How to Repair a PSP Slim

Repairing the PSP

• 1

  Remove any accessories connected to your PSP, including case covers, headphones or headsets. Remove the UMD, memory card and battery as well. Unplug the power cord for the console; leaving the PSP connected to any power source while repairing may cause electric shock.

• 2

  Clear off a dust- and static-free workspace. Rogue dust or static-electric shocks could permanently damage your PSP.

• 3

  Locate and remove the seven case screws. There are two along the top, one along the bottom, and four on the back of the unit. Two of the back screws are located around the MemoryStik Duo slot, and the other two are hidden behind the battery, under a sticker that reads "Warranty Voided if Seal is Damaged." You will have to remove this sticker, thereby voiding your warranty, to continue. Place the screws in a plastic bag.

• 4

  Lift up and remove the faceplate from the unit. The controller buttons may come off with the faceplate, or you can take them off yourself. The button bar containing the "Home" and "Start" buttons will remain in place. Make sure you don't lose the rubber contact under the analog stick or it may not work later.

• 5

  Lift the button bar gently, taking it up and out with the flat head of a screwdriver. Do not pull too hard, lest you damage the connectors.

• 6

  Push back the metal tabs and lift up the bracket holding the LCD screen in place. Gently slide a flat screwdriver between the screen and the bracket, pop out the tabs, and lift the screen at a 90-degree angle. Be especially careful with the flex connector, as it is both delicate and vital.

• 7

  Remove the screen connector by slowly lifting the clamps, or very gently sliding the flex connector out of the housing. To replace this part, you may need to push the flex connector back in place with a little force.

• 8

  Place the screen aside carefully. If the LCD is the broken part of your PSP, your repair is complete once you replace the screen--push the flex connector back into the clamps and proceed to Section 2. Otherwise, continue below.

• 9

  Locate and remove the seven small screws attaching the LCD bracket to the PSP casing. Make sure to store these in a separate plastic bag from the ones for the faceplate, as the two sets are different sizes.

• 10

  Locate and replace the broken part of your PSP, which should be visible from here. If you are replacing the UMD reader or door assembly, you will need to lift out the motherboard. Use extreme caution with these parts, and with the hinge. Excessive force or even a small amount of damage could destroy the PSP altogether.

Rebuilding the PSP

• 11

  Replace the parts in reverse order from above. Be careful with these components and consult the removal instructions for a part for more information on how to handle it.

• 12

  Test the unit once before replacing the faceplate. Plug the power cord into the bottom and switch the PSP console on. The console should work even without the cover on.

• 13

  Clip the faceplate back into place, then screw the seven case screws back into their spots.

• 14

  Reconnect any of the components or accessories you've removed.