Can anyone tell me specifically what's wrong with my PS3?

Hello all. I recently got a used PS3 from a tag sale. Seems like I was lied to on it being in working condition. Anyways, It powers on, but nothing shows up on the screen. I talked to Sony support, and they weren't able to help me. We tried going into Safe Mode, etc, but couldn't even get there. Just a blank screen.

Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks.

Possibly could be the video/audio cable. Have you tried plugging it into your TV with another cord? You could always get an HDMI cable and see if it works with that instead.

I tried using composite cables, and I tried using HDMI. The HDMI cable I used was the one I use for my Blu Ray player, so I know that cable works.

There are some steps to follow to use the HDMI, you better go to youtube. That's how i got it to work. Might just be that. You have to follow simple steps to make it work. Can't remember them atm though

Thanks. I will take a look.

The instructions I've found on youtube seem to be things I've already tried (holding down power button, etc) then going into settings. I can't even get anything on the display. Just a black screen.

I'd say if sony support didn't sort it it's probably something internal, bring it to a console repair shop and get them to have a look at it, sorry for not being much help, I recently (today) had a similar problem but the youtube videos did help

Try watching several, because i didn't find any helpful after a few tries. Somebody might do something different that might fix your problem

It sounds like you were not smart with whom you bought it from. Never buy anything used from anyone\company that isn't very reputable and will allow returns.

"bought a used ps3 from a tag sale"

theres your first problem...

Despite having no warranty you can still get Sony to repair it :) (for a fee ofc). I did mine by phone the last time but there is a website here https://eservice.sony.com/webrma/web/index.do

I hope this helps you!

A ps3 can be listed as working, but that doesn't mean it will be in working condition to play games. You were under the assumption that you were probably getting a steal of a deal. You weren't lied to, the ps3 works, it just isn't in working condition to display video so you can watch movies, browse the net, or play games. People say this stuff all the time.

The video probably went out on the ps3 due to heat, I'm going to take a wild guess and say that you have the fat model. I know more about those than anyone on the forums, I've been through 5 of them since dec 2007.

@Falcon084: It isn't worth getting it service. It's some where between $125 - $150. He/she could buy a super slim 12gb (yeah I know about the hdd size) new for $200. Just trying to make a point here.

No kidding dude. I was looking for help with fixing a PS3, not for a life lesson. I took a chance, and I assure you, if the $75 I paid for it was going to break the bank, I wouldn't have bought it to begin with. Next time try to stay on topic, will ya?

I would never buy a used ps3

If your are able to locate a PS3 repair place. Such a repair could end up costing $30.00 - $45.00. So you may not be looking at too much expense. I took the epic spouses PS3 60gigger in for repair. Jca tech which does console repairs. While not an official Sony repair shop. This did the trick and only costed $41.98 with taxes. This repair was done in a 2 day turnaround. The Epic spouse's Playstation 3 60Giger has now worked for 21 months post repair. This is a launch day PS3 Nov 2006. Which died and was repaired. still works fine.

So don't discount "independent" no name PS3 and other videogame console repair services. Some of them are good. So hopefully you have some where you live. Good luck on fix the PS3 phat. Which is still the best looking version. I have all 3 Phat, Slim and Superslim. So hopefully you can get your PS3 repaired.