*PS3 Tech problem* Front power/eject button issue

[jonathanm1978]

Does anyone know a way to work-around the buttons on the front of the older PS3 (the "fat"?)...
I'm not sure what happened to mine, but I'm sure that the front buttons are ruined. My niece has probably spilled juice (apple or something) on the front, and the buttons don't work at all. The PS3 still comes on, there's no blinking yellow light, no blinking red light...but when the thing turns on, the fans are on high and it does that "self test"...the technique we used to discuss as a way to "blow out" the fans by making them run on high...

Since it's doing this every time I plug in the cord and flip the rocker switch (rear), I am pretty sure it's the power button/eject button. The button is obviously shorted in the "ON" position and touching it doesn't do anything..it still comes on with fans full blast and turns back off..

I was going to give this PS3 to my two sons so they could play Warhawk with it..so I'm not really caring much about it being "pristine"...but I'd just like for it to work. The BR-drive doesn't really have to be used, they can play games that are on it already, or downloaded -- so the eject button isn't that important...but the power button....yeah, I need that one. Eject would be nice too, but definitely power. I haven't started taking it apart yet, I'm just curious if there's any hope before I take it all apart.

Anyone??

Thanks.

Jonathan

[AaronSOLDIER]

So its a 40GB/newer80GB PHAT (the 20GB/60GB never had the fan test). To do the fan test you need to hold down the eject button before flicking the switch at the back (which as you stated is happening here).

So basically, its the eject button that's damaged, could be the on/off button too but we can't determine that.

Can't you just use the controller to turn the console on and off though? I never use the button on the console itself I just do everything with the controller, the only problem is that if the eject button is being held down the you won't be able to use discs.

If you haven't already, I'd clean the button area with a damp cloth and leave it off for awhile and see if that works before attempting to open it.

Also, a long shot but you could try spraying compressed air into the vents on the underside of the buttons.

[Rekmon]

Take it apart and clean out the "buttons" with some alcohol.

[jonathanm1978]

I'm guessing my only recourse is to take it apart...so, someone who has done this before (I took this same PS3 apart once, about 3 years ago and it's VERY vague to me how and what I did) how much trouble is it to get to the front buttons? I mean, do I have to completely tear down the system just to get to it, or can I remove that top plate and get them relatively easily?

[Rekmon]

I'm guessing my only recourse is to take it apart...so, someone who has done this before (I took this same PS3 apart once, about 3 years ago and it's VERY vague to me how and what I did) how much trouble is it to get to the front buttons? I mean, do I have to completely tear down the system just to get to it, or can I remove that top plate and get them relatively easily?

You should be able to get to them after taking off the top plate if memory serves me correctly.

[jonathanm1978]

Also, if memory serves me correctly, don't I need some sort of Torx bit to unscrew the ones holding that top on?

[yanksbuddy]

take it to the sony service center..

[Rekmon]

Also, if memory serves me correctly, don't I need some sort of Torx bit to unscrew the ones holding that top on?

Yeah you need one for the first screw to get the thing open.
I unfortunately just formatted my old drive without thinking, otherwise I'd would offer to send you the Sony Repair manual. It's out there on the web though, just gotta poke around.

[jonathanm1978]

So yesterday I decided to break open the case and see what I'm dealing with. I was right..looks like something was spilled and got into that pad/area where the buttons are. Cleaned up the area with alcohol / contact cleaner, but the metal "prongs" that touch the buttons when you put the lid back down look a bit rusty..or something....anyway, here's the outcome of taking it apart:

Where before, the buttons were obviously both held down -- connection on both buttons was made so that they were both active, after cleaning neither of them will operate. I tried turning on the Ps3 after I cleaned it, and the fan test came on once, it powered off, then steady red light. Tried turning on with buttons = nope. Tried hooking in controller and turning on = nope. So I'm thinking one of the buttons might still be held..not sure. I have some small-grit sandpaper, and I'm going to see if I can lightly touch-up those prongs today..maybe get it working again.

[dreams]

So yesterday I decided to break open the case and see what I'm dealing with. I was right..looks like something was spilled and got into that pad/area where the buttons are. Cleaned up the area with alcohol / contact cleaner, but the metal "prongs" that touch the buttons when you put the lid back down look a bit rusty..or something....anyway, here's the outcome of taking it apart:

Where before, the buttons were obviously both held down -- connection on both buttons was made so that they were both active, after cleaning neither of them will operate. I tried turning on the Ps3 after I cleaned it, and the fan test came on once, it powered off, then steady red light. Tried turning on with buttons = nope. Tried hooking in controller and turning on = nope. So I'm thinking one of the buttons might still be held..not sure. I have some small-grit sandpaper, and I'm going to see if I can lightly touch-up those prongs today..maybe get it working again.

You've done quiet abit to get it working again but unfortunately it didn't work. Most of the time when you try 'fixing' something yourself it turns out to be a letdown.
I'd suggest you take it to a repair center where they have alot of appliances, they should be able to fix it.
Or there's always the Sony center as stated above.