Xbox One Wireless Controller 1697 Rumble Motor Replacement

Written By: Ryan Burroughs

Comments: 8

Xbox One Wireless Controller 1697 Rumble Motor Replacement

Difficulty

Difficult

Steps

Time Required

40 - 45 minutes

Introduction

If you suddenly realize you do not feel vibration from your Xbox One Wireless Controller when appropriate, you may have an issue with the rumble motors inside the controller. The best solution to this problem is to replace the Bumper Rumble motors inside the controller. This is a very difficult process and will require wiring skills such as soldering.

Tools

Parts

Xbox One Controller Bumpers

Step 1

Remove the battery pack cover.
Remove the two AA batteries.
Carefully remove the sticker or puncture to reveal the screw.

Note: Screw removal is in Step 3

jkgarrett17 -

Step 2

Remove the side handles by wedging the spudger around the side panels.
Pry the side panel by moving the spudger back and forth. You must do this along the entire seam to remove the side handle panel.
There are seven clips that need to be opened to remove each handle panel.

Absolutely use the spudger to do this. DO NOT just lift up a bit at the bottom and then try to forcefully pull off this panel (as is shown and suggested on *multiple* YouTube videos). You WILL snap the clips. Maybe not all of them and *maybe* none of them, but as the instructions here detail, what you want to do is UNCLIP the clips where they are located, using the PLASTIC spudger. NOT a screwdriver. I watched three separate videos on YouTube where the person said “just stick a screwdriver in there and once you’re able to lift up enough to fit your finger inside, do so, and then just carefully pull the panel off.” That’s not how it works.

Andrew Sauk - 22/01/21

Step 3

Removing the side handles allows access to remove the faceplate.
Use the TORX TR8 screwdriver to remove the five TR9 Torx screws.

you must also remove the T8 screw hidden under the label in the battery compartment to free the faceplate.

Dennis Kim - 08/04/18

Precised by Dennis Kim, but to remove the screws you need a TORX TR8 screwdriver (I guess it’s a Torx size 8)

James Burton - 19/04/18

Step 4

Now that the bumpers are easily visible make sure to clean any dirt or grime that may be around the bumpers.
The bumpers are connected by a middle plastic cover that is around the Xbox home button. Remove this plastic piece by lifting the plastic cover over the two pins, pressing the home button in, and pushing the cover towards the top of the controller.
Be aware of the sync button loosely placed under the plastic covering. Ensure it is put back before putting back the bumper/plastic cover assembly.
Remove the current bumper assembly by pulling them off the plastic cover.

you forgot to include directions for removing the central cover.

Dennis Kim - 08/04/18

And when you do, the connect button pops out, and now I have no clue how to put it back -_-

Roel Binnendijk - 31/07/18

The replacement part I bought fit OK but was too snug, with the result that the bumpers wouldn’t spring back so they wouldn’t click and unclick the tiny control switches they connect to.

After a bit of examination I determined that if I cut out the middle arch section that joins the bumpers, but leaving enough plastic to go under the central plastic cover so that they would be held in place securely, that it was possible to reassemble the controller so the bumpers click and unclick freely.

Perry Bonewell - 23/06/20

I had the same issue, But i just shaved the little lugs that connect the button to the switch with a scalpel and used the original plastic black cover. Works a treat and i’ve no fear the button will fall out.. :)

steve winter - 11/01/21

Step 5

The controller is now ready for the new bumper assembly.
Align the new bumpers onto the top of the controller by holding down the triggers and aligning the four pins on both sides.
Set the new home button cover over the micro USB port, push the home button in, and pull the cover over the two pins shown.

Step 6

De-solder the soldered joints while holding the red and black wires down on the top motherboard.
Use the How to Solder and Desolder Connections guide on iFixit to correctly (de)solder the components in your device.
Use caution while using the soldering iron so you don't damage other components or hurt yourself.