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intro
This thread is dedicated for PSN members that have fallen victim to the Yellow Light of Death [YLOD]. This thread is the newly updated to PSnupe's thread which was not being updated and is now locked. His thread can be seen here.
background
The YLOD is a major hardware failure for the PlayStation 3. The specific cause is somewhat known, but Sony has not commented about this failure whatsoever. Some theories for the cause include: overheating (accelerated by dust build-up), blu-ray drive failure, bad power supply, and/or a hard drive critical error. **UPDATE** According to an eBay store that repairs YLOD PS3's, the hardware failure is caused by either/or of two things:
1. Hardware malfunction on the motherboard due to heating/cooling (solder physically cracking/breaking) which can be fixed by "reflowing", which is a fancy way of using a machine that has a super controlled (+ or - .5 degrees) hot air nozzle to re-melt the solder on the base of the defective chip to re-attach it.
2. The power supply has the failure in one of its capacitors or diodes. This can also be fixed by "reflowing" but it is harder to diagnose due to the need to chase down which one it is. **According to this eBay store, this scenario is a much more difficult way to repair PS3's with the YLOD. They state they can only repair 8 out of 10 PS3's with the YLOD**
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You know you have received the YLOD when the following occurs (Can also be seen here):
You power on the console.
The console starts up normally for about 2-3 seconds,
The console beeps 3 times while flashing a faint yellow light,
The console continues to flash a red light.
In the PlayStation 3 owner's manual, the flashing red light indicates an overheat, but the manual also states that the PS3 can be restarted (once cooled down) without any further problems (This is, of course, a false statement). Here is an image of the manual stating this interesting fact (Page 13 of 60GB model CECHA01):
Personally, I noticed my console fan was on "high" and blowing a lot in the final weeks and days before my PS3 received the YLOD. 24 hours after the malfunction, the console would still not power on, even though the manual says it can.
what now?
If you need help as to what to do after the YLOD you only have 3 options: Buy a new PS3, start the repair process through Sony (which means you will receive a refurbished PS3), or repair your PS3 through a 3rd party. There are a couple things you need to know for the repair process through Sony:
It will cost $150 plus applicable taxes for the repair if you are not in-warranty. (If you are in-warranty, the repair is free)
It usually takes approx. 1-3 weeks for the repair
You will most likely receive a refurbished (like new) console for the repair
Includes 90-day warranty
You will be unable to recover any saved files from your dead console unless you backed up the hard drive. However, all PS Store downloads are available through the PS Store for re-download. Also, all PSN activity (friends list, online multiplayer stats, etc.) are saved on servers and will be automatically recovered once you receive your new PS3.
There are also a couple things you need to know about 3rd party repairs:
Often less expensive than what Sony charges
Often includes 90-day warranty
You get your original console back, not a refurbished, so all your saved games are still on your hard drive!*
Timing varies between shops
Some 3rd party repairs are available through eBay or you can Google them.
Some 3rd party repairs can only repair certain YLOD's. (***See turquoise text above in the "Background" section.***)
*Check with the repair place to verify the above bullet points. ^^
If you are interested in third party repairs, I recommend you visit this thread: Got YLOD? Don't give Sony another $150 + tax ... and lose your HD contents
As for me, ajcadoo, I went through Sony and if you do go through with the repair through Sony, I highly recommend you visit this thread: Have you sent in your PS3 for repairs? If so, your answers are here!!! It will provide you with much more detailed information regarding the repair process.
the sig
If you are a victim of the YLOD, show off your dissatisfaction by presenting this in your forum signature:
Courtesy of me, ajcadoo!
Copy this HTML code into your signature:
<a href="http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/ajcadoo/?action=view&c
urrent=YLOD-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/ajcadoo/YLOD-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
^ the pics did not seem to copy over but good stuff nonetheless from ajcadoo on the PS3 forums
