Buttons Sticking on my Wavebird, any way to fix?

I got a used Wavebird that looked okay in the package, but the A and Z buttons stick every once in a while if I pressing them repeatedly. Does anyone have a simple suggestion that might not involve buying the triangle screwdriver kit and opening it up?

Bump.

I got one that had a sticky A button. Eventually, it corrected itself with continued use.

[quote name='Mr Unoriginal']I got a used Wavebird that looked okay in the package, but the A and Z buttons stick every once in a while if I pressing them repeatedly. Does anyone have a simple suggestion that might not involve buying the triangle screwdriver kit and opening it up?[/quote]
Try isopropyl alcohol. Just pour some in the cracks of the button and press it a few times to get it all up in there. Let it dry for a few hours. Repeat if it didn't fix it the first time.

[quote name='Lou-Dawg']Try isopropyl alcohol. Just pour some in the cracks of the button and press it a few times to get it all up in there. Let it dry for a few hours. Repeat if it didn't fix it the first time.[/QUOTE]

That wouldn't mess with the electronics inside?

If you are able to, take the controller apart and clean it, I don't think gamecube controllers should be too complex on the inside since wavebirds don't have rumble. It should be fairly easy to take apart and put back together, I have cleaned every controller from NES to PSX and never made a mistake yet. This will get rid of the sticky buttons forever and you won't have to play with some little kid's grimy old controller.

[quote name='Mr Unoriginal']That wouldn't mess with the electronics inside?[/quote]

Not if it is high grade, no residue isopropyl alcohol. It's meant to clean electronics.

[quote name='Lou-Dawg']Not if it is high grade, no residue isopropyl alcohol. It's meant to clean electronics.[/QUOTE]

Well I have 70% Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol. Will that do the trick?

I don't know if I would go pouring anything into the controller, however my 2 year old dumped milk on one of my Wavebirds and somehow it survived.

[quote name='niceguyshawne']I don't know if I would go pouring anything into the controller, however my 2 year old dumped milk on one of my Wavebirds and somehow it survived.[/QUOTE]

Well I put some alcohol on a q-tip and rubbed it around the button. It seemed to work pretty well, it still sticks a bit, so I may try one more time.

Interestingly enough, Nintendo tells you to get a toothbrush wet and rub the bristles in and around the buttons. That to me seems more dangerous than a little alcohol.

[quote name='Mr Unoriginal']Interestingly enough, Nintendo tells you to get a toothbrush wet and rub the bristles in and around the buttons. That to me seems more dangerous than a little alcohol.[/quote]I was just going to pop in here and post that suggestion. An old toothbrush, a little bit wet (take the batteries out first ) and shove the bristles down in the cracks around the buttons. I did that with my 3 used wavebirds I got about 2 years ago and they've been working perfectly ever since.

Just, again, make sure you take the batteries out and turn the power switch on and off a few times to make sure all the electricity is discharged before doing it. Let the controller sit for a few hours before using it after you're done, too. The nice thing about sticky buttons vs. non-responsive is you can tell pretty immediately if you solved it or not.

I didn't even know you could clear it that way. Good stuff to know for future reference.

[quote name='Mr Unoriginal']Well I put some alcohol on a q-tip and rubbed it around the button. It seemed to work pretty well, it still sticks a bit, so I may try one more time.

Interestingly enough, Nintendo tells you to get a toothbrush wet and rub the bristles in and around the buttons. That to me seems more dangerous than a little alcohol.[/QUOTE]

Combine the two. Rubbing alcohol is the main ingredient in commercial electronics cleaners (just take a whiff to confirm). A tooth brush will be stiff enough to clear out some debris but not stiff enough to scratch any leads or contacts.

Like the others say, just turn the devilce upside down for a few hours or maybe a day to be certain its dried out on the inside, although alcohol evaporates much faster than water.

Seriously, just take it apart and clean it. I have done this with 6 Wavebirds with no problems.

You can get a tri-wing screwdriver here for $1 shipped. Reliable company but it will take a few weeks to get to you.

I use Windex on the buttons and on the edge of the two halves. You won't believe how much grime is in there between the two halves of the controller.

I guess I just like clean stuff. and sticky buttons will just not do.