Help fixing 2 Fat ps2s (disc read problems)

[Kemiroch]

Without a disc, the system boots up to the screen with the Browser/System config options. I don't hear any strange noises or anything.

With a disc (ps2silver/ps2blue/dvd) it still just boots to the Browser/System screen. PS1 games result in a 'Please insert a PlayStation or PS2 format disc' screen. Very, very seldom if I put an audio cd in it will go to the track list screen, but won't be able to play any of the songs. If I put any other type of disc in and go to the Browser, most of the time it will just sit there with the 'Reading disc' message. Sometimes it will eventually return a 'Disc read error' message, but most of the time not. I don't hear any strange noises this way either.

[AaronMcCann]

Hmm first I would CAREFULLY clean the lens which you did BUT.
There isnt just one lens, theres actually 2. The ps2 laser actually shoots horizontally, it then hits a 45 degree mirror glass plate that then sends the laser vertical, passing through a lens and then passing through the second, the second one being the one that is most easily visible. I HIGHLY suggest finding a guide to disassembling the laser carriage from the the metal rails, and then getting in to clean that first Lens thats hidden. Its nothing crazy, not too hard. If you can follow directions putting legos together then you can do it. Just take your time, make some sort of note as to where things go, so reassembly is a charm. Heres a link to a youtube vid describing this better and you'll actually be able to see both lenses.

http://www.youtube.com/user/alecjahn#p/u/19/4Fx404bcu-s

Also on a side note you CAN in fact adjust the laser tilt and power. the laser actually has a specific degree of tilt that is optimal for playing discs. When ever you adjust these i HIGHLY suggest you make a mark on the plastic adjusting dial that way you can always go back to what it was before hand. The second adjustment will actually increase or decrease the power sent to the laser. When the laser ages and becomes weak you can increase the voltage by adjusting that but....really when you increase you just asking for it to burn out quicker. If you decide to follow a guide on the adjustments make sure you only increase by very small increments, like one click at a time.

[Kemiroch]

I never knew there were two lenses! I will definitely try that, at least on #2. Thanks!

[Hobie-wan]

http://www.youtube.com/user/alecjahn#p/u/19/4Fx404bcu-s

Very useful.

[AaronMcCann]

How did it go? Did you get a chance to get in and clean the second lens?
Just curious. Im interested in seeing if it helps your problem. Let us know
how it turns out, hope everything goes well for you.

[Kemiroch]

I have been really busy the last few days, so I haven't had much time to work on the PS2s. All I've done recently is perfect #1. It plays DVDs now! I have no idea how, it just started all by itself.

I should be able to work on #2 tonight or tomorrow. I will definitely post on my progress.

[Kemiroch]

Well...... I tried cleaning the second lens. It was actually fairly simple to get into. But...

Now it won't even spin a disc, any disc, that I put in there I'm 99.9% sure that I put it all back together exactly as it was and didn't harm anything during the procedure, but I suppose I cold have without noticing it. Anyway, I suppose this one is dead unless I try messing with the voltage

[Hobie-wan]

Maybe you didn't get a ribbon cable plugged all the way in somewhere in all the drive assembly?

[Kemiroch]

It's possible. There's only one ribbon cable to take out in getting the lens thing out, I'll try reinserting it. I hope it's something simple like that.

[AaronMcCann]

Dont mess with the voltage adjustment, that wont effect spinning a disc, that is if thats the problem. If its not spinning a disc Id guess theres no power getting to the disc motor. So you probably missed a ribbon cable, if your 100% sure that theres power to the disc drive/lens, then it will at least try to move the lens back and fourth while it searches for a disc and youll hear it.....does it? Try to listen for the lens movement, regardless of whether the lens can a read the disc it will try to move back and fourth as well as spin the disc.

does it make ANY sounds at all?
if not then Im almost POSITIVE you just missed a cable.
Just disassemble it again and slowly and carefully examine it while you put it back together.

I hope you fix it! good luck.