Need advice re: bad flash

I recently purchased and installed a Matrix Infinity (not from an official retailer, but it looks exactly like the real thing) in my v4. When I started it up, the Matrix logo appeared and I was able to load DVD+R backup games. I then loaded up Free HD Loader and attempted to flash the chip. The flash utility returned an error and couldn't flash, so I restarted. This resulted in a black screen.

By holding the reset button in for a second, the PS2 booted normally but with no matrix logo. It could play retail DVD games, PS1 games, and PS1 backups. It wouldn't read the Free HD Loader CD-R anymore, nor any other Matrix Update CD-R's.

I've taken it apart and double checked everything, but something tells me it's not the wiring. Otherwise, why would it have started up the first time? I'm thinking my chip is in some unrecoverable state.

Basically I need advice: do I continue to troubleshoot the install, or by a new Matrix Infinity (this time from a reputable site)?

I was in this same dilema I believe. Ok first put in your firmware cd then put the ps2 in standby (red light) then press and hold the reset button and it should auto-boot your firmware cd. If that does not work then it is definitely your wires/wiring/soldering. If the cd won't auto-boot then open your ps2 back up and re-check all the connections for current, especially the ones under the board if you have to (don't know if V4 had to solder under the board). More than likely you wil find that a connection came off or was not connected correctly. Re-solder it and check, then put your ps2 back together again and try to boot the firware cd like normal as if it was an original ps2 disc.

Hope that helps!

Do you mean check for continuity? Because checking for current would involve breaking the circuit.

Anyways, I checked all my points many times for continuity.

I should mention that I connected the H-wire, which was kind of a question mark for me. I've seen diagrams that say it's needed for the US/Japan version (mine's US), and I've seen diagrams that don't even mention the H-wire. Should I try disconnecting it?

yes I would say he meant continuity.
the H wire isnt needed but shouldnt make any difference if its connected anyway.
if you can post a pic of your chip and we will be able to tell if its genuine, when you boot originals does it have the infinity v1.* underneath the playstation logo or can you enter config menu by holding circle and triangle at boot.
if so chip should be working and possibly bad flash
put firmware cd in
turn off
hold reset for 2 seconds and should boot
cheers

Sorry, I don't have a camera. The chip looks exactly like the green dot one on the Matrix website; it's definately not a se or modbo. If it is fake, it's a damn near exact duplicate to the naked eye.

Anyways, I've tried the 2 seconds reset thing and the cd spins but the screen remains black. I've burned a few different types of media but this changes nothing. I cannot access the menu either.

It's kind of maddening because this makes me think it's a bad install, and then I take apart the PS2 but all the points look fine: the wires aren't getting crushed, all points that might contact the metal shield are covered in electrical tape, super short wires...plus it worked up until I flashed it.

Is it possible that the flashing utility somehow ruined the chip? I've heard of this happening to clones, but is it possible for it to fry a legit chip?

EDIT: When booting original games it just has the PlayStation logo, without the firmware version underneath. Before flashing it had the version number.

I Suggest You Find A Mate With A Chipped Console And Put Infinity Manager On Mc And Then Boot In Dev Mode On Yours And Try To Flash From Mc