Xbox 360: The controller does not work correctly (910636)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Xbox 360
  • Microsoft Xbox 360 Controller
  • Microsoft Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit
  • Microsoft Xbox 360 Rechargeable Battery Pack
  • Xbox Video Game System

SYMPTOMS

You may find that the Xbox 360 Controller does not work correctly.

THINGS TO TRY

  1. Verify that the controller is connected correctly:
    • Xbox 360 Controller
      1. Verify that the connector is correctly connected to one of the front or rear USB ports on the Xbox 360 console.
      2. Disconnect and then reconnect the inline release connector on the Xbox 360 controller cable.
      3. If another inline release cable is available, test the Xbox 360 console with this new cable. If the controller works with the new cable, Microsoft may have to service the inline release cable.
      4. If another inline release cord is not available, examine the cord for any visible defects. If there is any physical damage, Microsoft may have to service the controller cable.
      5. Test the controller in all three USB ports. If the controller works in some USB ports but not others, test the ports again that failed the first time. If you confirm that a certain USB port is not working with the controller, Microsoft may have to service the Xbox 360 console.
    • Xbox 360 Wireless Controller
      1. Make sure that you have fresh batteries and that they are installed in the correct direction in the controller.
      2. Make sure that the controller is turned on. Press and release the Xbox Guide button on the center of the controller. If the controller does not indicated that it is turned on by displaying light encircling the Xbox Guide button, Microsoft may have to service the controller.
      3. If you use the Xbox 360 Rechargeable Battery Pack, follow these steps:
        • Make sure that the battery pack is correctly installed in the controller.
        • View the Battery Meter in the Xbox Guide to make sure that there is sufficient power in the battery pack. Press and hold the Xbox Guide button until the Xbox Guide appears. The Battery Meter displays the power level of the battery in the upper-left area of the Xbox Guide.
      4. If you use the Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit, follow these steps:
        • Make sure that there is an Xbox 360 Rechargeable Battery Pack installed in the controller, and that the cable is correctly connected to the controller and to one of the USB ports.
        • Connect the charge cable into each USB port on the Xbox 360 console. If the charge cable works in some USB ports and not others, test the ports again that failed the first time. If you confirm that a certain USB port does not work with the charge cable, Microsoft may have to service the Xbox 360 console.
  2. If the controller does not appear to work with one particular game, or if the controller does not work in any one of the USB ports, remove any disc from the disc tray, and then restart the Xbox 360 console.
  3. If you cannot view different areas in the Dashboard, verify that you are using the controller that came with the Xbox 360 console.
  4. If the controller does not appear to vibrate, verify that you have set the vibration or rumble function. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

    909341 Xbox 360: How to turn the vibration setting for the Xbox 360 Controller on or off

    If the controller or controllers still do not appear to vibrate as expected, connect to Xbox Live, and then test the vibrate function again.
  5. If no controller works with the console, Microsoft may have to service the Xbox 360 console.

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:10/9/2006
Keywords:kbxbox360ext kbinfo kbXbox360PacRimPortal kbXbox360EuropePortal kbXbox360AmericasPortal kbPubTypeKC kbtshoot KB910636