Fat PS2 Teardown & Cleaning Guide

[@southpark159753]

Don't need to unscrew the fan or unplug the ribbon for the power/reset switches. Trust me, unless you love swearing at inanimate objects.

[@HoneyOats]

If I read this comment an hour sooner my ps2 would be working and I would be $8 richer. Rip ribbon cable🙌

[@southpark159753]

@@HoneyOats Another thing that can happen if you replace the ribbon cable and still no power is just from opening the shell you can blow the "PS1" fuse supposedly

[@HoneyOats]

@@southpark159753 great to know, thank you

[@HoneyOats]

@@bowarrow8229 I ended up fixing it, found a replacement cable on EBay. I guess the glue on the blue tab gets old and after it falls off it is impossible to put back in. Replacement cable was very easy to reconnect.

[@BradenPitts]

THIS!!!! the blue tab came off and I cant get the ribbon back in. what is happening

[@jacobakers4081]

For the love of God, do not remove the power and eject ribbon cable from the console, remove it from the buttons... I cant even get it back in with tweesers

[@jacobakers4081]

Had to dismantle the hd tray, was easy enough. I'd seriously recommend not doing this step, unless mine was extra flimsy for some reason, it was a nightmare for me personally. Everything else is simple though

[@zhqi2067]

Same here

[@eriksalazar4809]

Yea that ribbon cable is a bitch! I didn’t take it apart but I routed it wrong when reassembling and it broke. I had no idea it was a REALLY delicate piece.

[@stevesstuff1450]

Simple way... before you put the bottom casing back on, just lift the DVD drive assembly from the front, which gives good access to the side cable connectors... they push in very easily!! 👍

[@zhqi2067]

@@stevesstuff1450 if only u were here for me a month ago

[@sam_widge9183]

I can’t stress how much this video helped , thx a lot , I was the type of guy who grew up playing the old ps2 games , feels so gif to finally have that ability again , even on a pretty old TV the intro sound still gives me shivers , and the red screen of death still scares the shit outta me , thank you so much for making this vid!

[@k29king1]

I fixed many “broken” PS2’s back in the day, either getting those for free, or being paid to fix what just turned out to be a loose ribbon cable,

[@jeffbanfieldsflwr3537]

Those ports are so dirty because the vents were clogged. The incoming air will come in wherever the least resistance is. This is probably the first cleaning the poor ps2 has ever had.

[@lillipup60]

Just took mine apart following this video. Didnt need to disconnect any ribbons and is working better than ever. Time to rip through Dark Cloud!

[@Oatmealslayer]

One of the best games out !!!!!! I’m cleaning my to bust the game out again!!!

[@mazzarella_child567]

Thanks dude! Have had my PS2 since 2004 and never cleaned inside. I have successfully cleaned my PS4 and PS3 so I feel confident doing this. Cheers!

[@eriksalazar4809]

Just a note to anyone doing this: this guy has lots of experience and makes it look easy. Truth is if you’re not EXTREMELY Careful you can completely destroy your unit. I bought a PS2 just yesterday from a guy who said it worked fine but the discs take forever to load so i should be patient in with browser. I figured it probably just needed a good cleaning particularly the laser. Anyway I followed the video, disassembled, deep cleaned and reassembled. I had some minor experience with GAMEBOYs so I wasn’t completely an idiot. However that power assembly (switch)at the end is a bitch. I didn’t route the ribbon EXACTLY like shown and ended breaking the ribbon so the machine would not turn on. Completely screwed! So you have to take your time and carefully insert and disassemble each component.

[@noaharkadedelgado2318]

The machine won’t turn on because you broke the ribbon that connects to the buttons for turning it on, you just need to replace the ribbon.

[@zeljkosokolov563]

it's actually not that hard... u just gotta place the buttons in first, then slide in place.

[@melonmasher]

skill issue

[@turji]

Just buy a new cable, ribbon cables are generic.

[@vinson3725]

​@@zeljkosokolov563And the bitch still fucking moves out of spot.

[@Alpha-ms9nj]

Notice how when he re installs the PB ribbon cable the video cuts away from the actual process? That's because it's a PITA to get it back in the tiny slot. In order to attach it securely again, you have to loosen the CD tray to get to it. Do not remove the PB switch unless you're going to tear it completely down. No need to remove it if you're just going to clean the dust out of it. Clean and lube the metal CD tray slides lightly with some white grease is a good idea too.

[@silentpuppy5456]

I was able to slide it back in

[@Artemeco]

Thanks for helping me prolong the life of my newly acquired ps2! I want to keep it in good shape for the foreseeable future

[@stevesstuff1450]

It’s worth digging a little deeper too, and removing the heatshield (carefully), so any dirt/dust can be cleaned off the main PCB, and replacing the CMOS battery (CR2032) while you’re at it.... At least it’ll display the right time/date for a few more years to come if it gets unplugged... 🙂

[@GamerBoy870]

The console has a Cmos battery hope it's not a CBOMB

[@asnappletruck]

Thanks for the good video. I can't wait to tear mine down and clean it out. It's not reading discs very well anymore and I like my old PS2.

[@jeffbanfieldsflwr3537]

So how was it?

[@asnappletruck]

@@jeffbanfieldsflwr3537 Yea good. Works like a dream 😎👍

[@RealAntixz]

@@asnappletruckdo you have eye cancer now?

[@DamianQualshy]

whoever came up with ribbon cables deserves hell

[@bustedfans]

truly. i now have 2 useless ps2s because i cannot for the life of me reconnect ribbon cables.

[@DamianQualshy]

@@bustedfans i bought a used one with broken dvd tray and no screws anywhere but at least it was able to run from network extension and the memcard/dualshock ports work well.

[@wenwake7584]

Sweet. Just did a teardown and clean of an Atari 2600 six switcher and clean 14 carts. Was not too bad considering it had been in the attic 25 years! (Bonus: a few games are commanding a hefty few quid too... Wouldn't have known otherwise). Now I have a Sega Mega drive, PS1, PS2, and XBOX to clean... these are crazy gunked and dusty. I'll be following your vid step-by-step. My hubby thinks I'm over-the-top cautious... but yanked and ripped ribbons etc. is way more problematic than taking each step slowly and methodically. 've talked the hubby into a working station for all our consoles. Because, as most can probably relate, not out of sight out of mind, but simply can't be bothered rummaging to find said dusty hero. Thanks for sharing... On my to do list this week. Plus, I get to play my massive library of DVD's on the telly again. Win! Wot stream? 🙃 👍❤️😁

[@wenwake7584]

Edit: Hubby just reminded me PS3 plays DVD's. I know there's one in the attic, somewhere... We just haven't found it yet!

[@z_man200]

Thank you so much man, got a ps2 for my grandpa and I needed to clean it really bad. The last ps2 we had years ago was struck by lightning and I knew I had to get him one as a gift. 😎

[@djmindroler69]

now that true love for your grandfather

[@TobyPasman]

This video helped me with cleaning my PS2 console because it shut off randomly on me while playing a game. After cleaning it, it worked good as new

[@shardwolfies6807]

25$ 5 years ago was crazy

[@madmax2069]

I paid $20 for a 30001 few months ago

[@giuseppelatorre4063]

Bought one today for 10€

[@luzten]

@@giuseppelatorre4063 bought one tomorrow for 50.000 ARS pesos (5USD)

[@yvolosaure6998]

Thanks man. Worked easily, great explanation, taking the time to slowly show everything. :)

[@quickscope45]

Thank you so much. My games are running way better. I was finally able to clean my childhood PlayStation 2 ❤️

[@jackharrison6771]

A great tutorial video, thanks for posting. Easy to follow, and understand. I hope you do lots of others.

[@PkmnMasterNeb]

Opened mine up to dust it/clean the disc drive and this video was very helpful! Got my games running again :)

[@NintendoMania]

Just got a rough looking ps2 fat for free. Gonna clean it up and fix the disc tray. For some reason the previous owner lost all but 2 long and 2 short screws for the outer shell 😐

[@AltimaNEO]

But how to service the disc drive? Mine makes a nasty grinding noise and struggles near the end to eject the drive.

[@drknstodstny4141]

You didn't scrub the shell with warm soapy water to get into the tight front vents after you blew the dust out and you forgot to clean the fan altogether. Wish you would have gone the extra mile. That being said, it still was an informative video and i do appreciate you sharing with the rest of us.

[@SuperIronDan]

If you have issues with the memory card slot, gently bend the pin upwards by going under it with something very small (even a needle) this will help the contact, do all this after cleaning it with alcohol.

[@stewplumridge]

Which pin are you referring to please?

[@RealAntixz]

@@stewplumridgewill i get eye cancer taking this apart?

[@ronaldhenson9170]

a clean PlayStation 2 will read audio cds DVDs ps1 ps2 blue Cds and ps2 silver dvds

[@hopekramer7800]

Thank you!! My BF's PS2 stopped working suddenly and I had just secured a copy of Sly Cooper!!! Turns out this man has NEVER cleaned his console, not once. I really hope it starts working after cleaning and fastening everything back into place...

[@Lontokka]

If you have Sly Cooper 1 then Sly Cooper 2 and 3 are absolutely amazing. They go into more open levels compared to 1, but Sly 2 is in top 3 of my favourite gaming experiences.

[@Truth-Machine5000]

Be careful when using compressed air to clean a fan. You can easily exceed the max RPM of the fan bearing, and burning it out.

[@CosmicRider555]

Anyone lost some of their screws and replaced them from a hardware store? If you have, what are the screw types?

[@definitelynotlink5420]

Hey it’s been a year, got any clues? Whoever took my ps2 apart before me lost a bunch of screws so there was a bunch missing when I opened it up

[@FoxxyFantasy77]

I’ve been watching this video since it was uploaded and it’s been helpful. This past week my PS2 has a problem with the ribbon cable connecting the power/ reset buttons (I think) and it won’t stay on longer than 10 seconds… 😢

[@Buckweeb]

Umm.. just completed the whole video took it apart and cleaned it. Now it won’t turn back on. Not sure what I missed.

[@smokegames1179]

i bought one for $40 god damn 25 dollars is a good deal

[@jeffbanfieldsflwr3537]

I just got one from the salvation army for 19 bucks!

[@illkid86]

Dude the ps2 20 year old

[@Rabiiid]

I just got one from GoodWill for $15. Dont kno if it works tho. Only came with the power and plugged in the lights turn on atleast. They also ssold the controller for $7... Everything was gunky but i cleaned it all.

[@waffletoast7833]

Will baby wipes damage the electronics if I use them to clean it?

[@_sgk.150]

I think so yes

[@waffletoast7833]

@@_sgk.150 thanks just wanted to know before I clean mine

[@Eminence8888]

I need help @3:35 im trying to pull it out but it doesnt even budge

[@ichigokurosaki2221]

Thank you for the instructions. I just got my ps2 and it's brand new system from steps of taking it apart.

[@562.anthony2]

Thank god I assemble electronics for a living, this was pretty easy

[@ravenspurplebeats5412]

i not cleaned out my ps2 in like 20+ years and it sure does have dust build up as see it on my fan might have to test clean out my ps2 soon though still works like brand new as day i got it.

[@Durranihumayun10]

Hey. I need help regarding my PS2. I m facing this problem for the first time. It was working pretty well last month. I will list all problems. If there's any question regarding then please ask. Here's what issues I started facing: 1. There is no display. When I connect the PS2 and turn on the power button from the back. The reset button shows the red light. I then click on it and then the Green and Blue lights turn on. The fan at the back starts working. The disc tray is also working, but there is no display. 2. After clicking on reset multiple times it then starts to display but the start-up music is out of order. The sound gets hanged. The controller is working (i can enter to and go back from browser and system configuration ). If I click on the reset button again then there won't be any display again. Same issue. And if it displays (after resetting many times) and then when I insert any CD. Loading gets hanged, and if the game works out of the blue moon then there is no sound. Would be happy for the reply. Thanks.

[@hitbm4755]

What about the thermal paste/pads on the CPU? Wouldn't take make a difference? I recently booted up our PS2 again and I have found some parts of Splinter Cell 2 & 3 to stutter, which I don't remember happening years ago.

[@ToolsnTechvids]

This looks like a nightmare compared to the PS5 and Xbox Series X. lol Hopefully going to attempt cleaning a PS2 tomorrow night, though. Thanks for your video!

[@revolutionninetynine698]

Quick question if the blue piece is no longer attatched to aluminum connectors for power button how do i go about piecing it back together? Is there a way around that or would i have to get a new one

[@TheDarthMushroom]

Just what I wanted… and easy to follow. :)👍

[@FreelancerSD79]

Just cleaned out my PS2 following this video, first time since I bought it brand new in I think late 2001, model SCPH-30001. Everything functions properly, except the disc tray. It was slow to open and close prior to me cleaning it, but now it will close on its own every two or three times. I think it's possible I might have torqued the disc tray cover screws down too tight. Thoughts? Thanks for posting this video! Intentions are to install a HDD for back ups, so I'm not too worried if the disc tray goes bad eventually. I have a PS2 slim I have been using as the primary console, I just wanted to use my PS2 fat to as a project at this point.

[@philbln]

Interesting how every model looks a bit different. Here the cooling bodys are smaller than in my system.

[@carrywoodard5867]

I totally fixed my controller problem thanks to this vid. The flat black colored wire wasn't properly connected. I should have taken apart the disc area though cause my ps2 won't read a disc

[@nerfdominator6405]

Mine must’ve been a more modern addition, because I was able to easily unplug the power switch and power button with the same connector

[@FunnyGA1ex]

Oh yeah, lets just speed up and skip the important parts. The screws, and tricky placements. Lets just speed em up.

[@MassimoAntonioCarofano]

Hi, does anyone know a Brand-Model to recommend for INTERNAL FAN replacement for PS2 FAT? I know the FAN for PS2 FAT must be 60x60x15mm, 7V powered with a 2Pin connector (7v and 2pin is not so common)..

[@oldskoolpaul77]

This really helped me out, thanks!

[@linezgames3893]

thank god only 14 minutes thank you

[@ShowMeLoveFilms]

I got my PS2 that I have now for free after my original was... mishandled by an ex (he was trying to fix it but broke it further). It has never been cleaned >< so I'm looking for a good tutorial on how to clean it. Much appreciated!

[@farazsworkshop]

Very useful, thank you!

[@MBR-Drums92]

Really love it while watching ty❤

[@grimmasvasilis]

the fuse on the controller - memory card probably got done... Any suggestions or videos on how to fix or repair?

[@rctrucklife8927]

Thank you good sir great video easy and to the point

[@jasonkelley781]

I was very carefully following the instructions, opened up the case... and I dont even HAVE a ribbon cable connecting these two pieces! Is that a problem?!

[@vladimirputin4370]

Just paid 120$ for the same 4 games lol. Thanks FJB, inflation even on 15 year old consoles

[@Artemeco]

Yeah, I can't believe how much these old games still go for

[@jadenwells6581]

The ribbon cable connector for my controllers snapped instead of coming up.

[@MrJared93]

Wtf am I doing wrong??? I’ve literally taken out all the screws but CANNOT get the shell off!!

[@ronaldhenson9170]

ITS TOTALLY WORTH CLEANING A PLAY STATION 2

[@redcrimson1028]

U never liked ps2. Gamecube and xbox was so much better. The ps2 hasnt aged well at all the games look and play like trash. I have a phat and slim ps2 I picked up from the goodwill. The gamecube especially the xbox aged a lot better and still looks great but I cant say the same for ps2

[@strawfrog1995]

Lol u are dumb obviously...ps2 aged much better and is much more stylish and better designed

[@ultima913]

@@redcrimson1028 too bad for you PS2 has the largest library of games. I'm still finding interesting stuff to play on this legacy system

[@redcrimson1028]

@@ultima913 still not a fan of the ps2

[@redcrimson1028]

@@ultima913 have fun with that 480i eye strain machine 😂

[@RossSmith-o5z]

80% of all dust is human skin

[@MotiejusCompactManiac]

I bought a PS2 for 22 euros, but it has a dust in ventilation but not the motherboard, CMOS battery is dead. So I want to clean so bad. The disc tray mechanism has dust, works fine Laser reads games, DVD Video, CD Audio, burned videos, burned audios Motherboard is not modified Everything works fine

[@brobroant6205]

What are you supposed to do if the ribbon cable for the controller ports comes out

[@berettascott5429]

I fixed most of it until the top of the ribbon cable connector broke off and later whin i went to snap the top back on the pese fore the buttons broke so i took my screw driveer and broke the rest of it off and then tried to duck tape the buttons on there witch did not work so i broke the top in half

[@ember-x9o]

@ 8:47 idk why but my PH0 is too large to take the disc drive apart? Did they use smaller screws for some models? I’m confused

[@davewanless9141]

The music...for fuck sake.

[@Zoro15278]

Nice tutorial man😊😊😊

[@doommarine8272]

Hey there is lots of dirt on that left metal piece covering the motherboard and it won’t come off. It’s the same model too. Can I replace it or is there a way to clean it. It also may be rust

[@FunnyGA1ex]

Yeah, Im having trouble with getting the power buttons plugged back in. If only they made a cut out for those 3 ribbon cable ports. But no, lets hide them. Genius, Sony!

[@mickeyminime7556]

After 23/4 years, mine didn't seem that dirty at all, just the fan and the vents at the front, but it wasn't that much. I was expecting a lot of it, but to my surprise, it was very little.

[@pengu6335]

You must've hardly ever played it. Or you've got an insanely clean house.

[@mickeyminime7556]

@@pengu6335 No, i actually played it a lot for a very very long time, like liturally played the shit out of it everyday. The PS2 was mine while the only PC was shared between everyone. I started to spend less and less time on it when the PS4 onwards came out with the last time i played it was a couple months ago with the Sonic Mega Collection. I never ever cleaned the PS2 other than when i posted the comment you replied too. I was just really surprised how little dust there was in there. It could have just been luck i guess, but between the PS2 and the other consoles, the other ones where more dirty inside and i've played the PS4 a lot less than the PS2/3. Could be the fan size/speed or lack of venting that allowed the PS2 to get away with it.

[@RealAntixz]

@@pengu6335does the eye radiation thing only happen when the console is turned on?

[@scottwilliams846]

Mine won't turn on. We took it apart and dusted and cleaned everything. But it still won't turn on. Any tips?

[@Wayno220]

partial tairdown and partial cleaning.

[@mishy.]

Can someone please tell me how every disassembly video makes it look SO EASY to remove the back panel w/ fan & power switch?? I have 2 PS2s and on both of them i cannot wiggle the panel free. Idk what else is holding it in place other than those 3 brass screws.

[@Drunken_Horse]

My one had an extra screw on the fan assembly compared to what I've seen on ripdown vids. It's on the left (looking from the back) next to the drive bay. I've left mine out reassembling so I don't have to remember any time I need to do it again.

[@Garde538]

Very helpfull, i didnt disconnect any ribbin cables

[@toby8250]

I have a question. My controller and memory card ribbon disconnected from the motherboard and it won’t stay in place. The rubber flap isn’t holding it tight. Is there anything I can do? Or do I just jam it in and pray it holds tight while I put it back together?

[@hijodechago]

I have an issue with reconnecting the ribbon cable of the controller port. It has to do with the clamp on the unit. It shouldn't ever be disconnected if you're only cleaning the ps2 but when putting it back together it came loose and now it cannot close down and lock on the ribbon. What can i do to fix it in place so it clamps down and makes ribbon immobile? I have the basic tool kit off of amazon and i don't have a glue gun.

[@GodofWarChuka]

Good video. I still have my Launch edition PS2. Probably needs to be cleaned 🧼 lol

[@lootbaglarry8.2]

thank you man

[@herensugex887]

I don't understand why the hell my ps2 doesn't look the same from the inside

[@silentpuppy5456]

Yeah my ps2 shuts off after saying the system is too hot

[@TheStackrabbit87]

Really sucks when they fail to show early details, making the rest of the tutorial useless

[@nerfdominator6405]

Not gonna lie the reason I watched this video was to figure out why my disc cartridge would not come out of the PlayStation. After I took it apart and reassembled it, it is now worse, and will not turn on whatsoever. For my sake, I’m just going to buy a PlayStation two from Amazon, which is like 200 bucks. I’m tired of the new school games and would rather do the old school.

[@zachcarroll6532]

Literally ruined my PS2 I just bought pulling out the ribbon cables. It’s almost pointless to remove them anyways because I found myself cleaning things I could have gotten to without removing them in the first place.

[@ultima913]

I tore mine apart after 18 years of ownership aaaaand; it wasn't that dirty. Guessing me blowing air in the old machine cleared most of it out. Now on to fix my ylod 60gb "fat" ps3.

[@Deathlock61]

How did you blow out the air without opening it? Did you use compressed air can or something? Against the fan?

[@ultima913]

@@Deathlock61 Hold the fan in place with a q-tip, a bent paper clip or your finger, and blow in all the vents (mainly the front ones for the fat models) and the fan with compressed air. I recommend Dust Off Duster, as it's not packed with bitterants in case you breathe some in. The other brands I've used for my electronics were terrible, I'd have to use a gas mask if I didn't want a chemical taste in my mouth for hours.

[@Deathlock61]

@@ultima913 and do I have to take the system apart? Because from your comment I thought you managed to clean the vent by just shooting the air duster in the vent fan or blowing it and have all the dust just shoot out. So I 100% need to take the system apart then do this correct?

[@ultima913]

@@Deathlock61 If you want a thorough cleaning, yes. However, I took mine apart after 10+ years of using compressed air in the vents and that kept it surprisingly clean. You may not need to do a full teardown. But it's entirely up to you.

[@KvltKvnt]

For a braindead person like myself. I guess I'll just be taking mine into a shop if I ever have problems

[@Drunken_Horse]

You can do 90% of what he does here without any difficulty. Other than the power buttons you don't need to do anything with any of the ribbon cables to give it a decent cleam

[@blackquiver]

4:43.. Nope nothing like my P.S. 2. Next vid

[@ifeelbetterabouthis.louis3]

I found a whole dead spider 🕷 with a web in mine😭

[@desireepenn4077]

Thanks🎉for the help

[@dzicsenpai5284]

needed a video that woud help me get to the cmos with the least amount of work posibel and then i didnt see it at all

[@richardbale725]

The blue tag came of at the end of ribbon cable can I glue it back on or do I not need it?

[@southpark159753]

yeah same here bud. the ribbon doesnt stay in very well without it. I glued it back on but you only get so many tried before it falls off again. put the grooved side facing out when you glue it on.

[@azaur7248]

The cover is impossibl to remove im about to rip that shit off

[@jonDoe-ml3jq]

Thank u

[@FullMetal909X]

Where is the battery for cmos?

[@zackerydavis1345]

I just got my self a ps2 fat body and slim with each copie of gta for ps2 gonna clean and restore each ps and re package the games like new and live like im 8 again

[@User-ghcwvouvmgs]

My ps is completely different wtf, instead of ribbon cables and stuff it's normal cords and the buttons are in little slots

[@User-ghcwvouvmgs]

There's more screws in this things than my xbox and there's 0 dust so I'm just gonna put it back together lol

[@redcrimson1028]

That metal part on my ps2 has major rust on the motherboard does anybody know how to clean it off

[@eriksalazar4809]

White vinegar is good for rust and a tooth brush if you can get to the rust without damaging other areas. Otherwise qtips

[@justanotherghost4589]

@@eriksalazar4809 hopefully this helps, I got some rust on the left and right side of the expansion bay for mine, I just gotta check if it's the motherboard shield or just the expansion bay itself

[@shoproductions1884]

DO NOT PULL OUT THE POWER AND EJECT RIBBON

[@dnakatomiuk]

All this for a coin battery which you could cut a hole in the bottom to change it easier but because its such a great console i wouldn't do that to mine PS music is far too loud

[@blackquiver]

Thumbs up.

[@BBBDrat]

Mine is completely different from yours