PlayStation 2 Troubleshooting

The PS2 just won't turn on.

First, ensure that the power cord is properly connected both at the back of the device and at the wall socket. If the problem persists, try powering the PlayStation from another power outlet. If the device still does not turn on, you may have a faulty power cord or may need to replace the power supply. 

This could result from a number of things, but ultimately you will need to replace it if this is the problem.

There have been instances when a connection from the main power switch on the back of the console becomes loose from the internal power board. If this is the case, a complete power switch may be necessary, or you may just need to solder any bad connections.

I don't see anything on the screen.

Problems with discs working in the game system.

If this error message is shown, the fix often quite simple. Mix rubbing alcohol and water in a one-to-one ratio on a microfiber cloth and use it to clean the lens to remove dust or other residue. Rubbing alcohol works well because it is mild and evaporates quickly without leaving a residue. Gently rub the lens with a little of the solution and let it dry.

If your PS2 still doesn't work after cleaning the lens, it could be that the entire laser is broken and needs to be replaced. It is also possible that the lens has become disconnected.

If the above steps have been taken and you still get disc drive errors, it is time to replace the whole disc drive.

System seems to be getting too hot.

If you look on the back of the PS2 and the fan isn't spinning during system operation, it may be time to replace the fan. If you have a PS2 slim, the cooling fan cannot be seen from outside of the console. The fan is connected with just one small plug inside the unit, so before resulting to a complete replacement, try taking apart your PS2 to check the connection.

System clock is static, orbs are static, etc.

The blue spinning orbs or dots that you see on the menu that gives you the option to go to the Browser or System Configuration are connected to the system clock. They spin in motion with the system's time, and if the system is stuck with the time not going up or down, the orbs will stay static. The system can lose track of time after a long period of being disconnected, and you will need to set the date from 1/1/2000 to the current date.

In some cases, just after unplugging or turning off the system, turning it back on can cause the system to lose its time again, making the orbs static in one circle and the system going back to the same date with the time going up. This is because there is a clock battery inside the PS2 that stores the system's information, like date and time and a few other system configuration settings. It stores it for a good amount of time whenever the system is unplugged so that the owner of the system will not have to reapply any settings after the system not having power for a few minutes, hours, or even days or weeks. The battery will most likely drain over time and not store any of the information, and will need to be replaced with a new one.