PlayStation 3
Faulty Optical Laser
January 8, 2024
Happy New Year everyone! This year kicked off with a typical console issue which turned into a bit of a time suck. A PlayStation 3 slim hit the bench and during testing I noted that the optical drive in the system was having some trouble reading discs, and despite a thorough cleaning things were not getting any better. I ordered a couple of replacement lasers and sat in for the long wait for them to be delivered, which to my surprise was only a couple of weeks. Shortly afterwards I had the new laser carefully installed in the system.
Unfortunately after testing the drive I realized that while the DVD / Blu-ray pickup was working, the new laser would fail to read CDs, even brand new discs without any issues. A visual inspection didn't turn up anything obvious that would point to the culprit, and no amount of cleaning seemed to make a difference. I swapped the laser to the other one which had come with the same order and validated that everything worked fine. So it was time to open up a return case to get a refund for the faulty laser.
After opening the case I received the expected response from the vendor encouraging me to try another disc, check the model of the console to ensure it was the right one, and they declined any kind of refund as I didn't supply a full installation video.
Of course this vendor didn't realize that I'm about as stubborn as they come when it comes to expecting a 'wrong' to be 'righted'. I proceeded to respond to all of the vendors questions, took bountiful pictures of the install and recorded video showing how a game disc / DVD would work but not a CD. The vendor replied that every laser is checked carefully before it is shipped, and they included a video of this testing process, declared they would not refund and moved to close the case.
But... wait a minute....
I pointed out to the vendor that their video proof that every laser is tested before shipping seemed difficult to accept since I ordered and received parts for a PlayStation 3, and their 'proof' was showing a PlayStation 2. Ultimately the vendor held their position on no refund but thankfully the marketplace stepped in and reviewed my documentation and enforced a refund. So the moral of the story? There really isn't one, other than if you have the time, stay the course and you may just prevail, and if possible test your parts after receiving them don't just put them on the shelf.