My PS3 Just Died! [Archive] - Retrogaming Roundtable

Tempest

04-23-2010, 09:35 AM

I think my PS3 died this morning. I turned it on to play some FF XIII and it didn't detect the disc. I tried ejecting the disc and reinserting it but still nothing. It doesn't detect DVD's, CD's, or Blu-Ray discs and it doesn't sound like they're spinning either.

At this point I'm guessing that the motor may be dead, but I find that odd since it was working last night. I've been reading online and I guess this is a problem with the older model PS3 (mine's a 80GB original launch model). I've tried the trick where you rebuild the system file, the database, and even reformat the entire PS3, but still nothing works. I've also read that the problem might be caused by a stuck sensor, where the PS3 doesn't detect that the disc has been inserted all the way but I haven't been able to find much about this other than a one line mention in a post.

Any ideas? Obviously my PS3 is well out of warranty so I'd hate to have to send it out to Sony for repairs (which I've read cost about $150). Like I said earlier, I have a hard time believing that the motor or laser just magically died over night. In fact I know it was detecting the disc this morning because I had another one in there and it came up before I ejected it to put in FF XIII. Could it be something as simple as a stuck sensor?

Tempest

Breetai

04-23-2010, 10:09 AM

I've been reading online and I guess this is a problem with the older model PS3 (mine's a 80GB original launch model).
No it's not. There is no such thing as an 80GB original launch model.

Any ideas? Obviously my PS3 is well out of warranty so I'd hate to have to send it out to Sony for repairs (which I've read cost about $150).
Check out the youtube videos on how to disassemble and reassemble your Bluray drive. If it doesn't work, you might either be sending it in to Sony or buying a new PS3.

megasdkirby

04-23-2010, 10:43 AM

Check out the youtube videos on how to disassemble and reassemble your Bluray drive. If it doesn't work, you might either be sending it in to Sony or buying a new PS3.

But if it's the drive, can he just replace it for much less?

portnoyd

04-23-2010, 10:44 AM

No it's not. There is no such thing as an 80GB original launch model.

He obviously meant 60.

Definitely sounds like the motor. If you can find a place to do it locally, you may be able to get away with a cheaper repair?

Tempest

04-23-2010, 11:03 AM

Err yes I meant 60GB (the fully compatible PS2 version).

How hard is it to replace the laser and motor? I've found places where you can buy the whole assembly for around $60, but I don't want to make things worse trying to fix it.

Tempest

megasdkirby

04-23-2010, 11:25 AM

It's not that hard, since everything is pretty much modular (by parts).

Just look at some disassembly videos online to familiarize yourself. It's pretty easy if you plan on replacing the drive itself. If you plan on replacing something in the drive, it gets a bit more complicated, but only very little.

And in the end, it's better than spending double to Sony.

Tempest

04-23-2010, 11:33 AM

I found this place that seems to sell them cheaply. I'd probably just get the whole laser and assembly. That should cover the motor too correct? http://www.thegamersfix.com/home.php?cat=258

I'm not technology challenged, so if I have a video or decent instructions I can do it. I'm just afraid that if this turns out not to be the problem then I'm screwed because Sony won't touch it after I open it up and I can't get a new one of these since they don't sell them anymore.

So it is worth paying only $60 and have the possibility of it not solving the problem or paying $150 and having the problem 100% resolved?

Tempest

megasdkirby

04-23-2010, 11:46 AM

Good point.

If you decide on opening the console, first check what version drive you have so that you purchase the correct drive.

I would repair, that's because I'm cheap. LOL

kupomogli

04-23-2010, 12:31 PM

Did you update the system yesterday at all? It could be an error on your PS3 due to the update. I mean you hear some people complaining about PS3 errors after updates but mine always works fine. Maybe it may have just happened to you?

Yeah.

I just Googled it. http://www.google.com/search?q=3.30+ps3+update+won%27t+read+disc&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

It seems like other people are having the same problem. Once again I'm lucky enough not to have this problem. I also have a 60GB model. We'll most likely see another update to fix the problem soon. Maybe calling up Sony will get another person added to the list so they do something faster.

Tempest

04-23-2010, 12:52 PM

Hmm... That's interesting. I suppose that might be the issue, but here's the sequence of events so I have my doubts:

1. I had the previous OS on (3.21) last night.
2. This morning I ejected the DVD that was in there (it was detected and showed up in the menu) and put in my FF XIII disc
3. The disc was not detected (under 3.21)
4. I saw there was an update and thought that might fix things so I installed it
5. Disc still not detected

So I doubt it's the problem, but I hold out hope.

Tempest

Tempest

04-23-2010, 01:13 PM

Wow maybe it is 3.30?

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-12218-Video-Game-Examiner~y2010m4d22-PS3-330-breaking-PS3s-major-problems-reported

I guess I can hang loose this weekend and see if they issue some kind of fix. This does seem very suspicious now...

Tempest

kupomogli

04-23-2010, 02:22 PM

Yeah because yesterday since I was online it signed off the PSN and said to use PSN install the latest firmware. So I logged back on and installed it.

You might have not used FF13 on the other firmware. Try using that one DVD again and see if it works? Or PSX/PS2 games. If they don't work it still doesn't hurt waiting for a fix for it, but yeah.

Tempest

04-23-2010, 02:35 PM

Well the way I see it it's going to be at least until Monday or Tuesday before they can get a return box out to me. So if i call them up tonight and tell them I need it repaired (I doubt they'd fess up that the update caused the problem even if it did) they'll send out the box. If by the time it gets here they have a fix (I'd imagine that if there really is a problem the fix would only take a few days to get out) I'll just call up and cancel the return. This way at least I'm not sitting around waiting for a fix that may or may not happen.

Tempest

Tempest

04-23-2010, 04:33 PM

Richter Belmount

04-23-2010, 04:40 PM

I turned it on to play some FF XIII

I think this might be the source of your problem , its become self aware.

Tempest

04-23-2010, 04:45 PM

I think this might be the source of your problem , its become self aware.
Surprisingly it gets a lot better once you get into the later parts of the game. Of course if it was a good game then you wouldn't have to wait that long. Still, I'm 60 hours into it and I'm not about to quit now.

Tempest

Frankie_Says_Relax

04-23-2010, 08:40 PM

http://boardsus.playstation.com/t5/PlayStation-3-Updates/bd-p/ps3updates

Some of these topics (not the mocking ones of course) are fairly eye opening. I'm not 99% convinced that this is all a firmware problem. I guess I'll sit tight for now, but I may still call Sony tonight and see what they have to say. Someone reported that they got Sony to agree to replace their PS3 with the same problem. It's a long shot, but you never know.

Tempest

(unlike some of the users on the PS3 forums) I don't agree with the sentiment that there's no way that firmware can harm or bork a piece of hardware.

Historically there have been plenty of instances of firmware updates for all manner of electronics that have caused malfunctions and total bricking.

A slightly corrupted piece of firmware code that gets by an automatic verification could easily install badly, or even if a previous firmware went in badly and didn't accept all the updates that the newer firmware writes in.

Do you do your PS3 firmware updates via wifi or ethernet?

I've heard that a few of the PS3 firmware updates had potential to install incorrectly if a disc was present in the drive.

If the disc read problems are the blu ray laser deal extreme has some inexpensive replacements

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.27134

Richter Belmount

04-23-2010, 08:51 PM

Maybe they implied the game got better cause it went away ~_^

Princess-Isabela

04-24-2010, 12:33 AM

it's crazy how often these days you'll hear about ps3 dying, 360/ps3 dying ratio reversed?
hmm...

I must be lucky, none of my systems ever died with exception of wii(sort of, pixels started appearing on the screen, looked like burned pixels on psp but screen had few lines of them, very weird).
It was probably graphics processor/card.

Frankie_Says_Relax

04-24-2010, 07:51 AM

it's crazy how often these days you'll hear about ps3 dying, 360/ps3 dying ratio reversed?
hmm...

Surveys and opinion polls still put them dramatically under the 360.

http://www.destructoid.com/new-survey-puts-xbox-360-failure-rate-at-42--171088.phtml

heybtbm

04-24-2010, 09:16 AM

Surveys and opinion polls still put them dramatically under the 360.

http://www.destructoid.com/new-survey-puts-xbox-360-failure-rate-at-42--171088.phtml

At least with the RROD, you know what the problem is and can get it fixed for free. These firmware issues (PS3, Wii, or 360) are worse IMO because you don't know what the hell the problem is.

You might even send the console in for repair and get charged for Sony's/Nintendo's/Microsoft's screw up. The sequence of Tempest's posts in this thread is evidence that even an informed person can (almost) make that mistake.

Tempest

04-24-2010, 09:25 AM

I bit the bullet and decided to pay to get my console fixed (refurbished). I'm pissed off and annoyed because I know I didn't do anything wrong but since I'll never be able to prove it was the update that caused my problem I doubt waiting for Sony to come out with a fix will do any good. I guess if they come up with something in the next few days I can cancel the return, but this whole incident has really soured me on the PS3. If I didn't already have a large collection of Blu-Ray movies I'd have just told them where to stick it.

I'm not one of those conspiracy people who are claiming Sony did this on purpose or anything like that. I think they didn't thoroughly test the firmware and it caused drive failures for a small number of people (I work in a test lab, this sort thing happens all the time). Not much to be done about unfortunately because Sony will never fess up. So either I can stand up for what I believe is right and wait for a fix that's never coming or pay out the ass to get my console fixed and move on.

What I want to know is that if they do actually issue a fix for this issue, can I get my money back? I doubt it, but that would be an interesting situation.

Tempest

heybtbm

04-24-2010, 09:32 AM

Just make sure to back up all your saves on a USB drive or other hard drive before sending your console in. I've read horror stories over the years.

megasdkirby

04-24-2010, 06:51 PM

At least with the RROD, you know what the problem is and can get it fixed for free. These firmware issues (PS3, Wii, or 360) are worse IMO because you don't know what the hell the problem is.

You might even send the console in for repair and get charged for Sony's/Nintendo's/Microsoft's screw up. The sequence of Tempest's posts in this thread is evidence that even an informed person can (almost) make that mistake.

I don't really think it's all "Sony's screwup" when it comes to firmware updating. There are many factors that have to be taken into consideration, the most prominent being corrupted update file when downloaded. This really isn't Sony's fault, as there are many reasons why a file might get corrupt during download. I'm not trying to defend Sony or anything, but the entire blame is not Sony's to begin with.

I never upgrade my firmware via internet, much less if using a wireless connection. I always download it to the PC, place the file in a known good USB drive, and install from there. Also, I make sure the PS3 is connected to either a UPS or voltage regulator, to prevent potential mishaps during the upgrade.

If anything, Sony should to a MD5 or similar check before installing the firmware, that is if it's not done already.

skaar

04-24-2010, 09:36 PM

I don't really think it's all "Sony's screwup" when it comes to firmware updating. There are many factors that have to be taken into consideration, the most prominent being corrupted update file when downloaded. This really isn't Sony's fault, as there are many reasons why a file might get corrupt during download. I'm not trying to defend Sony or anything, but the entire blame is not Sony's to begin with.

I never upgrade my firmware via internet, much less if using a wireless connection. I always download it to the PC, place the file in a known good USB drive, and install from there. Also, I make sure the PS3 is connected to either a UPS or voltage regulator, to prevent potential mishaps during the upgrade.

If anything, Sony should to a MD5 or similar check before installing the firmware, that is if it's not done already.

Their hardware, their update process... their fault. Heck, even most PC Bios flash utils will verify the firmware is good before writing... and write it several times before powering the system off.

My 60GB is shedding its light silently... it fears the light.

gamedude45

04-24-2010, 10:06 PM

I updated my 40gb and I had no problems at all.

[Edit] don't read the rest of this post unless you want to laugh at my pointless rambling [Edit]

Now i'm not a technical expert but most of the people i've seen reporting these problems have stated that they have ps2 compatible units so I was wondering if some of the extra hardware or software required for ps2 compatibility is causing the problem?

Now the reason I ask this is that on the list of features added in 3.30 it states that it updates the laser for 3D and I thought that might have something to do with the problem.

Eternal Tune

04-24-2010, 10:24 PM

My 60 launch has been updated as well with no issues. I was thinking about purchasing Flower from PSN, but changed my mind. Played a bit of Marvel Ulimate Alliance 2 and then turned it off.

Frankie_Says_Relax

04-26-2010, 03:01 PM

I updated my 40gb and I had no problems at all.

Now i'm not a technical expert but most of the people i've seen reporting these problems have stated that they have ps2 compatible units so I was wondering if some of the extra hardware or software required for ps2 compatibility is causing the problem?

Now the reason I ask this is that on the list of features added in 3.30 it states that it updates the laser for 3D and I thought that might have something to do with the problem.

My 60GB unit updated without a hitch.

The firmware details that it updates the laser for 3D? Really? The LASER?

Wouldn't anything to do with 3D only be handled via the output?

Can we get reference on that claim?

NoahsMyBro

04-26-2010, 03:18 PM

Just out of curiosity I tried to find some sort of readme for the update.

I don't have a PS3, so I don't know what can be found using the PS3 dashboard, but on the web I found this:

In addition, this update preps the PS3 system for some upcoming new features, including 3D stereoscopic gaming, which is coming soon to PS3, in time for the launch of Sony�s 3D BRAVIA TVs.

Nothing there states the laser is updated, and I don't even know how that would be possible. All of my searching only finds reprints of the above quote.

kupomogli

04-26-2010, 03:19 PM

http://static.funnyjunk.com/pictures/badass_lazerz___pew_pew_pew.jpg

otoko

04-26-2010, 03:36 PM

My 60 launch has been updated as well with no issues. I was thinking about purchasing Flower from PSN, but changed my mind. Played a bit of Marvel Ulimate Alliance 2 and then turned it off.

Two 60gb units updated no problems, and 40gb unit in a box.

I wonder what people do to get these errors because I have never gotten any errors during updates and I was one of the few the miss out of the huge one a few months ago that turned the clock back to 1/1/2000. I find it especially strange because I was fully updated on two 60gb Ps3s and a 40gb Ps3s.

Tempest

04-26-2010, 03:42 PM

See that's the thing. I didn't get any errors doing the update, it seemed to install just fine and the PS3 seems to be running ok. It's just that now my drive is dead and it doesn't even spin. I still think it was the firmware, but there's nothing for it now but to pay to have it fixed.

Tempest

gamedude45

04-26-2010, 05:15 PM

The firmware details that it updates the laser for 3D? Really? The LASER?

Wouldn't anything to do with 3D only be handled via the output?

Can we get reference on that claim?

Now i'm not a technical expert

I got the information from a youtube video which has since been removed (I wonder why?) I thought it was strange sounding aswell but since about 80% of the problems i've heard about since 3.30 have been the ps3 not reading discs I thought he might have been right (he was right about the rest of the update features) oh well i'll edit my original post.

[Edit]

http://static.funnyjunk.com/pictures/badass_lazerz___pew_pew_pew.jpg

LOLThis is the most i've laughed all day thank you.

megasdkirby

04-26-2010, 10:46 PM

The only thing I can think of is that the Bluray drivers got corrupted somehow, rendering the drive useless.

I updated my 80GB without any problems. Could it be only affecting 60GB models?

otoko

04-27-2010, 04:44 AM

I may sound stupid saying this but I don't think I saw it listed in this thread:

Have you tried diagnostic mode?

-Reinstall the update with USB drive
-Restore Ps3
-Rebuild Database or File system

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v17/otknot/P1020041.jpg