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How to Troubleshoot a Portable PlayStation

The Playstation Portable (PSP) uses a laser inside of a disc drive (called the Universal Media Disc, or UMD, for short) inside of it to play game discs. There are a number of problems that can develop with the UMD drive that will cause it to cease working properly. You can troubleshoot these problems by performing a few steps. The PSP does not have to be opened to troubleshoot the UMD drive, so the warranty remains in effect. The time spent troubleshooting the PSP's UMD drive will help you determine whether you need to take the PSP into an authorized service center for a repair or replacement.

Things You'll Need

PSP game disc
Towel
Magnifying glass
Flashlight

Instructions

Checking the Laser Diode
- 1
  Hold the PSP in your left hand with the UMD drive door at the top middle edge facing upward. Go into a room, close the door and stand by the light switch.
- 2
  Place your finger on the release latch is at the side of the UMD drive door at the top edge. Turn off the light in the room.
- 3
  Slide the release latch to the right to release the lid of the UMD drive door. Check if the laser diode is putting out the red laser light that is needed to read a game disc. Repeat to confirm whether the laser diode is putting out the red light.
Checking the Motor
- 4
  Slide the release latch of the UMD drive door with your fingers to release the lid. Insert a PSP game disc into the UMD drive compartment and close the lid.
- 5
  Hold the PSP up to your ear. Listen for the sound that indicates the motor is moving the laser assembly back and forth. Pull the PSP game disc out with your fingers, then repeat to verify the result.
- 6
  Slide the release latch of the UMDr drive door with your fingers to release the lid. Pull the PSP game disc out with your fingers. Close the lid.
Checking the Position of the Laser Assembly
- 7
  Put a towel on a table and place the PSP down on it, with the LCD screen facing down. Slide the release latch of the UMD drive door to release the lid.
- 8
  Aim a flashlight beam inside the laser drive compartment. Look through a magnifying glass at the laser assembly inside the laser drive compartment. The laser assembly is a small, circular, green circuit board with a reflective mirror that will catch the light from the flashlight.
- 9
  Verify whether the laser assembly is parallel to the UMD drive door's lid when in the open position. The laser assembly will not work correctly if it is not.

Sony PSP