Xbox One Controller Breakdown and LED Swap
Introduction
Here I will walk you through the steps of cracking open that shiny new controller and install a new LED.
Parts Needed
- 0805 SMD LED of choice
- What ever mod you are doing
Tools Needed
- Security T8 torx screwdriver
- T4 torx screw driver or 1.5mm Allen
- plastic pry bar/auto trim tool/stiff thin plastic
Difficulty rating: 1/5
Average Time to Complete: i.e 30-45mins
Notes:
There are two difficult steps here. Removing the screw covers at the beginning and pulling the bottom board out of the top shell are both difficult steps. Take your time and don't force it.
Step By Step Tutorial
1- The fist step is one of the hardest. You will have to pry the shell apart to remove the cover hiding the screws. You will want to use a plastic tool of some kind to do this because you don't want to leave marks in the plastic when you pry it apart. a plastic pry bar from a auto body trim set would be best, but a thin stiff piece of plastic will work. I found using two pieces works well one to pop up and hold up each side of the cover so it does not re-engage itself. start prying the crack up working from the trigger opening towards the grip of the controller. It feels like your going to break it, but I haven't broken one yet.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/75177275/xbox%20one%20led/1.jpg)
2- After removing both side screw covers, you will now use your security T8 screw driver to remove the five screws shown below:
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/75177275/xbox%20one%20led/2.jpg)
3- Once the screws are removed, the top face will lift off freely
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/75177275/xbox%20one%20led/4.jpg)
4. Now pop the back plate off
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/75177275/xbox%20one%20led/5.jpg)
5. Put the top and bottom shell in a safe place so you can get to work on the main section of the controller. You will need to desolder all four rumbles from the joystick board. Remove the two main rumbles and set them aside.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/75177275/xbox%20one%20led/6.jpg)
6. Next you will need what I believe is a T4 screw driver (my set did not go that low I used a 1.5MM allen wrench) to remove two screws holding the joystick board to the inner frame:
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/75177275/xbox%20one%20led/7.jpg)
7. Now separate the two PCB boards from each other by lifting the joystick board straight up so not to damage the two connection headers:
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/75177275/xbox%20one%20led/8.jpg)
8. Remove the six T4 screws holding the button board to the inner frame:
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/75177275/xbox%20one%20led/9.jpg)
9. Now that the button board is loose, you will need to remove it from the shell. This step makes me nervous because its a tight fit and feels like its going to break. You need to lift up on the bottom of the board and pull it back from the top plate. Pull up on the top plate to help free the board.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/75177275/xbox%20one%20led/10.jpg)
10. With the Button board removed, you can change the LED. I used the flood/float method to remove the old LED without damaging the pads. When installing the new LED the positive side is on the left.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/75177275/xbox%20one%20led/11.jpg)
11. After swapping the LED, connect the two boards together
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/75177275/xbox%20one%20led/12.jpg)
12. Put them in the bottom shell. Insert the batteries and test your LED.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/75177275/xbox%20one%20led/13.jpg)
13. as long as the LED turns on, Put the controller back together and enjoy. you will need to separate the two boards to reassemble the button board and the inner frame. Make sure the button pad is in the proper place.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/75177275/xbox%20one%20led/14.jpg)
FAQ/ Troubleshooting
- the button board gets hung up on the play and charge port during both disassemble and reassembly. be careful not to damage the board.
- If your LED is not working or not as bright as it should be, add solder to the connection pads of the LED