22 years ago, PlayStation 2 was first released in Japan and then swept its way across the world!
We were intrigued by its release and rushed to stores to buy it, especially after we’ve played with PlayStation 1 in our childhood years.
Sony released the PS2 Slim, a smaller, lighter version of the console. Even after its replacement, the PlayStation 3, was released, it remained popular well into the seventh generation.
It was still manufactured until 2013, when Sony announced that it had been withdrawn after more than a decade of production, giving it one of the longest lifespans of any video game system.
New games for the platform were still being developed till its demise.
Soon after, we discovered that it was released with terrible games and bad software!
And if you think that PlayStation 2 has vanished, and no one is using it nowadays; you’re wrong! PS2 still has its fans, and many are still using it; however, people are facing many issues with it.
Let’s discuss some of these issues and their causes.
Read also: PS2 Fat vs Slim full comparison
PlayStation 2 problems
After its release, it was heavily criticized due to its problems!
The power light turns red
There have been reports of a loose connection from the main power switch on the back of the console to the internal power board. A whole power switch may be required, or you may only need to patch any broken connections.
Disconnection
The PS2 requires a power source to function, and sometimes the power source is not plugged in for no reason! Check that your PS2 is plugged into a working wall socket and that the power plug is plugged into the PS2.
Overheating
Many people have reported that their PS2 console suddenly becomes so hot and they don’t know why it happened. The reason behind the overheating issue is that the fan in the back of the console may have stopped spinning, if you encountered this issue, your PS2’s fan needs to be replaced.
Slim disc not spinning
If you purchased a PS2 console lately or you still have it at home, you may face this issue as it’s common among all PS2 users!
Why Is My PS2 Slim Disc Not Spinning?
Reason #1: Laser
One of the reasons why the disc is not spinning or working could be the laser!
If that is the case, it means that the laser on your PS2 needs to be inspected and changed because a faulty laser means it could not read or detect your disc and that means it won’t spin or work.
Reason #2: Motor cable
Another reason why your slim disc is not spinning is a motor problem!
Sometimes the motor’s ribbon cable is the source of the problem, it might be not working, so check that!
Here’s how to fix your snowy PS2 screen.
Reason #3: Worm gear
The worm gear may require oiling. When you insert a disc and close the cover, you will hear a weird grating noise. You may need to apply oil to the worm gear. If it’s still not working, you should pay a visit to a repair store so they can fix your problem professionally.
Reason #4: Disc cover
Additionally, the disc cover itself may be the problem, maybe it doesn’t close right, or it’s broken so it won’t let the disc spin.
If you get a message saying that the disc cover is not closed, that’s when you know the problem is with the cover.
How to fix PS2 slim that has stopped spinning discs?
Here’re some easy steps to follow to fix your PS2 slim disc!
Check for dust or dirt on your PS2’s disc
First, you need to check the cleanliness of the console’s interiors, if you feel it’s dirty or has some dust on it, clean it!
Simply take the disc eject button and power button off to do this, and then clean the insides. To clean the laser guides, AC/DC converter, and laser, you can try using WD-40 or CD lens cleaning.
The disc is probably broken or unclean if you notice any scratches or dirt on it. If the scratch is severe enough, a new game might be needed.
Additionally, scan the disc for dirt or fingerprints. If your PS2’s discs aren’t spinning for whatever reason, try a different or additional disc.
Check if the motor ribbon cable is connected
You need to reconnect the ribbon cable to the controller’s motherboard’s motor if your PlayStation 2’s discs aren’t spinning properly. Also, there could be a problem with the laser!
The lens could stop functioning correctly if the cable is not connected properly. Make sure the laser cable is plugged in correctly.
Checking the ribbon cable is the next step. A damaged or broken ribbon cable may prevent a disc from spinning properly. If this is the case, a new cable needs to be installed. You’ll need to replace the disc if this doesn’t work.
Check for scratches on PS2’s disc
Your PS2 game discs can be repaired if they contain scratches. This is especially helpful if you have scratched discs because the PS2’s laser cannot read them.
A console disc that has scratches can be repaired in a number of ways. Applying some toothpaste to the scratched area is one possibility. Although the disc is safe using this solution, a professional cleaning will be more efficient.
Start by wetting your finger before applying toothpaste, then rub the disc in a straight line. Avoid rubbing in circles. Another option is to rub the disc with isopropyl alcohol. After cleaning, use a cloth to remove the leftovers and any liquid residues.
Bring your console to an expert
The mentioned solutions above could work but at the same time, it’s better to bring your console to an expert so they Can fix it professionally to ensure better results.
We, at Phone Repair & More, can give you the ultimate help in this case as we’re experienced in repairing game consoles. We give your device a full diagnosis, inspect it carefully and fix it professionally!