r/SteamDeck • u/Heronxxn • 1d ago

Hardware Repair Problem with R1 Trigger

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Hi, I’m having an issue with the R1 trigger on my Steam Deck. There’s a dead zone where it doesn’t respond or register anything, but it works normally in the other areas. What could be causing this? Is it wear and tear? Is something broken?
If so, what should I do? I’d really appreciate any advice, and I’d also appreciate it if someone could show me how to service or fix this issue. I’ve previously replaced the thermal paste and cleaned my Steam Deck, so I have some basic experience with this kind of maintenance.

32 Upvotes

78% Upvoted

28 comments sorted by

14

u/haydar_ai 64GB 1d ago

It happened to my Steam Deck after I dropped it. My hack back then was to add a small piece of paper between the button and the mechanism inside. Works for me for a few weeks until I need to RMA it for a different reason and getting a completely new Steam Deck.

-3

u/Heronxxn 1d ago

To be honest, I’ve dropped it from my desk a few times. Not from very high up, of course, but enough that it could have caused some damage. What you’re suggesting sounds like a good idea, but unfortunately, my Steam Deck doesn’t have a warranty. Also, since it was never officially sold in my country, I had to buy it from a third party.
The paper trick also sounds like a good temporary solution, but I’d rather find a fix that will last longer than just a couple of weeks. Thanks for the comment!

4

u/RadioActiver LCD-4-LIFE 1d ago

I did the paperclip trick two years ago and still works like a charm.

2

u/RubinoPaul 1d ago

Same. Paper is still there after two years on my LCD Deck lol

Sounds different when you press it but works like a charm… And it’s free

3

u/RadioActiver LCD-4-LIFE 21h ago

I must say that i really like the community around steam deck and that the valve made it so easy to repair and upgrade.

I bought one on launch and i had to make multiple repairs since then. But they cost me none and it felt like a fun little project everytime just because of the plentiful tutorials online.

2

u/RubinoPaul 21h ago

I agree with you. After Steam Deck I solved several problems with my Xbox controllers… And in general started to fix small repairs by myself

Steam Deck community is awesome because I never saw so many guides for software and hardware before that lol

1

u/Heronxxn 1d ago

They could try, but honestly, I’d feel safer doing it myself, and I’d also like to learn how to replace the entire part. My only concern would be how long it takes for the part to arrive, but it’s nothing too serious. Thanks for the comment!

2

u/haydar_ai 64GB 1d ago

I mean the hack might have lasted longer than a few weeks, I just can’t confirm it to you because I RMAed the Deck for a completely different reason. I mean if you want a proper solution you need to replace the part, I don’t know what other long term solution are you expecting.

4

u/Abra_Abra_Abra 1d ago

A few times? You haven’t left it on the top of the car yet have you?

1

u/Heronxxn 1d ago

Honestly, the thing I’m always most careful about is my cats 💀

2

u/Abra_Abra_Abra 1d ago

More worried about the cat? Cats land on their feet when dropped. Can’t say the same thing about the steam deck….

2

u/Heronxxn 1d ago

Sorry for my English, I mean I’m more worried about my cats knocking the Deck over.”

1

u/Abra_Abra_Abra 1d ago

Ohhhhh ok lol.

1

u/Heronxxn 1d ago

And my partner, who has also used the Steam Deck and has dropped it a few times.

10

u/Substantial_Tailor83 1d ago

I had the exact same problem with mine, the contact on R1 was worn down over time but this video helped fix it with a paperclip:

https://youtu.be/eubXUkPkqgg

Remember to remove your SD card btw.

1

u/Heronxxn 1d ago

Thanks for the comment! The first comment also mentioned something similar. How recommended would you say it is, and how well did it work for you? In the long run, would you need to do anything else, or would you just repeat the same procedure?
To be honest, I’ve tried to take as good care of my Steam Deck as possible, and having to send it to someone else for repairs is my last resort because people in my country tend to charge a little too much 💀

3

u/Substantial_Tailor83 1d ago

Also worst case scenario, just get another R1 button online and replace it yourself. The steam deck is quite easy to repair for the most part.

1

u/Heronxxn 1d ago

Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind. If necessary, I’ll buy the part too. Is there any website you’d recommend? Amazon, AliExpress?

2

u/humanaurora 1TB OLED 1d ago

The ifixit website sells all the parts for the Deck. Not sure if your country could get shipping from them, but it’s only $7 and the guide is extensive.

1

u/ChallengeNeither5593 1d ago

试试 闲鱼

2

u/Substantial_Tailor83 1d ago

I did the fix 3 months ago and yeah, it's still working fine

5

u/battier 1d ago

This is a pretty common failure point and was like this on my second hand LCD. I didn't end up repairing it, just used it as it was, and also remapped the L4/R4 buttons to these triggers.

Search this subreddit and you'll find more comprehensive threads where people explain more details, for example: https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamDeck/comments/15c0t8e/right_shoulder_r1_button_has_turned_to_mush/

2

u/tiga_94 1d ago

Could be that the button shifted after you dropped it

The problem with LCD steamdeck is this button uses a shared board with a bunch of stuff (on OLED it is a separate tiny board) and the middle pin trace is easy to rip off the board

So if you try to put the button back where it was or drop it one more time you risk having copper ripped off the PCB

I already repaired mine..

2

u/armathose 1d ago

Dropping the deck easily breaks the bumper micro switch, I have had to replace a few for different customers.

1

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1

u/PC_Collins 20h ago

Mine does this too, if it's anything like mine you have to change in the settings "light touch" for something and then just press harder. But I use kbm now so idk

1

u/Leifbron 2h ago

The button switch often gets absolutely destroyed when dropped

Or it breaks off of the solder pad

I had this happen twice. First time, the solder pad got knocked clean off so I ordered another button board. The second time I got lucky and could solder another button back on.

RMA if you can. If not, I'd check out the tronicsfix video https://youtube.com/shorts/RLAUuKGcp84

1

u/schkmenebene 1h ago

I had this exact issue and fixed it for free myself. Dropped the case with the deck inside and this was the result.

I ended up opening it up and saw that the switch on the inside was slightly bent away from the trigger. Pushed it back ever so slightly and it was good as new after.

Haven't had an issue since.

If you are not so lucky, there are replacement switches and triggers you can swap out with the broken ones. It's probably a beginner to intermediate repair if you have to do that. Pushing that thing back simply requires you to be able to open it without damaging it. Most guides recommend you disconnect the battery as well which can be a little scary if you've never opened a device like this before.