PlayStation 3

The repair.wiki entry on this console also includes a lot of model specific information that will not be included here.

Problem DescriptionSymptomsSolutionSource
Applications won’t launch, also can’t update the console- Can be caused by a dead disc drive.

- Check for shorts around the Bluetooth/WiFi module, replace if shorted.
Source
PS3 freezes on boot and/or slow during use.- Laggy XMB
- Games/apps freeze
- Longer than usual load times.
- Test the HDD using CrystalDiskInfo or similar software to ensure it’s a good drive.Source
Overheating despite cleaning.- Delid the CELL/BE and/or RSX, as the factory thermal paste between the actual chips and the IHS can fail/degrade over time.Source

Mod that achieves the same effect without delidding.
Red Light of Death (RLoD)Verify the CoreOS files aren’t corrupt, reflash the flash chips if necessary.Source
Yellow Light of Death (YLoD)- Artifacting

- Distorted colors after a few minutes

- Lines on the screen
- Possibly bad RSX, specifically the bumps that connect the GPU to the substrate (most likely to happen on 90nm variants of the RSX, some 65nm variants may also be affected)

- Possibly bad solder balls between the RSX and Motherboard

- Possibly bad NEC/Tokin capacitors
Source

Additional YLoD Info