Carefully examine all electrolytic capacitors for leaks or bulges. Feel the tops of the capacitors. If you see the slightest leak or bulge, you should test the capacitor. To test a component, you often need to remove it from its circuit board.

The top of this small capacitor on the PS Board looked flat, but it felt slightly pointy where all the etched lines converge, when I ran my finger over the top. It was subtle, but it indicated to me that the component was going bad. The leaky capacitor in the second photo is not from this unit, but I added it so you can see what one looks like.

To remove a capacitor (really, any component) from a circuit board for testing, you will have to first remove the circuit board from the unit. For the PS Board, disconnect the various connectors. Remove six Phillips screws. If the board won't come out, you may have to first remove the giant power transformer that is held by four Phillips screws.

TIP: If you have any doubts about remembering where the cables go, take some photos before you start unplugging things.

To remove an electrolytic capacitor for testing, first note its orientation on the board. One of the two capacitor leads will be marked with large minus signs. Take care to put it (or its replacement) back in the same orientation.

Unsolder the capacitor from the circuit board. Use a low wattage pencil soldering iron to heat the solder on the reverse side of the circuit board. When the solder is molten, use a solder sucker to remove the solder.

If this doesn't work too well, gently pull on the capacitor while applying heat. Work one lead and then the other, rocking back and forth, until the capacitor comes free.

WARNING: Don't pull too hard, or you might damage the circuit board.