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How to Repair the PS2 CD Tray

There are a number of CD tray malfunctions you may encounter with your PlayStation 2. A piece of debris blocking the tray can make the tray jam when inserting a game disc. An out-of-place disc lens can give you an on-screen disc read error. As the PS2 is an older console that will no longer be under warranty, if you need to fix your disc tray, your best option is to take it apart yourself.

Things You'll Need

Phillips-head screwdrivers
Flathead screwdrivers
Compressed air canister
Marker
Tweezers

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off your PS2. Disconnect all controllers. Unplug the power cord.
- 2
  Turn the PS2 console upside down. Remove the 10 rubber tabs using a blunt tool, such as a flathead screwdriver, to expose screws underneath. Use a standard Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screws. Place them in a cup or dish so you don't lose them. Some screws are a different length than others; make note of where each length of screw goes to make reassembly easier.
- 3
  Remove the bottom cover. Turn over your PS2. Lift off the top cover. The cover should slide right off, but if you encounter any resistance, do not try to force the cover off.
- 4
  Unscrew the black lid covering the disc tray using the small Phillips-head screwdriver. Remove the lid and set it aside.
- 5
  Use the tweezers to remove any large clumps of dust or debris that may be stuck inside the console. Once the larger pieces have been cleared out, blow away any remaining dust using the compressed air canister.
- 6
  Plug in your PS2. Press the eject button to extend the CD tray and gain access to the disc lens. Use the air canister to clean as close to the lens as possible. Clean out any debris using the tweezers. The lens is a very sensitive piece of equipment, so do not touch or blow air directly onto the lens. Depending on the error with your CD tray, this may be all that is necessary to get your tray working again. If you want to adjust the position of the lens itself, continue to Step 7. Otherwise, skip to Step 8.
- 7
  Locate the white gear next to the lens. This gear adjusts the position of the lens. Use your marker to mark the current position of this gear. Carefully turn the gear to move the lens to its lowest position.
- 8
  Connect your PS2 to the TV. Replace the CD tray lid, but do not screw it down. Hold the lid firmly in place. Insert a game CD into the CD tray and press the eject button. If the game loads correctly, no further repair is required. If not, eject the disk, turn off the PS2, remove the CD tray lid and continue to adjust the lens until the game loads properly again. Once your PS2 is working, turn it off, disconnect all cables and reassemble the console.

PlayStation 2