=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G F A Q -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 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 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= INTRODUCTION =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 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. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= CONTENTS =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 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 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- UPDATES/REVISIONS =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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. There are no updates as of this moment. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ===================== PORTS TROUBLESHOOTING ===================== Here, I’ll help you troubleshoot some problems concerning the different ports in the system. Memory Card Slot, Controller, USB port, Ilink IEEE port. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- CONCLUSION =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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. =) -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= CREDITS/ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- - 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