Cleaning joysticks and buttons
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| Guide details | |
|---|---|
| Topic | Maintenance |
| Applies to | Arcade |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| How often | Every 6–12 months, or when controls feel sticky or stop responding |
| Tools needed | Screwdrivers Nut driver Mild soap Microfiber cloths Cotton swabs Multimeter |
Sticky buttons and joysticks that miss directions are common, and usually easy to fix.
Cleaning the control panel
- Unplug the cabinet.
- Wipe the panel with a cloth dampened with mild soapy water. Wring it out well so no water drips inside.
- Use cotton swabs around buttons and joystick bases.
- Don't use harsh solvents on the control panel overlay (the printed art). They can fade or lift it.
Buttons
Most arcade buttons have a microswitch underneath that clicks when pressed.
- Open the control panel. On most cabinets it unlocks or unbolts from inside the coin door.
- Take a photo of the wiring before removing anything.
- Unclip the microswitch and remove the button (usually by unscrewing a plastic nut from behind).
- Clean the button and its plunger with mild soap and water. Dry it completely before reinstalling.
- If a button still doesn't work, check the microswitch with a multimeter on continuity. It should beep when pressed and go silent when released. Replace it if not.
Joysticks
- Clean dirt and grime from the shaft and the plate.
- Check the microswitches or leaf switches the same way as buttons.
- Worn rubber grommets or plastic bushings make a stick feel loose or sloppy. Replacement parts are cheap.
Trackballs and spinners
- Remove and wash the trackball, then clean the rollers. Dirt on the rollers is the most common cause of a jumpy or dead trackball.
- Clean the optical sensors with a dry cotton swab.