sites give info that doesn't seem to apply.

Basically 3 buttons on my ps2 controller are dead; up on the d-pad, L1 and L2. I have opened and cleaned the rubber contact mat and the buttons feel right when pressed. I have tried rotating the rubber d-pad mat and the same 'up' direction doesn't work, which seems to suggest the conductive mat is not the problem here. I have tried using the controller on another ps2 and I get the same thing.

From what I understand that only leaves a few things:

1. The wire cable of the ps2 controller itself (no obvious damage)
2. Where that wire connects to the pcb.
3. The ribbon contact sheet.
4. The pcb board and the chips

What I need is help with how to diagnose what the issue is. I now have a multimeter and have been learning how to test continuity, but I am having a hard time with this. I don't see how I can touch a probe to a controller plug pin and the other end because the wires are soldered and don't look removable.

After lots of searching I have found what looks like my ps2 controller design in a disassembly:

https://www.takeitapart.com/guide/78

It doesn't look like the ribbon contact sheet is removable. What would be great is if someone has pictures with instructions for my controller design on where exactly to touch multimeter probes to find out where the problem lies.

Thanks

 

If you haven't already look at the place where the controller plugs into the ps2. If one of the 9 pins is missing the controller can semi work like your describing. If that doesn't work I'd solder a known working wire on because wire damage is not always obvious. If neither work its either the contact sheet or the place where the sheet connects to the board.

 

None of my ps2 controllers have 9 pins, pin number 8 is not there.

Soldering could be tricky as I don't possess the tools and I'm not experienced in that area and it is small and fiddly. Other guides suggest the wire unplugs from the pcb, but on my controller it looks soldered like in the pictures of that link.

I have had a look at the plastic contact sheet but there is no obvious damage front or back apart from a small crease where the start button sits. I have tried to straigten this out but see no change to the faulty buttons. All the other buttons work 100% with padtest.elf.

Does anyone know which pins/contacts route the d-pad up, L1 and L2 buttons on my version controller from the picutres above? I could take high res pics if that helps.

 

Some of the early and later Dualshock 2s have 8 pins but most have 9 so if your controller is a middle of the road model that could still be the issue. If you post the numbers on the back of the controller we may be able to determine when it was produced.

 

SCPH 10010

Then on the right hand side there is a H

 

I have 2 such controllers. Not working buttons are different, but both have it on the left side (L1, L2, D-PAD). Looks like a common problem.

 

I have the same isse, my original controller onlyhas 8 pins with the eigth missing. Also i brought 2 extra controllers because my originals didn't work with the same issue aswell. My ps2 system is SCPH-77003 ss and my controllers all have SCPH-10010.