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T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G F A Q
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Troubleshooting for Sony Playstation 2 Console
Version 1.1
By: "A" Tadeo
Created: June 26, 2001
Date last Updated: October 14, 2001
Mail me at: aaron20@edsamail.com.ph
Home Page: http://surf.to/aaronph
Here we go again. More info for the PS2. I’ve had my PS2 for months and I’ve
encountered so many problems already. Now, I’m bringing you this FAQ so that
I may be able to impart my experience and knowledge about the Playstation 2
console. And of course, any contribution from anyone will be greatly
appreciated.
It’s a good feeling to have a Playstation 2 right? I for one, am too excited
about mine before I got it. Now, after some time, you’ll most likely run into
some problems while using your console. Or, you might even have trouble in
setting up your console. Here’s my troubleshooting guide to help you out.
It’s divided into the different areas of the PS2 so that you can easily find
what you’re looking for.
I. Updates/Revisions
II. Troubleshooting
A. General
B. Games
C. DVD Playback
D. Ports (Controller, USB, IEEE, etc.)
III. Taking Care of your Controller/Troubleshooting
IV. Credits and Acknowledgements
Author Notes:
=============
Version 1.1:
Troubleshooting on controller insensitivity added as well as issue on
Memory Dump (check Games Troubleshooting). Info on chipped PS2s are also
included (check General Troubleshooting). Credits section updated too.
Version 1.0:
Since this is the first version, there aren’t too much problem that arises.
In time, there will be new problems that will arise. I can’t do this alone
though. Any help or contribution will be very valuable and in turn, we will
be able to help a lot of people out there.
Here’s the troubleshooting guide. I’ve distributed them in the different
areas of the PS2. Take a look at the table of contents for the different
parts. If you have any problem, please don’t hesitate to drop me a line.
Also, if you can contribute anything about troubleshooting, I’d appreciate it
very much and I’ll include it in this guide.
=======================
GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING
=======================
In this area, you’ll Troubleshooting FAQs concerning the general use of the
system. It pertains mostly to the setup of your PS2 system. It also concerns
the audio and video.
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Problem: My PS2 unit isn’t turning on (the red light of the reset button
isn’t turned on after I press the power switch).
Causes: 1. The cord isn’t properly plugged-in to your outlet
2. Your PS2’s power supply is damaged
3. You plugged it into the wrong outlet
4. There’s no electricity
5. You forgot to look clearly =)
Remedy: 1. Make sure that the plug of the PS2 is firmly and exactly
plugged into your outlet.
2. This is the most frustrating time you’ll have for any electrical
system. If the PS2’s power supply is damage (i.e. you plugged
it into the right outlet firmly), you should contact Sony at
once to seek information on how to fix your PS2. Most probably,
the power supply will be replaced at a cost, unless it is still
in warranty.
3. This is a common mistake among many. First of all, before
plugging in your PS2 into an outlet, check the voltage of your
PS2. Most PS2s are for 110/120 volts. If you mistakenly plugged
it into a voltage higher than that (i.e. 220), the PS2 will take
in excessive electricity and thus burn out. If this happens,
contact Sony for help or ask an opinion from a professional
electrician. Most likely, the power supply is damaged.
4. Sometimes you get frustrated, but it’s just because there’s no
electricity coming out of the outlet. It’s either there’s a
blackout in your area that you now know of, or the fuse for that
outlet is broken (your other appliances in that particular part
of your house isn’t working too). Call your Electricity provider
if there’s a blackout. If not, call an electrician to fix your
fuse. Unplug the PS2 during this process.
5. You might just have overlooked the power. Take a look at it again
and maybe you didn’t see it clearly that it was on.
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Problem: My PS2 makes weird sounds while reading my CD/DVDs
Causes: 1. The CD or DVD probably has a lot of scratches and the CD/DVD
Reader of the PS2 is having a hard time reading it.
2. You don’t own an original copy of the CD/DVD you’re using.
3. Positioning of the PS2 Console
Remedy: 1. This is very common. Used discs oftentimes incur a lot of
scratches and it will be hard to read or won’t even be read by
the console. Try cleaning your discs to minimize dirt and even
remove scratches, if possible.
2. How many times do we have to tell you. Buy original discs. They
can’t be read by most PS2 and they sometimes do damage to your
system.
3. Positioning the PS2 is critical. There are only 2 positions for
for you to place your PS2. Either Horizontal or Vertical. It’s
required that if you want to let it stand vertical, position it
at exactly 90 degrees as much as possible. Any inclination might
give you the weird sound. Also, use the proper stands. Sony has
a horizontal as well as a vertical stand that looks cool. If you
have this problem on a vertical PS2, try setting it down
horizontally. If the DVD drive still makes some annoying sounds,
ask for Sony’s help.
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Problem: My PS2 is on (both green and blue lights) and I have a CD/DVD
inside. But I don’t see anything on my TV.
Causes: 1. You’ve made the wrong connection to your TV
2. You didn’t make a connection to your TV
3. At worst, your TV isn’t compatible with your PS2 (PAL/NTSC issue)
Remedy: 1. Check your connection with your TV. If you have a S-Video cable
Connection for your TV and your PS2, check it properly so that
Video cable from your PS2 is at the Video-in port in your TV. If
This doesn’t work. Go to #3.
2. You probably got excited. =) Connect your TV to your PS2 by
following the instructions in your manual.
3. This is an issue. First, before buying a PS2, you should know
what type of TV you are using. It’s either PAL or NTSC. PAL TVs
are most likely to be found in the European countries. As for
NTSC, it’s the most common between the 2 and can be found in the
US and the rest of the world. Now, make sure that your PS2 is
compatible with your TV. Or else, you might get weird pictures
in your TV. And at worst, your TV might be damaged.
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Problem: My Audio is quite scratchy or has no sound at all
Causes: 1. Incorrect or no audio connection to the TV
2. TV sound system settings
3. PS2 sound system settings
4. Damaged TV or PS2 audio system
Remedy: 1. Check to see if your PS2’s audio cable is properly connected to
the audio-in port of your TV.
2. Check your TV audio settings (Surround, volume, etc.). If there
is sound on your normal channels, check #3.
3. Check your PS2 if the game/DVD’s audio is properly set. Sometimes
you really need to adjust the settings first in order to hear
sounds.
4. Ask for a professional to help you check out if your TV has
damage to its sound system. As for the PS2, try asking first
Sony’s opinion about it and then, get your PS2 repaired if
necessary.
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Problem: The buttons suddenly stopped responding. But just before it happened
they work perfectly.
Causes: 1. The Controller cord is loose
Remedy: 1. Unplug the controller from the controller port and then plug it
in once more. It should fine by now. If not, there is a possibi-
lity that the controller acquired damage.
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Problem: I have a modified PS2 and all seems to work fine then suddenly,
every game in my library crashes. And that includes all of my
original games.
Causes: 1. You modified your PS2 (tsk,tsk,tsk...)
Remedy: 1. That's too unfortunate. You already lost your PS2. In the first
place, you should NOT modify your PS2 whether you are doing it
for the sake of having backups or for importing. It will destroy
your PS2 even if it seems to work fine. So, how can you play
your originals again? You might just have to buy a new PS2 or
seek help from a pro. (Don't ask sony since you messed up)
=====================
GAMES TROUBLESHOOTING
=====================
In here, you’ll find troubleshooting tips about the games you play on your
system. This includes the CD and DVD PS2 games as well as the PS1 games.
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Problem: My game for PS/PS2 isn’t working!
Causes: 1. The CD/DVD has a lot of scratches
2. The PS2 is worn out due to extensive use
3. You’re using bootleg CD/DVDs
4. You got too excited...
Remedy: 1. Taking care of your Game Discs is crucial. A clean CD/DVD
Performs better (flawlessly) compared to over-used and scratched
CD/DVDs. Give some time to clean your CD/DVDs and store them
Properly after use.
2. This often happens if you use your PS2 for 12-15 hours straight
per day. That only means that you have to get a life. Ahem.
Anyway, let a Sony representative check it for you if there’s
something needed to be repaired. Then, do what he/she suggests.
3. Again, buy original copies. You won’t have troubles and your
conscience won’t bother you if you do.
4. Put in the game disc inside first. =) You might also put
a wrong CD/DVD inside. Check it.
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Problem: I played a game and it worked quite well. Then, when I put in a new
game, it suddenly hangs and all other games get affected.
Causes: 1. Memory Dump Problem
2. The Lens is damaged
Remedy: 1. This is quite rare on consoles (but quite pertinent on PCs).
Oftentimes, data on the memory (especially the graphics) are
left intact inside. It should be re-set with you turn off
your PS2 and then turn it on again. Sometimes, it corrupts new
data and the game can't put graphic (or even program files) data
on the memory and thus, you can't play the game. A couple of
resets might do the trick. But again, don't forget to ask a Sony
representative.
2. This is a major problem with consoles that use CD/DVDs. When the
lens is damaged, you'll definitely have to replace it with a new
one. The main cause of this is wear and tear so don't punish your
PS2 too much.
============================
DVD PLAYBACK TROUBLESHOOTING
============================
This area, will try give you information on problems you might encounter when
trying to play a DVD Movie, and how to possibly fix it.
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Problem: My DVD Movie isn’t playing in my PS2
Causes: 1. DVD has lots of scratches
2. Regional Settings
3. Incorrect DVD settings for PS2
4. No/Incorrect Disc
Remedy: 1. Clean your discs well and avoid incurring scratches. Place it in
its box after use.
2. DVDs have encoding. They are encoded by regions. Thus, you cannot
play region 2 DVDs on a US Playstation mainly because the US
Playstation 2 can only read DVD that are encoded in Region 1 or
those DVDs that are encoded for all regions. Again, US PS2 are
region 1 capable. Japanese PS2s are Region 2 Capable.
3. There are a number of settings for the DVD playback of your
PS2. First is the rating of the DVD. If you want to watch a
rated R movie, make sure your PS2 allows viewing of R movies.
You’ll be setting this during the first time that you’ll be
watching a DVD. It’s just the same as real theaters. It is also
protected with password so you need the person who set it up
the first time in order to bypass the rating settings.
4. Put in a DVD first and make sure that it is a Movie. And,
check #2.
Here, I’ll help you troubleshoot some problems concerning the different ports
in the system. Memory Card Slot, Controller, USB port, Ilink IEEE port.
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Problem: Memory Card, Controller, USB/Ilink peripheral can’t be inserted
Properly into the PS2
Causes: 1. Your peripheral isn’t intended for the PS2
2. The port is physically damage or the plug of the peripheral
Remedy: 1. PS2 Peripherals will most definitely fit on the slots. Example
Would be the controller. Even if Sony didn’t make the controller,
But it is intended for the PS2, it must fit in.
2. There must be something inside the port that is making it hard
to insert the peripheral. Check also to see if the port is
damaged due to accidents such as the PS2 falling off from the
table (ouch). If there are, you can fix it if you know how to
mold plastic, or better yet, as for opinions from those who
know especially from Sony.
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Problem: My peripheral isn’t working but it’s plugged in correctly.
Causes: 1. Your Peripheral isn’t compatible with the PS2
2. Your Peripheral is damaged
3. Your Port is damaged
Remedy: 1. Check your peripheral’s documentation first if it do work for
your PS2. Some are said to be compatible but not working such as
the multitap of PS1 that is used for PS2. It’s supposed to work.
But it doesn’t. If it isn’t ask your retailer what they can do
To help you. Most of the time, they gladly change the merchandise
As long as you come back within just a day or 2 from purchase.
2. If your peripheral is used quite long already, it might be
damaged and thus, can’t be used for the PS2 anymore. Ask the
manufacturer of your peripheral for advice. Or, do #3.
3. This problem is very rare as PS2 are released with its ports in
100% efficiency. You might not have taken care of your PS2 well.
Sometimes, dirt and other small foreign objects hinder the
connection between the peripheral and the port. Clean the port
first with a dry and clean cloth. If it still doesn’t work, try
to check it on another console. If it works, your PS2’s port
is damaged. If it doesn’t work on the other system, your
peripheral is damaged.
It’s always suggested to love your system and take care of it. Using it
excessively will result in damage to your PS2. Give it a rest and store it
properly when you’re calling it a day. But sometimes, problems do happen the
least we expect it. Just get the help or opinion of one that knows the
problem and how to fix it. Don’t try to fix things yourself if you aren’t
sure. Sony will always be there to help (unless you infringed the warranty by
modifying it or simply opening it up). I am also here to help you out as well
as the contributors that gave their problems and suggestions for some
problems. In time, this guide will probably have almost all you’ll need in
order to troubleshoot your PS2. Good Luck with your PS2, enjoy it and take
care of it. =)
- Very Special thanks to Sony for bringing to us the best gaming console
ever. At first I was very hesitant to get the system but it’s very well worth
it.
- Thanks to "Richard Page" for bringing up the game
crash info.
- And last but absolutely not the least, thanks to GameFAQs where you can
view and download this FAQ. CjayC deserves all the credits given to him.
Congratulations!
These are all that I would like to thank as of now. If I happen to forget
anyone, please inform me. I’ll check it out on my inbox if you really have
something to be credited (I never delete important ones). Note, that if there
are same info sent to me, it is on a first come first serve basis. Any
suggestions, comments, additions, etc. will be duly credited to you once
you’ve submitted one to me through my e-mail address written at the very top
of this FAQ. Thank you very much!
Playstation 2, Playstation, PS One and their accessories(tm)
Are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment
All other devices and instances are registered trademarks
of their respective owners
The Unofficial Sony Playstation 2 Troubleshooting guide
June 26, 2001, “A” Tadeo
