Fixing the disc reader on an SCPH-30001 NTSC-U/C model PlayStation 2

I have attempted to fix the infamous disc reader error on my fat SCPH-30001 NTSC-U/C PlayStation 2. I have gotten into the disc drive to adjust the calibration (white) wheel (4 clicks at a time) all the way around but I still am getting the error. I noticed that the calibration (white) wheel reset itself to it's default location when I opened it up after moving it to a new location to fix the disc reader error. A few people suggested flipping the console, but I'm worried that it could affect the disc or hardware. People like GameSack have suggested that for the PlayStation 1 to get rid of heat so it could be possible. Anything else I should try and possibly fix it from resetting like that? My Calibration (White) Wheel Reset Problem

Solution 1:

There may be a lot of suggestions as Timelord64 suggested, but here's a simple guide that has a clear suggestion.

http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2003/11/ps2-repair-guide/3/

The guide starts with taking a part the PS2 on the first 2 pages, so I am guessing you are past that (since you can see the gear). Also in the guide it appears to be a PS2 that's similar to yours, a model SCPH-30001 Playstation 2, with a U serial number (not sure about your serial number).

 Plug just one controller into the front of your PS2. With the lens at the bottom position,
put a game in the tray. Start with your PSone game. Place the black lid on top of the tray
and lightly but firmly hold it down. Too hard and your game will click as it tries to spin,
too light and the lid will fly off!

 You can also leave a light paperweight on top of the lid

 Plug your PS2 back in and turn it on. The tray should close. Let's turn on the TV and see
if it works!

 After the splash screen, hit X to open the browser. Now we get to wait and see whether it
loads!

 With any luck, it will load at least one of your games. That's great, but we picked out
four different titles for a reason! I tried them one-by-one in this order: PSone, DVD,
Silver PS2, and Blue PS2. The Blue is the most difficult, so after you get your first
successful load, you may want to start with it instead of a PSone game.

 If at least one of your discs doesn't load, don't fret. Eject your disc and unplug the PS2
with the tray open. Take the black lid off and let's look at that gear again. Turn the gear
clockwise four clicks ? about 1/8th of a full turn. Pop the game in, put the lid back on,
and try again. Repeat this until the games all show up in the browser window. Remember to
turn the PS2 off between tries, as there's a class 1 laser in there.

That's the important part that has a clear suggestion how to figure out the calibration. So basically you turn the gear until it resets to the bottom, try the CD, possibly a game you don't care for (in case the CD gets damaged), then turn the gear 4 clicks or about 1/8th of a turn every time it doesn't work. It may be difficult to tell if it's working if you don't have all 4 CDs they suggest, but worst case you have to open it up later and adjust it again.

PARTS

In this case, after looking at your youtube video, it appears it isn't just a simple calibration, and will need some parts replaced.

You will need to make sure to find out if the parts are compatible with your version (3000x in this case), but here are some parts you can replace.

1. Spindle Drive motor - this is fairly cheap, there's no clear indicator when it's going out, but this turns the gear that moves the laser assembly to read each different type of CD. Not sure if the picture shows any from a 3000x

2. Drive Snake/Worm motor - This motor controls the laser going back and forth, and can cause a grinding/ticking noise if this is the plastic piece touching it (attached to laser) is broke.

3. Laser Lens - This can be replaced if the lens itself is not working correctly, but the rest of the drive is. There isn't a good way to tell if this is going bad either.

4. Calibration Gear/Motor - If any teeth are broken or missing, you will need to replace the gear. There is a small flat area that is the same length as the teeth. The motor is next to it, and may need replaced. The motor may not have an indication it's bad unless it's grinding on the gear (one or both will need to be replaced then).

I think the Calibration Motor (may have another name) is most likely what you need to find. If there's a problem with the motor, you will have to replace it to find out. Otherwise the other 2 parts would be the snake/worm motor and/or the white plastic piece touching it. Lastly the lens, but that should be all of the main parts in the assembly, most of which you can find on Ebay or any repair shop/website that repairs PS2s. Just make sure you ask before you buy that it is for the 3000x model, and that you can see a picture of it and compare with the one on your PS2.