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How to Replace the Diode on a KES-400AAA

The PlayStation 3 is the first video gaming console to be equipped with a Blu-Ray disc drive. Some of the earlier versions had problems with the laser lens on the drives wearing out. Replacing the KES-400aaa, the Sony model number for the Blu-Ray laser-lens diode, is a simple process and once complete you should have your PlayStation 3 in good working order. Be warned, however, that if your PlayStation 3 is still under warranty, opening up the device will void it.

Things You'll Need

KES-400aaa Blu-Ray laser-lens diode
Small Philips-head screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the Blu-Ray drive from the disassembled PlayStation 3 console. Remove the seven screws from the top of the Blu-Ray drive assembly. This will allow you to remove the outside cover of the drive, which comes apart in two pieces.
- 2
  Flip the drive over and remove the five screws from the bottom of the drive. The laser-lens diode assembly will now be exposed. Remove the five screws holding the assembly into the drive and separate it from the drive. The laser-lens diode is the rectangular piece in the middle of the assembly.
- 3
  Unscrew the screws holding the metal rods in place and remove them from the assembly. Also disconnect the ribbon cable from the laser lens. You can now remove the laser-lens diode from the rest of the assembly. Be sure to remember which side of the device the rods went on, as they will only fit on the proper side and are not interchangeable.
- 4
  Take the laser-lens diode off of the bracket by removing the one screw. Place the new KES-400aaa onto the bracket and screw it in.
- 5
  Place the metal rods through the brackets on the replacement KES-400aaa and secure them into the assembly. Make sure the laser-lens diode fits snugly in the assembly and will not move around. Attach the white ribbon cable into the slot on the new laser lens.
- 6
  Insert the laser assembly back into the Blu-Ray drive and replace all five screws. Replace both the bottom inside cover for the laser as well as both the top and bottom outside covers, being sure to put all of the screws back in. The Blu-Ray drive should now work properly with a replaced KES-400aaa diode.

PlayStation 3