PS3 won't recognize controller after startup

[jsteinhauer]

I've posted this before within a thread, but I'm hoping greater exposure will help me fix my problem.

This started immediately after the software update that came with the new seizure warning, but it only effects my 120g slim. Not my 80g fat. If I start the PS3 with the PS button on the controller, the console comes on, but does not recognize the controller that was used to turn it on. Re-pressing the PS button on said controller does nothing. Pressing PS on the alternate controller that was not used to turn on the console links that controller as #2. Then I have to use the accessory settings in the main menu to reassign that controller as #1. I have tried resetting the controllers and remating, but that did not fix the problem. This happens whether power save options are turned on or off. If I turn the console on using the power button on the console, I can use either controller once I hit the PS button. But, in the winter, I try to never touch the electronics, because of the static electricity buildup. I have fried an AVR in the past with a static shock and since that time have only used remote controls.

It may not be related, but I have been having occasional system freezes at times when games are not running (such as when deleting save or game files) requiring hard shutoffs.

Any advice?

[G1ggs]

Originally Posted by jsteinhauer

I've posted this before within a thread, but I'm hoping greater exposure will help me fix my problem.

This started immediately after the software update that came with the new seizure warning, but it only effects my 120g slim. Not my 80g fat. If I start the PS3 with the PS button on the controller, the console comes on, but does not recognize the controller that was used to turn it on. Re-pressing the PS button on said controller does nothing. Pressing PS on the alternate controller that was not used to turn on the console links that controller as #2. Then I have to use the accessory settings in the main menu to reassign that controller as #1. I have tried resetting the controllers and remating, but that did not fix the problem. This happens whether power save options are turned on or off. If I turn the console on using the power button on the console, I can use either controller once I hit the PS button. But, in the winter, I try to never touch the electronics, because of the static electricity buildup. I have fried an AVR in the past with a static shock and since that time have only used remote controls.

It may not be related, but I have been having occasional system freezes at times when games are not running (such as when deleting save or game files) requiring hard shutoffs.

Any advice?

Have you tried connecting a USB cable from PS3 to Controller and then using the PS button to power on? Does this still have the same effect?

[SkillzthatKillz]

Originally Posted by G1ggs

Have you tried connecting a USB cable from PS3 to Controller and then using the PS button to power on? Does this still have the same effect?

+1 thats worked for me in the past ( i have an 80 gb fatty w/o bc FYI)

[jsteinhauer]

Originally Posted by G1ggs

Have you tried connecting a USB cable from PS3 to Controller and then using the PS button to power on? Does this still have the same effect?

If you do that, the controller works as long as you don't disconnect it. If you disconnect it, it's no longer recognized, unless you reconnect it.

[PirateBooty]

Originally Posted by jsteinhauer

If you do that, the controller works as long as you don't disconnect it. If you disconnect it, it's no longer recognized, unless you reconnect it.

While it is connected, what lights are on the controller? Also, what controller number shows up in the XMB? Last question is, when you have the XMB showing you what controller number is assigned, and the USB cable is connected, what happens on screen when you disconnect the cable?

[jsteinhauer]

Originally Posted by PirateBooty

While it is connected, what lights are on the controller? Also, what controller number shows up in the XMB? Last question is, when you have the XMB showing you what controller number is assigned, and the USB cable is connected, what happens on screen when you disconnect the cable?

When connected, it's as normal for controller 1. Lignt number 1 on the controller solidly lit. Accessory menu shows controller 1. When you disconnect controller, menu reverts back to where it says "reassign controller" but not showing controller number.

[Rike255]

Reset the controller, this is a semi-common issue.

To reset there's a little pin hole under the LED lights on the controller, press the button using a pin/paper clip. Then connect the controller with USB and hit the PS button, it should re-registed at that point. Unplug and it should continue to stay connected.

[jsteinhauer]

Originally Posted by Rike255

Reset the controller, this is a semi-common issue.

To reset there's a little pin hole under the LED lights on the controller, press the button using a pin/paper clip. Then connect the controller with USB and hit the PS button, it should re-registed at that point. Unplug and it should continue to stay connected.

I've done that already, as stated in the original post, but I can do it again, just to humor y'all.

Same result. The console will not recognize the controller used to turn it on, unless you connect it (if it was not) or disconnect it and reconnect it (if it was). It doesn't keep me from using it, but it's a nuisance and not how it's supposed to work.

[Rike255]

Originally Posted by jsteinhauer

I've done that already, as stated in the original post, but I can do it again, just to humor y'all.

Same result. The console will not recognize the controller used to turn it on, unless you connect it (if it was not) or disconnect it and reconnect it (if it was). It doesn't keep me from using it, but it's a nuisance and not how it's supposed to work.

Weird, this sounds like exactly the same problem I had and that fixed it. Does it happen for every controller or just the one?

[MoulinBlu]

Originally Posted by jsteinhauer

I've done that already, as stated in the original post, but I can do it again, just to humor y'all.

Same result. The console will not recognize the controller used to turn it on, unless you connect it (if it was not) or disconnect it and reconnect it (if it was). It doesn't keep me from using it, but it's a nuisance and not how it's supposed to work.

I've messed up a couple controllers, taking out my frustrations on them, especially after a few years when the joystick starts to stick in the forward position, causing your character to roam uncontrollably. Any chance that's what triggered it?

[wesnah]

Originally Posted by Rike255

Weird, this sounds like exactly the same problem I had and that fixed it. Does it happen for every controller or just the one?

I didn't see an answer for this. Do you only have one controller? If you have more than 1 do any of the others work?

[Mavrick]

The exact same thing happened to me not too long ago, I honestly dont have a fix for it I just kept conecting/reconecting etc etc. This onlt happened after we got a secon PS3 in the house, which happenend to be not long after the Firmware update. I thought it was getting signals mixed up but it wasn't turning on the other PS3 either. It's a pretty strange bug.

[red_5ive]

The same exact thing happened to me, and it was with my Slim when I first got it at launch back in October in 2009. I went through all the same troubleshooting steps to no avail so I just lived with it.

However, after so much time I believe the issue was a conflict with a 3rd party remote that came with an infrared USB dongle that was always plugged in. This was a Nyko brand remote. I never suspected that was the problem, and it went away after I replaced it with the Logitech Harmony Bluetooth adapter. It took me maybe a week or so to notice after getting the Logitech that the controller was working fine. I assumed that was it as I never bothered/cared to confirm it.

I should note that I used that same remote/dongle with my 80GB fatty for at least 2 years prior and never had this problem.

So I guess try removing any peripheral devices first if you have any plugged in and see if that helps.

[jsteinhauer]

Originally Posted by MoulinBlu

I've messed up a couple controllers, taking out my frustrations on them, especially after a few years when the joystick starts to stick in the forward position, causing your character to roam uncontrollably. Any chance that's what triggered it?

I've never chucked a controller, but I'm pretty sure the guy in my Avatar says f--- and dammit (my method of easing frustration). I would never intentionally teach him that.

Originally Posted by wesnah

I didn't see an answer for this. Do you only have one controller? If you have more than 1 do any of the others work?

I have four of them of varying ages. All do the same.

Originally Posted by red_5ive

The same exact thing happened to me, and it was with my Slim when I first got it at launch back in October in 2009. I went through all the same troubleshooting steps to no avail so I just lived with it.

However, after so much time I believe the issue was a conflict with a 3rd party USB remote controller that came with an infrared USB dongle that was always plugged in. This was a Nyko brand remote. I never suspected that was the problem, and it went away after I replaced it with the Logitech Harmony Bluetooth adapter. It took me maybe a week or so to notice after getting the Logitech that the controller was working fine. I assumed that was it as I never bothered/cared to confirm it.

I should note that I used that same remote/dongle with my 80GB fatty for at least 2 years and never had this problem.

So I guess try removing any peripheral devices first if you have any plugged in and see if that helps.

You should not have lived with that on a new console.

The only occasional peripheral is a USB memory stick.

This is all why this is so baffling. I'm usually pretty good troubleshooting electronics/computer issues. I wanted to blame the system software, since it happened the first time it started up after that particular update, but if that was the case, it would be a widespread problem. I can live with it, like some of you have, but it's such a struggle to drag myself six feet across the room every time I turn that console on. It's probably one of those things like a wart. Some day it will just disappear.

[red_5ive]

Originally Posted by jsteinhauer

You should not have lived with that on a new console.

I made that sound worse than it actually was. It went away within 30 days of the purchase as I bought the Logitech adapter near the end of that timeframe. I otherwise remember thinking I was going to exchange the unit before the 30 days was up.

Anyway, I hope you find a solution. And for what it's worth since I didn't see you mention it, maybe try a soft-reset to see if that helps?

[wesnah]

Any Move controllers connected. Would there be any reason that the PS3 is seeing more than 7 controllers/remotes? I think that's the limit? 7
Any blue-tooth headsets/ear pieces connected?

[Greengoblin]

Hello I don't know if this will help you, but when I charge my controller with the usb cable I leave it off, if you turn it on and try and charge it, then the controller doesn't synch properly and just keeps flashing, leave it off then charge it, then you turn it on when you need it i do this with my controllers back and forth as they are on too often.

[PirateBooty]

Originally Posted by Greengoblin

Hello I don't know if this will help you, but when I charge my controller with the usb cable I leave it off, if you turn it on and try and charge it, then the controller doesn't synch properly and just keeps flashing, leave it off then charge it, then you turn it on when you need it i do this with my controllers back and forth as they are on too often.

If you can't use the controller while connected to the system, you have two possible problems as I've run into this, myself. Either, the connector on the DS3 is a bit wider or loose, or the cable has been damaged. Play around with it and you should see the charge happen intermittently while moving the cable around at the DS3 or along the cable.

[jsteinhauer]

Originally Posted by wesnah

Any Move controllers connected. Would there be any reason that the PS3 is seeing more than 7 controllers/remotes? I think that's the limit? 7
Any blue-tooth headsets/ear pieces connected?

Nothing has been changed since well before this started happening, and there was never more than one headset mated.

[MOONPHASE]

I had the same problem very recently as well which lasted for about a few days. I'm not sure how it got fixed since it's working properly now and don't know what I did to fix it or maybe it got fixed on its own.