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How to Fix a PS3 Blue Laser Diode

When the laser on your PlayStation 3 stops working, so does the system. Without the ability to read discs for games and films, the PS3's functionality will significantly drop. Replacing the laser can be done through Sony, a third party or by hand--preferably in that order. The laser is a delicate, but it's possible for you to replace it.

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase a new Blu Ray drive. The drive houses the laser. Blu Ray drives can be purchased online or can be repurposed from other devices supporting a Blu Ray drive such as laptops and Blu Ray players, or even another PS3.
- 2
  Expose the PlayStation's internal drive by removing the top casing. The casing clips on so just remove it by pulling up.
- 3
  Unplug the Blu Ray drive from the rest of the system. The drive can be identified by the slot opening for a disc at its front. The plugs connecting it to the rest of the system are white and exposed at the top right of the drive.
- 4
  Disconnect the data cable at the bottom of the drive. It is taped to the drive by blue tape. The cable is delicate so be cautious.
- 5
  Unscrew the screws on the Blu Ray drive casing now that it is fully removed from the rest of the system.
- 6
  Separate the drive's casing from the body, unscrew the screws on the next level of casing and open the drive to expose the Blu Ray laser.
- 7
  Remove the screws connecting the laser to the rest of the drive. With the laser loose remove it and replace it with the working laser.
- 8
  Re-affix the screws and casings in reverse order and re-install the drive into the PS3 to restore the system to its original working state.

PlayStation 3