[Lynza]

I'm a fairly skilled audio technician (it's how I make my living), and generally I am able to fix my car/computer/stereo/DVD Player/PS2/blender/furniture on my own. I have a decent sense of logic. Therefore, this current PS2 problem is driving me insane. I followed the instructions on this site, but aside from making the fan run quietter, it did nothing.

Here's the problem:

When I turn on my PS2, it comes up green and orange and pink with broad verticle stripes across the picture. It started while I was playing FFXII, and luckily the mini-map was still in a visible way, so I found my way back to a save point and saved. (This becomes important later.) Now, every time I start up there's the same problem. Half the screen stopped moving, but the other half continued.

Here's my analysis:

The PS2 is not having problems reading the disc. If it did, then it would freeze or make bad skipping noises or simply scramble-- but, I was able to walk my characters to a save point and save without issue (well, except for the aggro from black chocobos...). The audio is perfect, but the video is down, which tells me it's the video output. I jiggled the cable, and got no response. I'll try a new cable soon, but I seriously doubt this is the problem. If half the screen stopped and the other kept processing, then the television is still getting a signal from the PS2 on that other half, regardless of if it's the right signal or not. Therefore, the signal is bad.


Now... I don't know anything about the internal workings of PS2s. I'm feeling a little retarded. Therefore, I am going to play the confused, technically-inept girl, and utter the words I hoped never to have to say again.

"My stuff broke. Can you (tell me how to) fix it?"


-- Peace,
Lyn

[j0k3r]

Welcome to the forums!

The first thing you will want to try is to unplug everything from your PS2 except for the A/V cables and the power. Ensure there are no controllers or memory cards plugged in to the unit. Power on the machine without any game in the console and verify that is will boot to the OS and display properly. If this works, next try booting with a game in the unit and verify the game works properly without any peripherals plugged in.

If this works, start plugging in your peripherals until you find the one that is causing the problem. It could be a bad memory card, short in the controller connection, etc. These are all things that have been known to cause the PS2 to go completely haywire. If this does not solve the problem, you will want to try new A/V and power cables. If this does not help, you might be SOL. The PS2 is a pretty delicate piece of equipment and not easily fixed.

You can take comfort in the fact that PS2s are pretty much a dime a dozen and you would be able to pick up a used one for next to nothing.

Good luck.