Fixing a PS2: DRE: Disc Read Error

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jamesbond007

jamesbond007

Diamond Member
Dec 21, 2000
5,280
0
71
Hey guys! Yesterday I fixed a friend's router setup and worked on his PC for a little bit and to pay me, I agreed to take a semi-working PS2. (He just bought his boys a new slim-PS2 the night before) I have all of the cables and a controller and I figured I could probably fix it. Everything is in tip-top condition, but the unit won't read games or audio CDs, but it plays DVD movies just fine!

I've read that Sony will replace/fix the unit if it has Disc Read Errors, but I wanted to get the truth from ATOT! ;)

Go scroll up here on this page and you'll find the number for Sony tech support and how to answer their questions, etc.

From what I've read, fixing a DRE-blessed PS2 can be a mixed bag. I have read a lot of people go in and clean the laser just fine by themselves, but other people have said that they have broken the unit. I have successfully modded several Xboxes before with various chips, so I feel quite comfortable nonetheless. However, I haven't opened a PS2 before and am trying to figure if it's worth the chance or not. I already have a DVD player, so I guess I could try to fix it myself as it would be of no real loss, but I am wondering if any of you guys have experience fixing DRE problems.

Thanks!

EDIT: If you have sent your PS2 in to get repaired for a DRE problem, were you charged? The guys in the URL above said they weren't, but I'm not a member there and am not totally trusting the validity of the site completely. I'm kind of afraid if I send it in and Sony will call me back saying there's this and that wrong with it and they want my money.
 
S

skace

Lifer
Jan 23, 2001
14,488
7
81
I tore mine apart and voided the warranty. I was able to fix it by modifying the gear ratio so that it could play CDs again. For awhile it would play CDs and DVDs. Then it started getting read errors on DVDs, modified it again so it would play them, then it got read errors playing CDs again. Eventually it got to the point where the top was never on the unit and I was constantly re-adjusting it. End result? I should have just sent it in under warranty.

Note: To open a PS2 you have to break a sticker on the side that voids the warranty.
 
jamesbond007

jamesbond007

Diamond Member
Dec 21, 2000
5,280
0
71
skace, that sucks! The laser itself couldn't just be cleaned? See, I'm afraid if I start messing with that gear ratio stuff, it'll get worse. You're not the first to say that. I think there was a guy in the link above who wrote about the same problem, but it might have been in another thread while I was searching last night. I think on TechTV, Yoshi and Kevin did a bit where they showed everyone how to fix the DREs and adjust the gear ratio. The guy in another thread stated that this was only a temporary solution and didn't work in the long run, as you have proved.
 
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kb315

Senior member
Jun 16, 2001
394
0
0
Yes i sent my ps2 in to get the DRE fixed. Took about 3 weeks from me shipping (My shipping took a week, Damn USPS) it to receiving it.

Wasn't charged and ps2 worked fine.

Also, they cleaned it, came back looking like new. All the dust its accumlated after not working was removed.

So i was very satisfied with Sony's service.
 
jamesbond007

jamesbond007

Diamond Member
Dec 21, 2000
5,280
0
71
Originally posted by: kb315
Yes i sent my ps2 in to get the DRE fixed. Took about 3 weeks from me shipping (My shipping took a week, Damn USPS) it to receiving it.

Wasn't charged and ps2 worked fine.

Also, they cleaned it, came back looking like new. All the dust its accumlated after not working was removed.

So i was very satisfied with Sony's service.
Click to expand...

Do you know if you have to show a proof of purchase or a receipt or anything? I didn't get any documents/receipts/boxes with this PS2.
 
K

kb315

Senior member
Jun 16, 2001
394
0
0
Originally posted by: jamesbond007
Originally posted by: kb315
Yes i sent my ps2 in to get the DRE fixed. Took about 3 weeks from me shipping (My shipping took a week, Damn USPS) it to receiving it.

Wasn't charged and ps2 worked fine.

Also, they cleaned it, came back looking like new. All the dust its accumlated after not working was removed.

So i was very satisfied with Sony's service.
Click to expand...

Do you know if you have to show a proof of purchase or a receipt or anything? I didn't get any documents/receipts/boxes with this PS2.
Click to expand...

Nope, they did ask when i bought it. That was about it, you pretty much jus give them the serial number on the back and they go thorugh some diagnostic stuff. At the end when it doesnt work (which it wont) they'll tell you about their free DRE repairs. I didn't mention it beforehand even though I thats what i was looking for.

What do you got to lose, maybe 20 min in a phonecall.
 
jamesbond007

jamesbond007

Diamond Member
Dec 21, 2000
5,280
0
71
MrChad

MrChad

Lifer
Aug 22, 2001
13,507
3
81
Sony repaired my PS2 for free when I said I was getting DREs. This was a year or two ago and the PS2 was a first generation model.
 
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