The PlayStation 2 (PS2) has two controller ports for two players to use when playing games. The ribbon cable that connects the controller port to the circuit board can develop a tear and cease to work. Fixing the controller port yourself will save the cost and time lost from having to leave it at a service centre, although opening the PS2 voids the Sony warranty.

Put the bath towel on a table. Remove all of the cables from the PS2. Put the PS2 face down on the bath towel. Insert the tip of the flat-edged screwdriver beneath one of the four rubber feet on the bottom. Lift up on the tip of the flat-edged screwdriver to pull off the rubber foot. Pull the three other rubber feet off.

  • The PlayStation 2 (PS2) has two controller ports for two players to use when playing games.
  • Insert the tip of the flat-edged screwdriver beneath one of the four rubber feet on the bottom.

Insert the tip of the flat-edged screwdriver beneath one of the four plastic nubs on the bottom. Lift up on the tip of the flat-edged screwdriver to pull off the plastic nub. Pull the other plastic nub off.

Pull the bottom of the PS2 off the main circuit board using your fingers. Remove the dull metal plate on the right side of the PS2 with your fingers after first unscrewing the screws with the Phillips screwdriver.

  • Insert the tip of the flat-edged screwdriver beneath one of the four plastic nubs on the bottom.
  • Pull the bottom of the PS2 off the main circuit board using your fingers.

Rotate the PS2 so that the controller ports are facing you. Remove the clip attached to a ribbon cable from inside of the controller port that is not working with your fingers. Remove the ribbon cable from inside the controller port. Pull the angled end of the ribbon cable out from the PS2 circuit board with your fingers.

Remove the ribbon cable from the PS2. Verify whether the tear in the ribbon cable is in the centre or at one of the edges. Discard the ribbon cable for a replacement ribbon cable from a PS2 supply shop if the tear is in the centre.

Scrape the tear of the ribbon cable with the tip of a utility knife if the tear is at one of the edges. Cover the tear in the ribbon cable with a piece of electrical tape.

  • Remove the ribbon cable from the PS2.
  • Scrape the tear of the ribbon cable with the tip of a utility knife if the tear is at one of the edges.

Attach the angled end of the replacement ribbon cable or reattach the angled end of the ribbon cable to the circuit board in the PS2. Attach the other end of the ribbon cable inside of the controller port. Reattach the clip.

Put the metal plate back on the PS2. Reattach the screws. Put the bottom back on the PS2. Reattach the screws. Turn the PS2 over. Reattach the cables.

TIP

Check the controller port with more than one game controller to verify that the problem is the controller port first before doing anything to the PS2.

WARNING

An anti-static strap will protect the interior of the game console from static electricity.