BYTEROT - retro PCs, consoles and lost software
home | articles | how-tos | what's new | library | repair | connect | contribute | links
 
Get an account
Accounts are free. Join #retro on irc.fxnet.org, identify with NickServ and type !req.
[ how ]

IRC
#retro on irc.fxnet.org
6697 ssl · 6667 plain
modern + vintage clients welcome
[ vintage how-to ]

Sections
OS 1,075
DRIVERS 61
SOFTWARE 22
GAMES 10
UTILS 37
DOCS 561
INCOMING 0
REQUESTS 0
LIBRARY 25,406 files

Some stats
releases1,766
last 24h+750
online404.1 GB
library1.2 TB
members0
updated2026-10-04 23:30

 
PlayStation 2 Slimline SPU-3170 Laser Replacement
DevicePlayStation 2 Slimline
DifficultyModerate
Time10 - 30 minutes
Steps10
This guide is by koppie007 on iFixit and is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0. ByteRot mirrors it for non-commercial preservation: formatting changed and photos resized for old browsers; full-size photos and the text are on the FTP in /DOCS/REPAIR. Original guide >>

Hi!

This guide will explain how to replace the laser for the PS2 Slim.

Note: There are 2 different lasers available for the PS2 Slim, this guide is only for replacing the SPU-3170(G).

Tools: Phillips #1 Screwdriver; Spudger; Phillips #0 Screwdriver; Soldering Iron


Step 1
[step 1 photo]
• Disconnect all cables from the console and flip the unit over to reveal its base.

Step 2
[step 2 photo] [step 2 photo] [step 2 photo]
• Locate the 6 feet on the base of the unit. Pry them off using a spudger to reveal the screws.
• NOTE: Note: One of the feet is located under the sticker shown in the photo. Removing this sticker will void any warranty with Sony.

Step 3
[step 3 photo] [step 3 photo] [step 3 photo]
• Remove all six 4.0 mm screws from the base of the unit using a #1 Phillips screwdriver.

Step 4
[step 4 photo] [step 4 photo] [step 4 photo]
• Starting at the corner at which the power and Ethernet ports are located, pry open the outer shell using a spudger and continue around the entire unit.
• NOTE: Note: You may use your hands for additional force to separate the two pieces of the outer shell.

Step 5 :: Remove screws and white tab
[step 5 photo] [step 5 photo] [step 5 photo]
• Remove the 2 philips screws, marked in red.
• Remove the white plastic slider holder.
• Picture 3 shows how it should be done.

Step 6 :: Remove slider
[step 6 photo]
• Remove the slider as shown in the picture. You could do this with your fingers, otherwise take tweezers (https://www.ifixit.com/en-ca/products/tweezers) to remove it.

Step 7 :: Disconnect the laser
[step 7 photo] [step 7 photo] [step 7 photo]
• CAUTION: Do not remove the laser yet!
• Take the laser out of the rail and rotate it.
• Open up the connector by both sides with your fingernail or spudger. Be EXTREME carefull here, as it can break easily! (if the laser is broken, it won't matter, you can even practice on the broken laser).
• Take the ribbon cable out, it should come out with ease.

Step 8 :: Transfer slider
[step 8 photo] [step 8 photo]
• Remove the philips screw from the laser and take off the slider.
• Transfer the slider to the new laser and screw it down.

Step 9 :: Desolder anti-static security
[step 9 photo] [step 9 photo]
• Most of the lasers have some solder on it for the anti-static security. You NEED to remove the solder, otherwise it won't work. Remove the solder with desolder wick.
• CAUTION: You need a soldering station to DESOLDER the anti-static (if it's there), without de-soldering it, the laser could be busted!!
• 2nd picture shows how it should be done. If you have the same result, your good to go. If you are not sure, just use your soldering iron again to remove some more (don't hold it too long on it, otherwise you could damage something).

Step 10 :: Laser assembly
[step 10 photo]
• Remove the blue sticker from the laser (if it has one). Put the laser back in and all other removed components (follow guide in reverse order). When you've put everything back, it should look like the provided picture.

Conclusion
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order. Do not forget to transfer the slider from the old laser to the new one!

Credit
This guide is by koppie007 on iFixit and is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0. ByteRot mirrors it for non-commercial preservation: formatting changed and photos resized for old browsers; full-size photos and the text are on the FTP in /DOCS/REPAIR. Original guide >>
[ all repair guides ]

[ByteRot] [FTP] [IRC] [Any Browser] [HTML 3.2]
© 2026 ByteRot · plain HTML 3.2, no JavaScript: works in Mosaic, Netscape, IE, Lynx and whatever you're using now · built 2026-10-04