PlayStation 3’s yellow light of death, YLOD, is aptly named! When you go to turn on your system and see the little yellow light change to a flashing red light, it’s very frustrating. He presses the button over and over again trying to get the system to boot, but it doesn’t work. While many people assume that their console has really died and there is nothing to do but replace it, this is absolutely untrue.

Sure, it would be easier and quicker to just throw out the system and buy a new one, but anyone doing that would be stupid enough. because PS3 yellow light of death is a fixable problem! Also, it is very likely that the new console will develop the same PlayStation 3 yellow light problem and you will not be able to continuously replace it over and over again.

That is why gaming enthusiasts are now turning to the internet for quick, convenient and affordable solutions to their Ps3 yellow light problem. Before determining which of these solutions is right for you, take a moment to consider what might be causing the problem.

In most cases, PS3 blinking yellow light of death is due to internal faults due to overheating. Many users notice that their console sounds much louder than usual and/or feels very hot to the touch before the PlayStation 3 yellow light issue develops! If you can fix the problem right away, flashing lights can be avoided!

For future reference, the PS3 console needs proper ventilation to prevent overheating, or at least make it less likely to happen. Many users place their console on the floor or against a wall, which blocks the fan vent that is designed to cool the system. Other users don’t realize that they need to clean dust so it doesn’t collect in the vent and excess dust can also lead to overheating as it blocks the free flow of air in and out of the unit.

Once you’ve dusted off your console and moved it to an area where it won’t be clogged, it’s time to try a couple of quick fixes:

  • Unplug the console from the wall for half an hour and then plug it back in.
  • Remove the hard drive and replace it.
  • Check all cables and connections to the console.

If you can get a hard drive from someone else that you know works, you’ll immediately determine if you can replace the hard drive to fix the yellow light of death problem. In most cases, there will be more substantial internal damage that will require you to send the console to Sony or learn how to fix the PlayStation 3 blinking yellow light issue on your own.

Doing it yourself is much faster and will cost you less. Some online programs offer detailed video instructions that will walk you through in less than an hour and some will even offer some extra bonuses that will make your system more functional once the problem is fixed.

The only reason to pay shipping to Sony is if you have a valid warranty that will pay for the repairs in full. Otherwise, you can do it cheaper and much, much faster by using a good online program with video instructions.