PlayStation 2 Troubleshooting

The PS2 just won't turn on.

There needs to be a power source for the PS2 to work. Make sure that your PS2 is plugged into the wall outlet, that the outlet works and that the power plug is plugged into the PS2.

This could result from a number of things but ultimately you will need to replace it if this is the problem. Use this guide to help you.

There have been instances when a connection from the main power switch on the back of the console becomes loose from the internal power board. If you think this is the case, follow the steps in this guide to get to the power switch circuitry. A complete power switch may be necessary, or you may just need to solder any bad connections.

Problems with discs working in the game system.

If this error message is shown, the fix is really simple. All you need to do is open your disc drive to clean the lens.

If your PS2 still doesn't work after cleaning the lens, it could be that the entire laser is broken and needs to be replaced. There could also simply be a broken connection, or an unplugged cable that needs to be fixed. In either case, refer to the laser replacement guide to help you.

If the above steps have been taken and you still get disc drive errors, it is time to replace the whole disc drive.

System seems to be getting too hot.

If you look on the back of the PS2 and the fan isn't spinning, it may be time to replace the fan. The fan is connected with just one small plug inside the unit, so before resulting to a complete replacement, try taking apart your PS2 to check the connection. Whichever way you need to go, check out the fan repair guide.

System clock is static, orbs are static, etc.

The blue spinning orbs or dots that you see on the menu that gives you the option to go to the Browser or System Configuration are connected to the system clock. They spin in motion with the system's time, and if the system is stuck with the time not going up or down, the orbs will stay static. The system can lose track of time after a long period of being disconnected, and you will need to set the date from 1/1/2000 to the current date.

In some cases, just after unplugging or turning off the system, turning it back on can cause the system to lose its time again, making the orbs static in one circle and the system going back to the same date with the time going up. This is because there is a clock battery inside the PS2 that stores the system's information, like date and time and a few other system configuration settings. It stores it for a good amount of time whenever the system is unplugged so that the owner of the system will not have to reapply any settings after the system not having power for a few minutes, hours, or even days or weeks. The battery will most likely drain over time and not store any of the information, and will need to be replaced with a new one.