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How to Repair a PS2 Micro Switch

The Sony Playstation 2 (PS2) has a microswitch that turns the power for the video game console on and off. A defective connection on the microswitch renders the PS2 unusable and must be repaired if the game console is to be used. You can repair the microswitch yourself, avoiding the loss in time and money that would otherwise have to be spent taking the PS2 to an authorized service center. The repair does not require any electronic skills, although opening the PS2 will void the Sony warranty.

Things You'll Need

Soft cloth
Flat-edged screwdriver
Torx screwdriver
Phillips jeweler's screwdriver
Compressed air
Lubricant spray
Cotton swabs
Toothpicks
White glue

Instructions

- 1
  Put the soft cloth on a table. Remove all cables attached to the PS2. Put the PS2 face down on the soft cloth. Pry off the plastic tabs from the bottom with the blade of the flat-edged screwdriver. Remove the screws from beneath the plastic tabs with the Torx screwdriver. Scratch off the warranty sticker from the back edge of the PS2 with the tip of the flat-edged screwdriver.
- 2
  Turn the PS2 right side up with the disc drive slot facing you. Pull the cover of the PS2 off the bottom of the PS2 with your hands. Turn the cover of the PS2 over so that the bottom of the cover is facing down.
- 3
  Place the cover of the PS2 on the soft cloth next to the bottom so that the connecting cable between it at the bottom is unbroken.
- 4
  Remove the screws from both sides of the microswitch on the inside left edge of the cover using the Phillips jeweler's screwdriver. Push the microswitch through the hole from the outside using the point of the Phillips jeweler's screwdriver.
- 5
  Hold the microswitch in your left hand, taking care not to pull the attached cable out from the circuit board in the bottom of the PS2. Clean the microswitch with compressed air.
- 6
  Spray lubricating spray on the end of a cotton swab. Wipe the cotton swab around the edges of the top of the microswitch. Discard the cotton swab in the trash. Repeat this procedure with another cotton swab on the top of the microswitch.
- 7
  Spray lubricating spray on one end of a toothpick. Carefully insert the sprayed end of the toothpick into the seam between the microswitch button and the microswitch casing. Move the end of the toothpick in the seam. Move the end of the toothpick across the seam on all sides of the microswitch. Remove the toothpick. Discard the toothpick in the trash. Repeat the entire procedure just completed with another toothpick.
- 8
  Put the microswitch back into its original position inside the left edge of the cover. Reattach the screws.
- 9
  Lift the cover of the PS2 carefully. Turn the cover over. Put the cover back onto the PS2. Turn the PS2 over. Reattach the screws. Put a drop of white glue on the screws. Place the plastic tabs back onto the screws. Let the white glue set for an hour. Turn the PS2 over. Reattach the cables.

PlayStation 2