Are you wondering why your playstation 2 is not working? If you are getting Disc Errors on multiple discs, all of which appear to be in good condition, then you most likely have one of two common problems. Either your laser is being obstructed by dirt and dust, or the laser's voltage is not properly adjusted.

The Playstation 2 is a precise gaming console. Fixing the console yourself should not be done unless completely necessary. These repairs require opening the case, which will void your warranty. If your console is still under warranty, you should use it before trying to fix it yourself. Please note that you are attempting to fix your playstation 2 on your own will, I cannot be held responsible for you breaking your playstation 2 while using this guide.

We will go over how use diagnostic mode and how to adjust voltage on your playstation 2.

Diagnostic Mode:

The easiest way to try and fix your PS2 is the diagnostic mode. though it hardly ever works, it only takes a few minutes to do and is worth a shot before taking apart your playstation 2.

1. Turn on your PS2 console and let it load to the first screen.
2. Press the "triangle button".
3. Select "console from the top using the up directional buttons and press the "triangle" button.
4. Select "on" using the up and down directional buttons press the "X" button.
5. Insert a disc, the PS2 console will automatically start the diagnosis.

Adjusting Voltage

Please be very careful while attempting to adjust voltage,  you may risk electric shock. Use a anti-static wrist band to ground yourself. These can be purchased ant any electronic store.

Do not adjust voltage if:

1. You do not recieve the message "Disc Read Error" in the browser screen when trying to load a problem discs.
2. You have a playstation 2 version 4 or higher: a PS2 wtih 8 screw covers on the bottom rather than 10.
3. Your PS2 gets errors on certain cd or dvd games, not all cd or dvd games. Try cleaning the problem disc, or using  disk doctor.
4. You recieve "errors reading cd" during game such as GTA3/VC or other games that stream data. Clean the laser in this case.

Read these instructions all the way through and make sure you understand all the facts before doing anything.

1. Remove your warranty sticker, located next to your power cord. Take off the cover to the expansion bay.
2. Remove the screws covers on the very bottom of your playstation 2. There will be six total. Four of them will be rubberized and the other two will be plastic. Ignore the extra 4 plastic covers on the raised, upper portion on the underside of your PS2, these are for removing the top shell.
3. With a phillips screwdriver remove the six screws under the covers you just took off. Four short and two long.
4. Pull up on the bottom of the case to remove it.
5. Remove the metal shield covering the circuit board (The shiny one). With the front of the PS2 facing towards you, it is on the right. There is only one screw holding it in place, it has an arrow pointing toward it.
6. Remove the expansion bay plate (the dull one with the holes). With the front of the PS2 facing toward you, it will be on your left. Once again there is only one screw holding it in place with an arrow pointing toward it.
7. Lift out the expansion bay housing, it is attached to the circuit boad by a short ribbon cable. Under this are the laser control screws.
8. The laser control screws are on a small amber circuit board slightly recessed in the plastic case. You will be adjusting one or both of the two small silver screw with a black screw in between them. With the front of the PS2 facing you, the silver screw on the left controls the voltage for the CD reading. The silver screw on the RIGHT controls the voltage for the DVD reading. I suggest putting a small dot, with a sharpie pen, in the 12 o' clock position to each screw to help with the adjusting process.
9. Stand the PS2 on its side, (vertically, memory cards at bottom, power button on top) at a slight angle. You wont be able to stand it at this angle unless it is done on carpet floor. Having a friend hold it in position might be better. Make sure that the expansion bay housing does not come in contact with the circuit board, as you will be turning it on, and you dont want the metal housing to short out the board. Let it hang down away from the board.
10. With the PS2 plugged in (Power and video) turn it on. You are ready to adjust the voltage for the laser. Only adjust the screw for the type of disc you are having problems with. If you are having problems with both, do one at a time. Remember, now that the unit is on its side the CD voltage control screw is above the DVD control screw.
11. Turing the scrw clockwise increases the voltage, counterclock wise decreases the voltage. Because you rick blowing the laser if you give it to much voltage, always decrease voltage first. Generally you have to add voltage, but for safety, I suggest you reduce voltage first. Using a small screw-driver (non-magnetic and non metallic if possible) turn the appropriate screw counter clock wise two degrees. Load in the CD and wait, if you still geta  disc read error, move the screw another two degrees. Repeat the process. If you still get a disc read error after 20 degrees of rotation, put the screw back to the 12 o clock position and start moving the screw clockwise two degrees at a time. It may take a while, but you will most likely find the sweet spot where your discs begin to read again. As much as a 180 degrees is needed for a modded PS2 to play backup CD-Rs.
12. Try a different trouble discs before re-assembly to make sure you don't need more fine adjustment. As well, hold the PS2 elevated in the horizontal position and make sure it reads while in this position. Sometimes a little more voltage is needed to run discs in the horizontal position than the vertical position.
13.  Turn off the PS2 and re-assemble it.

I have just showed you two ways to fix your Playstation 2. There are many more ways to fix your PS2 Check inside my ebay store for my complete guide on Fixing your playstation 2.

The guide will cover:

• Diagnostic mode as explained
• Cleaning the laser
• Adjusting the voltage as explained
• Clicking and squeaking
• and what to do if all else fails

You will also get two free ebooks covering PS2 Tricks and PSP Cheats plus much more.

If you would like more tips on fixing your PS2 try visiting Digitaldirect4u . A ebay store that specializes in providing ebooks that will help you Fix Your PS2, Give you PS2 Cheats,PSP tricks and more.

digitaldirect4u nor anyone that hosts this document in any way is responsible for any damage you may do to your playstation 2 while attempting the procedures within this guide. Please note that this guide does not gurantee fixing your PS2.