Driving controller repair

[shadow460]

A gameXchange had a whole box full of odd controllers, so I bought two of their three Driving controllers today.

It looks as though the newer ones are suceptible to the same jitter problem that some paddles are.

 

It's been posted how you can permanently stop the jitter in a set of paddles (aside from burning them), and that same process works for the driving controllers, but it's a bit harder.

 

First, open the offending controller, paying attention to which way the momentary switch is installed. Ditch the contact cleaner and get some rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs.

Pull the knob completely off and unscrew the nut you fin underneath. Be careful, as some driving controllers have PLASTIC (read: "fragile") threads on the encoder's top. Set the nut and lock ring aside with the knob.

Turn the controller over and the encoder (or pot) will fall out. Open that and use a swab and alcohol to clean the round metal parts.

To open the pot, just bend its metal tabs out of the way. To open an encoder (some are already open), you need to pry the plastic tabs near the wires apart with a screwdriver and then gently force the encoder's casing apart.

Clean the wipers and the round metal parts (make sure you get both sides on the encoders!) It'll take two or three swabs per controller, so get a bunch of 'em.

If you have an open encoder, the wipers will be pressed against the rings. Don't bother prying them up, just load the ring with alcohol and turn it a little to force the gunk off the wiper.

Clean all the plastic controller parts and lightly grease the controller's shaft where it goes through the casing of the encoder (or pot).

Reassemble the controller, making sure you get the switch oriented correctly. Press the button several times and make sure it releases. If not, your car will accelerate to top speed! (Sure Danica Patrick went fast, too, but these tracks are small.) Re orient the plastic controller casing and try again.

Now plug in the controller and the Indy 500 cart (or a suitable paddle game) and test your work.

If it works, great, just remember to turn the left blinker off after passing!