My PS3 Repair Diary

[theFRANCHISE]

For those who don't know, I'm a proud PS3 owner. I've supported Sony since the original PlayStation and have stood by their consoles since adolescence. Each iteration has proven reliable to me; my original PS1 never died on me, my original PS2 only needed repair once after 2 years of heavy gameplay and has remained loyal since, and my original PS3 has just recently died on me after 2.5 years of moderate-to-heavy usage.

Today, I begin my journey towards reviving my PS3. Because none of my friends have had to send their PS3s in for repair, none of them were familiar with Sony's new service request process.

This is essentially a running log of my experiences, one that will hopefully help those who may one day need to send their PS3s in for repair as well.

[b]Day 1 (8/1/10)[/b] - I logged onto the Service section of the [url="https://service1.us.playstation.com/"]Sony website[/url] and filled out the necessary information, including model number and serial number found on the back of the console. Note that tampering with the serial number in the process of modification or self-repair may result in Sony refusing service to the console. The cost of the repair was $119.00 for service plus $29.00 for shipping, bringing the total cost to $148.00 (minus applicable taxes). Shortly thereafter, I received an automated response that verified the submission of the service claim and a second email with instructions on shipping the console.

The estimate is 3-5 business days for a pre-paid box from SCEA, plus another 7-10 business days for repair after shipping, with probably another 5-7 business days for return after service is complete. So, considering I submitted this claim at the beginning of the month, we're probably looking at a return by the end of the month, tops.

[b]Day 4 (8/4/10)[/b] - I finally received my coffin via FedEx this afternoon. Packing it was easy and all of the materials, including packing tape to seal the box, were provided. The return label is prepaid and already on the box. The only downside is you can't schedule residential pickup, so I had to drop the box off at my local FedEx ground shipping center. Oddly enough, even though I'm sure there's a Sony repair facility in New Jersey, mine is being sent to Laredo, TX. I expect it to probably arrive by Friday or Saturday, maybe Monday at the latest. Repairs will hopefully be made next week, and I'm looking to maybe get my PS3 back in about two weeks.

[b]Day 9 (8/9/10)[/b] - I've been frustrated the past few days because I didn't write down the tracking number on the pre-paid return label, so I had no idea where my package was or whether it had even arrived in Texas. However, I got an email today from FedEx that indicated my shipment had arrived...and is now in transit back to me!

Since it's now Monday and is already on its way, I could conceivably get my PS3 back by the end of the week! Early next week at the very latest!

I'm amazed at how quickly the service was completed. Furthermore, I'm a little puzzled that I haven't been billed yet (even though a hold on my funds was placed, then removed)...so there is still the outside chance that they could've waived my repair fee! (Though not likely...)

[b]Day 12 (8/12/10)[/b] - After less than two weeks, my PS3 is finally home! The turnaround was much quicker than I expected! It looks like they gave me a refurbished unit, but they at least gave me back my DVD that was stuck in the drive. The refurbished unit itself is shiny and looks brand-new, and it was apparently manufactured in October 2007. It's identical to my old 40GB unit, so no big differences. And now, the process of making this PS3 identical to my old unit begins!...

I didn't escape the $148 total repair fee; they just billed me today. But, I wasn't expecting NOT to be billed, so I can't say I was surprised. Either way, my faith in Sony is restored!

[BohBalmerOsbohs]

Damn, i thought this was a work Log. I was about to start critiquing your methods as im very thorough when taking these things apart.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='BohBalmerOsbohs' date='01 August 2010 - 09:15 PM' timestamp='1280711737' post='442547']
Damn, i thought this was a work Log. I was about to start critiquing your methods as im very thorough when taking these things apart.
[/quote]
Like we discussed, I had contemplated doing it myself, but given my current situation with having to pay for school plus having an ever-changing work schedule, I couldn't risk messing up the repair and having to get a new console anyway.

For the cost, there was more benefit in having me send it to Sony where there's a chance I could at least get a refurbished console and [i]maybe[/i] get the cost waived out of goodwill (as they had done in the past), than to risk the repair being botched and needing to buy a new console.

On top of that, my family is also dependent on my PS3 for entertainment, not just gaming, so there was pressure from my parents to get the situation fixed soon (even though they were unwilling to pay repair or replacement costs.) Stuck between a rock and a hard place, essentially.

This, however, has given me further incentive to purchase a new console within the next few months for myself and to let my family use the old one, just to minimize wear-and-tear.

[BohBalmerOsbohs]

yeah I understand. Sony is usually really good with this kind of thing. There stuff usually last forever too, launch PS2 here, and has easily 500+ hours of gaming on it, not to mention DVD's too over its 10 years. I just do routine cleaning of the laser and fan. No disc read errors!! altho the little 60mm fan's bearing are starting to make noise, will replace it soon.

[JO_75]

My troubles with my PS3 are over. Spoke to someone at Sony who was very nice and willing to help and told me the USB cable for the controller was bad and that I needed a new one and I went to gamestop and it fixed it. I was surprised by the way Sony was, I was expecting like most companies them finding ways to tell me something is wrong so I would have to send them money for something simple.

Good Luck Franchise!

[PuRock]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='01 August 2010 - 08:18 PM' timestamp='1280708307' post='442510']
For those who don't know, I'm a proud PS3 owner. I've supported Sony since the original PlayStation and have stood by their consoles since adolescence. Each iteration has proven reliable to me; my original PS1 never died on me, my original PS2 only needed repair once after 2 years of heavy gameplay and has remained loyal since, and my original PS3 has just recently died on me after 2.5 years of moderate-to-heavy usage.

Today, I begin my journey towards reviving my PS3. Because none of my friends have had to send their PS3s in for repair, none of them were familiar with Sony's new service request process.

This is essentially a running log of my experiences, one that will hopefully help those who may one day need to send their PS3s in for repair as well.

[b]Day 1 (8/1/10)[/b] - I logged onto the Service section of the [url="https://service1.us.playstation.com/"]Sony website[/url] and filled out the necessary information, including model number and serial number found on the back of the console. Note that tampering with the serial number in the process of modification or self-repair may result in Sony refusing service to the console. The cost of the repair was $119.00 for service plus $29.00 for shipping, bringing the total cost to $148.00 (minus applicable taxes). Shortly thereafter, I received an automated response that verified the submission of the service claim and a second email with instructions on shipping the console.

The estimate is 3-5 business days for a pre-paid box from SCEA, plus another 7-10 business days for repair after shipping, with probably another 5-7 business days for return after service is complete. So, considering I submitted this claim at the beginning of the month, we're probably looking at a return by the end of the month, tops.
[/quote]

I went through this process a few months back - paid the $150 and all. You'll get the box quickly and it'll be back from repairs quicker than what they state. I think it took all of 8-10 days from the moment I processed the request online.

Just don't hold your breath for a new PS3.

What was wrong with your PS3, did it have to do with the disc error? Or did it just die?

[BohBalmerOsbohs]

Be sure to remove the game from the BD Drive, just in case you forgot. If it doesn't eject, make sure you get that game back.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='PuRock' date='02 August 2010 - 06:01 PM' timestamp='1280786484' post='443308']
I went through this process a few months back - paid the $150 and all. You'll get the box quickly and it'll be back from repairs quicker than what they state.

Just don't hold your breath for a new PS3.

What was wrong with your PS3, did it have to do with the disc error? Or did it just die?
[/quote]
It was Yellow Light of Death, so it just died. Overheating, most likely. My bedroom is tiny so that doesn't help for ventilation. I was extra-vigilant about keeping the console dust-free, though. Honestly, despite my good history with Sony, I was surprised that my PS3 lasted this long, given that there were nights (before the power-save features) where I would pop in a movie and the console would stay running. Also, my nephew used to be bad about turning the console off when he'd play while I was away from home. And I remember even using my PS3 as a ghetto radiator a couple of nights last winter when my cousins were visiting, lol.

So yes, lots of usage out of it and it only just now crapped out on me.

I'm not holding my breath for a new or refurbished console but, well, you never know. And again, also not holding my breath for a refund of the repair fee out of goodwill, but it [i]did [/i]happen to me before, so you never know if they'd do it again. They should recognize my name since I've registered products with them before.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='BohBalmerOsbohs' date='02 August 2010 - 06:04 PM' timestamp='1280786642' post='443310']
Be sure to remove the game from the BD Drive, just in case you forgot. If it doesn't eject, make sure you get that game back.
[/quote]
It was a DVD disc; I was watching Shrek the night before and forgot to eject it when I woke up. No big deal if I don't get it back, but I did make note that it was in there.

[FlaccoFlicker]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='02 August 2010 - 06:08 PM' timestamp='1280786926' post='443313']
It was a DVD disc; I was watching Shrek the night before and forgot to eject it when I woke up. No big deal if I don't get it back, but I did make note that it was in there.
[/quote]
so you made the PS3 sick by watching Shrek?

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='FlaccoFlicker' date='02 August 2010 - 06:10 PM' timestamp='1280787018' post='443315']
so you made the PS3 sick by watching Shrek?
[/quote]
No, I made it sick by playing the Madden 11 demo and Mark Sanchez's face popped up in an extreme close-up before everything shut down on me.

[PuRock]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='02 August 2010 - 06:06 PM' timestamp='1280786786' post='443312']
It was Yellow Light of Death, so it just died. Overheating, most likely. My bedroom is tiny so that doesn't help for ventilation. I was extra-vigilant about keeping the console dust-free, though. Honestly, despite my good history with Sony, I was surprised that my PS3 lasted this long, given that there were nights (before the power-save features) where I would pop in a movie and the console would stay running. Also, my nephew used to be bad about turning the console off when he'd play while I was away from home. And I remember even using my PS3 as a ghetto radiator a couple of nights last winter when my cousins were visiting, lol.

So yes, lots of usage out of it and it only just now crapped out on me.

I'm not holding my breath for a new or refurbished console but, well, you never know. And again, also not holding my breath for a refund of the repair fee out of goodwill, but it [i]did [/i]happen to me before, so you never know if they'd do it again. They should recognize my name since I've registered products with them before.
[/quote]

Yea I was kinda of bummed out that you pay $150 to get something repair which was due to faulty hardware rather than normal wear-and-tear.

I take it that your PS3 is the older "bulky" version not the slim. It's amazing the difference in hardware design from the "bulky" version to the slim. The Slim does not overheat or go on overdrive with the fan at all.

[FlaccoFlicker]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='02 August 2010 - 06:11 PM' timestamp='1280787082' post='443317']
No, I made it sick by playing the Madden 11 demo and Mark Sanchez's face popped up in an extreme close-up before everything shut down on me.
[/quote]
lol Ok that I can agee with.What was up with that demo Colts and Jets?

[BohBalmerOsbohs]

[quote name='PuRock' date='02 August 2010 - 05:12 PM' timestamp='1280787154' post='443318']
Yea I was kinda of bummed out that you pay $150 to get something repair which was due to faulty hardware rather than normal wear-and-tear.

I take it that your PS3 is the older "bulky" version not the slim. It's amazing the difference in hardware design from the "bulky" version to the slim. The Slim does not overheat or go on overdrive with the fan at all.
[/quote]

I have a Slim 120GB ps3, I dont use it too much but you cant hear it at all when its running. Great design.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='PuRock' date='02 August 2010 - 06:12 PM' timestamp='1280787154' post='443318']
Yea I was kinda of bummed out that you pay $150 to get something repair which was due to faulty hardware rather than normal wear-and-tear.

I take it that your PS3 is the older "bulky" version not the slim. It's amazing the difference in hardware design from the "bulky" version to the slim. The Slim does not overheat or go on overdrive with the fan at all.
[/quote]
Yeah, I have the original bulky PS3. Love that thing. But, I'm probably investing in a Slim once I get extra cash because my family uses it for home entertainment as much as I use mine for gaming. I figure, the Slim would be better in my room since it's smaller and runs cooler (still would need to think about better ventilation, though) and then the original one can go wherever my parents choose and we'd use that one primarily for movie-watching.

Still a little annoyed that my parents want nothing to do with hedging the costs of repairs or replacements since their rationale is that I still get the most usage out of it, but hey...at least my parents recognize that it was a good investment and they're getting some enjoyment out of it.

My bulky PS3 really isn't all that loud when you put it in a reasonably-sized room. But in my tiny bedroom, it's loud just by virtue of how close I am to the console. I can literally reach over with some effort to change discs.

[FlaccoFlicker]

I have a 80 gig backwards compatable PS3 in the living room and the 250 gig slim in the bedroom.I use them both pretty much by transferring my save files back and forth.Never noticed the fan on the 80 gig was so loud until recently.It's hard to download alot on the 80 gig with all my save files on it but I like the free space the 250 has

[PuRock]

I had the old bulky version, it broke two days after I got Madden 2010 (Last year around this time). I couldn't wait for the "estimated" return, so I bought myself the Slim. Then like 7 days later my bulky version returned.

I ended up giving it away as a gift to my Aunt. I considered it a $150 gift. They love it, they do not even use it for gaming. They use it for blu-ray movies.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='PuRock' date='02 August 2010 - 08:51 PM' timestamp='1280796664' post='443407']
I had the old bulky version, it broke two days after I got Madden 2010 (Last year around this time). I couldn't wait for the "estimated" return, so I bought myself the Slim. Then like 7 days later my bulky version returned.

I ended up giving it away as a gift to my Aunt. I considered it a $150 gift. They love it, they do not even use it for gaming. They use it for blu-ray movies.
[/quote]
Was that roughly a week after shipping, or a week after you put the request in?

[PuRock]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='02 August 2010 - 08:53 PM' timestamp='1280796827' post='443410']
Was that roughly a week after shipping, or a week after you put the request in?
[/quote]

2 days after I put in the request my box arrived at my door (it might have even been overnight). I shipped it out and then determined that I couldn't wait to play Madden and bought a slim. Then about 7 days after that (8-10 days total) my bulky PS3 was in front of my door.

It was quick. They rec'd it, replaced the entire DVD/Game drive, then shipped it right back out. We'll have to see how long it takes yours. Did you receive the return box yet?

Just wish I wasn't so impatient that I had to go buy a second PS3. Damn character flaws.

[XxSizzleXx]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='02 August 2010 - 04:08 PM' timestamp='1280786926' post='443313']
It was a DVD disc; I was watching Shrek the night before and forgot to eject it when I woke up. No big deal if I don't get it back, but I did make note that it was in there.
[/quote]

I wonder if the YLOD is linked at all to DVD because you mentioned it fried after Shrek was the last thing in it, when I got the YLOD is was after a DVD as well.

[JO_75]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' date='02 August 2010 - 06:11 PM' timestamp='1280787082' post='443317']
No, I made it sick by playing the Madden 11 demo and Mark Sanchez's face popped up in an extreme close-up before everything shut down on me.
[/quote]

Than I would call the Jets and make a complaint that Mark Sanchez killed your PS3 and that he should pay for a new slimmer PS3 lol. He'll have enough to buy you a new slim PS3 and Madden 11 with all the money he got last year from the Jets.

[quote name='PuRock' date='02 August 2010 - 06:12 PM' timestamp='1280787154' post='443318']
Yea I was kinda of bummed out that you pay $150 to get something repair which was due to faulty hardware rather than normal wear-and-tear.

I take it that your PS3 is the older "bulky" version not the slim. It's amazing the difference in hardware design from the "bulky" version to the slim. [b] The Slim does not overheat or go on overdrive with the fan at all.[/b]
[/quote]

I want to invest in a Slim PS3 myself, I have the older bulky one but am going to save up the money to buy a Slim one but they are so expensive.

Does anyone know the best ways to keep your PS3 in good condition?

[TheRavenouseD2008]

franny I feel bad had I not posted about the demo you would have your ps3 I sorry

[J-man]

When my PS3 broke, the process of sending it back and such took about 2 weeks.

[JonM229]

You brought this on yourself. Obey the Microsoft overlords

[AwakenTheDemon]

I would love to have a slim PS3, but I can't part with my backwards compatible PS3. I think I'd be lost with all my PSone and PS2 games sitting there, without anyway to play them.

This is being typed as I play Persona 3 on my PS3 >.>;

[PuRock]

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' date='04 August 2010 - 04:28 AM' timestamp='1280910525' post='444287']
I would love to have a slim PS3, but I can't part with my backwards compatible PS3. I think I'd be lost with all my PSone and PS2 games sitting there, without anyway to play them.

This is being typed as I play Persona 3 on my PS3 >.>;
[/quote]

I do miss that feature of my old bulky version. I wanted to pop in the old Time Splitters PS2 game but remembered that I couldn't.

[theFRANCHISE]

Just got my coffin today from FedEx. Minor update in the first post, nothing major.

And now...we wait.

[Clutch Ravens]

Madden 11 is released in the UK on Friday the 13th, my PS3 is 2 and a half years old and has had some pretty heavy usage. I can't help but think I'll pop in the Madden disk and my PS3 will go boom.

I don't want to wait another 2 weeks on top of the next 6 days to play Madden 11.

[JO_75]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' timestamp='1280963641' post='444608']
Just got my coffin today from FedEx. Minor update in the first post, nothing major.

And now...we wait.
[/quote]

Well Fran just like you I no longer have a PS3. I have spent the past few days playing NCAA 11 to build up draft classes before I had to turn it back into Blockbuster. I had built up 2 solid draft classes, and was enjoying my Alabama Dynasty. I went to play some Madden 10 and I ran into several issues, first the menu wouldn't come up, and once it finally did it wouldn't read the disc. Now with fear of having to replace it, I put in a USB drive to back my data up on(specifically my Draft Classes and Dynasty I just worked so hard on) and it told me that my hard disk was corrupted and that it was going to restore and even after it restores once, it keeps restoring and telling me it's corrupted.

After finding out last week that all the problem was my USB cable was bad, now my worst fear has come, the system is messed up. This sucks, I don't think I have a warranty on it and it's only 3 years old.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='JO_75' timestamp='1281292155' post='446652']
Well Fran just like you I no longer have a PS3. I have spent the past few days playing NCAA 11 to build up draft classes before I had to turn it back into Blockbuster. I had built up 2 solid draft classes, and was enjoying my Alabama Dynasty. I went to play some Madden 10 and I ran into several issues, first the menu wouldn't come up, and once it finally did it wouldn't read the disc. Now with fear of having to replace it, I put in a USB drive to back my data up on(specifically my Draft Classes and Dynasty I just worked so hard on) and it told me that my hard disk was corrupted and that it was going to restore and even after it restores once, it keeps restoring and telling me it's corrupted.

After finding out last week that all the problem was my USB cable was bad, now my worst fear has come, the system is messed up. This sucks, I don't think I have a warranty on it and it's only 3 years old.
[/quote]
Yeah, that definitely sounds like something beyond merely a corrupted hard drive, as your disc drive still should've been able to read media. If it can't even read a simple DVD or CD, it's definitely something beyond that. Your options are to get it repaired for $150 plus shipping, or to buy a new Slim model. Depending on your budget, I'd definitely go for a new system but in a bundled package, rather than merely getting it repaired; theoretically, you could always shell out the cash to get it repaired later and end up with two systems. I would've done that, had my school bills not been an obstacle.