Open a Wired Xbox 360 Controller

In this tutorial you will learn how to open a wired Xbox 360 controller. This is very simple and allows you to do many things like add lights and a cool paint job, replace worn analog sticks, or to perform simple maintenance or repairs.

Steps

  1. Make sure that the controller is unplugged.
  2. Flip the controller so the back is facing you.
  3. In the lower-right center of the controller you will see a small sticker with a barcode, although the barcode may fade over time. This sticker is right next to the Microsoft/XBox 360 hologram. Remove this sticker to expose a screw hole. (Removing this sticker voids the warranty, if your controller is still under warranty.)
  4. Unscrew the all seven screws on the back of the controller and set them aside. Place them somewhere that they cannot be easily lost.
  5. Separate the two halves of the controller shell.
  6. Remove the bottom plate (where you connect a headset) by lifting it from the controller shell.
  7. Remove the top plate (where the two bumper buttons are located) by lifting it from the controller shell.
  8. Carefully remove the circuit board. The analog sticks can be removed by grabbing and pulling straight up.
  9. (Wireless Controller only) The D-pad (Directional Pad) will still be connected to the top portion of the controller shell. To remove it you must remove two small screws located inside the D-Pad. These screws are slightly smaller than those on the controller shell and may require a smaller screwdriver. On a Xbox 360 wired controller, the D-pad will come right off, no extra screwdrivers required.
  10. After removing the two screws from the D-Pad you will see two small clips inside it. Gently pry the clips to separate the two parts of the D-Pad. The D-Pad can now be easily removed.

Tips

  • Do not lose the screws used for the controller.
  • The motors located inside the controllers can be unplugged from the circuit board. Be careful when unplugging them so that you do not tear off the connector.
  • Headset plate
  • "Xbox Guide" button and sleeve.
  • Work in a well-lit area.
  • Be careful not to tear the silicone parts inside the controller. These are very soft and can be easily damaged. They are required for the buttons to work properly.
  • Before closing the controller shell make sure that the cord is settled into the correct place.
  • D-pad (Two pieces and 2 screws)
  • When reassembling the controller, be certain that all parts are in the correct places.
  • Check the following parts:
  • Bumpers
  • Rumble motors
  • If this is your first time opening an XBox 360 controller, be gentle or you may break important parts of the controller.
  • When taking apart the controller, the buttons may fall out. This is perfectly normal.
  • Put the buttons in the correct places (into the top part of the controller) and put some tape over them (outside the controller) to hold them in place while you reassemble. This will help you a lot to put everything back at the right spots.
  • Circuit board
  • Silicone contacts
  • If you wish to paint the controller please read the tutorial titled "How to Paint an XBox 360 Wired controller".
  • Make sure that the A, B, X, and Y buttons are in the right spots!
  • A, B, X, and Y buttons
  • "Start" and "Back" buttons

Warnings

  • Do not plug in your controller while it is open as it may lead to the destruction of the controller and/or serious injury.
  • Do not attempt any major modification of the electronics inside the controller unless you know what you are doing.
  • Soldering irons are very hot. When using one you must be very careful. Failure to do so may result in serious burns.

Things You'll Need

  • TORX T8 security screwdriver
  • Medium/small Phillips-head screwdriver
  • Or use a very small screwdriver

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