How to Open Your DualShock 4 (CUH-ZCT1U)

Step 1 Check your controller model

• 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.
Step 2 Unfasten the rear case


Tool used on this step:
Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
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• 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.
Step 3 Remove the L1 button
• 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 Remove the R1 button
• Use your opening pick to pry and remove the R1 button, just as you did for the L1 button.
Step 5 Unclip the rear case
• 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 Remove the rear case
• 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 Disconnect the interconnect cable

Tool used on this step:
Tweezers
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• 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.

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Clay Eickemeyer

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