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How to Fix Your PS3 if It Overheated

Introduced in 2005, the PlayStation 3 is a powerful piece of gaming machinery. Using processing that is more powerful than some computers, the PS3 can generate significant heat. If your PS3 overheats (indicated by a flashing red or yellow light), you must take remedial steps moving forward to ensure this does not happen again. Repeated overheating episodes can result in an eventual failure, necessitating a trip back to Sony or a replacement.

Things You'll Need

Compressed air

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the PS3 from an enclosed cabinet that prevents the unit from receiving proper ventilation. Place the console in an open area, such on top of an entertainment console as opposed to inside it. Guard the unit from being subjected to heat generated from other audio/video components by keeping it by itself whenever possible.
- 2
  Blow compressed air through the ventilation holes. Keep these holes and the fan opening free of accumulated debris, preventing the unit from circulating air in and around the internal components. Dust the unit routinely to ensure these essential vent openings remain dust-free.
- 3
  Keep cigarette smoke away from the unit as much as possible. Airborne tars and smoke build up on and inside electronic components, hastening their failure. Remember that any particulate matter such as dust and smoke is not helpful to the cooling process.
- 4
  Consider using an external fan to keep the air constantly circulating around the unit. Although this is unlikely to be required, and probably should not be needed with a properly designed and maintained PlayStation 3 console, placing a small fan close to the unit may provide peace of mind.

PlayStation 3