Expert: Octane - 2/3/2009

Question
Hi there,

this weekend i picked up a major problem on my PS2.
i got the console way back in 2003 and this is the first real problem i've had with it, aside from a few disks not reading because the lens was dirty (which i cleaned with a cotton earbud as recommended by a site i can't remember the name of).

The problem i have now is the following:

No matter what disk i put into the drive, it doesn't read.at all.

i will put the disk in the tray and close it, and press the reset button (as recommended in the PS2 user manual), and the blocks of the start up screen will disappear and the screen will go blank. instead of the "Playstation 2" Logo appearing it reverts back to the screen where you can manage the memory card from. on this screen is the icon for the memory card, as well as an icon to show that i have a "Playstation 2 Disc" currently in the drive. when i highlight the disc and press "X" the screen goes blank while the disk starts spinning, and then it just goes to the same screen again. i've repeated the process with games i've always been able to play (Kingdom Hearts 2, Need for Speed: Carbon).

I've heard that i may need to adjust the height of the lens, but i don't want to fiddle where its not necessary.

I hope you're able to help me on this.

Best regards,

Tristan

Answer
Gday Tristan,

It sounds like your laser has completely died unfortunately if it is a PS2 Slim adjusting the Laser is not really an option.

Try changing the way you PS2 is positioned.  IE if it is standing vertical then lay it flat, if it is laying flat try it vertical even try running the unit completely upside down.  (Occasionally this will allow you to read disks and get a bit more life out of your PS2 Laser)

What other disk that are having problem?  There are actually 3 types of games a PS2 can play.

More that one type of game could definitely point to something wrong with your PS2 laser unit.  

What color is the disk bottom?  Black, Purple or PS1 games - Are CD based games. Gold or Silver PS2 Games and DVD - DVD based games. Then there is DVD 9 based games & DVD 9 DVD's - Dual layed DVDs.    Do similar based games work?  (If it is a group thing ie one type then it is probably a Laser.)  If it does not even want to play a Music CD then the laser definitely has problems.  (It is either then replace the laser unit of the entire PS2)

You can check the laser by opening the lid and then holding down the sensor for the door you should be able to see the lasers red beam on the top of the lid, if you have a CD in the machine you can see the laser thru the CD as it spins up.  (At least that way you could tell if the laser is at least functioning)

If it is just one or 2 disks check the disk on another PS2 system if it the works then you system has problem (Laser needs replacing) if not then it more than likely points back to the disk being faulty in some way.

I would still check and re-clean the laser head which is probably causing the problem.  Your slim PS2 is quite easy to do with a qtip and some cleaning alcohol.  Maybe your lens is dirty or cloudy.  Once you clean the lens check all types of PS2 games and see which one works or does not work.  If you have similar disks fail then it is the PS2 and it's just as cheap to replace it rather than buying the parts to fix the laser unit.

Also check your disk in question for major scratches, scuffles or marks.  Also check the picture side of the disk for any damage.  (The picture side is actually closer to the information burned on the disk than the data side.  If there is a scratch or nick in the artwork side the did will not work and can't be repaired.  If you have any marking on the silver side of the disk clean if possible.)  Clean the disk with a glass cleaner and not abrasive cloth to remove all marks.  If it is badly scratched you might want to take it to a Blockbuster, Games Store or CD exchange they will be able to professionally buff it and remove most of the scratches for a few dollars.  (The cheap 30-40 home dollar buffing units are pieces of garbage do not use these.)   Maybe worth the it to try to clean the disks.

Hope this helps.

Octane