My PS3 bit the dust

[bolomite]

I was playing some Rock Band 2, online tour, when the game hung on a loading screen. I figured maybe it was a network error, but the same thing happened again later, this time during a song that is on the disc. But I can play my DLC without problems. I put in Metal Gear Solid 4 -- it froze during the opening movie. So yeah, my Blu-Ray is dead.

It's a launch 60 GB model, I bought it off of these here forums. Never had a console crap out on me before. Has anyone here gone through the return/repair process? Obviously mine would be out of warranty, so I understand the cost would be $150. If I send it in, would they give me back my same unit?

 

[erwos]

I've heard that Sony will hand you a 60gb back if you give them one.

Otherwise, you might consider trying to replace the laser - I've heard it's not tremendously difficult.

 

[Baked]

Yes, you will get the same unit back w/ the same SKU.

 

[Sniper82]

Yeah if you think you can do it yourself the laser can probably be had less than half what you would give Sony. Plus you probably have to pay shipping to them and wait.

 

[thegimp03]

Dust has been known to build up inside the disc-loader mechanism. Try getting a can of compressed air and spraying some in there using one of the tiny straw nozzles. It might clean it up a bit.

 

[tk149]

Maybe it's just dirty

 

[bolomite]

So I tried some canned air, then tested again with the Blu-Ray movie '300' -- froze about 5 minutes in. Regular DVD plays fine, though. This seems to be a common issue from what I've read, the Blu-Ray laser dying before the other laser for DVD/CD.

I went ahead and submitted the repair request, coffin is on its way. I know I could have probably fixed it, but I read a lot of horror stories about bad lasers being shipped from many retailers. Would rather not deal with that crap.

A question: It's a 60 GB model, I replaced the hard drive with a 160 GB and all of my saves and downloads are on the 160 drive. I am obviously putting the original 60 GB back in before I send it off. Assuming they send me a 60 GB model back, but not the exact unit I sent in, when I pop my 160 GB drive in, will everything be just as it was? Or do I need to back up any sort of settings/profile on my current unit?

 

[imported_Imp]

When I sent mine in for a dead BD drive, they sent the exact same unit back (serials) with the bonus of scratches and dust. Guess it's more cost effective for them to switch out just the drive.

 

[Baked]

Since the problem doesn't involve the HD, I would call them and confirm that you don't have to send in your PS3 w/ the HD in it.