Issues charging ps3 controllers

[HoshiChiri]

So, I was testing my new thrift store ps3 slim, but ran into issues when I went to sync a controller. The system didn't react to it, even plugged in directly. So, just to see, I plugged the controller into my fat ps3- and same thing.

 

At first, I wasn't concerned- cable went bad, it happens, right? Thing is- of 4 USB mini cables I own, only the Nintendo branded one for the Wii U pro controller is charging my PS3 controllers! I find it unlikely that 75% of my cables- which have just been in storage- all crapped out. Any reason why my controllers wouldn't be charging? (I have tried pressing the reset button on the controller- it did nothing.)

[spacecadet]

Sounds like a dead battery in the controller to me... these things are old at this point and rechargeable batteries don't last forever. It's not inconceivable to find one that's just dead at this point.

[HoshiChiri]

Sounds like a dead battery in the controller to me... these things are old at this point and rechargeable batteries don't last forever. It's not inconceivable to find one that's just dead at this point.

But that's the thing, it's not the battery- if I use the Nintendo cable, it charges just fine & holds that charge. I just can't use any of my other cables.

 

I've managed to find a couple hits on Google saying you can't use any cable, it has to be a data cable- ever hear anything about that? I really thought I had my original cable, but maybe I don't- it was pretty short.

[+chue]

Sounds like a dead battery in the controller to me... these things are old at this point and rechargeable batteries don't last forever. It's not inconceivable to find one that's just dead at this point.

 

For that reason, I picked up an Afterglow controller. It takes either AA or AAA batteries. I must confess though that I haven't tried it yet, so I don't know how well it performs.

 

But that's the thing, it's not the battery- if I use the Nintendo cable, it charges just fine & holds that charge. I just can't use any of my other cables.

 

I've managed to find a couple hits on Google saying you can't use any cable, it has to be a data cable- ever hear anything about that? I really thought I had my original cable, but maybe I don't- it was pretty short.

 

I've read the same thing. Most of my cables have worked, but I've had one or two that haven't.

[TDIRunner]

I've only ever charged my PS3 controllers with the original Sony cords that came with the system, or the charging docks that sort of display your controllers while they charge. Are you sure you are using the correct type of cord? Just because it plugs in doesn't mean it's the correct cord to use.

 

The only other idea would be to double check that the charging ports are clean without lint or dust or anything like that.

[boxpressed]

I haven't run into this issue before, but I am charging one right now with a USB cord with a ferrite core on it plugged into my laptop. Not sure if the ferrite core means anything for your problem because I've used non-ferrite core cables to charge too.

[HoshiChiri]

I got my Amazon Basics cable in the mail the other day, as well as locating what I now recognize as my original cable (I used to keep cables in this blue boho box... turns out there was one still in it!). Both cables work just fine, so there is apparently a subset of USB mini cables that don't work.

 

Now, I just have to figure out where the heck these other cables came from! I've only owned 3 things with USB mini- my Wii U pro controller (I have that cable), a guitar hero battery charger (keep that cable connected), and the PS3 controllers. Where'd the rest come from? Ah well, I'll remember someday.

Edited April 13, 2019 by HoshiChiri

[CrazyBoss]

is it possible to find replacement part batteries for the PS3 controller, mine dont charge too, and it dont even try to charge, i tried with another cable too. Could be the charge circuit?, cause even if the battery was dead I think it would still try to charge ?

[HoshiChiri]

is it possible to find replacement part batteries for the PS3 controller, mine dont charge too, and it dont even try to charge, i tried with another cable too. Could be the charge circuit?, cause even if the battery was dead I think it would still try to charge ?

 

It is possible to find replacement batteries for PS3 controllers (I was considering that option as well). If both your cable & your controller are good for charging, when you hold down the PS button, the resulting menu should show a battery symbol with an X over it- that indicates a battery problem.

 

If the system doesn't acknowledge the controller at all, even with the cable plugged in, you could have a controller issue- assuming it's not your cable! When I was using the wrong ones, there was zero reaction of any kind, but as soon as I got a good one everything was fine. Unless you're 110% sure you're using your original PS3 cables, I'd recommend spending 6 bucks on an Amazon Basics cable first. Or, if possible, find someone with a known good controller & try your cable on theirs.