PS2 Acknowledges disc format but won't load

[Emphatic]

My Daughters lovely PS2 slim line SCPH-77002 has decided to crack up after only 13 months.

If I put the PS into browser mode and put a disc in, the browser can tell me if the disc is a Playstation2 game or a playstation1 game, and it tries to load the game but goes no where.

The PS will successfully load an audio cd and play the tracks as per normal.
However it seems to be the games side that doesn't work.

I have carefully cleaned the lenz with a cotton bud to remove any dust, but the problem seems to be more than that.

Any ideas??

[cwispy]

Sounds like it might be a weak laser or the spindle has shifted putting it out of focus. When you are in browser mode does it take very long for it to recognise the disk?

[Emphatic]

Not long at all.

I will add that I tried a DVD as well and it would not load.
So it seems like the cd side of the laser is working ok, but the DVD side of the laser is having problems.

Damn.

[cwispy]

Sounds like the laser might need replacing mate.

[mickc]

not playing ps1 games either
is it modded?

[Ljay]

Have seen this on older(fat) ps2.....a resistor pack running from the cd/dvd controller was at fault.

[Emphatic]

Cheers

The unit isn't modded.....(yet)

I've tried to find info on the net in relation to the cd and dvd laser adjustment pots. The best I could find was some dude talking about the cd pot being approx 100 Ohms and the DVD being 950 Ohms.
However this doesn't correlate to the new slim line lasers (Since they are a different laser). I see that there is a replacement laser (PVR-802), but I get the hint that replacing the laser is a bit more involved than just swapping it out.
Is there more mods to be done after replacing a laser?

It gets to that stage of toss it and but a 2nd handie to play the games. Tried to talk the Mrs into upgrading to a PS3, but then I'll be playing it more than the child.

[Ljay]

Take it someone that knows what they're doing...most will provide a free quote so you got nothing to lose

[polarbear]

Sounds like the laser is on its way out, As LJay said take it too a reliable and honest repairer and have it checked out, Would advise against you trying to repair yourself.

[Emphatic]

That's cool.
I'm an electronics Tech by Trade, I just order a laser and fit ti myself.

I thought there maybe some Austechers who had the right info for me.

Cheers

[Ljay]

The point is that if its not the laser u have just costed yourself $60+ dollars for nothing.

Being a techy you would realize that no-one can say "its xxxx for sure" or its "yyy" for sure". It could be the laser but it could be the mobo also, more common to be the laser but have seen mobo faults with this symptom.

[Emphatic]

Update: I grabbed a new laser from a wholesaler and put it in.

Surprise, surprise the symptom is still there.
Laser lights up and spin motor spins disc up and gets from the initial sony page but won't progress to load the disc.

Will have to dig a little deeper.

[Mysterex]

if its not the laser then try replacing the laser flex cable (between the optics and the mainboard)

have had several with same odd symptoms as yours fixed with a new cable

m...

[cwispy]

You did remove the anti-static solder from the laser before installing it? It could also be the controller chip causing the problem, or a faulty regulator or anything else under the sun.

[ozchips]

check the resets , take the lid off and hold both down
also check the little guide thingo , make sure there is plenty of felt on it , I have had this problem many times and one of the simpler fixes was that , as it stops jitters and the DVD will play better

[ozchips]

btw they are just the simplest things atm