Neo Geo CD Controller Micro Switch Replacement

[TDIRunner]

I bought a Neo Geo CD controller off eBay to go with my consolized MVS.  I bought it during one of those 15% coupons days.  It arrived, but the d-pad doesn't work on the down position.  I contacted the seller, but no response.  After waiting a week, I opened a case with eBay.  If possible, I would prefer to fix the controller and maybe just get a refund for my cost to fix it.  I would rather not return it and start over again.  But I have no idea how much it will cost to replace that switch.  I've done a little bit of searching, but I was wondering if anyone had a good source for replacement switches.  Is it worth trying to fix, or should I just return and find another one?

[wiggy]

What kind of switch is it?  Have you bench tested the switch itself?

[Tech13]

You will not get a partial refund if you fix the item. I have done this several times and Ebay policy says no. If you don't want to spend more money on it, then send it back.

[Arseen]

You will not get a partial refund if you fix the item. I have done this several times and Ebay policy says no. If you don't want to spend more money on it, then send it back.

You first ask the partial refund FROM THE SELLER by telling that the thing doesn't work (or doesn't work as intented) but you are willing to keep it as parts for partial refund.
If seller says no then ask for full refund and return the item.
If that fails then you involve Ebay.

But if seller agrees for the partial refund then you can do what ever you want with the controller.

[TDIRunner]

What kind of switch is it?  Have you bench tested the switch itself?

It's part of the switch in the d-pad.  Specifically, the bottom switch when pressing down.  As far as I know, it's the same type of switch found in any type of "clicky" arcade joystick, although I believe the Neo Geo CD controller uses a specific size.  All other buttons work fine.  I've had it apart to make sure I didn't see anything obviously wrong on the inside.  While taking it apart, I noticed that the A, B, C  and D buttons were not in the right color order.  Also the start and select buttons were reversed, so obviously the controller had been dissembled before. 

How can I bench test the switch?  What am I looking for?

[TDIRunner]

You will not get a partial refund if you fix the item. I have done this several times and Ebay policy says no. If you don't want to spend more money on it, then send it back.

There is nothing stopping the seller from giving me a partial refund, which if he is willing to do, I'm happy to keep the controller.  It's perfect other than not being able to press down.  I'm just concerned that it will cost almost as much to fix it as it would cost to get a replacement controller. 

[wiggy]

What kind of switch is it?  Have you bench tested the switch itself?

It's part of the switch in the d-pad.  Specifically, the bottom switch when pressing down.  As far as I know, it's the same type of switch found in any type of "clicky" arcade joystick, although I believe the Neo Geo CD controller uses a specific size.  All other buttons work fine.  I've had it apart to make sure I didn't see anything obviously wrong on the inside.  While taking it apart, I noticed that the A, B, C  and D buttons were not in the right color order.  Also the start and select buttons were reversed, so obviously the controller had been dissembled before. 

How can I bench test the switch?  What am I looking for?

Continuity test.

Check both poles on the switch without it being depressed, then again with the button depressed. You should get continuity when it’s being pressed.

[TDIRunner]

The plan was to test it last night but ran out of time after doing a bunch of yard work.  I hope to get around to it tonight.

[TDIRunner]

No continuity with the d-pad in the down position.  All other directions had continuity as expected since they worked with a game.  Later tonight I will take it apart a little further to see what else I might find.

[TDIRunner]

After getting the controller apart, it seems pretty obvious that the switch is either bad or dirty.  Unfortunately, they aren't really designed to be cleaned.  I've watched a few videos and cleaning the contact requires bending some plastic away, and basically permanently altering the plastic.  I don't want to do this on a a returnable part. 

So basically it comes down to this, if there is a way to get replacement switches, I will go for that.  Otherwise, it's going to be a return.  I have not been able to find exact replacements, so it's looking more and more like a return.

Anyone know of any sources for replacements?