If ( (teams have some dead #29 motor controllers)
AND (not planning on returning them through Vex RMA process))
{ consider popping open the case and look for visible damage. }
One way to pop open the case, as gently as possible,
is to use a vise with a triangular file in series with one jaw.
This has the advantage of providing great pressure, without much movement;
Squeezing with a plier instead might to crush it after the plastic rivets pop.
There are some reports that all broken MC#29 look the same.
What do yours look like?