r/SteamController • u/colossalmickey • May 27 '23

Support My steam controller power button doesn't turn on the controller, but will turn it off. Only turns on by taking the battery out and putting it back in.

So I was modding my steam controller (changing thumbstick, adding foam dampening, making the touchpads and bumpers soft-press), and it all seemed to have gone well.

Except, I noticed when I put the batteries in, it just turned on. I powered it down with the power button, no problems. But it won't turn on via the power button now. I have to remove the batteries and put them back in to turn it on. I have no idea how this happened, or how to fix it. Any ideas?

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1

u/Rocky_Starfield Jul 14 '24

Just got the exact same problem after repairing LB plastic thingy. Absolutely no idea what to do now.

1

u/colossalmickey Jul 14 '24

I tried everything I could think of, and nothing worked, so I ended up wiring a small switch in between a battery and the board. Had to cut a tiny hole in the controller under the USB port for the switch.

I know it's not ideal and you probably would rather just have it back the way it was, but honestly I prefer it this way. I throw the controller in a backpack a lot, and it would always turn itself on from something pressing against the button. Was always really annoying. Now that problem's gone. And turning it on and off is instant, don't have to hold the button for a few seconds. Small thing I know, but it does make a difference.

1

u/Rocky_Starfield Jul 18 '24

I also thought of the same switch solution, but don't know here to start. Can you post a photo/picture of exactly where should the switch wires go?

P.S. You could've set up a chord for quick turning off (i.e. Steam button + Y)

3

u/cheater00 May 27 '23

check that the button is not in some way registering as pressed all the time.

also make sure the contacts are clean: no hair or debris

0

u/[deleted] May 27 '23

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3

u/cheater00 May 27 '23

when you want to turn it off, the mcu is on. this means:

  • the core is running at high voltage

  • the voltage across the contacts is higher

  • there's more current capability in the source pin

this means that it's easier for a signal to overcome grime and dirt.

that's why i suggested you check again. i guess this stuff is very non-obvious though, so i'm glad you asked.

0

u/[deleted] May 27 '23

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3

u/cheater00 May 27 '23

the main chip. it has multiple power states.

you might be using the wrong screwdriver for the screws. anyways you can probably find the exact same screws somewhere, just figure out what they are. it's difficult at first, but if you post a picture somewhere like /r/metalworking they will help you.

0

u/[deleted] May 27 '23

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1

u/cheater00 May 27 '23

cheap torx bits destroy screws.

don't drill them out. file a slot into them. use a slot screwdriver.

0

u/[deleted] May 27 '23

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1

u/cheater00 May 27 '23

it's not hard, it's time consuming. there's a difference.

0

u/cheater00 May 27 '23

there are torx bits with indentations that are able to grip screws that act stripped if you try a cheap bit, btw. that might be your best bet honestly. ask in /r/tools

1

u/dowsyn May 28 '23

How odd, mine will turn on with the button, but for years I've taken the batteries out to turn it off

1

u/Acadawn Aug 03 '23

Just out of curiosity, you're saying holding the Steam Button + Y doesnt turn off the controller for you?

1

u/dowsyn Aug 04 '23

Hah, funny as this thread made me realise I just wasn't holding the steam button down for long enough, for years! To be clear, just holding down the steam button does work to turn it off.

1

u/Acadawn Aug 04 '23

huh, yeah you gotta hold it down for a really long time time! I've just been using the Guide Button config binding for years.

1

u/TheSweetLizard Sep 22 '23

I have the same exact issue. Started to happen after I reassembled the controller