Technical Information:
What is YLOD:
YLOD is the Yellow light of death caused by heating up and cooling down cracking the solder.
What to do if YLOD again after the 15 sec repair:
Try reflow with Lead free Flux at 400C for about 25 Seconds each BGA. Please follow http://www.youtube.com/user/gilksy1 Gilksy's Guide.
If you experience again:
Reflow the two bga's (processors) only
from the topside ( heatsink compound side) @ 400 degrees celcius? and for 50 seconds each!!!!!
Some information about flux:
What flux does is cleans the pins so that the solder more readily attaches to them and the printed circuit board traces (FLEXiO & FLEXPHASE to SC chip, RSX, XDR mem) on the motherboard. The proper term for a professional Re-Flow is Solder Re-ball.
Can I reflow without opening the case:
I found this link on youtube that suggests using a blow dryer on the back vent of the PS3 for 10-15min then cool it down with a fan. Amazingly, this worked for me, my sony has now been running fine. Here is the link if you want more instructions http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHMW7XR59Fw
YLOD Song (Comedy)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyGisPgNbwo
Special thanks goes to Gilksy1 who is forever trying to support people who just dont have the cash for something that costs an arm and a leg anyway. If you feel Gilksy1 has helped you, please donate to help with more research and tutorials:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=6315998
If anyone knows any further information about the YLOD, methods on how to fix it, please feel free to leave a comment.
IronHedge
PS: There is one definate way to fix the YLOD. That is to remove both bga's and reball them with Leaded solder and reflow back onto the motherboard. This should be a very stable repair due to leaded solder with standing the heatup and cooling down better than the lead free solder. - Gilksy