DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Touch Pad Replacement

Written By: Clay Eickemeyer

Comments: 11

DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U) Touch Pad Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

45 minutes - 1 hour

Introduction

Follow this guide to replace the touch pad in your DualShock 4 model CUH-ZCT1U controller.

Tools

Parts

DualShock 4 Controller Touch Pad (CUH-ZCT1)

Step 1

Check the model number on the back of your controller. This guide was written using model CUH-ZCT1U. If you have another model, the guide procedure and replacement parts may differ slightly.
If you have the second generation DualShock 4, model CUH-ZCT2U, use these guides.

model:cuh-zct2e

كيف يمكن ان افكها

Mhmod -

Step 2

If you need to stabilize your controller during this repair, lay it on a soft surface such as a microfiber cloth.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the four 6.4 mm-long screws securing the rear case.

to re-torque these PH00 screw... i found 19Ncm to be about the max. (since 27Ncm was too much)

Dreamcat 4 -

Step 3

Use an opening pick to pry each corner of the L1 button from the front case.
Cover the button to prevent it from ejecting out of your workspace.
Remove the button.

Step 4

Use your opening pick to pry and remove the R1 button, just as you did for the L1 button.

Step 5

Six plastic clips secure the rear case to the front case. The next four steps demonstrate how to release these clips before you can open the controller.
Insert your opening pick at a downward angle between the front case and rear case, halfway between the handle and the action buttons.
Slide your pick toward the handle and pry up to release the first clip.
Repeat this procedure on the other side of the controller to release the second clip.

Step 6

Two more clips secure the rear case near the extension port and the headphone jack.
Insert your opening pick between the front case and rear case at either side of the ports.
Twist your pick to unclip this section of the rear case from the front case.
If the rear case feels stuck, insert and twist your pick from different angles.
Don't open the controller yet, as it's still held together by two very delicate clips near the triggers.

Step 7

The final two clips are very delicate, and must be disengaged from inside the controller. If you break them, don't worry—it won't affect this repair or your controllers functionality.
Locate the clips by looking through the gap above the R2 or L2 buttons.

Step 8

Insert the point of a spudger through the gap above the R2 button and push the retaining clip outward.
While pushing the clip outward, slowly pull the rear case away from the front case until you feel them separate.
Don't fully open the controller until each of the R2 and L2 clips have been disengaged.
Repeat this procedure for the clip near the L2 button.

Step 9

Press the R2 button and slide the rear case over it.

Step 10

Press the L2 button and slide the rear case over it.

Step 11

Flip the rear case over the top of the controller and lay it down, being careful not to strain the interconnect cable.

Step 12

Use tweezers or your fingers to remove the interconnect cable by pulling its blue pull tab straight out of the socket.
During reassembly, reconnect the cable with its blue pull tab facing the outside of the controller.

On the model CUH-ZCT2E the circuit board is mirrored so that the connection is on the left side. When reassembling the blue tab should be facing inwards.

Konrad Skeri Ekblad -

Step 13

Use tweezers or your fingers to grab and disconnect the head of the battery cable from the motherboard.
Only pull on the head of the connector—don't pull on the cable itself.

Step 15

Grab and remove the reset button extension from its recess in the battery bracket.

On the model CUH-ZCT2E this is part of the battery bracket and not removable. Just skip this step.

Konrad Skeri Ekblad -

Step 16

Locate the two clips securing the battery bracket to the motherboard.
Insert the point of your spudger into the opening behind the right bracket clip.
Depress the clip to disengage it from the motherboard.
Lift up the right edge of the battery bracket.

On the model CUH-ZCT2E the battery bracket is not secured by clips but by a PH #00 screw mid height on the right half of the battery bracket. Just remove the screw and for the next step lift the battery bracket straight up.

Konrad Skeri Ekblad -

Step 17

Insert the point of your spudger in the opening behind the left bracket clip.
Depress the clip to disengage it from the motherboard.
Remove the battery bracket.

Step 18

Use the point of your spudger to flip up the locking flap securing the touch pad cable ZIF connector.
Use tweezers or your fingers to disconnect the cable using its blue pull tab.

Step 19

Use your Phillips screwdriver to remove the 6.4 mm screw securing the motherboard.
During reassembly, hold the motherboard tight to the front case before fastening it. Test each button to ensure the silicone button pads are properly aligned. If each button presses as expected, fasten the motherboard.

On the model CUH-ZCT2E this screw was removed in step 16. Just skip this step.

Konrad Skeri Ekblad - 07/11/23

Step 20

Grab the midframe by its plastic protrusions or the vibration motors and remove it.
Be careful not to separate the motherboard from the midframe, as they're only connected to each other by the vibration motor cables.
During reassembly, take your time positioning the midframe. Use the alignment posts to help guide it into place, and make sure the touch pad cable doesn't become trapped underneath.

Step 21

Lift the bottom edge of the touch pad.
Rotate the touch pad and slide it through its cutout in the front case.
Remove the touch pad.
During reassembly, make sure the cable doesn't get stuck under the cutout in the front case.

Conclusion

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before installing.

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.

Author

Clay Eickemeyer

Member since: 19/09/22

77540 Reputation

5 comments

when put back the right side and the bottom doesnt click properly. What am I doing wrong?

Karakan Dement - 10/11/15

You ever figure this out?

Ayushmaan Ganotra - 03/04/20

I disassembled my controller and changed the sticks and case now the controller moves on it's own and gets stuck when moving ... How can I fix this or is there something I may have done wrong when I was reassembling it???

tomgunnz45 - 03/11/16

So, there are some differences with the new DS4 from 2016. and frustratingly the flip up piece that is used to tighten the ribbon connection for the touch pad is no longer there. I have no idea how to get the ribbon back into it's connector. Any ideas?

Jacob L - 27/02/17

when i took the ribbon cable out, the cover when with it now i cant put the cover back so i can put back the cable

Brandon Butanda - 02/05/18