Can this controller be saved?
Post by: u/Air_za
I recently dug out my old Quest 2, which controllers I forgot to take the batteries out of. I found that the battery that was in here had popped out, and the terminal had corroded so much so that I couldn't get another in. After hours of WD40, electronics cleaner, and bashing in the terminal with a screwdriver (stupid, I know), the metal bit covering the terminal had come off, so it now looks like this. Can it be saved? What should I do?
47 replies
Air_za: UPDATE 2: I'm back home now and the controller works perfectly!! Haha thank you so much for your help u/shanksmuchly , and for everyone else offering advice. You've all been great.
For those who want to know, I was desperate to use the headset to play HL Alyx, as I just got it on the recent Steam sale.
Also, if you're wondering why I was "bashing the terminal in," it was in an attempt to break off all of the corrosion that prevented it from moving -- the terminal is supposed to give way to the battery, like a spring.
In retrospect, it was a really dumb idea but I'm glad I did it as it allows for my controller to work normally now. I've since learnt my lesson: always remember to remove idling batteries!
boywithaukulele: No burn it
TheLittleGodlyMan: Salvation is for humans idk if controllers are covered.
AliShibaba: Question is why you used WD40. All you had to do was use a cotton swab and some IPA99% alcohol.
TheNorseFrog: Nice to see ppl helping OP!
At first I thought you need to replace the spring, contact plate assembly, but then looked at some pictures online and it looks like there is a plate that slides up and down that you broke off as you described. I'd consider sending it in for repair eval or replacing the controller. If you are good with electronics repair then maybe you could find the parts needed, disassemble the controller and perform the replacement.
Edit: lol at me for not understanding this community is a full repost of that sub and it's comments...
gauerrrr: From the damage? Probably.
From the user? I have my doubts...
Llohr: Sometimes, before asking ourselves if we can do something, we need to ask ourselves if we should.
wcproaz: Buy another one
Air_za: UPDATE : I've managed to remove the metal housing around the spring, so now the spring is out, positioned normally, and is surrounded by what's left of the casing. Batteries can now fit inside. Do I risk it?
Zer0C00L321: There's literally no risk. Give it a go. I would try and clean more of that corrosion off though. You want a really good contact.
AndreNaoEstaAqui: Sure!
IvyTrip: Hey dude don't spray WD-40 in there, it can leak into components and damage them. Before you test it out or if it's already working, try and wipe most of it off with isopropyl alcohol if you can
Then apply the electrical lube 👍
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ShanksMuchly: Yea try it out. Its a AA battery its not going to hurt you. Either it works or you gotta replace it.
Air_za: I worry about it short circuiting and starting a fire haha
Here's what it looks like now, all good?
https://preview.redd.it/u6mkk1vqi2qc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=3c933527a1c9a08b61cd4aabf43b7c16e16c2e7f
ShanksMuchly: Its low voltage would make it difficult to start a fire. I would grab some q-tips and some rubbing alcohol and try and clean out the inside there some more.
Air_za: Will do, I'll update you on how it goes.
I used WD-40 to try remove the corrosion initially, but since then I've doused it in isopropanol and electronics cleaner. That won't cause a short either, right?
ShanksMuchly: Give it like 5-10 mins to fully evaporate and you wont have a problem.
Air_za: Okay I've cleaned it as much as I can, but I have to go now so I'll leave it to dry whilst I'm out. Here's what it looks like. Thank you so much for your help and reassurance! I'll tell you how it goes
https://preview.redd.it/g6v37ythm2qc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=75c27ad84c5dc1f0f514b9df91fa50340695214c
16block18: If the gap is too long now you can always pad it out with aluminium foil.
Spazzamat: Neodymium magnets work better
ShanksMuchly: Sound good, good luck!
Kujen: Next time you have an alkaline battery leak, just use vinegar to clean it. The acid neutralizes the alkaline battery acid (which is actually basic).
NuClearSum: Nah, it's not a good solution. Acid is neutralizing basic, but creates water in that process. Water mixed with salts from vinegar and battery acid will certainly damage circuits inside
noodles9517476: I see vinegar on my xboc 360 controller it cleaned quite well but I couldn't get to the extra parts
Prestigious_Ad2610: https://preview.redd.it/h9ubo6y4c5qc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=96d4e9e41d62aa5c64c99d0fa726014e59426f47
This one was mine, same issue but the acid is leaking and corroded worse. I clean up with another acid from leftover kombucha that goes to acidic, and insert a rod of soldering tin and it works till now. My other issue now is related to the black foam covering your face is starting to wear out
Ambitious_Singer5519: Yeah the foam is ticking me
Pleasant_Mobile_1063: Vinegar is so much better at cleaning corrosion, and then you use a cotton swab with a mixture of baking soda and water to neutralize the vinegar...
Edit: and then use isopropyl alcohol at the very end
amriddle01: Yeah, but it will smell nice...
Pleasant_Mobile_1063: It's the correct way to clean it
Bubbly_Lead6590: I wanna know what you wanted to play so badly to want to fix this so quickly
VivaLosVagos: Captain hardcore
amicrobiallifeform: It's definitely captain hardcore
Air_za: HL Alyx, got it on the Steam sale for like £10
JorickJuh: Just use some isopropyl alcohol for the dirty spots
And use a pincet to get it upright again
please_respect_hats: WD40 might have killed it, very bad for the PCB + the rubber/silicone pieces inside the controller.
Hopefully it still works.
Objective_Stranger95: The same thing happened to me on my left controller when I had the quest 2, the literal plastic ring that held the metal contact to the spring deteriorated completely and luckily nothing else broke, you can just grab rhe metal Contact that wss placed on the spring over the spring and press it down and push it to the edge, it should hold it down enough for you to place a new battery and work like new.
uR4aundeR: Another one to the list of "this guy is not to be trusted with electronic devices"
tab_tab_tabby: If you can, try taking it apart and clean off the rust and all.
autovonbismarck: What is all the gunk on there? How did this even happen?
I can't imagine getting my quest controller that dirty - are you eating while playing? Is that soup? I have so many questions.
plasma7602: Battery acid and rust
CornyStew: Well this is my reminder to take the batteries out of mine..
GamePil: How did you even do this?
Thareya: I was gonna say to just buy a new one but 90€ for a single controller is absurd, but probably better than holding an acid bomb/fire hazard in your sweaty hand for hours.
Clarity_Page: Looks like a valid excuse to fork out for some Quest Pro controllers
TechFlameX68: Did you dig it out of the dirt?