PS2 Troubles

[Shao Feng-Li]

I hate buying used...

OK, here's the dealie. It won't read discs. When I'm in the browser mode and put a disc in, it says "Reading Disc" for about 2 seconds, then quits, acting like there's no disc in there.

Can this be easily fixed? Or do I tell my dad that I need on of those really cool slim ones and get a cool skin for it? XD

[Gypsy]

With a ps2 it could be anything - you may want to get a lense-cleaning disc for starters. Eliminate the easy-to-fix potentials first.

[Shao Feng-Li]

It won't read the disc to begin with XD

[Kenshin17]

Doesn't matter. It will still spin the disc over the lens. Thats how lens cleaners clean. Its worth a shot no? Unless of course you have $130 to blow on a new PS2, or maybe $600 for Sony's wonderful Blue-Ray paperweight (and I am a PS fan)

I had my PS quite reading discs too. I hope yours is just dirty. My drive died T_T alas no more Dirge of Cerebus...

[CrimsonRyu17]

I had the exact same trouble. We sent our PS2 back to Sony for an exchange for 40 bucks.

Disc cleaners probably don't work. If you still have the manual to your PS2, there's a phone number somewhere that you can call to exchange for another. It's going to be another used one if you do call but it will be fixed.

[Miss WWE 2007]

I agree a lens cleaner could fix the problem...but if you want a skinny ps2 get one now...they are super cheap.

[Etoh*the*Greato]

Did you -just- buy it used? If so, take it back and say, "Hey, this piece of junk you gave me doesn't work." They'll usually replace. Also, I wouldn't suggest the slimlines. Friend of mine bought one and it bit it within nine months. I hear that's not an uncommong scenario either. The older thick ones are the way to go.

[Shao Feng-Li]

I bought it used several months ago from EB Games. I'll have to take it to them.

[Tenshi no Ai]

I think it's interesting that when PS2s have reading errors on disks (like how mine can't seem to read a somewhat scratched up disk of mine), PS3s CAN have them work. Although, it was the ONLY disk (well, 2 of them, same game though, got it used) out of all the games I have that has done that... So yeah, taking it back might be a good idea^^

Also, I wouldn't suggest the slimlines. Friend of mine bought one and it bit it within nine months. I hear that's not an uncommong scenario either. The older thick ones are the way to go.

Wow, they sound junky. Although I was upset after I got my thick one many years back, that the thin ones started coming out not too long after... Mostly for the reason of them being compact^^

[Shao Feng-Li]

The big one's are pretty tough. A few times it's been knocked off the tv stand XD (That happened too long ago to be causing problems now though.)

[Etoh*the*Greato]

I bought mine back in 2002 and it's been a solid friend ever since. The AV cable jack is starting to go wiggly, but it's ok otherwise.

[Shao Feng-Li]

Let me make sure you under stand. I'm not getting Disc Read Errors. I'm getting no disc reading at all.

And I'm having a hard time finding anything out about my machine:

SCPH-39001

Serial: AU250974

Date Code: 2D

[termyt]

Yes. It can be fixed as long as the reader is not scratched or otherwise damaged.

You will need a medium sized and a small sized Phillips head screwdrivers.
Here's what you do:
Take it apart. There are many screws to be undone on the bottom of the PS2 (under the little black squares). Two of the screws you need to remove are underneath the rubber feet - they pop right out, so no worries.

Be careful when removing the cover – the Reset and Eject buttons are attached to the cover and the base, so don’t just yank the cover right off. Once you have the cover removed, you will see some electronic whatsis to the left and the CD-ROM drive to the right. You will need to remove the cover from the CD-ROM drive. If you drop screws, make sure you get them out before you try to fire the thing back up.

Once the drive cover is open, look to that back of the drive – you will see a White Gear Wheel. It will be parallel to the table and may be under the CD tray. If you can't get at it, you may need to open the CD tray which can do be gently pulling on it or by reattaching power and pressing the eject button. If you go the power route, make sure the inside is clear of debris / screws and keep your fingers away from the circuit board.

Put a mark on the White Gear Wheel so you will know it’s original position then turn the dial a few clicks in one direction or the other. Close up the CD-ROM drive, power it up and give it a try. If it still will not read the disk, give it a few more clicks and try again. You can also try turning the dial the other way. After a few tries, you should find a spot where the PS2 will start reading again – for a little while – you will need to repeat this procedure from time to time.

If you are interested, the White Gear Wheel adjusts the height of the Laser, moving it closer and farther away from the disk. Think of it like changing the reader’s eyeglass prescription.

[Shao Feng-Li]

Ok, I got the thing apart, FINALLY! Sheesh... the lens was mad dirty and I got it cleaned off. Mine doesn't have that white gear thing.

So... with the cover and DVD ROM cover off, I think I pulled something because it won't power up now ._.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

I'm also thinking it may be a laser alignment problem. I've been having DRE errors, and I ended up opening my ps2 and readjusting the white dial.

The Tutorial which I used to fix my ps2. They pretty much mirror Termyt's instructions. Though I think the images aren't loading on that page for some reason.

Ok, I got the thing apart, FINALLY! Sheesh... the lens was mad dirty and I got it cleaned off. Mine doesn't have that white gear thing.

So... with the cover and DVD ROM cover off, I think I pulled something because it won't power up now ._.

1. There should be a white dial. If there isn't, you haven't opened it far enough.

Actually, can you take some screenshots? If so, that would be extremely helpful.

2. Did you disconnect the tiny ribbon wire that connects the power/eject button from the main motherboard?

[Shao Feng-Li]

I think I did. And I have NO idea how to reconnect it.

Hold on...

CRAP! Now I have to separate pieces! T_T I hate this thing. *is complaining*

Photos:

[Shao Feng-Li]

*sigh of relief* Ok, I know how to reconnect that dumb power cable XD

EDIT: Actually doing it is another matter....

[Mr. SmartyPants]

Dude yeah, those wires are a PAIN to reconnect

[Shao Feng-Li]

Tweezers are my hero.

At any rate, it's working now. It was just mad dirty XD

[Mr. SmartyPants]

Here is the white dial, circled in red.



Edit: Oh, I see you fixed it already xD

[Shao Feng-Li]

Yeah, I found that dial too XD You can turn it with an allen-wrench or a slot screw driver, heh. Yeah, the power ribbon came untaped from the ROM cover... oh well, it's easier that way XD

I had the hardest time getting the cover off since I didn't cut the warranty-void tape XD

And I think I cracked this thing O.o :

[Shao Feng-Li]

BTW, can someone tell me what version I even have? I've looked around, but I can't find those same numbers anywhere.

[termyt]

Your PS2's insides look slightly different from ine, but that only means to me that yours is newer than mine, which I bought back within a year of their first release.

According to this site: http://www.modchip.com/ps2/ps2id.htm

You have a version 7 PS2. I have no idea what that means. Mine's a version 1, 2, or 3 for what it's worth.

[Shao Feng-Li]

I see. I'm kinda happy knowing I don't have the oldest version out there XD