Console · Sony · PlayStation 3
Sony PlayStation 3 Water Damage Repair
Water Damage Repair guide for the Sony PlayStation 3
Before you begin
Tools
- T8 Security Torx screwdriver
- Phillips #1 screwdriver
- Precision tweezers
- Soft-bristle ESD brush
- Spudger
- Anti-static wrist strap
Parts / materials
- 99% Isopropyl alcohol
- Thermal paste
- Lint-free microfiber wipes
- Compressed air
Safety
- Ensure console is completely unplugged from wall power before disassembly.
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap to avoid electrostatic discharge damage.
- Operate in a well-ventilated room when using high-purity isopropyl alcohol.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Remove Warranty Sticker
2 minPeel back the rubber foot and warranty sticker on the side of the console to access the top plate screw.
- 2
Unscrew Top Plate Security Screw
2 minUse a T8 Security Torx screwdriver to remove the single screw securing the top decorative panel.
- 3
Slide Off Top Panel
1 minSlide the top glossy plate to the left and lift it off the console frame.
- 4
Unscrew Upper Housing
3 minRemove the seven Phillips #1 screws securing the upper plastic casing to the chassis.
- 5
Lift Off Upper Casing
2 minRelease the rear plastic tabs and lift the upper plastic shell away from the internal assembly.
- 6
Disconnect Power Supply Cable
3 minUnplug the AC power connector and the control cable attached to the power supply module.
- 7
Remove Power Supply Unit
3 minRemove the retaining screws holding the power supply block and lift it straight out of the console.
- 8
Disconnect Blu-ray Drive Cable
2 minFlip up the lock latch on the motherboard ZIF connector and disconnect the wide ribbon cable.
- 9
Remove Blu-ray Drive
2 minLift the Blu-ray optical drive assembly out of the lower chassis.
- 10
Disconnect Wi-Fi Module Cable
2 minUnplug the small Wi-Fi/Bluetooth ribbon cable and unscrew its mounting bracket.
- 11
Unscrew Top EMI Shield
4 minRemove all Phillips screws securing the top metal electromagnetic shield to the motherboard.
- 12
Lift Off Top EMI Shield
2 minCarefully lift off the metal upper shield to expose the full motherboard circuit area.
- 13
Extract Motherboard Assembly
3 minGently lift the motherboard and attached heatsink structure out of the lower plastic case.
- 14
Scrub Corroded Components
10 minDip a soft brush in 99% isopropyl alcohol and scrub liquid residue and corrosion off all affected circuit traces.
- 15
Blow Dry Circuit Board
5 minUse compressed air to blow liquid and dislodged corrosion out from under IC chips and board components.
- 16
Clean Old Thermal Paste
5 minWipe away old thermal compound from the CPU and GPU dies using high-purity alcohol and microfiber cloth.
- 17
Apply New Thermal Paste
3 minPlace a pea-sized dot of fresh thermal paste onto the centers of both processor heat spreaders.
- 18
Reinstall Motherboard into Chassis
5 minSeat the motherboard back onto the lower shield, ensuring the heatsinks make flush contact with the chips.
After your Sony PlayStation 3 water damage repair
Power the PlayStation 3 back on and test the water damage repair function before you put every screw away. Check touch/display response, charging, cameras, buttons, and wireless as relevant to this repair. If something fails after closing the device, reopen carefully and reseat the connectors for this Sony PlayStation 3 job before assuming the part is defective. Keep leftover adhesive and screws labeled in case you need a second pass.
Keep learning
Explore more Sony PlayStation 3 repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
