1. Is the disc clean?

Starting with the most obvious cause for why a disc may not be loading or playing i.e. it is not clean.

To clean a disc it is recommended that you use a lint-free cleaning cloth, particularly those made specifically for cleaning CD/DVD discs that you can very often find at computer software stores. For best PS3 care go to the blog post for some helpful tips on cleaning discs, PS3 care and more.

Warning: If you tend to use other fabrics or materials for cleaning your discs such as paper towel or a T-shirt, these may leave tiny scratches on the disc. If you find that the disc has any scratches, smudges, or fingerprints on the disc, these may prevent the PS3 from reading the disc properly. Also, it’s not recommended that you use or insert CD or DVD drive cleaners into the PS3 as they can cause damage to the system. Go to Best PS3 Care for further information.

2. Insert Another Disc

Try inserting a different disc into your PS3 console or if you have access to another PS3 unit, try the disc in that machine in order to identify whether the problem is with the disc or the PS3 console.

3. Load a Different Disc Type

By loading a different disc type – CD or DVD – you will be able to determine if the problem exists across multiple disc types or just one disc type.

4. Delete Game Data and Re-install

This my help to resolve the problem. Go to [Game] > [Game Data Utility] and locate the game data for the disc that you’re trying to play, if the problem is that a game disc is not loading. Highlight the relevant icon and select “Delete” to delete the game data. Next, try re-inserting the disc and reinstalling the game.

5. Restore File System

It’s possible that your PS3 has some damaged files on the Hard drive, which may be causing issues. To remove these damages files you will need to activate safe mode and select “Restore File System”. Please be advised that it is recommended that you perform a backup of your data before restoring your file system. Go to the Activate Safe Mode page for more information and for a walk through.

6. Backward Compatibility?

PS3 models CECHA01, CECHB01, and CECHE01 are backward compatible to play PS2 software game titles. Check the model number of your PS3 (located on the back of the console) against the table below to see if your PS3 is compatible with the game title that you are trying to play.

If these steps did not help, click here for available service options.

As you will see from the above video, there’s a bewildering number of different error codes that can plague your PS3 console.

It’s infuriating when those fiendish error codes strike an attack on your console?

So, to help you fix the problem fast, below I’ve set out the top 10 – and more – of the most commonly searched error codes and suggested troubleshooting to get your PS3 fixed so you can go back to playing on your PS3.

Top 10 Searched PS3 Error Codes & Troubleshooting Suggestions

PS3 Error 8001050F

In early 2010, the fat PS3 suffered a major firmware fault, rendering these consoles unusable all around the world. The issue was finally dentified as a bug with the internal clock. The PS3 internal clock thought that 2010 was a leap year and so when the network service tried to tell the console that it was 1st March 2010 and not 29th February, fat PS3 consoles around the world shut down.

That problem was quickly resolved and if you get error 8001050F today it’s most likely because of a Playstation network issue and nothing more. It simply means that the PlayStation Network is down.

The solution is to wait for the Network to come back up, so you’ll need to connect to the Network at a later time.

PS3 Error 80010514

PS3 error 80010514 occurs when your console is having trouble reading discs. In other words you get no response when you insert the disc and you get the error message 80010514.

The first thing is check for the obvious. Is the disc that you’re trying to use clean or does it have any scratches or any other kind of damage?

The easiest way to confirm whether the disk is the problem or whether the problem lies with the console is to try a different disc. If you’re experiencing the same the problem with all your discs then click here for some troubleshooting solutions for when your PS3 wont read discs.

PS3 Error 80710723

The third most commonly searched PS3 error is code 80710723, which occurs when there’s a network server timeout while attempting to connect to the network server.

There may be a couple of reason for this. It could be due to a slow internet connection or high traffic demand on your Internet Service Provider’s network.

When you get this error , you may want to attempt connecting at a later time or contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to check the speed of your Internet service. Many ISPs will have a free web tool that you can use to perform a speed test.

Alternatively, if you feel up to it you could attempt to troubleshoot your own network. For guidance you can go to the System Settings and Software Download Page and follow the step-by-step notes for wired or wireless connections.

PS3 Error 80710102

PS3 error code 80710102 occurs when the PS3 system is again unable to connect to the Internet.

Some of the reasons for this may be due to the input of incorrect information during the set up of your network connection, or it may be a temporary fault with the internet connection. If your using wireless connection, this could be due to a weak signal. If you have a wired internet connection, the problem could be due to congestion on the ISP network. You may also want to re-check your network settings.

PS3 Error 80710092

The PS3 error 80710092 is yet another online connection problem. When you get this error message you typically won’t be able to connect to the Internet or the PlayStation Network whether it’s to sign-in, access account settings, connect to a game online, or access or purchase from the PlayStation Store.

This could be down to a scheduled maintenance or perhaps there are issues with your Internet connection. Visit Sony PlayStation’s Blog or the PlayStation Forums to check on the status of PlayStation Network.

If the issue is due to a scheduled maintenance, you’ll have to wait it out. If there is no server maintenance, then what you can do is go to “Network” on your XMB, then selection “Internet Browser”. Attempt accessing any website. If you’re unable to access any websites using your PS3 Internet Browser, the issue could be with your ISP. You will need to contact your ISP for help with your Internet connection.

PS3 Error 80130182

You’ll get this error when your PS3 can’t detect an Internet Connection. In other words, your PS3 is not receiving an internet signal.

Try to reboot the system and get a new internet connect. For tips on how to safely execute PS3 System Shut Down click here.

If you should continue experiencing connection problems, click on the type of internet connection you have below for some more troubleshooting steps.
- Wired
- Wireless

PS3 Error 8001002b

The PS3 8001002b error occurs when your PS3 fails to access data from an external storage device (i.e., external USB hard drive, media card, etc).

What you can try to do is remove the device and reinsert and try again. If that doesn’t do the trick, try a different external storage device.

If you’re finding that multiple devices fail, you may have a problem with your PS3 console. Click here for further help with fixing this error.

PS3 Error 8002a548

When your PlayStation 3 is having difficulties with accessing the PlayStation Network you’ll get an error code 8002a548.

To check that you have a good internet connection, try using the PS3 Internet Browser to visit any website. If you can, your Internet service is running correctly. If you cannot there is an issue with your Internet service. Click on the type of connection below for troubleshooting steps.
- Wired
- Wireless

Try connecting to the PlayStation Store. If you are able to connect to the Store, then the PS3 is able to connect to the PlayStation Network and the issue is with the game. You will need to contact the software publisher for assistance. If you’re not able to establish a connection with the Store, it could be that the PlayStation Network is undergoing maintenance. Alternatively, there is heavy congestion on your ISP’s network and you will need to try again later or contact your Internet Service Provider.

PS3 Error 8001050f

This is also a PlayStation Network Issue, which arises when the PlayStation Network is down. The only solution is to attempt to connect at a later time.

PS3 Error 8002ad23

This PS3 error also relates to a problem connecting to the PlayStation Network.

As mentioned above, this could be due to heavy traffic usage on your ISP’s network. You could try rebooting your PS3 system (see above) and re-try to sign-in to the PlayStation Network.

Also check on the status of the PlayStation Network. See the link above. Or if there’s are no issues with the PlayStation Network and you still can’t resolve the problem, attempt to connect at a later time.

Click Here For Some Alternative Repair Options

Here are some nifty time saving ps3 troubleshooting shortcuts that I discovered, plus a few additional shortcuts that were thrown my way by some friendly PlayStation gamers. Anyway, I hope these offer you some good troubleshooting help.

Fan test

The Fan Test works for CECHG models and higher. The power switch on the back of the PS3 must be turned off. For PS3 slim models, simply unplug the console. Hold down the eject button and at the same time turn the power back on. Release the eject button once the fan turns on. The process takes about 30 seconds. Click here for more information on Fan Test.

PS3 Reset

Hold down the Power/Standby button on the front of the console for 10 seconds until the power indicator light shows red. Then simply restart your ps3.

Forced Disc Eject

If you’re having problems removing a disc from your console hold the eject button down for 6 seconds (PS3 needs to be in on position) to force it to eject.

Blu-ray Reset

While the PS3 is in on position, hold down the eject button for 12 seconds which will reset the Blu-ray.

Safe Mode

Place the PS3 in standby mode so the power light is showing red on the front of the console. Turn off the main power to the console. Turn the console main power back on, then hold down the power/standby button. You will hear a short beep after about 5 seconds, a further beep after 10 seconds when the system will shut down. Release the power/standby button.

Next touch and hold down the power/standby button again and after 5 seconds you will hear the system beep once. When you hear 2 short beeps in quick succession, release the power/standby button. Click here for detailed instructions on Safe Mode.

Video Reset to Factory Settings

While the PS3 is in off mode (standby) hold down the power button until you hear the second beep to reset the video to the basic factory settings.

Turn off Sixaxis or Dualshock 3

You can turn off Sixaxis or DualShock 3 by holding down the PS button on your controller for 10 seconds.

In this article I will briefly explain the sequence of indicator lights on the PS3 console that you need to look out for that confirms that your console is suffering from YLOD or the red indicator fault; why these faults occur in the first instance; and how to effectively mitigate, avoid or troubleshoot your way out of a potentially catastrophic failure of your game system that can end up costing you at least a couple of hundred dollars to fix.

It’s unfortunate but true, PS3 faults are a common occurrence with the blinking Yellow Light fault probably being the most serious and widespread problem. It’s thought that many of the problems occurring with the PS3 console is largely due to a design flaw, making it vulnerable to failure.

If the power status light on your console flashes or blinks from green to yellow and back to green, this is known as the “yellow light of death”. If what you experience is a power status light that flashes red after using your console for 3 or more minutes and then shuts down, then you are likely to be experiencing the red light of death.

PS3 Yellow Light of Death

It’s widely believed that the main cause of the Yellow Light of Death is due to the processor getting so hot during heavy use of the console that the tiny solder points on the GPU liquefies, and over time loses its connection with the motherboard.

Older PS3s tend to be more vulnerable to YLOD and it’s believed that this may be due to older less efficient processors that generate more heat than the newer PS3 models. The official line from Sony however is that the yellow indicator warning light can be caused for a variety of reasons, without giving any further explanation.

What we do know from the many PS3 owners that have experienced the YLOD fault is that in many cases the only repair that seems consistently to work involves opening up the PS3 console and using a heat gun to heat up the CPU / GPU and direct chipsets.

However, in a limited number of cases, a YLOD warning may be due to a faulty power supply preventing the console from properly booting up.

To determine what is causing the YLOD, switch the console off and allow it to cool down for at least 20 minutes. Then turn the console on and listen closely for the fan. If the fan powers on briefly and then switches off again, you are likely to have a problem with the motherboard. If you don’t hear the fan on start up, then the likely problem is with the power supply.

PS3 Red Light of Death

The red light error may also be caused by overheating but equally it may also be because of a major hard drive failure. Depending on how often you use your PS3 and how well you look after it, a hard drive ought to last on average at least 3 to 5 years.

Of the two, YLOD is the more serious as it tends to indicate an internal fault needing a professional repair. A flashing red indicator light on the other hand is often the precursor to more serious internal problems. So if you are experiencing a red warning light, all is not lost. In fact even if you are getting a yellow warning light, you may still be able to recover you PS3 system if you catch it early enough.

How to Prevent Serious Damage Occurring

Since we know that many of the problems that arise with the PS3 are due to overheating especially if the console is being used for long periods of time, here are some of the things that you can do to prevent serious damage:

1. Ensure that the air vents on the console are not obstructed in any way.
2. Allow at least 4 inches of clearance on all sides of the PlayStation 3 for adequate ventilation.
3. Remove the PlayStation console from any cabinets, away from other stacked electrical equipment and don’t tuck it into corners of the room as these areas promote heat build up.
4. Check for dust on and around the air vents as well as inside the console, as this can chock your PS3 of air, preventing it from cooling down, which itself can lead to fan failure. (click here for more tips).

PS3-Help’s 7-Step Repair Guide For Retrieving YLOD and

Red Light of Death PS3 Errors

If your PS3 is not functioning because of a possible YLOD or Red Light error issue, here is a brief outline of what you can do to recover your PS3 console:

1. Shut down the PS3 console and all peripherals
2. Disconnect the console and allow to cool down in a well ventilated location.
3. Safely remove all dust and perform a “PS3 Fan Test“.
4. Reconnect cables, ensuring that you check all cables and connections that they neither loose nor damaged.
5. Perform “PS3 Safe Mode” and reboot your PS3 system, which is particularly relevant if your PS3 is failing to boot up.
6. Check PS3 system settings and ensure that you have the latest software download update.
7. The final troubleshoot procedure is what’s called a PS3 hard drive reset, which simply involves removing the hard drive cassette and reinserting it.

For a detailed walk-through of the above, you can use this site’s suggested troubleshooting repair guide by clicking on this link

For your convenience I’ve also posted below a great video by a fellow PS3 gamer that you should watch as it goes through what you need to do to remedy many causes of the black screen error and hopefully get your ps3 rocking and rolling and ready for action.

So let’s take a look at both issues more closely and hopefully get you up and running within the next 10 minutes, all being well.

PS3 Black Screen Fix – Reboot

Despite the PS3 black screen problem being commonly described as the “black screen of death”, the black screen error is rarely related to a serious hardware fault. As such many ps3 users have reported that by simply doing a ps3 reboot on their console, fixes the blackscreen problem.

So, the first thing that you will need to do is follow the correct process/procedure for rebooting your ps3 console. If you’ve not done this before check out the help page on how to activate ps3 safe mode, which takes you step-by-step through the process of correctly shutting down and thereafter rebooting.

If that doesn’t resolve the problem, we need to next look at the HMDI connections, as a problem here will prevent an image being displayed on your TV screen.

The problem could either be that the HDMI cable is defective in which case you will need to buy a new cable, or it could be an incorrect video setting on your PS3 console.

PS3 Black Screen Fix – HDMI Connection

If your video output settings don’t correctly match those specified for your TV, the screen is likely to go blank when the resolution is changed. You will therefore need to set your console to match the size of your TV screen, or if you did not select HDMI you will not get any image displayed. Check your TV manual and your PS3 manual for the relevant information to ensure settings match.

To check whether the HDMI cable is faulty, unplug the cable from both your TV and PS3 console. swipe away and blow out any dust on the connectors and reconnect. Next, power up your ps3 console to see whether the black screen is fixed.

If not try using a different HDMI cable, either a new cable or one that you have on another piece of equipment that you know works, and test it on your PS3.

If this fixes the problem then great, all you need is a new HDMI cable and you’re good to go.

If you’re still experiencing a PS3 black screen error problem, you may want to click Here For Some Alternative Repair Options.

The blinking Yellow Light fault – aptly named the “Yellow Light of Death” or you may also know it by the acronym “YLOD” – is probably the most serious and widespread problem that PS3 owners complain about.

It’s widely believed that the main cause for many problems with the PS3 console, in particularly the Yellow Light of Death, is due to the processor getting so hot during heavy use that the tiny solder points on the GPU liquifies and over time loses its connection with the motherboard.

This is also largely believed to be why YLOD is often reported on PS3 20GB and 60GB models that have older less efficient processors, as they generate more heat.

The red light error is a different problem which frequently occurs due to a major hard drive failure. Depending on how often you use your PS3 and how well you look after it, a hard drive should last on average at least 3 to 5 years.

In order to avoid your ps3 becoming vulnerable to failure; to extend the life of your console and get maximum error-free use from your PS3, you may want to check out our recommended Best PS3 Care guidance notes.

The vast majority of problems that occur with PS3 consoles originate from poor ventilation, overheating and general neglect, resulting in static or flashing red light, or flashing green and red lights and in the worst case scenarios, the dreaded “yellow light of death”.

If you detect that your PS3 fan is progressively getting noisier, don’t ignore it as this may be an indication of a growing overheating problem.

In order to minimize faults and prevent failures from occurring, the following are some of the steps you can take that should see your PS3 through many years of trouble-free use:

Well Ventilated Environment

1. Your PS3 needs to remain relatively cool to operate efficiently. During heavy use your PS3 will get hot but that is normal. However, it’s important that you position your PS3 in a well ventilated area.

Avoid placing your console on carpet, as carpet is very poor at dissipating heat, as it retains it instead. That retained heat will simply make its way back into your console causing the PS3 and the fan in particular to work harder to remain cool.

Also, avoid placing your console in a location where heat can build up such as in an enclosed AV cabinet, near walls, in the corner of a room or stacked up with other electrical products.

Lay Console Flat or Upright?

2. It is better to place your PS3 flat so the fan is facing up towards the ceiling, as hot air naturally rises. This should help the console to cool down more efficiently. If you’re going to stand the console on its side, ensure that you use a PS3 stand that is specifically designed for PS3 consoles, as these are constructed so as not to obstruct any of the air vents.

Additional Cooling Accessories

3. If you suspect that your PS3 console is getting too hot during heavy usage, you may want to consider getting additional external fans specifically for your PS3. There are many fan manufacturers that produce fans designed to help cool down electrical products.

4. Purchase a laptop cooling pad for your console to sit on, which will help to quickly remove the heat away from your console. You can buy these at many computer accessory stores.

Minimize Dust Build-up

5. Your PS3 needs to breath. When it’s choking with dust, especially around its air vents it won’t be able to cool down effectively as there will be insufficient air circulation getting into your PS3.

It’s important that you routinely clean your PS3 to remove excess dust accumulation. Use a slightly damp, lint-free cloth to wipe away dust from the surface of the console to avoid dissipating dust into the air.

For ways to safely rid excess PS3 dust from the air vents and from within the console itself, click on the link.

6. When your PS3 is not in use, it’s advisable to use a cover over to minimize dust build-up.

Clean Disks

7. Clean all discs before inserting them into your PS3. If you experience problems with discs not being read, check that the disk is clean and undamaged.

To clean discs it’s recommended that you use a lint-free cloth. Wipe the disk clean from the center out. Avoid discs being left exposed to direct sunlight.

Check Connections

8. Use a surge protector and ensure all cables connected to your PS3 are connected correctly.

Checking connections is a basic troubleshooting step, but it’s surprising how many PS3 problems are caused by lose cables or cables that are plugged into the wrong location. This is one of the main causes for the “no display” error.