Fixing the PS2 Slim's MOST common fault

👕 Support the channel by buying one of my T-shirts, designed by me and made by American Apparel right here in the USA (ships worldwide)
http://www.BorderlineOCD.com

In this video I revive a faulty PlayStation 2 Slim that I picked up on Facebook Marketplace that suffers from just about the most common issue that plagues a used PS2 Slim today - a worn and tired laser.

You'll find useful information on the types of optical pickups used in the PS2 Slim, which ones can be interchanged for other makes/models, and which ones can only be replaced with the exact same pickup. Finally, we'll discuss the MOST important step when installing a replacement laser and how to do it well to guarantee success.

🛒 Specialty products specific to this project
Mitsumi PVR-802W laser: https://amzn.to/3SMGcif
Sony KHM-430 laser: hard to find and more expensive, just get the Mitsumi (it's compatible)
Philips SPU-3170 laser: https://amzn.to/3y6LWMa
White Lithium Grease: https://amzn.to/2UApx5M

My (pretty old but good) video where I successfully repair a PS2 Slim by adjusting potentiometers:    • A Tale of Two PS2 Slims - Faulty Retr...  
Random website I found useful which talks about the PS2 Slim laser makes/models: https://bit.ly/3E1H2nr

My philosophy on buying tools is to start small and to "outgrow" your gear over time. Expensive gear won't improve your repair and fault finding skills, only practice will do that. With that in mind below is what's in my current toolkit.

🔧 Toolkit
Screwdriver Set: https://amzn.to/2X7s0Gj
Automatic Wire Stripper: https://amzn.to/30F5TJm
Pocket Multimeter: https://amzn.to/3IdvzQz
Component Tester: https://amzn.to/3l5rHG8

🖌 Soldering Essentials
TS100 Soldering Iron: https://amzn.to/2YIJZUR
No Clean Flux Syringe: https://amzn.to/2NFUZvQ
No Clean Solder: https://amzn.to/2NHEAqQ
Desoldering Braid: https://amzn.to/312Grws
Tip Tinner: https://amzn.to/31w2EF4
Contact Cleaner: https://amzn.to/3dI93ly

🔍 Soldering Add-ons
Fume Extractor with Hose: https://amzn.to/3hspLZi
Desoldering Vacuum Pump: https://amzn.to/3Qe9ipl
Hot Air Rework Station: https://amzn.to/3w023bF
Circuit Board Holder: https://amzn.to/3k35Pzm
Helping Hands Soldering Aid: https://amzn.to/3ihgksP

🔥 Thermal Compounds & Tape
Kapton Tape https://amzn.to/3DEu0dd
Arctic MX-4 Thermal Paste: https://amzn.to/2Ak2y8w
1.5MM Arctic Thermal Pads: https://amzn.to/2Vv1RQU

🧴 Lubes and Epoxies
White Lithium Grease: https://amzn.to/2UApx5M
Plastic Epoxy: https://amzn.to/3up0LIm

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro/What's wrong?
2:37 Always check the door sensors
4:22 Which laser do you have?
6:06 Let's look underneath
7:53 Preparing the optical pickup
8:58 The MOST important step
10:27 Lube me up
11:51 How well does it work?
12:53 Outro