Quick Answer: What is PS4 Error SU-42118-6?
Error SU-42118-6 is a PlayStation 4 hardware error that occurs during a system software update. It specifically means the console’s motherboard cannot communicate with the Blu-ray disc drive (BD-ROM). To pass the update, the system must verify all original hardware is present. This is almost always caused by a loose ribbon cable connecting the disc drive to the motherboard or, in rarer cases, a blown fuse on the board.
If you’ve booted up your PlayStation 4 to download the latest firmware only to be greeted by a looping update crash, you aren’t alone. Error SU-42118-6 is notorious in the repair community because it masquerades as a software glitch but is actually a strict hardware check failure.
When the PS4 updates, it pings the disc drive. If the drive doesn’t respond—whether because you dropped the console, cleaned it and forgot to plug a cable back in, or a component naturally failed—the update halts completely, bricking the console in an update loop. Here is exactly how to diagnose and repair the issue.
Common Causes of SU-42118-6
Before opening up your console, it is vital to understand what triggers this specific code. The system is telling you that the optical drive is digitally “missing.”
- Loose Ribbon Cable: The most common culprit. If you recently opened your PS4 to clean the fan or replace thermal paste, the delicate ribbon cable connecting the BD-ROM to the motherboard may not be seated perfectly.
- Torn or Damaged Cable: The pins on the end of the ribbon cable are fragile. If they are bent or the cable is crimped, data cannot pass through.
- Blown Motherboard Fuse: On certain PS4 Slim models (specifically board revisions like SAF-003), a blown F6202 fuse prevents power from reaching the disc drive controller chip.
- Dead Daughterboard: Original “fat” PS4 models have a paired daughterboard on the disc drive. If this board dies, the console cannot be updated.
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Troubleshooting: Software vs. Hardware Fixes
Because this error traps your console in an update loop, you have limited options. We always recommend trying the non-invasive software resets before breaking out the screwdrivers.
| Method | Difficulty | Action Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Safe Mode Rebuild | Easy | Hold the power button for 7 seconds to enter Safe Mode. Select “Rebuild Database” and try updating again. |
| USB Manual Update | Medium | Download the latest firmware to a FAT32 formatted USB drive and install via Safe Mode. |
| Ribbon Cable Reseat | Hard | Disassemble the PS4, locate the BD-ROM ribbon cable, unplug it, inspect the pins, and carefully reseat it. |
The Ultimate Fix: Checking the Ribbon Cables
If Safe Mode fails, you have a hardware issue. Disclaimer: Opening your console will void any active warranty. You will need a TR9 Torx Security screwdriver to get inside.
Once inside, locate the wide, flat ribbon cable connecting the disc drive to the main board. Press down on the metal tab, gently pull the cable out, and examine the blue plastic and the metal contacts. If the contacts are scratched off, you must buy a replacement ribbon cable. If they look fine, ensure the cable is pushed all the way in and seated squarely before closing the latch.
For detailed teardown instructions with high-resolution photos for your specific PS4 model, we highly recommend checking the iFixit PlayStation 4 Repair Guides.
Are you experiencing other weird crashes or performance drops? Read our internal guide on how to tell if your PS4 hard drive is failing to ensure your storage isn’t the root of the problem.
TL;DR: Fixing Error SU-42118-6
- Error SU-42118-6 means your PS4 cannot detect its disc drive during a system software update.
- First, boot into Safe Mode and attempt a USB Manual Update to rule out a corrupt internet download.
- If software fixes fail, you must open the console and reseat the disc drive ribbon cable.
- If the cable is physically torn or damaged, purchasing a cheap replacement cable online is the only way to allow the update to finish.
