My PS2 freezes mid-game. It's not the disc, it's the system. Can I fix it myself?
 

Hey guys.

I stopped playing my PS2 a few months, maybe a year, ago, because I bought a Xbox and just sold that recently.

I still have my PS2, but when I play games, they freeze at random points.

I've heard the phrase "dirty disc error" thrown around, but I don't get a written error.. The game just freezes.

Is there a way to fix (or attempt to fix) this on my own?

I'm willing to take the PS2 apart and go to town, because as of right now it's worthless if it freezes all the time.

Does anyone have a link to a potential way to fix this dirty disc error (I'll assume that's what it is), so that I can try to fix this?

Having it fixed it not an option because it would probably cost more than a new PS2, so I'd really like to hear what you all can recommend in terms of fixing the issue myself.

Thanks!

I had this issue once, and it was caused by a faulty fan. The PS2 was overheating. I would recommend investigating whether or not the fan is spinning at full speed, and if not, buy some compressed air to clean it out.

Even though what I actually did to fix it was beat my PS2 against the desk until the fan started spinning again, I wouldn't recommend that solution to others.

If its the lens that might be messed up, you can just buy that specific part and try to replace it. If that doesn't work, i'd say go with robbdn's solution of beating it. If that fails you, just pick up a new/used one or hold out all together for the ps3.

If it is the old style PS2, most likely it is the plasti belts they use to spin the CD. They inevitably go out. There is a pretty simple fix. Google Disc Read Error & PS2 to find it.

If it is a fan issue, you can use the hose attachment on a vacuum to suck all the dust out of the vents. Sounds half-assed, but the manufacturers recommend it themselves.