Reparing the PS2 Disc Read Error - Yes, It Can Be Done

  Anyone that owns a PS2 for any amount of time will eventually come across a time that they'll need a PS2 repair. But, don't fall into the trap that every PS2 repair will have to be done at a shop or that you'll have to send it out to Sony. There are actually several easy PS2 repairs that you can do at home. While there are a couple of different types of the PS2, this disc read error repair will work on both.

****NOTE: This repair WILL void out your warranty. So, if you are still in your warranty period on your PS2, then I strongly recommend that you send it in to Sony for repairs instead of trying to fix it yourself.

WARNING: You do this repair at your own risk. Bright Hub holds NO responsibility for any damaged pieces that could be caused by doing this repair wrong or by damaging parts of your PS2 if you do not follow directions.

For those that haven't seen this error yet, it will get you. First off though, if your PS2 is still under warranty - get it fixed by Sony. Don't void your warranty by trying to do it yourself.

Now, there are different levels of the PS2 disc read error, and a few of these you will be able to fix on your own. But, for this PS2 repair, you want to make sure that you know that this is the specific error (is should say so right on the screen) and that you have the right tools to clean out the console.

1. A regular sized Phillips and regular sized flathead screwdriver

2. Small/jeweler's size Phillips head screwdriver

3. Can of compressed air (you can find these at any computer store, chain discount store, and sometimes smaller discount stores)

4. One of each of the following colors of discs (if you own them or can rent them): a silver PS2 game disc, a blue PS2 game, a DVD, and a PSone game (if you can find one)

5. Felt tip marker

Now that you have all of these items, we can start on this PS2 repair.

You need to know that you will be taking your PS2 apart for this repair. We'll be taking out most of the supports inside the console, so you will need to be extremely careful that you don't break or even bend any of the interior parts at all.

***NOTE: You also need to know that you will be taking the Loading Tray apart. In this part of your PS2 is the Class 1 laser, which CAN blind you. So, the best way to deal with this part is to ensure that your PS2 is completely off and disconnected from the power source.

Make sure that you have completely disconnected the power source to your PS2. Then, you want to make sure that you take off any extras that you might have on your PS2, such as a network adaptor.

Turn your PS2 upside down, and you will see the small rubber stands. Remove these by using the flathead to gently pop them out. Put these aside so that they don't roll off or get damaged. You'll need to make sure that you put them back in. After you get these little feet out, you want to take out the screws that were under each of these little rubber feet. Make sure that you put them to the side so that you don't lose them either, you should have two different lengths of screws now in your pile.

Now, you should keep track of where each part comes off of from this point on. You don't want to miss any specific part, lose anything, or put something in the wrong place as you can easily mess up your PS2.

With all of the screws out of the bottom of the PS2, take the bottom cover off and then flip your PS2 over. When it's right side up, carefully pull up the cover and slide it forward. When it's free, pull it off. Be extremely careful right here, as you can easily damage the memory card, the controller ports, and even the loading tray, so you want to make sure that you are very careful not to damage any of these parts.

When you have the cover off, you will see the ribbon (this is normally brown) that connects the power and the buttons inside. Lay down the cover as carefully as you can without putting any type of pressure on the ribbon or you can damage your PS2 so that it's not fixable.

The last part that you need to take off is the black lid that is on top of the loading tray. To take this off, you'll need that tiny screwdriver (Jeweler's screwdriver). Take these screws off and you are done disecting your PS2.