PS3 CECHG02 unknown (not wifi/bt) component preventing system update from 4.11 OFW; SYSCON EEP SET fails

[notameowcelot]

Errors Encountered:
E00000A0 (EEP GET/SET fail?)
8002f147 (System Update fail)
80710a06 (Internet/SSL(?) error)​

Hey gents,

Picked up a Phat CECHG02 (AU/OCE) earlier today with the intention of modding it.

First thing I noticed is that the console automatically boots itself (and then off shortly after) once the power is switched on. This wasn't an immediate concern for me, figured it just probably needed a clean or some resoldering on the inside. Security sticker wasn't touched and from what I can tell the console was virgin.

Went through the XMB and noticed leftover gamedata of PS Home from 2011, which I backed up onto a USB. I wasn't able to directly update to 4.92 OFW to use PS3Xploit (and back up the data thru CFW) due to 8002f147 mid-update, which I hadn't encountered before and initially assumed was related to parental controls being enabled (which I'd guessed the password of and disabled shortly after to no avail).

Setting date and time from internet or using internet browser is impossible thanks to error 80710a06 with https:// links like ps3toolset.com, which from my understanding is due to SSL certs being expired on the 4.11 OFW, correct me if I'm wrong.

Afterwards I opened up the console, (only worked with Ks and Ls prior, so the G is new to me) and went through the usual syscon process to see if I could get any error codes that could help me figure what was going on. Auth works etc.

EEP GET 3961 01 works. That returns the correct value. EEP SET does not work, and produces E00000A0. I cannot find for the life of me where I had read it previously, but I remember reading that this specific code is EEP GET/SET failing in the SYSCON. This prevents me from accessing the internal mode to further diagnose the system. All error logs seem to be 1001, unsure on their dates.

I double checked the Wi-Fi and BT chips beforehand to make sure they weren't what was halting the system update, and BD drive works fine as well (reads PS3 discs, ejects, insert all work fine).

This is a new problem for me, and while I like a good challenge, I've seemingly exhausted all avenues now, as it seems there's little 'solved' documentation on both the 8002f147 system update error, and the E00000A0 error.

Would appreciate any assistance or guidance. I've outlined everything as concisely as I possibly can and will edit with updates/more info as needed in hopes it helps those who read this post.

Cheers!