PS3 Controller Doesn't Charge - Just out of warranty

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lukei1

21 posts

Geek

#56878 27-Jan-2010 13:17

Essentially I bought a PS3 with a second controller 14 months ago. Since last week I noticed that it doesn't turn on/activate, nor does it charge. Took it back to the Warehouse who called Sony, they reckoned they don't repair them as they are too delicate, and don't cover them after the warranty period, even under the CGA

Just trying to gauge whether what they are saying is fair enough and I am on my own. at least that way I can open it up and have a dabble - providing I'm not going to get it replaced

Penny for your thoughts....

Ragnor

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#293426 27-Jan-2010 13:36

How much did you buy the controller for? Price is often a big factor in the expected life of a product/item.

CGA is all about reasonable expected lifetime, personally I would expect a controller to last a couple of years especially if it's an expensive (eg: $100) official controller rather than a cheap 3rd party one.

However whether it's worth the time and hassle to follow it through to the disputes tribunal is another matter.

lukei1

21 posts

Geek

#293428 27-Jan-2010 13:45

Yeah official controller, think it was on special at $99 (woohoo) at the time.

Is there any way to get a gauge on it's expected life, or is it just a stand up argument between yourself and the retailer? I mean I can see where they are coming from with the controller, as it can get beaten up being wireless, as opposed to a TV etc

wreck90

780 posts

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#293429 27-Jan-2010 13:45

An official PS3 controller should last longer. You'll have to threaten them, they are not honoring their legal obligations under the CGA.

This is always the first response that retailers take when a product is outside it's warranty. It probably puts off the majority of complainers, but if you are persistent they will fold since they are in the wrong.

vinnieg

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#293431 27-Jan-2010 13:50

Yeah, it sounds as though your battery is dead. It's a bit of a common issue, batteries usually only last a number of charges. however, Sony have said they will replace battery packs on controllers, so you might want to ring them, Ff that doesn't work:

PS3 manual there is a page on how to replace the battery, 4 screws in the back, pull the cover off, unplug battery, plug in new one:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Gamin...
battery currently going for $1

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

Damo-K

67 posts

Master Geek

#293440 27-Jan-2010 14:06

It is doubly annoying when something like this fails *just* out of warranty as if there was some magical clock. It's up to the retailer to resolve the issue if it is a valid claim regardless of the manufacturers response so I suggest trying the Warehouse again (maybe request a manager?) but if they don't budge then you might need to look at the CGA because as Ragnor posted, it is all about reasonable expected lifetime and a controller failing to charge within a year is a pretty big issue.

As you can grab those controllers for $90, repair may be too expensive compared to the cost of a new one.

The only suggestion I can offer in regards to the controller is checking whether it'll charge in another USB port on the PS3 or another device. Anecdotally - have you left it connected for a while? I had a phone that was very flat due to disuse and after coming back an hour later it finally acknowledged it was charging and could be turned on.

Keep us posted!

Handle9

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#293443 27-Jan-2010 14:12

Also FYI Sony do repair PS3 controllers - if they are in warranty. I had one that also wouldn't charge but was under warranty. The Warehouse told me that they'd have to send it away to get repaired as it was 6 months old.

I managed to talk my way into getting a brand new one but that took a bit of effort.

I would also definitely pursue via CGA. It's not a cheap device and "fit for purpose" covers this one pretty nicely.

The Warehouse are normally pretty good with stuff and they've got enough volume to get a "case by case" (ie non warranty but free of charge) replacement out of Sony. That's how our business covers just out of warranty but obviously valid faults.

New World

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lukei1

21 posts

Geek

#294300 29-Jan-2010 12:03

Slight update: I bought the 2nd controller at DSE not Warehouse, so will have to head to Dick Smith on Monday instead. Haven't got the DSE receipt but I called them up and they said that it's fine to use Bank Statements etc to track the original purchase

Fingers crossed, proper update monday

NonprayingMantis

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#294685 30-Jan-2010 19:03

you could always find a store that offers 7 day money back or similar (the warehouse maybe?)

buy a new controller from them, then swap your broken one for that one and take that one back with your new receipt asking for a refund.

Of course, that is somewhat dishonest and probably illegal.