Repair Stuck Buttons on PDP Faceoff Controller

Some of the buttons can eventually become sluggish, and sometimes jam (see video below), lacking enough return force to pop back up. To remedy this, I installed springs that help push the buttons back up. These instructions may apply to other controllers, not just PDP branded.

• small screwdrivers
• pliers
• optional: cutters if the spring needs to be trimmed
• spring wire : can be obtained from an old retractable pen
• drill bit or other cylindrical rod to form the new spring. Diameter somewhere between 5 and 6mm (7/32 to 1/4") . Trial and error to find the right size

1. disconnect the controller
2. remove the face plate by prying with fingernails. It's simply clipped on
3. remove screws holding both inner covers together (not shown, there should be 6 or 7)
4. remove the back cover by gently prying, possibly with the help of a thin flat screwdriver near the two tabs (see red arrows)
5. note the position and alignment of the different membranes, will help for reassembly.

1. On mine, there are 2 screws (of different lengths ! Set them aside and be sure to remember which one goes where) holding the PCB to the front plate.
2. gently lift the PCB straight off : there may be connectors and pogo pins connecting the D-pad / audio connector PCB

WEAR EYE PROTECTION !!! Even such a small spring could send you to the hospital if it jumps in the eye.

1. Find an old spring; something out of a retractable pen should be about the right type and length of wire.
2. Slide spring on a small screwdriver and pull one end of the wire to unwind it to something more manageable. Avoid straightening it out completely : spring steel can only tolerate a limited amount of bending / forming.

WEAR EYE PROTECTION !!! Even such a small spring could send you to the hospital if it jumps in the eye.

1. With a vise, drill chuck, or any other clever method, hold your forming mandrel (steel rod, drill bit, etc) and one end of the spring wire, then wind the wire around it to form the spring.
2. A 7/32 drill bit (5.5mm) was about the right size - of course the finished diameter of the spring at rest is much larger.
3. Too large, or too small : the spring will jam inside the button cavity. Trial and error will be required.
4. It may be necessary to enlarge the last turn at one end of the spring, to ensure it doesn't interfere with the membrane dimple (see photo).

1. place the springs ( only 2 buttons were problematic on mine, the others were fine) into the button cavities.
2. Ensure buttons are inserted properly - many are keyed and will jam if rotated out of position (see photo - I didn't notice and two small buttons got stuck the first time).
3. Place membranes in the correct positions
4. reinstall PCB carefully (remember those connector pins that need to be aligned)
5. Proceed in the reverse order of step 1 for the rest.
6. I suggest testing the controller as soon as the back cover is clipped into place, before installing screws.