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updated2026-10-04 23:30

 
PlayStation 2 Optical Disc Drive Laser Assembly Replacement
DevicePlayStation 2
DifficultyModerate
Time20 minutes
Steps7
This guide is by jwyoung 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 >>

Replace the laser assembly in your optical disc drive. Replacing the laser requires you to have or purchase a new laser.

Tools: Metal Spudger; Phillips #00 Screwdriver; Phillips #1 Screwdriver


Step 1
[step 1 photo] [step 1 photo] [step 1 photo]
• REMINDER: Flip the PlayStation 2 over so it lays with the bottom of the device facing upwards.
• Use the flat edge of a metal spudger to pry the eight flat screw covers out.
• Remove the following eight screws securing the top cover to the bottom case:
    • Four 55.4 mm Philips screws
    • Four 18.0 mm Phillips screws

Step 2
[step 2 photo]
• Some models have a different number of screws and feet. Remove all the feet and screws in the bottom of the case.
• The 10 screw model has 6 screws in the bottom-most portion and 4 in the upper tray.

Step 3
[step 3 photo]
• Peel the warranty sticker (located next to the main power switch) straight away from the case.
• NOTE: To avoid activating the VOID that may come up, heat it carefully to remove and replace it clean

Step 4
[step 4 photo] [step 4 photo]
• REMINDER: Flip the PlayStation 2 back to its original upside position.
• Lift the top cover off the bottom case.
• NOTE: To facilitate the removal, it is recommended to pry open the half closer to the power switch first while rocking the top cover towards the front of the bottom case.
• Carefully remove the power cord that attaches the top and bottom halves by disconnecting the power cord assembly from the top case.

Step 5
[step 5 photo] [step 5 photo]
• Remove the four 6.4 mm Phillips screws securing the top lid of the optical disc drive.
• Lift and remove the lid from the optical disc drive.

Step 6
[step 6 photo]
• Remove the two 7.2 mm Phillips black screws securing the metal silver rails that hold the laser in place.

Step 7
[step 7 photo]
• Use your fingernail to flip up the retaining flap on the optical disc drive laser ribbon cable.
• CAUTION: Be sure you are prying up on the movable retaining flap, not the socket itself.
• Pull the optical disc drive laser ribbon cable straight away and out of its socket.
• REMINDER: If you maneuver the unscrewed ends of the metal rails upwards, the laser will slide out.

Conclusion
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Credit
This guide is by jwyoung 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 >>
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