PS3 syscon serial debug not working (Windows)

[poot36]

I have wired up the serial debug port on my DIA-002 board based PS3.  When I run the Sysconreader program (Link: https://github.com/db260179/ps3syscon/tree/master/SysconReader) on windows I can successfully auth the system but when I try and read the codes the output log does not make any sense.  I have copied the log below.  I am using a Pl-2303 based serial adapter and using a special driver to get it to work under windows (search for PL2303_64bit_Installer.exe if you want to try the driver that I am using).  Not sure if this is part of my problems.  Also just have the main PS3 PCB and power supply connected to each other and no other things attached (fan, hard drive, disk drive, wi-fi board).  The issue with the unit is that it tries to turn on but then goes to a flashing red light with 3 beeps (I can make a video of it if you want).  I know it is not overheating as the thermal past has been already replaced and the issue happens within a few seconds of it trying to turn on.  Got any ideas what may be wrong?

===================================
ERR 00: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 01: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 02: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 03: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 04: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 05: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 06: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 07: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 08: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 09: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 10: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 11: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 12: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 13: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 14: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 15: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 16: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 17: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 18: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 19: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
===================================

[poot36]

Well I got some answers from this forum here: https://www.psx-place.com/threads/fault-finding-ylod-with-the-syscon-first-steps-and-error-reporting.30100/page-98 and the consensus was that the firmware was corrupted.  I have around 20 PS3 systems that I am going to try and get through and will be documenting the error codes here as well as on that other websight.

[poot36]

2nd PS3 motherboard model DIA-001 and this one is giving errors about the RSX chip:

===================================
ERR 00: 00000000 A0403034 FFFFFFFF
ERR 01: 00000000 A0404002 FFFFFFFF
ERR 02: 00000000 A0232102 FFFFFFFF
ERR 03: 00000000 A0232102 FFFFFFFF
ERR 04: 00000000 A0232102 FFFFFFFF
ERR 05: 00000000 A0403034 FFFFFFFF
ERR 06: 00000000 A0404411 FFFFFFFF
ERR 07: 00000000 A0403034 FFFFFFFF
ERR 08: 00000000 A0404411 FFFFFFFF
ERR 09: 00000000 A0403034 FFFFFFFF
ERR 10: 00000000 A0404401 FFFFFFFF
ERR 11: 00000000 A0403034 FFFFFFFF
ERR 12: 00000000 A0404401 FFFFFFFF
ERR 13: 00000000 A0403034 28DFE415
ERR 14: 00000000 A0404401 28DFE414
ERR 15: 00000000 A0403034 28DFE40B
ERR 16: 00000000 A0404401 28DFE40B
ERR 17: 00000000 A0902120 28B59ADE
ERR 18: 00000000 A0403034 28B59ADE
ERR 19: 00000000 A0404401 28B59ADE
===================================
I took the unit further apart and found that the heat spreader had been removed from the RSX chip and the big chip in the center looked bluish indicating it had been overheating.  This one I popcorned by trying to reflow it with the incorrect tools.

[poot36]

3rd system a Slim system with DYN-001 motherboard and I think the RSX may also be bad as it also has the blueish color to it and this time both chips have had there heat spreaders removed and the RSX RAM chips did not have any thermal paste on them and there was flux around the RSX as well. The odd thing is that it stays powered on (wit a green light) when I turn it on but there is no video out (this test was with out the hard drive or disk drive connected so that may be normal?) and the error codes seem to indicate a issue with the AV or HDMI chips. I have attached the error log to this post just in case you are interested. Also the built in fan test functions as well but I don't think this really shows anything. Is there a way on this motherboard to enter internal mode or is that not possible due to there not being a diag pin to ground?

===================================
ERR 00: 00000000 A0802022 1562193F
ERR 01: 00000000 A0802022 1562193F
ERR 02: 00000000 A0802022 1562193E
ERR 03: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 04: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 05: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 06: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 07: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 08: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 09: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 10: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 11: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 12: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 13: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 14: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 15: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 16: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 17: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 18: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
ERR 19: 00000000 FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFF
===================================

I cleared the error log and no more errors appears but it still did not display an image also tried a 400C reflow on the RSX RAM chips and no change.  I was able to use some of the internal commands and it looks all good. I was able to clear the error log and then I powered down the system using the serial port and powered it up again using the serial port and there were no errors logged. Very strange. I wonder if all this system needs is a good clean as there is what looks like cigarette smoke (brown dust) in various places and it was so bad that it had left small piles of dust under the via's of the motherboard on the metal shield that matched the via's hole pattern. Possibly just a dirty HDMI port but it at least looks clean to me.  Well I think I found the issue, there are 3 very tiny components missing off the delided RSX chip and I think that is why it is not working. You can sort of see the missing components by the bottom right RAM chip. Also is the composite video out suppose to measure 20K ohms with respect to ground?  Found out the missing caps are just for filtering so not a big issue.  Right now I have no disk drive or hard drive in the system is that a problem? Also just noticed that the beeper does not appear to work either. It does not beep when pressing the power or eject button. I wonder if the buzzer got damaged when the previous repair attempt (where they delided the CPU and RSX). I guess I could try reflowing the RAM chips on the RSX as I don't have anything to loose at this point. I wonder if the RAM chips were damaged due to no thermal paste being used on them. Although the main RSX die does look discolored from heat and looks a blueish color so it may be partially dead in some way.   This one may be salvageable.

[poot36]

On to the 4th PS3 a COK-002 system with these errors:

===================================
ERR 00: 00000000 A0403034 FFFFFFFF
ERR 01: 00000000 A0404401 FFFFFFFF
ERR 02: 00000000 A0403034 FFFFFFFF
ERR 03: 00000000 A0404401 FFFFFFFF
ERR 04: 00000000 A0403034 FFFFFFFF
ERR 05: 00000000 A0404401 FFFFFFFF
ERR 06: 00000000 A0403034 FFFFFFFF
ERR 07: 00000000 A0404401 FFFFFFFF
ERR 08: 00000000 A0403034 FFFFFFFF
ERR 09: 00000000 A0404401 FFFFFFFF
ERR 10: 00000000 A0403034 FFFFFFFF
ERR 11: 00000000 A0404401 FFFFFFFF
ERR 12: 00000000 A0403034 FFFFFFFF
ERR 13: 00000000 A0404401 FFFFFFFF
ERR 14: 00000000 A0403034 FFFFFFFF
ERR 15: 00000000 A0404401 FFFFFFFF
ERR 16: 00000000 A0403034 FFFFFFFF
ERR 17: 00000000 A0404401 FFFFFFFF
ERR 18: 00000000 A0403034 FFFFFFFF
ERR 19: 00000000 A0404401 FFFFFFFF
===================================

I have not fully taken the system apart, just enough to solder on the UART wires so it most likely is another RSX failure as the ohm readings on both the CPU and RSX are above 3 ohms. Looks like I was wrong on the ohm readings, the RSX measures 2.5 ohms and the CPU measures 3.3 ohms. Also found that the previous repair tech delided the CPU and the die is a bit discolored but the bigger issue is this, I think this one is toast as well. In case anyone is wondering the scratch is on the CPU chip.

[poot36]

5th system another COK-002 system with these errors:

===================================
ERR 00: 00000000 A0213013 FFFFFFFF
ERR 01: 00000000 A0202120 FFFFFFFF
ERR 02: 00000000 A0202120 FFFFFFFF
ERR 03: 00000000 A0202120 FFFFFFFF
ERR 04: 00000000 A0202120 FFFFFFFF
ERR 05: 00000000 A0202120 FFFFFFFF
ERR 06: 00000000 A0202120 FFFFFFFF
ERR 07: 00000000 A0202120 FFFFFFFF
ERR 08: 00000000 A0202120 FFFFFFFF
ERR 09: 00000000 A0202120 FFFFFFFF
ERR 10: 00000000 A0202120 FFFFFFFF
ERR 11: 00000000 A0202120 FFFFFFFF
ERR 12: 00000000 A0202120 FFFFFFFF
ERR 13: 00000000 A0202120 FFFFFFFF
ERR 14: 00000000 A0202120 FFFFFFFF
ERR 15: 00000000 A0202120 FFFFFFFF
ERR 16: 00000000 A0213013 FFFFFFFF
ERR 17: 00000000 A0202120 FFFFFFFF
ERR 18: 00000000 A0202120 FFFFFFFF
ERR 19: 00000000 A0202120 FFFFFFFF
===================================
It is CPU related as the previous tech delided the CPU and RSX and dented in the PCB that the CPU die is installed on prying off the heat spreader. Also the RSX has a blueish tint to it as well so that is most likely toast as well. They also managed to partially melt the edge of one of the NEC caps by the CPU as well. I am now thinking that deliding chips should come with a big warning or something. In to the parts pile this one goes as well.

[poot36]

6th system this time a DIA-002 with these error codes:

===================================
ERR 00: 00000000 A0403034 0BDA9264
ERR 01: 00000000 A0404411 0BDA9264
ERR 02: 00000000 A0403034 0BDA9098
ERR 03: 00000000 A0404411 0BDA9098
ERR 04: 00000000 A0403034 0B922932
ERR 05: 00000000 A0404411 0B922932
ERR 06: 00000000 A0403034 0B92292B
ERR 07: 00000000 A0404411 0B92292B
ERR 08: 00000000 A0902120 0B915098
ERR 09: 00000000 A0403034 0B915098
ERR 10: 00000000 A0404411 0B91508B
ERR 11: 00000000 A0902120 0B915087
ERR 12: 00000000 A0403034 0B915087
ERR 13: 00000000 A0404411 0B915087
ERR 14: 00000000 A0403034 0B914DD3
ERR 15: 00000000 A0404411 0B914DD3
ERR 16: 00000000 A0902120 0B914DCF
ERR 17: 00000000 A0403034 0B914DCF
ERR 18: 00000000 A0404411 0B914DCF
ERR 19: 00000000 A0403034 0B914DC3
===================================
I am going to suspect a RSX issue but if I am lucky it could be something else as there is a lot of rust on the metal shields and it looks like it may have been either under water or at least in a very humid place for this to happen. On further inspection once again the RSX has been delided and the die is a blueish color. There is some very small nicks on the very edge of the RSX PCB that don't look to be impacting any traces but who knows. I guess I could try reflowing the RSX die but I don't have high hopes for this system either now.  The CPU is at 4.4 ohms and the RSX is at 4.2 ohms. It does take about 3 seconds to go to the YLOD issue.

[poot36]

7th system this time a SEM-001.  Both CPU and RSX have been delided and there is damage to the CPU die PCB from the deliding process.  Note I have not delided any of these systems that is how they came to me.  This one has the 3 second YLOD as well.  Not repairable by me at least.

[poot36]

8th system a VER-001.  Both CPU and RSX are delided and there is damage to the CPU die PCB.  Not fixable by me.

[poot36]

9th system another VER-001 board.  This time I may be lucky as according to the error dump it may just be RSX VRAM power or something to do with the AV or HDMI chips.  The CPU has a resistance of 7.5 ohms and the RSX 5.1 ohms.  There is slight damage to the CPU where it was delided.  The RSX was delided as well.  Did some more testing on the system and I think it would be fixed by a reflow/reball as messing with the clamps did briefly allow it to display an image before it went YLOD.

===================================
ERR 00: 00000000 A0802124 FFFFFFFF
ERR 01: 00000000 A0802124 FFFFFFFF
ERR 02: 00000000 A0801002 FFFFFFFF
ERR 03: 00000000 A0802124 FFFFFFFF
ERR 04: 00000000 A0802124 FFFFFFFF
ERR 05: 00000000 A0801002 FFFFFFFF
ERR 06: 00000000 A0802124 FFFFFFFF
ERR 07: 00000000 A0801002 FFFFFFFF
ERR 08: 00000000 A0802124 0B49D816
ERR 09: 00000000 A0802124 0B49D815
ERR 10: 00000000 A0801002 0B49D800
ERR 11: 00000000 A0802124 12CBA316
ERR 12: 00000000 A0802124 12CBA315
ERR 13: 00000000 A0801002 12CBA315
ERR 14: 00000000 A0802124 12CBA2F6
ERR 15: 00000000 A0801002 12CBA2F5
ERR 16: 00000000 A0802124 12CA4B2E
ERR 17: 00000000 A0802124 12CA4B2D
ERR 18: 00000000 A0801002 12CA4B2D
ERR 19: 00000000 A0802124 12CA3AE6
===================================

[poot36]

11th system a slim system with a KTE-001 motherboard.  This one had the RSX delided and the previous tech that did that damaged the PCB that the RSX die sits on.  This one powers on to a green light for a few seconds then totally turns off.  Not fixable by me either.  The 10th system did not have a motherboard in it just a power supply heatsink and a blue-ray drive.

[poot36]

12th system again a slim system model KTE-001 with the same damage as the last system from a delided RSX chip from the previous tech.  This one powers on to a green light for a few seconds then totally turns off.  Not fixable by me either.