PS2 Disc Read Error Solution | NO REPLACEMENT PARTS

This PlayStation 2 wouldn't read discs, but now it does. Hope it helps you out!
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#QuackFix #PS2 #retrorepair

[@FantasticQuack]

Quick note: I messed up describing the CD pot only as being game-specific and this is inaccurate. PS1 games are CD and PS2 games are primarily DVD, so it is important to adjust both depending on what games your PS2 is having trouble with. Cheers!

[@realitygaming7302]

Say my ps2 is getting no video what should I do

[@tilasole3252]

​@paleofolki bought mine at the Dollar and Twenty-Five Cent Tree. It is not megnetic, but for home use it was sufficent.

[@tilasole3252]

​@@realitygaming7302have you "fought" with the cable? Mine has to be just right or no sound or video. It's a pain. But once I get it right, it's fine. Probably a faulty connection or the housing is too loose. Check the length of the cable or how it fits or sits in the PS2. Otherwise it might be the TV connectors, but that is doubtful.

[@DashRetro]

PS2 games are mostly DVDs. You can see the DVD logo on that Rayman disc, so it's a good thing you adjusted both!

[@FantasticQuack]

Someone else pointed that out too, my bad! Pinning a comment to clarify

[@digitalgord5694]

I don’t know how your channel hasn’t blown up! I’ve watched all your videos!

[@FantasticQuack]

Thanks for the support, glad you enjoy the vids!

[@digitalgord5694]

@@FantasticQuack ​ @FantasticQuack You should challenge @stezstix fix, @joeydoestech, and @tronicsfix to fix electronics without their usual tools like you did when camping ;-)

[@GoodVibeCollecting]

Dirty systems are usually a good sign the laser is just dirty. Did you try cleaning it before adjusting the pots? Fun fact, you only need to remove 6 of the 8 screws to remove the top. The ones you don't need to remove are the short screws underneath the rubber feet. If you want to disassemble the system further, then you need to remove those 2 other screws. Adjusting the pots is only a temporary fix and it will only get worse over time. The solution to this is to replace the laser buuuut...all the replacement lasers from China are crappy so it's kind of a lose/lose situation at this point.

[@FantasticQuack]

Yes I cleaned the lens as an early troubleshooting step that did not solve the problem. It will be along while before the pots drift into a bad range again, but you're right that it will happen, just like with a brand new one. Thanks for the comment!

[@Smoshylife]

Everybody tried that 15 years ago

[@pinballwiz1854]

Great job with the video. Just wanted to add that many ps2 games are actually dvd discs. You can tell the difference based on color. Blue is cd and silver is dvd

[@FantasticQuack]

Thanks for the comment and pointing this out, my mind must have been on burned CD's when I recorded the audio.. I'll pin a comment to clarify on that, oops!

[@MrMegaMalain]

Your video was the solution for my PS2 disc read issue! Thank you!! It also has the simplest instructions to get at the laser pots!

[@FantasticQuack]

Awesome, glad I could help!

[@lpjetski8047]

Huge help thank you. I literally bought a brand new 400c laser replacement (no big deal as I’ve done a few laser replacements right?) just to find out it is only reading CDs. My dvd pot was way up in the 1400 range so I did an adjustment and now works perfectly

[@FantasticQuack]

Glad you got it working and that I could help, cheers!

[@TeamTechShock]

Just got a back up ps2 with this error. Thank you for the perfect video fam! Going to try and fix it

[@FantasticQuack]

Hope you can get it working!

[@jaymesjmathias9390]

You are very right on in explaining/doing without presetting us up with pre-explanationing & also making it seem we will be doing brain surgery like work! I'm subbing after that and hope you have all other systems like 1st sega cd, saturn, 3do & the likes.

[@FantasticQuack]

I usually only work on broken stuff I find locally and sadly haven't come across the ones you mentioned yet, but when I do I'll make new videos for sure!

[@redux_dt]

1.4k views?! Great video brother, learned some things! Thanks and keep makin vids!

[@FantasticQuack]

Too many or not enough? haha thanks man!

[@vivoparatuamor]

this worked for a ps2 I bought on FB, Great Video , Thanks!

[@FantasticQuack]

Glad I could help!

[@JCG105]

There's also a little white ratchet/gear right above the laser assembly that adjusts the distance of the laser away from the disk, if I remember correctly. When working on one of these back in 2006, I was able to get the drive to read games again after an initial adjustment, but couldn't leave well enough alone and adjusted it too close, thus destroying my copy of Devil May Cray and the damaging the laser beyond repair. Given my limited knowledge at that time, (and being thoroughly disgusted with myself), I threw the entire unit away.

[@FantasticQuack]

Yeah I know of that adjustment and would have been my likely next step if my other attempt couldn't get it working. Based on your experience I'll be cautious if it ever comes to that on a future repair!

[@MrReese]

You do not need to disassemble the entire inner workings of the drive, you can just remove two screws, disconnect the cable and then tilt the assembly to the side to access the potis. You can also remove the magnet part from the top cover of the drive and test discs without the cover on it by simply putting the magnet in the center of the disc. It's s lot easier to test and adjust that way compared to a) a fully assembled drive and b) a fully assembled console.

[@FantasticQuack]

I wanted to clean things up while i was in there, the little extra teardown isn't too much added effort and it made it easier to focus the camera on that specific part without having the console in the background the whole time.

[@repairstudio4940]

Great video, subbed!

[@FantasticQuack]

Appreciate the support!

[@PawelPSP1]

What version you have? AC socket is not typical. Normally both edges are rounded, in your case only one of them is. Is it 39001?

[@FantasticQuack]

I thought they all had one side squared off. It's a SCPH-39001

[@kevinosullivan1079]

Great video, thank you. Got my PS2 working tip top again.

[@FantasticQuack]

Glad to hear this helped you out, cheers!

[@stevaxel8224]

Hi guys, please, i broke the flex cable, where i can find it right on web site please? I need to buy newone

[@DeepFriedLettuce]

Thank you very much! I was able to repair my nephew's PS2!!!

[@FantasticQuack]

Glad I could help!

[@andrestapia1493]

Hi! Quick question and I know this video was made almost a year ago but do you remember how long it took for the game to boot up after the PS2 logo showed up? Mine doesn't have a disc read error for PS2 games (although I've noticed lately that mine tends to struggle a bit more with CD's) but I did notice that my PS2 tends to take a while before the game's logo or copyright screen boots up

[@FantasticQuack]

I wouldn't be surprised if it was 15-30s the load times on these older games are pretty wild

[@bruzed23]

Solid walk-through!

[@FantasticQuack]

Thank you!

[@hobbymagicstopmotion]

I cant see sony when in high production of Ps2's would fiddle around with adjusting pots. There must be soke way that sony just had all the lasers preset amd just dropped them in. But every laser is different and would requir a different adjustmens so how did sony get it right in the factory during priduction???

[@FantasticQuack]

It is possible to create a system with a drop in laser that has the perfect power level, but would be cost prohibitive. The reason the pots exist is to deal with inaccuracy of cheaper components. For instance, inexpensive caps and resistors in the power circuit can have high tolerance bands leading to different nominal voltage levels at the laser from one unit to the next. The pot then allows you to overcome all this variation by using it to calibrate to the desired power level.

[@SwellRhymes]

Bruhhh my ps2 is in the exact same condition missing face plate and all 🤣i already trust this video 100%

[@FantasticQuack]

I have another one in that same condition I haven't gotten to yet, lol that missing faceplate is sad but classic.

[@domr3978]

This reminds me of a CD boom box I bought in 1998 that stopped playing CDs because dust got into it. I FELT RIPPED OFF. Who on Earth would incorporate this technology to stop playing CDs and discs if dust got into boom boxes or PS2s or if the lens were dirty? WE DON''T NEED IT. You would think it would be quite the opposite that consoles and boom boxes were made to be more full proof and reliable and would always play discs and not have dust or a dirty lens stop them from playing.

[@FantasticQuack]

I guess that's why modern consoles close of the inside as much as possible and the only opening is the tiny slit for the CD

[@Mamouzzed]

Hi, when i opened the disk cover i found that the whole disk didn't have any screws holding it, is there any replacement screws for it or the average size of them so it can hold still atleast

[@FantasticQuack]

You should be able to buy a miscellaneous assortment of plastic-threading screws on amazon or another source and just pick the size that fits best. Here's an example (affiliate link): amzn.to/458TGfE

[@Mamouzzed]

@@FantasticQuack thanks my guy 👍

[@Arkadiy961]

Hi, same problem here. My ps2 slim reads 2 discs, and it doesn't read any other. Should I do the same thing as you did here, before buying a new laser head? Need some solid advice. Thanks

[@FantasticQuack]

If it turns out you need a new laser anyway then you have nothing to lose by trying the pot adjustment first, so I say go for it!

[@jakewalker4556]

what do you do if the disc tray gets stuck in the ejected position? I powered it back on to get the tray in, but the bit that the disc sits on rises when I try to get the tray back in

[@FantasticQuack]

Have you tried pushing on the tray to close it? If you're in a disassembled stated and something is potentially bound up then I wouldn't recommend it, I don't know what state yours is in. I can say there are circumstances where the button does not work, but a manual push is enough to actuate the disc tray to close.

[@kram4130]

Great video, very interesting

[@FantasticQuack]

Glad you enjoyed it, cheers!

[@oOignignoktOo1]

If it's anything like the Xbox and Gamecube drives the PS2 drive probably needs it's capacitors replaced. Capacitor plague was a nuisance on that generation of consoles.

[@FantasticQuack]

Xbox for sure, but I've never ran into bad capacitors on PS2 or GameCube yet

[@oOignignoktOo1]

@@FantasticQuack On the PS2 the most common ones to go first are the power supply caps. Caps going bad on xboxes was super common though especially the clock cap.

[@dywexaent506]

after i did the eject and followed your steps, i plugged it back in and it refused to turn on the light remained red and never became green if anyone can help i’ll appreciate it

[@FantasticQuack]

Check the connection to the button panel

[@PetateQuemado]

Thanks fron México dude 😎

[@uuuummm9]

I was curious if something like this is possible. I hope it will work on my slim console too.

[@FantasticQuack]

The process is the same on a slim, but the internals can be a bit different so keep that in mind.

[@uuuummm9]

@FantasticQuack what about the resistance? Should it be the same on fat/slim versions? I am also curious if I should go with these adjustments if my ps2 is reading disks, but quite slow.

[@FantasticQuack]

@uuuummm9 I don't think it's the same on both. I would check what it's at now and just try lowering the resistance in very small increments until you notice an improvement.

[@uuuummm9]

@@FantasticQuack thank you!

[@tattoosteveneo]

I’ve got 3 ps2’s that I’m going to try this one. I prefer the fat one more than the slim due to the cable on the slim always seems to rub the disks

[@FantasticQuack]

I prefer the fat one for no reason. Nostalgia maybe.. hope you can get it working again, cheers!

[@tattoosteveneo]

@@FantasticQuack well I bought a second hand one “for parts only” at a local shop. I’m having to swap some parts here and there. I’ll try to keep this posted on the details. Who knows it may work. But I could be out $20 but the knowledge gained is worth way more.

[@jacobrix113]

I’m not getting a disc read error on my new one but after the ps2 logo shows up the game never loads. Any idea what that may be

[@FantasticQuack]

Checking and readjusting the pots (like done in this vid) would be the first thing I'd try

[@jaymesjmathias9390]

2:50 book marked for later use.😊

[@FantasticQuack]

Hope it helps, cheers!

[@ihaveadog1100]

Can I use anything else other than a multimeter or do I need one

[@FantasticQuack]

You could try adjusting it in small increments and check for improvement but I'd highly recommend using a meter so you know for sure where things are at.

[@ihaveadog1100]

@@FantasticQuack Thanks!

[@EMSS-ul8bq]

Not for nothing, but if you want to try to fix stuff, a few basic tools are always necessary. You wouldn't try to remove a screw without a screwdriver, would you? I'm not trying to be mean, but videos like this can only help if you're willing to follow the instructions. Without the tools necessary to do the job, why bother? You can get a multimeter from a place like Harbor Freight for very cheap. It can also be used for many other things, so it would be wise to always have one. Good luck.

[@ihaveadog1100]

@@EMSS-ul8bq It just took a bit of searching my house and I found one. You make a great point though.

[@ButilkaRomm]

I just could not see how exactly is a potentiometer measured with you multimeter?

[@FantasticQuack]

watch from 3:47. I have probe 1 on the top left pin and probe 2 on the single bottom pin. Meter is set to resistance mode on auto range (so it decides what units to report based on the resistance it reads), in this case it is self-ranging to kohm as seen on the screen of the meter when I get a reading. In the first reading it says 1.4 kohm which is the same as 1400 ohm. Other meters might not have an auto function and you need to set the range manually. If you're not familiar with them I'd recommend just googling how to use a multimeter. Hope this helps.

[@jovimhornetf4421]

Most PS2 games are in DVD format, so you really should care about adjusting the DVD power also. CD is for music CDs, PS1 games and some PS2 games.

[@FantasticQuack]

Yea I messed up talking about that in the vid. I pinned a comment 12 months ago addressing it

[@ErnestoMunoz2075]

Awesome !!! 😃😃😃

[@FantasticQuack]

Glad you like it!

[@victorstk]

rayman 3 is also my favourite, but i played it on PC at the time

[@FantasticQuack]

A man of culture I see ;)

[@calebroberson7408]

This fixed it thanks so much

[@FantasticQuack]

Glad to hear you got yours working!

[@Smoshylife]

Wish this vid came out 15 years ago lol

[@FantasticQuack]

Me too :)

[@b.3397]

99% of the time the laser is toast. Remember these ps2s are approaching over 25 years old. Just buy a new damn laser for 15-35 bucks install and be done.

[@FantasticQuack]

99% seems unfounded. In any repair, I always start by determining whether I can repair the original parts-- over half the time it's possible. If for no other reason than OEM parts always being better than aftermarket even when they need a jump to get going. That said, I firmly believe in "to each their own" so however it gets fixed, I salute those getting it done. Cheers

[@WoogieSpimps]

I just bought PS2 and it only had 4 screws and I'm having difficulty taking off the top plate w/o damaging it. Anyone got any advice?

[@FantasticQuack]

It should come off without much issue if all screws are out and the sticker on the back has been cut or removed. With the front of the console facing you, try tilting the top shell towards you a little bit and then lifting

[@WoogieSpimps]

@FantasticQuack thanks! Much appreciated!

[@majiidsalim1703]

Where in the world are you located? I have psp, that charges, but won't turn on. The orange light turns on everytime i plug it in, with the battery, but won't react to the on/off switch. I've opened the psp, and cleaned the switch, and unplugged and plugged the power cables, still nothing. Heeelp meee

[@FantasticQuack]

I'm in Minneapolis, feel free to email or IG me

[@1993VolkswagenPassatGLXVR6]

I got my ps2 for free, because it was junk, the trqay would not even open. I 3d printed new compenents for the tray in order for it to be able to open, but then the game would not load. due to that, I was frustrated, but it seems like this tutorialmwill help.

[@FantasticQuack]

Sounds like some dedication, I hope you can get it figured out!

[@1993VolkswagenPassatGLXVR6]

@@FantasticQuack It has been a bit of time, and it still won't work, the inside is a complete jumbled mess, and I now realize why I got it for free. I think there is only 1 thing to be done, which is to replace the entire disk drive.

[@d33dub]

My PS2 is pretty dead, looking for inspiration, turns on okay but doesn't retain memory. CD drive ejects at 700MPH and then proceeds to whine until powered off. It closed at Mach 2 when powered back on, doesn't really attempt to read anything. :(

[@FantasticQuack]

Sounds like it needs a new battery, along with a thorough cleaning of the drive components, lubricant, and likely potentiometer adjustment. Best guess without seeing it myself

[@areku2017]

after following and separating the disc tray, the console stopped receiving power. doed anyone know what i could've broken

[@FantasticQuack]

maybe something else just got unplugged? Hope you can get it figured out

[@jameswhitesell3076]

Mine reads 0-1ohms. And adjusting does nothing. Any advice

[@FantasticQuack]

reflow the solder joints on the potentiometer. I've been in your situation a lot and that fixed it every time

[@KOSPman]

Tried this out, my laser doesn’t shoot the laser anymore, any help?

[@KOSPman]

I broke the ribbon cable 🤦‍♂️

[@FantasticQuack]

Oh no! what went wrong?

[@KOSPman]

@@FantasticQuack Ribbon cable bent and snapped, ordered a replacement and it works perfectly now! The gear that moves the laser is a bit messed up, but games read now

[@susanna8612]

Still not running the disc. Have tried everything. Disc goes around once and then stop. Something makes the disc wheal not rolling. Othervice the console is fine, clean and working. Im happy we have moved into the digital era. In olden consoles the disc drive is allways the problem.

[@FantasticQuack]

Sometimes replacing the drive is the only option

[@mvevitsis]

I would avoid using a vacuum near the laser assembly as they are rather sensitive to ESD.

[@FantasticQuack]

You can get an ESD vacuum if you're that worried about it. I think the risk here is pretty low.

[@JesusSavesTheLostBrokenConfuse]

I did this tutorial and set the resisting right but somehow the disc drive stops after barely a spin. Ive no idea why.

[@FantasticQuack]

What were the symptoms beforehand?

[@uauizauiz]

@@FantasticQuack I have the same issue. Before it wasn't reading some games, but most of them were working. Now it reads them for 1 sec and barely spins, then it doesn't work at all until I insert it again.

[@JosephGaddis]

Can u do a video on a slim ps2

[@FantasticQuack]

As soon as I come across a broken one I gladly would!

[@august7583]

Cool! Mine is having the same problem. Disc reading error.

[@JuanitaHatten]

Can you do this for ps3 phat please 🙏

[@FantasticQuack]

If i find a ps3 with this issue I definitely will!

[@hitochan22]

I follow your instructions and now my disc not spinning at all I don't know what happened😢

[@FantasticQuack]

That makes 2 of us. Sorry to hear that, was the disc spinning before? Maybe something just didn't get reconnected?

[@hitochan22]

@@FantasticQuack the disc is spinning again, read the original game just fine but can't read back up game like it used to

[@kimberlyaddleman2233]

What do I do if it only wants to read one game?Just one all the rest of them it won't read

[@FantasticQuack]

I would check the potentiometer(s) and adjust as needed

[@lifeisgood41510]

How much to repair my ps2? It doesn't even get to the can't read disc screen but it does acknowledge the present of my memory card. Maybe the motor isn't working. What next my friend.

[@FantasticQuack]

I do repairs, but unless it's local, typically only for handhelds due to high shipping cost for large items like these--people don't want to pay it. Can you hear the disc spinning? It might still be that a pot adjustment could fix your problem. It's hard to give any concrete advice in this instance without being able to troubleshoot it myself.

[@lifeisgood41510]

@FantasticQuack No, I can't hear the disc spinning at all. I have a small ps2 and the big ps2, and neither of them spin. Any suggested ideas? Repair, or just replace them?

[@eryko1234]

What if my disco isn't moving at all The PS2 acts Like the disc was never there

[@FantasticQuack]

I'd start by cleaning out dust and checking the potentiometers. I know at least for Gamecube if the pots are too far out the disc wont spin at all. Sometimes the solder connections on the pots themselves can become open/intermittent and reflowing those joints can solve that problem. Hard to say for sure without being able to troubleshoot it myself but I hope you can find the problem and get it fixed!

[@RexenPrime]

I fixed my old fat ps2 once just by cleaning it inside, it wasnt even that dirty. It would hardly read games at all and afterwards it was almost like new with reading games.

[@FantasticQuack]

Great to hear, amazing how things work better when they are clean :)

[@Silent_hill1]

Bro please fix Error format disk.. in video

[@FantasticQuack]

I don't know what you mean by this

[@georgevincent1834]

Screw this. It's easier to replace the whole damn unit.

[@FantasticQuack]

How to fix a ps2: buy a new one 🤣

[@samanimeguy23]

I'll try this 😂😂❤❤❤

[@FantasticQuack]

Hope you can get yours working!

[@jegesmedve0970]

I made this now my PS2 DVD drive wont open or close...the led isn't blinking either

[@Mr-zaeim]

You did something wrong while disassembling or reassembling the device

[@FantasticQuack]

Recheck your work step by step, it sounds like something was missed or placed in the wrong spot

[@jegesmedve0970]

@@FantasticQuack i fixed it, still cant read any DVD and CD sometimes T-T

[@divinehideo1502]

I reached out to you on your social media. I need assistance.

[@FantasticQuack]

Can you please check my channel info and email me instead? I'm having issues with Insta right now

[@JEFE_THE_GOAT]

YOU CAN ROTATE THE PS LOGO??????

[@FantasticQuack]

I just learned this within the last couple years myself, mind blown!

[@amritpalhh9836]

Ur awesome

[@FantasticQuack]

Thank you!

[@T-Dog1]

its still not able to read the disc :/

[@FantasticQuack]

What are the pot readings? Might have a failed optical drive and need to replace

[@Siptoseina]

Crazy how faulty PS2 are I been through at least 10 throughout my life they usually last a year or 2