DualSense BDM-040 only flashes yellow 3 times after TMR joystick replacement 🙃
Hi everyone, I’m looking for help troubleshooting a PS5 DualSense controller, board version BDM-040 (I think I checked serial number).
I replaced the joysticks with TMR joysticks because of horrible stick drift, and now the controller will not work properly. When I plug it into USB-C, it only flashes yellow/orange 3 times and then nothing happens. My computer does not detect it at all. I tried multiple cables/ports, reset button, PS button, and PS + Share/Create.
At one point, before I fully closed the back shell, it flashed blue once, but after that it went back to only doing the 3 yellow flashes. Since then I haven’t been able to get blue pairing mode again.
Things I already checked:
Joystick solder joints
Possible solder bridges
TMR joystick pins
Ribbon cables
Speaker/contact piece in the middle
Battery — battery seems to work
Reset button
USB-C connection/ribbon
Pins around the joystick area
The controller gets enough power to blink yellow, but it does not boot, pair, or get detected by Windows. I’m trying to figure out if this is a short from the TMR install, a 3.3V/1.8V rail issue, USB daughterboard issue, or if the motherboard is damaged.
Has anyone seen this exact 3 yellow/orange flashes after joystick replacement issue on a BDM-040? What test points should I check, and what voltage/resistance values should I expect? Also, is it worth removing the TMR sticks completely and testing the bare board?
Thanks!
Edit: I also removed some solder from the potentiometer pins because I heard less is better.