Toggle menu
Toggle personal menu
Not logged in
Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits.

How To Repair PS4 Overheating: Difference between revisions

From Repair Wiki
 
Line 8: Line 8:
}}
}}
== Problem description ==
== Problem description ==
PS4 (all variants – Fat / Slim / Pro) overheats, becomes extremely loud, or shuts down with the message:<blockquote>“The PS4 is too hot. Turn off the system and wait until it cools down.”</blockquote>Most common causes:
PS4 (all variants – Fat / Slim / Pro) overheats, becomes extremely loud, or shuts down with the message:<blockquote>“The PS4 is too hot. Turn off the PS4 and wait until the temperature goes down.”</blockquote>Most common causes:


* Dust-clogged heatsink & vents
* Dust-clogged heatsink & vents
Line 15: Line 15:
* Obstructed airflow due to pet hair, smoke residues, or environmental buildup
* Obstructed airflow due to pet hair, smoke residues, or environmental buildup
* Incorrect reassembly after previous repair
* Incorrect reassembly after previous repair
[[File:Ps4-overheat-warning.jpg|thumb|PS4 Overheating Warning]]
[[File:PS4 FAN.png|thumb|Playstation 4 Cooling FAN]]


[[File:Placeholder image.jpg|thumb|Example image (Figure 1) -- No image yet. Help expand this page by uploading it!]]
== Symptoms ==
== Symptoms ==


Line 26: Line 27:
* Hot bottom shell or rear grill
* Hot bottom shell or rear grill
* Fan oscillates or starts/ stops suddenly
* Fan oscillates or starts/ stops suddenly
[[File:PSE4 DRY THERMAL.png|thumb|Playstation 4 Dry Thermal Paste]]


== Solution ==
== Solution ==
[[File:PS4 HEATSINK.png|thumb|Playstation 4 Heatsink]]
=== Diagnostic Steps ===
=== Diagnostic Steps ===


Line 42: Line 47:
* Power on the PS4 while watching the fan:
* Power on the PS4 while watching the fan:
** Spins at boot = Fan OK
** Spins at boot = Fan OK
** No spin = Electrical or mechanical fan fault
** Clicks or hesitates/No spin = Worn bearings or mechanical fan fault
** Clicks or hesitates = Blocked or worn bearings
 
----
 
==== 3. Fan Connector & Rails ====
Using a multimeter, check FAN connector on the motherboard (varies by model):
 
* +12V present?
** Yes → Fan likely bad
** No → PSU rail issue, MOSFET, or PWM driver fault
* Resistance test fan pins → infinite or open = failed fan


----
----


==== 4. Thermal Paste Check ====
==== 3. Thermal Paste Check ====
If PS4 has never been serviced:
If PS4 has never been serviced:


Line 65: Line 59:
----
----


==== 5. Heatsink Airflow Check ====
==== 4. Heatsink Airflow Check ====
Common issue: packed dust wall between fan and heatsink.
Common issue: packed dust wall between fan and heatsink.


Line 129: Line 123:
==== Part requirements: ====
==== Part requirements: ====


* Model-specific fan (PS4 Fat, Slim, Pro each use different connectors & blade shapes)
* Model-specific fan (PS4 Fat, Slim, Pro each use different connectors)


Replace fan → test again.
Replace fan → test again.
----
=== 6. MOSFET / PWM Driver Check (Advanced) ===
If the fan STILL doesn’t spin after replacement:
==== Check: ====
* FAN MOSFET
* PWM controller
* Nearby SMD fuses
* 12V rail from PSU
Replace faulty components as needed.
----
----



Latest revision as of 05:24, 30 November 2025

This article is a stub. You can help Repair Wiki grow by expanding it

How To Repair PS4 Overheating
Device Playstation 4, Playstation 4 Pro, Playstation 4 Slim
Affects part(s) Cooling Fan
Needs equipment Screwdrivers, Prying Tools
Difficulty ◉◉◌◌ Medium
Type Part Replacement"Part Replacement" is not in the list (Soldering, Teardown, Part replacement, Cleaning, Software, BGA, General) of allowed values for the "Repair Guide type" property.


Problem description

PS4 (all variants – Fat / Slim / Pro) overheats, becomes extremely loud, or shuts down with the message:

“The PS4 is too hot. Turn off the PS4 and wait until the temperature goes down.”

Most common causes:

  • Dust-clogged heatsink & vents
  • Fan not spinning (failed fan or power rail issue)
  • Dry or worn-out thermal paste
  • Obstructed airflow due to pet hair, smoke residues, or environmental buildup
  • Incorrect reassembly after previous repair
PS4 Overheating Warning
Playstation 4 Cooling FAN

Symptoms

  • Loud jet-engine noise before shutdown
  • Immediate shutdown after launching a game
  • Overheating warning
  • No fan spin on boot
  • Random frame drops or lag (thermal throttling)
  • Hot bottom shell or rear grill
  • Fan oscillates or starts/ stops suddenly
Playstation 4 Dry Thermal Paste

Solution

Playstation 4 Heatsink

Diagnostic Steps

1. External Inspection

  • Check air vents for dust buildup
  • Confirm console placement (not inside a closed cabinet)
  • Check for pet hair, cigarette tar, debris

2. Boot Test

  • Power on the PS4 while watching the fan:
    • Spins at boot = Fan OK
    • Clicks or hesitates/No spin = Worn bearings or mechanical fan fault

3. Thermal Paste Check

If PS4 has never been serviced:

  • Thermal paste is usually dry
  • Dust likely packed inside heatsink fins

4. Heatsink Airflow Check

Common issue: packed dust wall between fan and heatsink.

Repair Steps

1. Disassembly

(Varies by PS4 model)

  • Remove top cover
  • Remove power supply (PS4 Fat)
  • Disconnect fan connector
  • Remove motherboard
  • Extract entire cooling assembly

2. Cleaning (Critical Step)

Fan Cleaning
  • Use compressed air + soft brush
  • Spin fan manually to verify smooth rotation
  • If grinding noise → Replace fan
Vents & Shell
  • Clean rear vents and side inlets thoroughly
  • Remove dust mats (large clumps)
Heatsink Cleaning
  • Remove old dust “blanket” from heatsink fins
  • Flush with air from both directions

3. Thermal Paste Replacement

  • Remove old paste from APU and heatsink using isopropyl alcohol
  • Apply high-quality thermal paste (Arctic MX-4 / Arctic Silver / Noctua NT-H1)
  • Ensure full flat contact with even pressure

4. Reassemble the Cooling System

  • Reinstall heatsink securely
  • Ensure all screws (especially pressure screws) are tightened in X pattern
  • Reconnect fan carefully
  • Reassemble the rest of the console

5. Replace Fan (If Dead)

When to replace:

  • No spin at boot
  • Weak or intermittent spin
  • Noise from bearings
  • Burnt smell or discoloration

Part requirements:

  • Model-specific fan (PS4 Fat, Slim, Pro each use different connectors)

Replace fan → test again.


Verification

After reassembly:

  • Boot console → fan should spin immediately
  • Run a game for 20–30 minutes
  • No overheating message
  • Fan ramps gradually, not instantly
  • Rear exhaust warm (normal)
  • System stable under stress