Having issues with PS3 Slim Disc Drive. Help needed

[iamsamyesiam]

Hi everyone, I'm Sam, and new to the forums.

I'd been noticing weird things happening in games, for instance when I booted up my brand new copy Black Ops 2 it started with an error message and then there would be consistent horrible screen tearing whilst playing online. Also when playing FIFA 13 the game spontaneously stopped letting me access my ultimate team (after successfully playing it for a month or so), and would crash the game. However it would let me press the PS button and return to the home screen.


Having got the error message '80010514' fairly recently, and reading from youtube comments I decided it could be that the blu ray laser that needed cleaning. I bought it 2nd hand from eBay less than a year ago, the warranty being void I decided I would open the system up and see if I could clean it myself.

I cleaned the laser with electronic alcohol, but when I put the system back together and went to reboot it there was a black screen. I put the PS3 into safe mode and reset it. The system started as it should but then when I put a game in it wouldn't appear on the menu and would try to automatically eject the disc, that would fail and make a beeping noise and then I would have to manually eject the disc.

I took apart the system for a final time, had a prod at the mechanics inside the disc drive, reassembled and then the PS3 had a new problem - it wouldn't accept a disc. When the system boots it makes a 'whirling' noise from the disc drive, like the sound when a disc is being automatically accepting a disc into the system. It would almost let me insert the disc fully into machine without it recognising it.


I've searched all over youtube and different forums for a way to fix the disc drive, but I haven't a clue what I now need to fix. To clarify the PS3 would accept discs and let me play games before I tried to clean the laser. It seems to be a mechanical fault though.

If you would like me upload photos or video of the disc drive to help, then I would be happy to do so. Just didn't know whether someone has had this problem before or knew how to fix it.

Thanks alot!

 

[ManBearPig]

Jeez, that sucks. Is it still under warranty? I'd give em a call. Try not to disassemble too much in case that voids the warranty. Hopefully someone can give you a better answer, welcome to the forums!

 

[iamsamyesiam]

Well that's the thing, I bought it 2nd hand so I figured the warranty would be void so that's why I opened it up. Cheers mate!

 

[cmdrdredd]

Sony can fix it but it will cost you $150. That's just not worth it. You can however find the Blu-Ray drive assembly online and replace it yourself but then it will only play movies. The hardware is married to the motherboard and encrypted so you can't just swap it out. What some people have done but I have no first hand knowledge of doing so, is replace just the laser assembly from the drive itself.

A friend of mine sent his PS3 to http://www.videogame911.com/ They repaired the drive in about a day and shipped it free back to him. It will definitely be cheaper than the manufacturer option of $150 to receive a refurbished unit. Tomorrow I can ask him what it cost to have it fixed to give you an estimate if you want. They usually base their estimate on your actual unit because if they need to replace parts it will cost more, if they just need to adjust your laser assembly it will cost less.

 

[iamsamyesiam]

Ah geeze, sorry I didn't realise this was an american forum. I'm from the United Kingdom. I should have said, but either way i'm looking for technical advice so hopefully my question remains valid!

Thanks for replying though, would have definitely used that website had it been a British website aha!

 

[cmdrdredd]

There should be something similar in the UK. Ask around.