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How to Fix a Power Cable on a PS3 Disc Drive

The PlayStation 3̵7;s Blu-ray drive shares a common problem with optical drives found in other game consoles ̵2; the power cable can become dislodged from the vibrations of spinning discs and cause the Blu-ray player to receive power intermittently rather than consistently, causing disk errors during playback. Fixing the power cable on the Blu-ray disc drive does not require expertise in electronics, although opening the PS3 will void its warranty. Using a few hardware tools, you will be able to fix the power cable and get back to using your PS3̵7;s Blu-ray disc drive, instead of having to wait on a lengthy repair schedule from a service center.

Things You'll Need

Towel
Torx screwdriver
Flat-edged jeweler's screwdriver
Phillips jeweler's screwdriver
Compressed air
Rough cloth
Cotton swab
Rubbing alcohol

Instructions

- 1
  Put a towel down on a table. Remove all of the cables from the PS3 and put it down on the table.
- 2
  Use the flat-edged jeweler̵7;s screwdriver to remove the rubber feet from the left side of the PS3. Use the Torx screwdriver to remove the screws from beneath the rubber feet.
- 3
  Insert the flat-edged jeweler̵7;s screwdriver into the seam between the hard drive compartment lid and the PS3̵7;s case. Loosen the hard drive compartment lid with the flat-edged jeweler̵7;s screwdriver. Remove the hard drive compartment lid.
- 4
  Use the Phillips jeweler̵7;s screwdriver to remove the single blue screw inside of the hard drive compartment. Use the flat-edged screwdriver to release the metal latch. Pull the metal latch open. Pull out the hard drive from the hard drive compartment.
- 5
  Slide the outer case of the PS3 off to the right. Lift the top up and off of the PS3. Use the Torx screwdriver to remove the screws that are now revealed on the top of the PS3. Lift the top case up and off of the PS3.
- 6
  Use the Phillips jeweler̵7;s screwdriver to remove the screws from around the silver power supply at the left side. Remove the plug from its connector on the back of the power supply using your fingers. Lift up on the power supply and remove the white plug connector from its back with your fingers. Remove the power supply from the PS3.
- 7
  Lift up on the Blu-ray drive that is near the front of the PS3. Pull the ribbon connector out from the back of the Blu-ray drive using your fingers. Pull out the plug from the front of the Blu-ray drive using your fingers. Remove the Blu-ray drive from the PS3 and put it down on the towel.
- 8
  Blow out the PS3 with the compressed air. Wipe the ends of the two cables just removed from the Blu-ray drive with the rough cloth.
- 9
  Moisten a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol and wipe out the power plug connector at the front of the Blu-ray drive. Wipe out the power plug connector with the rough cloth. Blow out the power plug connector at the front and the ribbon connector at the back of the Blu-ray drive with the compressed air.
- 10
  Reattach the ribbon cable to the Blu-ray drive. Reattach the power plug to the connector on the Blu-ray drive. Push the power plug hard into the connector. Put the Blu-ray drive back on the PS3. Reattach and reassemble the power supply to the PS3. Blow out the PS3 with the compressed air. Reassemble the PS3.

PlayStation 3