Home >> Internet Games >> PlayStation 2

How to Fix a Ticking PS2

The PlayStation 2 uses a special CD/DVD-ROM drive to read specially-designed PS2 game discs and ordinary DVDs. Over time, the laser lens used to read the PS2's discs can fall out of alignment, causing the lens to repeatedly strike the disc as it attempts to adjust itself. This is the cause of the ticking noises that sometimes accompany a "Disc Read Error." Manually readjusting the height of the laser lens can help resolve the ticking noises while ensuring the console is able to properly read its discs.

Things You'll Need

Slotted screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver
Jeweler's screwdriver
Compressed air
Marker
Blue-coated PS2 disc

Instructions

- 1
  Turn the PS2 over and use a slotted screwdriver to remove the square rubber and plastic tabs covering the screws. Remove the screws under each tab with a Phillips screwdriver. Take note of where each screw came from as these screws must be reassembled in the correct order.
- 2
  Lift the bottom cover away from the PS2 and set it aside. Flip the console over and slide the top cover forward. Lift the cover carefully away from the unit. Do not pull or tug on the ribbon connecting the "Power" and "Eject" buttons on the cover to the rest of the console.
- 3
  Use a jeweler's screwdriver to remove the four screws holding the loading tray cover in place. Carefully lift the cover away from the loading tray and set it aside. Use compressed air to remove any dust or debris from the innards of the PS2.
- 4
  Plug the PS2 into a power outlet and turn on the console. Press the "Eject" button to slide the loading tray forward and unplug the PS2 immediately afterward.
- 5
  Locate the white gear behind the PS2's laser assembly. This gear is used to adjust the height of the PS2's laser lens. Mark the current position of the lens on the silver plate next to the gear and on the gear itself. Carefully turn the gear counterclockwise until the lens drops to the bottom.
- 6
  Place a blue-coated PS2 disc in the loading tray and use a paperweight to hold the loading tray cover the assembly. Connect the PS2 to your television and turn it on. Turn on the PS2 and press "X" to access the browser.
- 7
  Wait for the PS2 to read and load the contents of the disc. If the console fails to read the disc, open the loading tray, turn the PS2 off and remove the loading-tray cover. Use the gear to raise the laser lens height by one notch and repeat the procedure until the console reads the disc.
- 8
  Place the cover over the loading tray and reinsert the four screws used to hold it in place. Replace the top and bottom covers on the PS2 and reinsert the screws in the correct order.

PlayStation 2