When our trusted 2008 PS3 went on the blink (red light, bleep and then off!) we knew we had a problem. First thing we did was contact Sony UK about a repair as our PS3 was out of warranty.
The lady at Sony offered us a 'reconditioned' PS3 with 3 months warranty for £110 ($179) we declined as we could buy a new PS3 from Amazon for £159 ($258) with full one year warranty. When we filled in the email survey expressing our rejection, Sony called to ask why! We explained the deal above, however Sony said the didn't repair PS3s, we asked where do all the refurbished units come from? They couldn't answer.
Sony say the YLOD isn't a problem - however lots of ebay sellers and websites are making money fixing this 'problem' we tried and it and it worked!
So off to ebay and we found this great kit that included all we need, including the hot air gun! Watched a few video tutorials (links at the end) and within one hour the PS3 was working again.
We bought this kit here this link will expire so try this link to the supplier - here
Here's what we got:-
1 - 10ml VOC Free No Clean Liquid Flux In No Mess Easy
Application Bottle.
1 - 2000w Heatgun with temperature setting (1st setting is ideal) plus all the kit for paint stripping etc...
2 - Pure Copper Shims - solid copper and great should help heat dissipation (you can buy a cheaper version without the shims)
2 - 1g High Quality Gold Thermal Compound (we used most of this as the shims need application)
1 - T10 Torx Security Screwdriver (for one screw!) That's how complete this kit is!
4 - Isopropyl Alcohol Swabs great for cleaning (clear the biggest bits with a knife before using this)
4 - Cotton Buds ( never used)
1 - Thermal Compound Spreader Tool (plastic card)
1 - PS3 YLOD And General Repair Guide On CD. With Step By Step Picture Guide, And Complete Video Links Of All Processes Required For A Successful Repair (pdf format) - see below.
And as much support as you need from the seller!
Cost, at the time of writing, including UK post £27.59 ($45) great value!
Here's the info in pdf format with links to YouTube videos...
PS3 YLOD FIX (60gb) Part 1 - here
PS3 YLOD FIX (60gb) Part 2 - here
PS3 YLOD FIX (60gb) Part 3 - here
PS3 YLOD FIX (60gb) Part 4 - here
PS3 YLOD FIX (60gb) Part 5 - here
PS3 YLOD FIX (60gb) Part 6 - here
PS3 40GB STRIPDOWN - here
PS3 80GB STRIPDOWN - here
FLUXING PS3 AND BGA'S, ALSO CLAMP BENDING - here
PS3 YLOD Repair Guide - here
PS3 YLOD video guide - here
PS3 YLOD Copper Shim installation guide - here
It will fix your problem if you take your time and follow the instructions. We would point out the following - make sure you take note of every screw and where they go! The longer you take watching videos and learning before you start the easier it will be.
Take your time and chances are you can fix the YLOD issue.
Happy fixing - please leave a comment if you have any problems
