PS1 not working question

[Porkchop]

I picked up a used PS1 today at a thrift, but it does not seem to be working. When turned on the Sony intro screen comes on and then it displays a menu (purple back bround) with Memory Card and CD Player. This menu even comes up when a game is in the system. Some times a Playstation Screen comes up and then sites there forever. If I put in a Music CD it works fine.

I have no experence with PS1's so I was wondering if this is a common failure for PS1s? I would think if it was going to fail the CD player would go out, since that is where the moving parts are.

Thanks

[jonjandran]

Sounds like the laser is going bad.

By the way , that's my avatar you thief.

[dave2236]

Spin the platform with your finger. dont put a disk in the machine, just spin the platform it sits on.


Many times these get pushed down and rub against the screws holding the motor in place.

If you need a replacement I can send you one when I get my order in. They are a little tricky to put in place, but I will try to talk you through it because the spacing is important


hope that helps, dave

[Daria]

I had a PSX with a similar problem, but after I realized it was scratching up my test game I decided to scrap it for the case. I felt I made some progress though, before I tinkered with it the system wouldn't even turn on.

[davidleeroth]

Try Q-tip on the laser lens.
If the CD spins at all, you can try the following:
Put a game in, power it and turn the console carefully upside down. If it plays ok, it's likely that the spindle motor has had it.

If it still doesn't work, you'll find it better to do what Daria did than repairing it.