PS2 Slim Laser Replacement

[@sulejmani.]

Just replaced mine last night thanks to this video. Also for those without soldering iron. What I did was just heat up the tip of a flat head screwdriver for a little on the stove top until it was hot enough. I barely touched the soldering blob in a scraping motion and it came off. So you don’t need an iron, everything is now connected and my ps2 reads discs again!

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

Not a way I would have thought to get rid of the solder blob, good job. I have heard of people just cutting them off but I wouldn't recommend it.

[@howardwilson3699]

@@EasyConsoleFixes can you plz tell me where the sodder b lol ob is so i can remove

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

@@howardwilson3699 At 3.49 in the video you can see me point to the solder blob and then I remove it around the minute 4

[@KeithKillingly]

hey thanks, good idea

[@rebeckakainulainen]

Thanks bro!

[@itwsntme]

Couple of things I learned doing this repair. The rod rests in two little white plastic pieces that aren't attached to anything. Likely they'll fall out of place when you remove the rod, so make sure you check where and how they fit beforehand. A photo may help Second, on my first attempt, the PS2 would not even try to read the disc, it was as if the laser was dead. Turns out the culprit was one of the case screws, specifically, the one underneath the warranty sticker. For some reason, if I removed this screw everything would start working fine. I ended up putting the screw back and making sure it was the least tight I could, just enough so the plastic cover closes. Bottom line: make sure you don't over-tighten this one.

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

Interesting point about the screw, it's not something I came across before. Was it definitely an original screw. It sounds like its slightly longer than it should be or something.

[@user-ph5ro8xl4o]

​@@EasyConsoleFixesyeah that's what it sounds like you can definitely over tighten those screws

[@scpnoobers]

Yooo thanks that saved me a lot of the hassle the ps2 repairs give me

[@scpnoobers]

Never mind so here’s how it goes I used the old laser and raised the voltage on that laser thing and it worked! For a second anyway so I tried cod 2 big red one and it loaded to the loading screen then I tried gta vice city then it worked fine so I reassemble it and boom doesn’t want to read the games anymore and also it gave me a red screen of death which was a first for me lol

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

@@scpnoobers I have always found adjusting the power of the laser potentiometer is a temporary fix. If you're in there you might as well replace the laser.

[@royandfrida]

Thanks! did the replacement in like 10 minutes games run perfect!

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

Thanks for the comment, glad the video was able to help.

[@scottloggins8508]

Have you run across a PS2 that the disc will spin, but not very fast and there is a clicking noise as it spins? I don't want to spend the money for a replacement laser if thats not the issue. Thanks Scott

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

The clicking noise can be a sign of a dying laser trying to read the disc. If it's more of grinding noise it tends to be the little metal arm that connects the laser to the worm gear.

[@Ghostflowers]

What kind of screwdriver did you use to remove the tiny screws? I'm new to this.

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

They are just a small Philips screw. Any cheap precision screw driver set will do for getting them out.

[@Ghostflowers]

@@EasyConsoleFixes Sadly, the screws seem to be bolted on. Even with the smallest precision Phillips screwdriver, it's not budging. Thanks for the response, though!

[@killerspee08]

@@Ghostflowers Same here , did you find a way to remove them?

[@cookupAce]

⁠​⁠@@Ghostflowerscon huevos

[@courtneyspitzer2279]

Thanks for video easy to do and is working again. Would have never thought to remove solder bead so glad I watched before I tried it on my own

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

Thank's for the comment, glad the video was able to help.

[@jetpackman01]

Thanks for making this video, I appreciate you going through each step slowly and clearly. I have two questions though, what temperature did you have your soldering iron at when removing the blob on the replacement laser, and what wattage of soldering iron do you have?

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

Hi, the soldering iron in this video was one of the cheap 60w ones you see all over eBay and Amazon. The temperature was around 370C.

[@jetpackman01]

@@EasyConsoleFixes Thanks, this helps immensely. I just want to be careful not to damage the replacement disc reader.

[@TheNateaudio]

Great video, thank you for this. My PS2 is working great!

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

Glad the video was some help, it's great that you were able to get the console sorted.

[@CatsGamesWhatever]

Did you try adjusting the laser with a multimeter? I think people accidentally hit the lens taking out and putting in discs sometimes which causes the error. Often the laser is still working but needs a new setting. Sometimes a laser is genuinely dead though but it's something to consider. Plus use old discs because if you adjust too much it will burn the disc.

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

I have found when you adjust the laser its only a temporary fix, as the increased power burns the laser out. The lasers for the PS2 are fairly cheap and it's as much work to replace the laser as it is to adjust the pots. Adjusting the pots is a good way sometimes to to confirm the laser is the problem and get your console working.

[@CatsGamesWhatever]

@@EasyConsoleFixes How much are lasers in Ireland? They're about $25 CAD over here in Canada nowadays.

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

The last ones I picked up were around €8.50 which is around $13 CAD. They are even cheaper on AliExpress but I didn't want to wait the 30-45 days to get them.

[@beandip8349]

Great guide, thank you so much!!!

[@fwobebe5164]

Fixed - The problem with mine, was not only the laser eye needed replacement, but it was also clicking when i would turn on the system, and it was not reading disks, so I cleaned and greased up the gold track screw thing, so that it would spin properly again, because it was so stiff and clogged with gunk, the laser mechanism could not spin the gold track screw properly. After the cleaning it, and making sure the track screw was loose and could spin properly again, the console worked fine.

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

Yeah any time I'm inside one of these old consoles I always re apply the lubrication, it makes such a big difference to keeping them running good.

[@ronaldstafford6573]

What kind of lube do you use on this?

[@scpnoobers]

This made me despise ribbon cables and gave me patience Edit: 4:44 what kinda of magic you got there lol

[@UchihaDareNial]

I have a question Does this lens replacement compatible with PS2 Slim 90000 series? And about the solder blob, does it stick to the solder iron tip, or it simply evaporated?

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

The process of changing the lens is the same as the video but the 90000 series uses a different laser, you can check what model laser is in your console and order the same. The solder blob will stick to the solder iron tip.

[@chrisistocool1]

Thank you very much. I replaced mine and it works amazing.

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

Glad the video was able to help, it's great to keep these old consoles running.

[@chrisistocool1]

@@EasyConsoleFixes onimusha 1-4 never felt so good.

[@gabriellagonzales6195]

I bought a slim ps2 a couple years back and it was from a yard sale of course it didn't work I don't want to make it worse do you do repairs if so would love to get mine fixed it's just been sitting in my house gathering dust

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

Hi, Sorry I don't offer a repair service, what is the issue with your console, it might be an easy fix.

[@gabriellagonzales6195]

@@EasyConsoleFixes I think it's not reading disc but it's also making a very strange noise i put a disc in and clicked power nothing happens, but it says error right away and i opened the disc tray to see if it was even spinning i don't think so- Ps I wish you would do repairs or offer it somehow it would really help cause a lot of people are uncomfortable with even taking apart systems and not knowing how to put back together I'm one of these people just saying

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

@@gabriellagonzales6195 Have a look at this video if you think the disc is not spinning. There are two lid switches which stop the disc spinning. In the video I solder the switch but it can be fixed with some tape to hold it down.

[@valley180]

Thank you for this guide! Just used it to replace mine :)

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

Glad the video was able to help.

[@dianagarza9988]

I have a PS2 slim and I would like to know what are the signs of the console dying .

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

Usually the first sign of a laser dying is it will have trouble reading or completely stop playing the blue backed discs.

[@PRODMUDDY]

going to attempt a fix with your video this week. wish me luck!

[@jeffking6590]

I just replaced mine, the old one started having trouble reading disks and then one day wouldn’t read any. It’s still not working though, the disk isn’t even spinning. There is a light buzzing sound.

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

I have a video called PS2 Slim Disc's Not Spinning. It might be worth checking out if that is the issue you have. The sensors in the video are a common fault on PS2 Slims

[@JRose4123]

Gonna attempt to try and replace my laser on my Slim PS2, it stopped reading any discs awhile ago and the repair shop I brought it to quoted me about $150 total to repair and said at least it would have a warranty covering to fix it, But I wanna try this myself. Mine is modded though so what is the exact laser I'd need to buy for mine? Link please if possible Thanks much

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

That seems very expensive to change the laser, I think I would give it ago, it's not too hard a job. Which laser you need depends on the model of PS2 you have, take a look at this list. Slim SCPH-7000x use a SPU3170 Slim SCPH-7500x use a PVR-802W Slim SCPH-7700x use a PVR-802W Slim SCPH-9000x uses TDP-182W

[@JRose4123]

Yes I actually opened it up again last night and checked myself, I have a SCPH-77001 and checked on my laser and saw the PVR-802W. $150 they said with labor and some kind of warranty if anything else goes wrong and showing me they would have to essentially order a new ps2 on ebay and swap out the parts pretty much? I dont know but mines old, but doesnt seem to hard so I think Im gonna try myself and hope for the best considering I also just bought a cheap soldering iron. So I just ordered a new one online, but only other question I have is since mine is modded when I bought it years ago will that still work? I think its just a mod chip but the PVR-802W laser is still fine to replace right? I dont think that affects that. Just hope it works after this because I never did this before and hope its not another issue besides the laser..

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

@@JRose4123 The mod chip will make no difference to changing the laser so you are fine to swap it out. If you play a lot of copied games it can shorten the life of a laser is all. How much is used PS2 near you, you would be able to buy 2 of them for $150 here.

[@JRose4123]

@@EasyConsoleFixes I actually did not know that, its strange because Ive had mine for prob around 20 yrs now a long time and back in the day I bought it so I could also play those burned games But I didnt play too many, I really didnt think that was why But when I was doing research it says this is a common issue with most PS2's and this happens over time to most Modded or not. and typically used, looks like i could get one for under $100, not too much

[@Tezuk_25]

Hello. I bought new laser and removed solder blob but laser still has problem to read discs. Is there something else I can do? Thank You

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

I would check the ribbon cable going to the laser and make sure it isn't damaged. Is the console reading any games, sometimes a dying laser wont read the blue backed games but will read the silver backed ones. Is the console definitely spinning the discs sometimes the lid switches break and the console doesn't know the lid is closed. Here is a link to my video about them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6fWdJSaeNp9rLc

[@rubenlopez3364]

Hey what soldering iron do you use? Will one of the 20 dollar ones work

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

Hi, yes for this kind of work on of the cheap ones is fine. I have one which cost €13 I use all the time when I don't want to take out my larger solder station.

[@hafihashim]

What kind of laser should i buy for the slim 90000 model ?

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

Unfortunately the slim 90000 can use either PVR-802W or TDP-182W lasers. You will need to check which laser you have.

[@DxrinENT]

I have a ps2 slim scph 77003 which originally uses khm-430baa so will any other laser work?

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

Could that be a replacement laser in your console. Any PS2 Slim 77000 series I have seen have used a PVR-802W laser

[@DxrinENT]

@EasyConsoleFixes The PVR-802 and khm-430baa are the same, just different names

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

@@DxrinENT I don't think the other lasers will work. I think you have to replace with another PVR-802

[@DxrinENT]

@EasyConsoleFixes damn well thats a shame since PVR-802 cost the same as just buying another ps2 slim ):

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

@@DxrinENT If you don't mind waiting a while for delivery have a look at AliExpress. You can pick lasers fairly cheap.

[@larsfauchald5306]

where do you buy the laser?

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

I pick them up on AliExpress as they are cheap but you'll be waiting a long time for delivery. If you are in a hurry you can pick them up on Amazon or eBay but they will be a bit more expensive.

[@Regdiggs]

Why does the bit of solder need to be removed

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

It's there to protect the laser from static electricity during shipping and storage. The laser won't work until it's removed.

[@aldichodox2053]

my laser is new and lights up but doesn't go up and down, what's the solution sir

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

Did you remove the solder blob from the new laser. When you say doesn't go up and down, do you mean the laser wont focus or that the whole laser assembly wont move backwards and forwards along the rails.

[@isellfreemoney9899]

followed step by step but now but the drive is completely still. no laser movement no motor movement no disc movement. what did i do wrong?

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

The first thing I would check, is the anti static solder blob removed correctly, and also check that the ribbon cables are all attached correctly. It may also be worth popping the old laser back in to see if it moves correctly, if it does you know the issue is with the new laser.

[@isellfreemoney9899]

@@EasyConsoleFixes ive looked over everything, blobs cleaned off, cables secure, still nothing. now even with the old laser theres nothing. i ordered a new worm gear cause i think thats my culprit

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

If there is no movement at all, have the little switches that get pushed down to tell the console the lid is closed been damaged. Most consoles have two but some models only have one.

[@isellfreemoney9899]

@@EasyConsoleFixes ill have to try that when i get home tonight, ill update soon

[@isellfreemoney9899]

@@EasyConsoleFixes alright finally tried the switches, still nothing. but i can hear a very very faint thud coming from the drive, im definitely thinking the motor died

[@Bullseye42903]

What do you do with the melted solder after taking off the solder blob? Do you shake it off the laser or scrape it off with the iron?

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

When the solder blob is heated it should come off on the iron fairly easily.

[@Bullseye42903]

@@EasyConsoleFixes Got it. Thanks so much. Video helped out a ton.

[@panagiotist47]

Thank god we have the same version and i can work on it easily because i think other versions are little bit different.

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

Glad the video was able to help. Most of the versions are similar enough except the 90000 series. They have an internal power supply so are a good bit different.

[@panagiotist47]

@@EasyConsoleFixes the thing is and I don't understand..how does the laser only reads Metal Gear Solid 2 in one take and if i try to insert other games it might take 4-5 times to read properly. *Every game works and is on playable condition though*

[@unknowgamer7426]

Appreciate Ty for the vid 🙏

[@ChungusGuitar]

Idk what else to do, I bought a replacement laser off of eBay and its the right model and all but the laser sounds fucking horrible when it reads discs.

[@ChungusGuitar]

I tried mix and matching parts from the two lasers to see if I could get one good laser out of it but I'm pretty much prepared to give up because I don't want to scratch up all my discs trying to get this thing fixed

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

Is the PS2 console scratching your discs, this can be caused by the ribbon cable that goes to the laser. It is supposed to be glued down but if it gets pulled away a bit, when the laser is out towards the edge of the disc in gets bent up and touches the disc

[@gamergirl30-g4p]

my ps2 will not read my games is it the laser or something else

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

It certainly could be the laser. If the laser is working (Moving etc) as it should but not reading games then there is a good chance it's the laser.

[@reapersunshine2236]

My ps2 laser is old and it stopped reading CDs and DVDs after a 5 MINUTE TRAVEL in car (happened 6 years ago) and last month i tried to calibrate it because the laser doesn't even turn on that red light to read, the first time i did it, it worked but only in slightly games, so i tried to recalibrate it and, I BROKE THE RIBBON, AND ALSO, i broke the DVD potentiometer because it doesn't even show me a value with the tester, it works but doesn't show any value. I bought another ribbon cable and.. surprise. The laser had a screw above it, and idk if it's because of that but now i have to set the CD potentiometer to 450 OHMS TO MAKE IT READ! and with DVDs.. IT ONLY WORKS AND SEND THAT RED LIGHT AT.. 150/250 OHMS! (Also idk if that is the true value but is really near the minimum place) Really, really LOW. WHY? Will it last? It works fine, except for some weird clicking noises on startup sometimes and a REALLY LOUD CLICKING on some older discs that won't read but it works fine on most games. So.. should i change it? Why did that happen? I have the console soft modded, but for me, playing with the optical drive is nostalgic. Sorry for the long text.

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

In my experience adjusting the potentiometer is only ever a temporary fix. The laser has started to die and you are only getting a bit more life out of it before it will need to be replaced. How long it will last is impossible say, if its mostly working I would leave it alone but once it starts giving trouble again I would just replace it. Can you remember if you tried cleaning the laser after the car journey 6 years ago. It sounds like dirt or something most have got on it during travel as I'm not sure what else would cause it to stop working.

[@reapersunshine2236]

@@EasyConsoleFixes thanks, but, Something happened. I cleaned the console after 10 years (is a slim-90010) and then, it won't read discs again so i removed the laser to adjust it again. The laser almost didn't send the red light so i adjusted it AGAIN to change the resistance. But, this time, i did it with the console plugged in (turned off) because i didn't check that, by error. Then, the laser and the motor to move the laser (that yellow screw thing) worked fine but the spindle motor didn't. I tried to reconnect flex or change resistance, but, nothing worked, then, the motor that moves the laser stopped working too. Idk if that happened because i disconnected the flex with the console connected (but off) to power or if something got burned. What could be the issue? Did i damaged or burn the flex port? I tested continuity with a tester touching that gray thing next to the flex port and the gray thing on the spindle motor and the arm and the tester detected it, so idk if i damaged the whole optical drive or something because seems like cables and ports works fine. Sorry for long text, again, thanks.

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

@@reapersunshine2236 I wonder have you blown one of the fuses on the motherboard as spindle motor stopping working is rare. The easiest way for you to figure it out would be to change the whole laser assembly if you have access to another one. This way you'll quickly find out if your issue is with the laser assembly or console. Your laser sounds like it is done for anyway. That level of adjustment even if it works it will burnout soon enough.

[@reapersunshine2236]

@@EasyConsoleFixes yes, i'll try to get another optical drive but it costs like 15 usd on aliexpress. If i damaged a fuse, the one that protects the port or something, where i can found it? Can I replace it, or it's hard? I'll try to buy another optical drive but if it doesn't work then i will lose 15 usd, not too much but it can be spent on better things, like a crossover cable to play the games on opl via cable.

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

@@reapersunshine2236 Here is a link to the fuse locations on the different PS2 boards , there's normally one for the spindle motor. www.ps2-home.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2779 You need to be able to solder to replace them but you can check them for continuity with your multimeter, at least you'll know if they are good or not.

[@shininggodmsbeyblader8284]

Very helpful! Need to do this soon also!

[@jacobmartinez1786]

Just replaced mine but the laser only goes down and starts making a grinding noise not sure what to do :(

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

When you say goes down, do you mean it moves towards the centre spindle motor. There is a little switch to tell the laser it has reached the centre. if the switch is not working the laser wont stop moving and cause the grinding noise. The other thing that can cause a grinding sound it the little metal piece not sitting on the worn gear correctly.

[@jacobmartinez1786]

@@EasyConsoleFixes yea I had realized that little switch wasn’t hitting so I just put a little piece of foil so it would hit and it works fine now. Not sure what else I could do to fix it properly.

[@amirbloom4850]

@@EasyConsoleFixeshey where is the little switch located?

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

@@amirbloom4850 The switch it located on the laser assembly near where the metal rod goes through the laser. It makes contact with the side of the spindle motor which is how the laser detects it's at the centre. It looks like a little black piece of plastic sticking out but its actually a little lever.

[@karlborne1830]

Thankyou for this

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

Glad the video was able to help.

[@nathoune8391]

Version ps2 please ?

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

I can't remember which version I used in the video but they all have the switches I talk about except the 90000 versions which only have 1.

[@panagiotist47]

Probably 7500x series.

[@fernandoezequielencina]

Playstation slim

[@ronbowman4437]

"Tree" separate lines???... lolol

[@EasyConsoleFixes]

With the solder blob removed you are left with 3 separate lines, not sure how else to describe it.

[@isellfreemoney9899]

you dont have to make fun of his accent bro, cringey