Introduction

If your Flydigi Apex 5 controller joysticks are not properly responding to inputs, the issue may be a broken or failing joystick module.

Follow this guide to replace the left and right joysticks.

Warning: Lithium-Ion batteries can be a fire hazard. If the controller battery appears swollen, follow iFixit's guide on What to do with a swollen battery.

What you need

Step 1 Battery

Flydigi Apex 5 Joystick Modules Replacement, Battery: step 1, image 1 of 2

Flydigi Apex 5 Joystick Modules Replacement, Battery: step 1, image 2 of 2

Orient the controller so that its back is facing you.
Apply firm downward pressure to remove both the M3 and M4 back paddles.

Edit

Ask FixBot

Step 2

Flydigi Apex 5 Joystick Modules Replacement: step 2, image 3 of 3

Turn the controller over so its front faces you.
Remove the D-pad by firmly pulling it away from the body of the controller.

Edit

Ask FixBot

Step 3

Flydigi Apex 5 Joystick Modules Replacement: step 3, image 3 of 3

Remove the clear, magnetically-adhered faceplate of the controller by firmly pulling it away from the body of the controller starting from the edge of the faceplate.

Edit

Ask FixBot

Step 4

Flydigi Apex 5 Joystick Modules Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3

Remove the small cover from the rear of the controller by pushing it upward.
Remove the two 5.8mm screws behind the battery cover using a Phillips #0 screwdriver.

Edit

Ask FixBot

Step 5

Turn the controller over so its front faces you.
Remove the six 10mm long screws from the front of the controller using a Torx T6 screwdriver.

Edit

Ask FixBot

Step 6

Flydigi Apex 5 Joystick Modules Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3

Insert the plastic opening tool between the top and bottom plastic controller molds, then pry until the two pieces separate.
Be careful not to fully separate the two pieces of the controller. There is a fragile ribbon cable connecting the two sides that must be carefully disconnected in the next step.

Edit

Ask FixBot

Step 7

Flydigi Apex 5 Joystick Modules Replacement: step 7, image 3 of 3

Carefully remove the back paddle ribbon cable with the angled tweezers or spudger.

Edit

Ask FixBot

Step 8

Flydigi Apex 5 Joystick Modules Replacement: step 8, image 3 of 3

Press a prong of each side of the angled tweezers under the lip of the power supply cable connector and pull the plastic connector out of its terminal.
Pull the power supply cable through the plastic cable guides.

Edit

Ask FixBot

Step 9

Flydigi Apex 5 Joystick Modules Replacement: step 9, image 3 of 3

Optional: Drip isopropyl alcohol along the sides of the battery. Then rotate the controller to distribute the alcohol and dissolve the adhesive holding the battery to the mount
Pry up the battery with the plastic hook and pry tool.
Do not use sharp metal tools to pry the battery out. That action risks puncturing the battery.

Edit

Ask FixBot

Step 10 Vibration Motors

Flydigi Apex 5 Joystick Modules Replacement, Vibration Motors: step 10, image 1 of 3

Flydigi Apex 5 Joystick Modules Replacement, Vibration Motors: step 10, image 2 of 3

Flydigi Apex 5 Joystick Modules Replacement, Vibration Motors: step 10, image 3 of 3

Press a prong of each side of the angled tweezers under the lip of the motor's power supply connector and pull the plastic connector out of its terminal.
Lift the motor directly upward out of its casing.

Edit

Ask FixBot

Step 11

Flydigi Apex 5 Joystick Modules Replacement: step 11, image 3 of 3

Press a prong of each side of the curved tip tweezers under the lip of the motor's power supply connector and pull the plastic connector out of its terminal.
Lift the motor directly upward out of its casing.

Edit

Ask FixBot

Step 12 Joystick Modules

Flydigi Apex 5 Joystick Modules Replacement, Joystick Modules: step 12, image 1 of 2

Flydigi Apex 5 Joystick Modules Replacement, Joystick Modules: step 12, image 2 of 2

Remove the USB-C faceplate by inserting the spudger as shown, pushing the spudger forward while twisting slightly.

Edit

Ask FixBot

Step 13

Flydigi Apex 5 Joystick Modules Replacement: step 13, image 3 of 3

Remove the two 1mm screws using a Phillips #0 screwdriver.
Remove the plastic battery mold by lifting away from the controller.

Edit

Ask FixBot

Step 14

Flydigi Apex 5 Joystick Modules Replacement: step 14, image 3 of 3

Remove the four 5mm screws using a Phillips #00 screwdriver.
Remove the two vibration motor housings by pulling away from the controller.

Edit

Ask FixBot

Step 15

Flydigi Apex 5 Joystick Modules Replacement: step 15, image 3 of 3

Remove the three 1mm screws using a Phillips #1 screwdriver.
Use your index finger to push on the left joystick, while also pulling on the motherboard with your other hand.

Edit

Ask FixBot

Step 16

Flydigi Apex 5 Joystick Modules Replacement: step 16, image 3 of 3

Lift the latch that retains the right joystick flex cable.
Gently pull the cable away from the connector.

Edit

Ask FixBot

Step 17

Flydigi Apex 5 Joystick Modules Replacement: step 17, image 3 of 3

Remove the four 4mm screws using a Phillips #00 screwdriver.
Using the palm of your opposite hand, hold the joystick against the motherboard while removing the screws to prevent the joystick from falling.

Edit

Ask FixBot

Step 18

Flydigi Apex 5 Joystick Modules Replacement: step 18, image 3 of 3

Lift the latch that retains the right joystick flex cable.
Gently pull the cable away from the connector.

Edit

Ask FixBot

Step 19

Flydigi Apex 5 Joystick Modules Replacement: step 19, image 3 of 3

Remove the three 6mm screws using a Phillips #1 screwdriver.
On the other side of the board, use the spudger to separate the trigger module from the blue rotation sensor.
The motor in the trigger module is soldered onto the motherboard, so be cautious to not pull the module away too quickly.

Edit

Ask FixBot

Step 20

Flydigi Apex 5 Joystick Modules Replacement: step 20, image 3 of 3

Remove the four 4mm screws using a Phillips #00 screwdriver.
Hold the joystick to the motherboard to prevent the joystick from falling while removing the screws.

Edit

Ask FixBot

Conclusion

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

NOTE: The flex cables have a line on the side opposing their contacts. This line indicates when the cable is properly seated in the connector. The line should be flush with or hidden by the connector.

One other person completed this guide.