May 27, 2017

DualShock 3 Motherboard Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the controller's motherboard. Completely replacing the board will require de-soldering the existing vibration motors and soldering them to the new board.

Step 1 Rear Cover

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Remove the five 7.2 mm Phillips screws securing the rear cover to the controller.

Step 2

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Push the center of the rear cover (between the two analog sticks) and slightly lift the lower edge of it away from the rest of the controller.

Step 3

Image 1/2: Pull the rear cover away from the rest of the controller, being careful not to pop off the #2 triggers.

Push the rear cover slightly toward the top edge of the controller to clear the front edge of the #2 triggers.
Pull the rear cover away from the rest of the controller, being careful not to pop off the #2 triggers.
If you happen to accidentally pop off the trigger buttons, we have a trigger button guide to reattach them.

Step 4 Battery

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Lift the battery off the motherboard for enough clearance to access the battery connector.

Step 5

Image 1/1: It may be helpful to use a pair of tweezers or pliers to grab the battery connector when you disconnect it for the first time.

Carefully pull the battery connector away from its socket on the motherboard.
It may be helpful to use a pair of tweezers or pliers to grab the battery connector when you disconnect it for the first time.

Step 6 Motherboard Assembly

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Remove the single 7.2 mm Phillips screw securing the motherboard to the front cover.

Step 7

Image 1/3: Remove the #1 button on both sides.

Slide the trigger button retainers slightly away from the front cover.
Remove the #1 button on both sides.

Step 8

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Pull the vibration motor retainers away from the front cover to dislodge the motherboard assembly.
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Step 9

Image 1/1: When removing the motherboard assembly, try not to tilt the front cover upside down as the buttons and their covers may fall out.

Remove the motherboard assembly from the front cover.
When removing the motherboard assembly, try not to tilt the front cover upside down as the buttons and their covers may fall out.

Step 10 Input Board

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Carefully push the two vibration motors out of the input board frame.

Step 11

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Lift the input board assembly off the motherboard.

Step 12 Motherboard

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Pull both analog stick covers straight up off their joystick posts attached to the motherboard.

Step 13

Image 1/1: Don't have too much experience with soldering? Check out our [guide|750|soldering guide] for detailed instructions.

Use a soldering iron to de-solder both vibration motor wires from the motherboard.
Don't have too much experience with soldering? Check out our soldering guide for detailed instructions.
The positive (red) wire connects nearest the top of the motherboard.
When soldering on circuit boards, be sure not to overheat the connection as permanent damage may result.

Author
Andrew Bookholt
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