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How to Fix Your PS3 When it Stops Reading Games

Game reading errors have always been a common problem with game systems. Such errors are often brought about by debris and dust collection, but hardware malfunctions are also common. Though dust can be a problem for the PS3, a malfunction of the Blu-ray laser system is also a common cause for game reading errors. To gauge the issues for Playstation 3 that is failing to read discs, first troubleshoot and clean the system, then proceed to laser module replacement if the errors persist.

Things You'll Need

Screwdriver
New laser module
Disc cleaner
Canned air

Instructions

Troubleshooting
- 1
  Restart the game system. If a game fails to read, turn off then re-power the PS3. If loading failure persists restart the system once more, then move on if nothing changes.
- 2
  Test the system with one or more alternate games. If those play, the problem could be with the game and not the system.
- 3
  Spray compressed air into the gaming system&'s disc tray or utilize a laser lens cleaning disc. After this cleaning pass, place another disc in the tray and restart the system. If the game fails to load the laser lens is malfunctioning and not dirty.
Replace the Laser
- 4
  Remove the game disc and all controller, power and video cords from the system. Do not move forward unless the power system is completely disengaged.
- 5
  Remove security screws and take off the top lid.
- 6
  Remove the nine screws with arrow imprints beside them.
- 7
  Tilt the top of the Playstation 3, disconnect the ribbon cables. then set the top aside.
- 8
  Remove the gray Blu-ray drive box. Disconnect the power supply, motherboard and red and black cables, then unscrew the box from the chassis and remove it.
- 9
  Disconnect the brackets, cables and screws from the laser module and remove it.
- 10
  Connect the new laser module and reassemble machine by following the previous steps in reverse order.

PlayStation 3