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How to Replace a PS3 Blu-ray Drive

If your PlayStation 3 (PS3) is no longer recognizing games or Blu-ray discs, the console's internal Blu-ray drive may have malfunctioned or died. If the PS3 is under warranty, you can send the console back to Sony for repairs. If it isn't under warranty, the repair costs will be expensive. You can save yourself a significant amount of money by replacing the Blu-ray drive yourself. Used and refurbished replacement drives can be found online or at resale shops for a fraction of the cost of sending the console back to Sony.

Things You'll Need

Torx T10 screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver
Flathead screwdriver
Replacement Blu-ray drive

Instructions

- 1
  Disconnect the power cable and any other other cables from the PlayStation 3. Set the PS3 on a table with the front facing toward you. Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the rubber screw cover on the left side of the PS3.
- 2
  Use the Torx T10 to remove the screw under the rubber cover.
- 3
  Slide the PS3 nameplate to the left of the console. Once you have freed the retaining tabs, lift up the plate and remove it.
- 4
  Remove the seven screws holding the top cover in place. Tape the screws to the top cover near their slots to enable you to easily replace them when reassembling the PS3.
- 5
  Lift up the back end of the top cover. Lift it off the PS3 base. Gently pivot the top cover toward you until it comes completely free of the base. Set the cover aside.
- 6
  Disconnect the Blu-ray drive's power cable from its socket on the motherboard.
- 7
  Lift the Blu-ray drive straight up; it is not screwed in. Locate the ribbon cable on the underside of the drive. Disconnect the ribbon cable from the motherboard by flipping the latch on the socket and pulling the cable out of the socket. Remove the old Blu-ray drive.
- 8
  Connect the ribbon cable on the replacement drive to the motherboard. Place the new drive inside. Connect the power cable to the motherboard and reassemble the PS3.

PlayStation 3