Replace DVD Laser Assembly in PS2 Fat

Gizmo

Gizmo

Chief Site Administrator
Staff member
I'm posting this in case someone else needs to replace the laser assembly in their PS2 Fat, as I had to spend some time cross-referencing several sources.

Pre-requisites
  • You will obviously need a replacement laser assembly; the KHS-400C is the one you want to get, as it seems to have the highest reliability. Also, my research indicates that you can replace the original KHS-400A and KHS-400B with this assembly. If you can't get the 'C version, then you will need to source the SAME version as the one your are replacing. There are differences in the physical fit that will prevent the 'A and 'B versions from being interchangeable.
  • tovideogamesupply.com is one source I have used in the past. Their service is friendly and quick. You should be able to pick one up for around $45-$60 US, depending on availability.
  • A #2 phillips screwdriver, as well as a ridiculously tiny phillips screwdriver (jeweler's screwdriver), and a t6 torx bit.
It will be necessary to partially disassemble the PS2. Be VERY careful when taking the top off, as there are some cables on the right side for the power and reset switch that you can damage. There are teardown videos all over the Internet showing you how to do this. Here is one that shows a lot of the finer steps:

 
Nice! I love that you can do repairs on consoles like a PC and there are available parts online.
Did you have any serious setbacks when doing this repair?
 
Well, I wouldn't call it serious, but yeah, there was one setbeck.

During the video, he shows taking the ribbon cable loose from the laser. In my case, I accidentally broke one of the retaining ears on the connector tab, but as it turns out the ears are only necessary to keep the thing in place when it's loose, so with some finagling I was able to get the cable in place and then push in the tab to lock the cable down.

Other than that, it was actually pretty straight-forward.
 
Nice! Great improvisation skills.

I hate it when I've tried repairs like this and something very tiny and plastic breaks. It's always a "moving part" that has wear-n-tear and inevitably breaks.
 
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