Solution to "Left stick issue on Elite Series 2 controller"

MaxCreatesCode · Sep 10, 2022

The Problem
The left analog stick on the Xbox Elite Controller series 2 does not register that the stick is fully pushed forward when moved quickly. This results in the inability to sprint in games. This impacts controllers on both Xbox consoles & PCs.

Reproducible Symptoms

Effected controllers frequently output wildly incorrect values along "Axis 0" in the positive direction when moved quickly. This is obvious when observed through any tool that can read this value from the controller, such as the web-based: https://gamepad-tester.com/ (note: accurate sensors rarely read exactly 0 at neutral & a wide oval pattern of values is by design)
Simply "flick the stick" upwards (as you would during normal gameplay) several times - most of the values read will be incorrect & very low along one axis if you are experiencing this specific issue.

The Solution

This is the result of a physically stuck sensor within the joystick's analog sensor module. To fix this rotate the fully-extended stick while repeatedly clicking on it as you rotate. ie. while moving the stick from the far-left position to the very bottom position you are going to depress the stick as you would to activate the button & repeat this for all angles.

At this point, you should be able to re-visit the testing tool & see that it reads close to the full 1.00 (100%) value every time.

...may seem like a software bug & it can even be remediated through the Xbox or Xbox Accessories app by adjusting the "sensitivity curve" or "deadzone" threshold but this simple solution is better since it alleviates the problem entirely.

ps. This relates to several highly upvoted (but now locked) threads across various Gaming and Xbox categories & I did not intend to break any community guidelines by posting this. Feel free to request the necessary role on my behalf if you'd like me to add to these locked threads.

:)

Enrique Balleste

This was very helpful thank you!

It didn't solve my problem 100% but it did help me find a solution that worked for me. Incredibly enough, I had to blow within the gaps around the left analog stick which maybe had dust blocking the sensors or something?

Using the circular test in the gamepad tester site, i noticed my left hand stick had a dead zone when reaching the upward parts of the rotation (would stay light green in those parts). After trying your technique, no dice, but then I just decided to blow through it with a duster and that solved it! The tester was registering full rotations and no drift when releasing.

scottherm1

Hi all! I had the exact same problem everyone is having but mine got resolved simply by accident. My controller slipped off my lap and the ring that is seated around the left thumb stick popped out. Since then I have been plying with it out and I have no issues with the left thumb stick anymore.

MaxCreatesCode

This was very helpful thank you!

I’m glad you found this useful!

It makes sense that what you’re describing could cause a similar issue. At least using this approach after your fix helped you confirm that the issue had been alleviated.

CarTzy

Hello Chillwill882986,

Thank you for posting in the Microsoft Community. I'm sorry to hear that you are having issues with your Elite series 2 custom controller. It sounds like the left thumb stick is not properly secured and it is causing you trouble when playing games.

The left thumb stick of the Elite series 2 controller is designed to be adjustable, so you can change the tension and height according to your preference. However, it should not unscrew or spin freely when you are using it. This could indicate that the thumb stick is defective or damaged.

To fix this issue, please follow these steps:

- Turn off your controller and remove the batteries.

- Gently pull the left thumb stick out of the controller. You may need to use a small tool like a tweezer to do this.

- Check the bottom of the thumb stick and the socket on the controller for any signs of wear or damage. If you see any, please contact Xbox Support for a replacement or repair.

- If there is no visible damage, align the thumb stick with the socket and push it firmly until it clicks into place. You should feel some resistance when you do this.

- Screw the thumb stick clockwise until it reaches your desired tension and height. Do not over-tighten it or force it beyond its limit.

- Put the batteries back in and turn on your controller. Test the thumb stick in a game and see if it works properly.

See: Adjust the sticks on your Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 | Xbox Support

Swap removable parts on your Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 | Xbox Support

Troubleshoot your Xbox Wireless Controller | Xbox Support

If these steps do not resolve your issue, please contact Xbox Support again and we will assist you further. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you and we appreciate your patience and understanding.

BlueHadden

There is a little spring like deal under the joy stick that can get worked with until it no longer works properly. From what i have researched i have not persomally pulled one apart to see exactly for myself on a regular controller

Solution to "Left stick issue on Elite Series 2 controller"