Tips, Tricks and Fixes

[charlieray1]

I've had it for 3 1/2 years, no problems at all. Suddenly tonight it's acting weird. It will start up, but once you put a disc in it will play a few minutes, then the picture will begin slowing down and freeze. Then the power just goes off. When I start it again it will give a warning about being shut down improperly. If I start it back up the same thing will happen, but quicker, unless I leave it off for a while.

If I don't put a film in and just let the menu come up, same thing. After a few minutes the "wave" graphic will slow down then stop moving and the power goes off.

I wonder if it's overheating. The fan isn't running, but maybe the machine isn't on long enough for it to come on?

Any ideas?

[victorvondoom88]

Originally Posted by omegaice

I applaud you for your patience & loyalty my friend. 5 360s is insane in my eyes. I never really bought off on the failure rate of the 360 when it began but eventually it was every where in the media for a while. Now I rarely hear about RROD issues unless it's on here.

I truly hope that your current 360 hangs in there just like your PS3. It's more like "when" the YLOD happens. Eventually the solder on the CPU/RSX will fail. It just happens. But hopefully not for a while longer. I can recommend a good 3rd party person if you would like.

These consoles are investments albeit poor ones but we pour our hard earned money to them regardless. It can be frustrating & disheartening when it happens though.

Yeah you can shoot me a PM with the repair info, that way I'm prepared.
I too hope the 360 hangs in there I just need to get through Gears 3 and then I couldn't care less. I quit buying 360 games after my 3 years expired. That & I feel that microsoft is due to drop another console. There were 5 of us that got 360's around the same time and only one of us has only one failure the other 4 have had two or more fail. It's a shame really my friends and I have met allot of cool people on xbox live.

[Dennithar6]

On my original ps3 I got the YLOD. I then took it to the local game shop to get fixed. When I got it back it "worked" but no wireless anything. The shop refunded my $60. Then when I tried to update, the system got stuck in an update loop. It would turn on start updating then turn off and so on. I called sony and pretty much got aggresive and blamed them because they pretty much force updates. With in a week I had a new fat backwards compatible system. No charge.

My advice is, if you are aggresive and don't take any s***, they will give in. Now I have another one that is starting to act up..........

[AikonEnt]

Originally Posted by charlieray1

I've had it for 3 1/2 years, no problems at all. Suddenly tonight it's acting weird. It will start up, but once you put a disc in it will play a few minutes, then the picture will begin slowing down and freeze. Then the power just goes off. When I start it again it will give a warning about being shut down improperly. If I start it back up the same thing will happen, but quicker, unless I leave it off for a while.

If I don't put a film in and just let the menu come up, same thing. After a few minutes the "wave" graphic will slow down then stop moving and the power goes off.

I wonder if it's overheating. The fan isn't running, but maybe the machine isn't on long enough for it to come on?

Any ideas?

That doesn't sound good! The fan should be running all the time (at varying speeds) so if it's not maybe that's why it's shutting itself off.

[Dynamo of Eternia]

The first that I would do if I were you, if you still have a disc in there, turn it on again (if it will turn on again) and eject the disc immediately.

I'm not sure what exactly the problem is as I never looked too deeply into it, but I had the same issue once myself.

I initially got PS3 primarily for playing Blu-Rays (after I had problems with a Samsung BD player), but I knew I wanted to use it for gaming as well. When I first got mine, it was a while after the original 60GB units were no longer available in stores (and the 80GB units with PS2 compatibility were on their way out as well).

I decided that I wanted to try to get a 60GB unit since it had the best PS2 compatibility of all of the systems. So, I got a refurbished unit from Amazon's "Warehouse Deals" site. And the first time that I used it, this same problem started happening. I had put a Blu-Ray movie in it (TMNT to be specific), and I kept trying to get it to play, but the system would turn off after a little while every time, with each time happening faster than the last.

Then after a few tries it wouldn't turn on again at all.... and my disc was still in the machine.

It was kind of a hassle getting this straightened out and I had to make a few calls to Amazon customer service, but I sent the unit back and when all was said and done got a refund on the unit and a credit added to my Amazon account to rebuy TMNT since it was still stuck in the machine (luckily I had bought the movie on Amazon, so they had record of the purchase).

Then I ended up just getting a brand new 80GB unit with the PS2 compatibility (which wasn't quite as good as the compatibility of the 60GB unit) from Sony Style since they still had it in stock.

Whatever this issue is, I'm assuming it's going to require your system to be repaired in some manner, so you'll probably either have to send it in to Sony, some other repair service, or buy a whole new system.

[CYMBOL]

I have an old 60 gig that went Red Light - do I just call some Sony number and arrange for them to send me a box.

I probably need to get this done cause my 250 gig fan is getting LOUD and worrying me.

[charlieray1]

Originally Posted by charlieray1

I've had it for 3 1/2 years, no problems at all. Suddenly tonight it's acting weird. It will start up, but once you put a disc in it will play a few minutes, then the picture will begin slowing down and freeze. Then the power just goes off. When I start it again it will give a warning about being shut down improperly. If I start it back up the same thing will happen, but quicker, unless I leave it off for a while.

If I don't put a film in and just let the menu come up, same thing. After a few minutes the "wave" graphic will slow down then stop moving and the power goes off.

I wonder if it's overheating. The fan isn't running, but maybe the machine isn't on long enough for it to come on?

Any ideas?

Anyone? If it is the fan, can I replace it?

[Keith Fusco]

Any ideas on this?

I have a old 60gb PS3, the screen comes up black when you turn it on and won't work. There's white static on the screen too.

I took out the HDD and formatted it on a PC, then put it back in. The screen works fine now and says the HDD needs to be formatted. I do this, then it says it needs to reboot, then the same thing happens again... The screen is just black.

Any ideas?

[Rike255]

Originally Posted by Keith Fusco

Any ideas on this?

I have a old 60gb PS3, the screen comes up black when you turn it on and won't work. There's white static on the screen too.

I took out the HDD and formatted it on a PC, then put it back in. The screen works fine now and says the HDD needs to be formatted. I do this, then it says it needs to reboot, then the same thing happens again... The screen is just black.

Any ideas?

If you haven't already, try connecting the composite cables back on (red/white/yellow cables) and see if you get a picture then. The default settings on the PS3 are to output video over composite. I think there's a way to reset the settings to defaults (while the PS3 is in standby press and hole the power and eject buttons for 15 seconds until it beeps), but if you just formatted the HDD it should already be at the defaults.

Also make sure the Ps3 is outputting in a resolution your TV can handle (select the output resolution settings manually even).

[charlieray1]

Originally Posted by charlieray1

I've had it for 3 1/2 years, no problems at all. Suddenly tonight it's acting weird. It will start up, but once you put a disc in it will play a few minutes, then the picture will begin slowing down and freeze. Then the power just goes off. When I start it again it will give a warning about being shut down improperly. If I start it back up the same thing will happen, but quicker, unless I leave it off for a while.

If I don't put a film in and just let the menu come up, same thing. After a few minutes the "wave" graphic will slow down then stop moving and the power goes off.

I wonder if it's overheating. The fan isn't running, but maybe the machine isn't on long enough for it to come on?

Any ideas?

I took it apart, cleaned all the dust out of it and reassembled it. No change. It will come on for a few minutes, slow down, freeze and shut itself off. I don't think it's overheating after all -- it happens too quick.

Any suggestions? Excuse me if I'm not asking in the right place, I don't know what to do to get a response on this board -- do I PM someone? Thanks!

[Keith Fusco]

Originally Posted by Rike255

If you haven't already, try connecting the composite cables back on (red/white/yellow cables) and see if you get a picture then. The default settings on the PS3 are to output video over composite. I think there's a way to reset the settings to defaults (while the PS3 is in standby press and hole the power and eject buttons for 15 seconds until it beeps), but if you just formatted the HDD it should already be at the defaults.

Also make sure the Ps3 is outputting in a resolution your TV can handle (select the output resolution settings manually even).

Yeah, I used the composite cables when I was doing it, as opposed to the HDMI lead. I tried the usual resetting the display settings by holding the power button in etc, but once it gets past the re-formatting stage, the screen is just blank after the reboot.

[Rike255]

Originally Posted by Keith Fusco

Yeah, I used the composite cables when I was doing it, as opposed to the HDMI lead. I tried the usual resetting the display settings by holding the power button in etc, but once it gets past the re-formatting stage, the screen is just blank after the reboot.

Very strange. Did you unplug the HDMI cable? The PS3 auto-recognizes if you have an HDMI connection and tries to change the picture (but I think it asks first).

Maybe try calling Sony support?

[ryry]

got my first YLOD on my 60gb that i bought January 2007.

Did my first reflow and the PS3 worked for about 10-15 minutes before shutting down again.

I just did a 2nd reflow last night, and the PS3 starts up, but I'm scared to leave it on for too long, for fear that it will shut down again. I just deactivated my account just in case it does die again.

Now the question: Is it possible this is a fan issue? When I turn the PS3 on now, it sounds.... quiet. How can I tell if the fan is working properly? Maybe the fan is broken and that is why the machine will only last 10-15 minutes before overheating and shutting down?

[CYMBOL]

I had a 60 gig that got RLOD. I'm not worried about getting the 60gig back. I don't play PS2 games on it and don't own any SACD. So, I'm good with getting a slim back.

But Google searches haven't been helpful on how to get this done. I heard of Sony sending a box, etc, but I can't find anything official.

So, here are my simple questions for any one that can answer.

1. How do I get a box sent?
2. How do I change which account is the master? (I have another PS3 that I'm using now, but it doesn't recognize it as the master.)
3. Would it be simpler to just trade it in at a gamestop or something, do they take broken PS3's as credit?

Thanks,

[Almadacr]

Contact sony costumer support . 1-888-476-6972. or

Sony

[My_Two_Cents]

Try the following. They are cheaper than Sony's $150 out-of-warranty cost. Note, I've never used them, but have considered sending my dead 20GB to them for repair.

http://www.rsolpc.com/ps3/repair/default.htm

[CYMBOL]

Originally Posted by Almadacr

Contact sony costumer support . 1-888-476-6972. or

Sony

Thanks.

Originally Posted by Ricshoe

Try the following. They are cheaper than Sony's $150 out-of-warranty cost. Note, I've never used them, but have considered sending my dead 20GB to them for repair.

http://www.rsolpc.com/ps3/repair/default.htm

At this point I'd rather just get a slim replacement. The 60 gig is a bit old, so, I wouldn't mind just getting an update, plus, I plan on this being my travel PS3, so smaller would be better. But that looks like a great site for repairs,thanks.

Still curious what a gamestop might offer. Will have to try and give a call sometime soon. Just wondered if anyone already tried it.

[Keith Fusco]

Originally Posted by Rike255

Very strange. Did you unplug the HDMI cable? The PS3 auto-recognizes if you have an HDMI connection and tries to change the picture (but I think it asks first).

Maybe try calling Sony support?

Just saw this. Yeah, I unplugged the HDMI but still no joy. The PS3 was second hand so Sony couldn't do much could they?

[dereksworl]

Originally Posted by CYMBOL

Thanks.

At this point I'd rather just get a slim replacement. The 60 gig is a bit old, so, I wouldn't mind just getting an update, plus, I plan on this being my travel PS3, so smaller would be better. But that looks like a great site for repairs,thanks.

Still curious what a gamestop might offer. Will have to try and give a call sometime soon. Just wondered if anyone already tried it.

attempted to do this a few years ago. Gamestop only offered me $90 in non-working condition. This however was pre-price drop mind you, so i would imagine they are offering way less now for broken PS3s. What i would do(and did) is repair the PS3 yourself. very easy, all you need is heat gun(avg $25) and new thermal paste. once repaired, then trade it in. thats what i did. i would recommend trading it in and not selling it as YLoD is not 100% fixable and will happen again. dont want to burn anybody..........

[slick1ru2]

Call your local Gamestop and see how much you get for trading it in. That's what I did with mine.