A flashing blue light indicates a hardware failure, not a process-ending issue, so the console can continue operating.
A continuously flashing blue power indicator, with the console still powered on, can be caused by a variety of reasons.
The following are known possible causes:
**Failed Hard Drive:** A failed hard drive can cause BLOD flashing.
The best approach is to remove it and see if the console can boot into Safe Mode.
**APU and Motherboard Connection:** The original PS4 had a known issue where the solder balls under the APU could fail, causing connection problems. However, other PlayStation 4 versions may also experience this issue. A good method is to press down on the back of the APU and try to power on while continuing to apply pressure. If the console powers on, it’s your problem, although this method may not work in some cases.
You’ll need a BGA redo station to resolve this issue. While resoldering the APU can fix it, it may require resoldering.
**Memory Chip Failure:** If you have a thermal imaging camera, you can power on the console to check for abnormal hot spots on the memory chips. If you don’t have a thermal imaging camera, you can try touching the circuit board with your hand.
Memory chips are known to damage and generate excessive heat, while also emitting blue light.
For original PS4s (CUH-10XX/CUH-11XX), it’s difficult to check all modules because they are distributed across both sides of the motherboard.
If no hot spots are found, the memory may still be the culprit—see other troubleshooting sections.
Other Faults
Please refer to the PlayStation 4 UART Troubleshooting Guide to find the cause of the pulsed BLOD.
