C:\>ConventionalMemory.io

Repair guide

PS3 yellow light: heat, thermal paste and the NEC/TOKIN capacitors

The yellow light of death has more than one cause. A full teardown, fresh thermal paste and replacing the NEC/TOKIN capacitors is one documented fix.

Open the interactive checklist Tick off each step as you go. It saves in your browser.

Diagnosis · Expert · about 180 minutes. Worth doing. Reports say this fix helps on many machines.

You are in the right place if: The PS3 flashes a yellow light, shuts itself off, or will not start.

Before you start

  • This requires soldering experience. If you have not soldered through-hole parts on a valuable board, practise first or find a professional.
  • The PRAM socket is delicate and can snap off the board.
  • Removing warranty stickers voids any remaining warranty.

Board revisions and models

The iFixit guide is written for original-style PS3 models. Slim models differ.

Parts you may need

  • PS3 NEC/TOKIN replacement capacitor set. 12 capacitors Amazon · eBay
  • Thermal paste. fresh paste Amazon · eBay
  • Isopropyl alcohol 90%+. cleaning Amazon · eBay

Tools

  • PS3 teardown screwdriver set. opening Amazon · eBay
  • Soldering iron, flux and wick. capacitors Amazon · eBay
  • Plastic spudgers. scraping paste Amazon · eBay

Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These links only search by name. Disclosure

Step by step

  1. Set expectations The YLOD is a general failure with several possible causes. This fix targets one of them.
  2. Clean the outside Clear the vents and fan of dust first, since heat is a common contributor.
  3. Open the case Remove the smart plate and top cover, noting warranty stickers will be voided.
  4. Remove the Blu-ray drive Disconnect and take out the drive.
  5. Extract the motherboard Work through the chassis stages, being careful with every connector.
  6. Remove the heatsink Isolate the board and take off the heatsink. Protect the delicate PRAM socket.
  7. Clean old paste Scrape old paste with a plastic tool and wipe with 90% isopropyl alcohol on a lint-free cloth.
  8. Replace the 12 NEC/TOKIN capacitors If you are experienced with soldering, remove and replace all 12 with correct polarity.
  9. Apply fresh paste and reassemble Apply a small amount of new paste and refit the heatsink evenly.
  10. Test Boot and watch the status light for several minutes.

Tips, tales and maybes

Found in write-ups and forum threads. These are other people's reports, not tested by us.

  • Tip (Medium confidence). Apply fresh thermal paste when reassembling, even if you skip the capacitor work. Source
  • Tip (Medium confidence). iFixit's thermal paste guide recommends plastic tools and 90% or higher alcohol, and warns against fingerprints on cleaned surfaces. Source
  • Story (Medium confidence). A PS3 that accepted but did not read discs only needed tray lubrication and a lens clean, no board work. Source

Guides we used

We wrote the steps in our own words from these. They have the photos and the full detail, so please read them and support their authors.

Boards and models vary, so check what is in front of you. A repair can involve hot tools, chemicals and, on some machines, dangerous voltages. You do it at your own risk.

More