PSP 2000 Directional Pad (D-Pad) Flex Replacement

Intro

In this guide, I’ll show you how to replace the Directional Buttons / Pad (D-Pad) flex cable on the Sony PSP 2000 model.

What you'll need

Phillips head screwdriver
Plastic pry tool or opening tool
Replacement PSP 2000 D-Pad flex cable
99.9% isopropyl rubbing alcohol (optional, for cleaning)

Important: Power off the console completely and remove any UMD and memory card before starting. Work on a clean, static-free surface.

Step 1 – Remove the battery and outer screws

1. Turn the PSP over and remove the battery cover.
2. Take the battery out of the console.
3. Remove the screws located on both sides of the PSP.
4. Inside the battery compartment, carefully peel back the lower sticker to reveal a hidden screw. Remove this screw, as well as the visible screw at the top of the compartment.
5. Finally, remove the two screws at the top edge of the PSP and the single screw at the bottom edge.

PSP 2000 with rear screws and battery compartment exposed — Locations of the screws around the PSP 2000 shell.

Close-up of hidden screw under the battery sticker on PSP 2000

Step 2 – Remove the faceplate and loosen the front flex cables

1. Turn the PSP back over so the screen is facing up.
2. Gently lift and remove the front faceplate (front shell) using a plastic pry tool. Work slowly around the edges to avoid cracking the plastic.
3. If the analog joystick is in your way, you can gently pull it up and remove it. This is also a good time to clean dust or debris from around the joystick area if needed.
4. Carefully pull the front button flex cable downward so it's loose and not under tension.
5. At the top of the console, remove the two plastic mounts that hold the triggers in place. You'll need to completely remove the left trigger, since the D-Pad flex cable assembly includes that trigger button.

PSP 2000 with front faceplate removed and internal buttons exposed — Front shell removed and trigger mounts visible.

Close-up of PSP 2000 front button flex cable

Step 3 – Lift the LCD and replace the D-Pad flex

1. Very carefully lift the LCD from the top edge. If you're struggling to get under the screen, try lifting near the white plastic clip at the bottom-right of the LCD (refer to the images from the previous step).
2. Take care not to damage any ribbon cables while lifting the LCD. They are delicate and easily torn if pulled too hard or at an angle.
3. Locate the D-Pad ribbon cable connector. Gently lift the locking tab on the connector and disconnect the D-Pad flex cable.
4. Remove the single screw located in the bottom-left corner that holds the D-Pad plastic assembly in place.
5. You can now remove the D-Pad plastic + flex assembly. Take your replacement flex cable and peel off the yellow adhesive backing.
6. Position the new flex in place and press it down so the adhesive holds it firmly. Refit the screw that secures the D-Pad plastic.
7. Reconnect the D-Pad ribbon cable and lock the connector tab. Carefully lower the LCD back into position, making sure no cables are trapped underneath.

PSP 2000 LCD lifted to reveal D-Pad flex area — LCD lifted and D-Pad flex location exposed.

Connector for the PSP 2000 D-Pad ribbon cable

D-Pad assembly screw location on PSP 2000

Once the new D-Pad flex is in place and everything is reconnected, reassemble the PSP in the reverse order:

Lower the LCD and ensure it sits flat.
Reinstall the trigger mounts and the left trigger.
Reconnect and position the front button flex cable.
Reinstall the analog joystick (if removed).
Refit the front faceplate and all outer screws.
Reinsert the battery and battery cover.

Power the PSP back on and test all D-Pad directions as well as the left trigger to confirm everything is working correctly.