If your Xbox 360 won't turn on, don't despair. You can try some methods to get it started, without getting your hands dirty. If your console is run down, you may be able to do some simple repairs yourself. Better to leave the more complex operations to the professionals, but if you feel able to carry out these steps yourself, you can try to do it.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Identify the Problem
Step 1. Check the front lights of the Xbox 360
The ring of lights around the Power button can indicate the type of fault. Watch it to understand how to solve the problem:
- Green lights: the system is functioning normally.
- A red light: This signal indicates a generic hardware failure and is usually accompanied by a code on the television screen (for example: "E74"). See the section below for some advice on how to fix this.
- Two red lights: This signal indicates that the console is overheating. Turn off the system for a couple of hours and make sure it is ventilated on all sides.
- Three red lights: the so-called "red ring of death" indicates a serious hardware failure. The most common problem is the overheating of the motherboard, which leads to deformation and loss of contacts between the chips. To fix it, you will have to open the system and repair it yourself, or ask for help from a professional.
- Four red lights: This signal indicates a defective or unsupported AV cable.
Step 2. Check the power supply light
Your Xbox 360's power supply has a rear light. This light bulb can help you figure out if the component is bad.
- No light: the power supply is not receiving power from the plug.
- Green light: the power supply is working properly and the Xbox is turned on.
- Orange light: The power supply is working properly and the Xbox is off.
- Red light: the power supply has failed. The most common problem is overheating. Unplug the power supply from both sides and leave it off for at least an hour.
Part 2 of 3: Simple Remedies
Step 1. Use a fingertip to press the Power button (Xbox 360 S)
The S model has a touch sensitive button and may not work with a glove or fingernail. Press the button with your fingertip to turn on the console.
Step 2. Let the power supply cool down
Overheating of this component is one of the most common reasons for console malfunction. Many people hide the power supply somewhere, but this can lead to a build-up of heat. Make sure your power supply is well ventilated and not blocked by other objects.
- Unplug the power adapter from the power outlet and the console, then leave it off for at least an hour to cool down.
- Make sure the power supply fan is working. You should hear a slight hum when the power supply is turned on and plugged into the outlet. If the fan is broken, you will need to replace the entire component.
Step 3. Let the console cool down
If the circle around your Xbox 360's Power button has two red lights, your system is overheated. Turn it off for a few hours and let it cool. Make sure the console is in a well-ventilated area and that no objects are directly above or next to it.
There is a lot of empirical evidence to suggest that the Xbox 360 cools best in a horizontal position
Step 4. Try a different video cable
If your Xbox 360 has four red lights, your video cable may be damaged or incompatible, or the connection is not complete. Check that all cables are connected correctly. Try using a Microsoft official video cable to fix the problem.
Step 5. Disconnect all peripherals
You may have connected too many devices to your Xbox 360, which draw more power than is available. This often happens to modified consoles, with unofficial hard drives and other peripherals. Unplug all possible components and try restarting your system.
This failure is often accompanied by the "E68" error code on the television
Step 6. Notice if there are any bent pins in the USB ports
One of the most common causes of Xbox 360 console failures are bent pins in the USB ports, which cause shorts:
- Examine the Xbox 360's USB ports, front and rear. If any of the pins inside touch another or touch the metal casing of the door, it can cause a short.
- Unplug the Xbox from the power outlet, then use tweezers to gently return the pins to their original position. Avoid using the USB port in the future if possible so as not to bend the pins again.
Part 3 of 3: Resolve the Red Ring of Death
Step 1. Have your console repaired directly by Microsoft if it is still under warranty
If your system is still covered by the manufacturer's warranty, you should be able to get it repaired for free or without a hefty expense. You may receive a replacement console if the damage cannot be repaired.
Visit devicesupport.microsoft.com/en-GB to register your device, check warranty status, and request maintenance services
Step 2. Get the secondary error code
The red ring of death (three red lights around the Power button) can indicate many different hardware problems. In most cases, the console has overheated and its motherboard warped, causing the contacts between the chips to separate. You can use the secondary error code to determine the exact cause of the problem:
- With the console on, with the red lights flashing, press and hold the Sync button on the front of the Xbox.
- Press and hold the eject button as well.
- Notice the flashing lights that indicate the first digit. One light indicates "1", two "2", three "3" and four "0".
- Press the eject button again and make a note of the number shown. In total there are four digits.
Step 3. Determine what the code means
When you have secondary code, you can do research to identify the hardware problem. You can find the meanings of the codes at xbox-experts.com/errorcodes.php.
Step 4. On the website, click on the "Details" link, next to the code you marked
The list of possible repairs to remedy the fault will open, complete with the list of components and tools you will need.
Step 5. Consider getting repairs to a professional
If your console is no longer under warranty, you can get better results by having it repaired by a local electronics store or enthusiast, rather than doing it yourself. Check Craigslist and local classifieds to see if there are any Xbox 360 repair services in your area. Following this advice is especially important if your system is to be re-soldered, which requires special equipment.
Step 6. Order the correct repair kit
One of the most common components to replace is the X-clamp. This is the piece that holds the heatsink together with the CPU; replacing it will make the console more solid. In all likelihood, you will also need some new thermal paste to apply between the CPU and the heatsink.
If you're replacing the Xbox 360's pliers, you'll need a drill to install the larger screws
Step 7. Find a specific guide for the repairs you are doing
It is not possible to list all variants here, so look for a repair guide for your error code. You may need extra tools, such as a heat gun to refine the welds. The degree of difficulty and the materials required by the different repairs vary greatly.
Step 8. Open your Xbox 360
Almost all repairs require you to open the console. This is a rather complex operation, which can be made easier by a special tool, which is included in almost all repair kits. Read How to Open an XBox 360 to find more instructions.
Step 9. Unplug and remove the DVD drive
You have to remove the DVD drive to get to the components under it. Disconnect the two cables coming out of the back of the unit, then lift it up and out.
Step 10. Remove the fan grille and the fans themselves
The grille can be unlocked and put aside. Remove the cables connecting the fans to the motherboard, then pry them out of their metal housings.
Step 11. Remove the dust
If your Xbox is overheating, you can solve the problem by cleaning the dust inside. Use a clean brush to remove dust from heat sinks and a can of compressed air to blow dirt out of hard-to-reach spots.
Remove the fans, then, using the brush, carefully brush the dust off each blade. Do not blow compressed air into the fans, as this may cause them to spin faster than normal
Step 12. Remove the RF module on the front of the console
This is the small, vertically mounted logic board.
You will need a flat head screwdriver or other similar tool to remove the plastic cover, then a Phillips screwdriver to remove the remaining three screws
Step 13. Turn the console over and remove the screws holding the motherboard in place
You will find nine gold T10 cross screws and eight black T8 cross screws.
In the Red Ring of Death Repair Kit you will find eight replacement T8 screws
Step 14. Flip the console over again carefully and remove the motherboard
You can lift it from the front. Be careful not to drop it when you rotate the Xbox 360.
Step 15. Pry the X-clamps off the back of the motherboard
If you need to replace these components for your repairs, or if you want to apply a new coat of thermal paste to the CPU cooler, you need to remove them from the back of the motherboard.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver to pry the X-clamps out of their seat.
- Insert the head of the screwdriver under the X-clamp, then remove it completely from its seat. Repeat for each corner.
Step 16. Separate the heatsink from the CPU
You may need to apply firm pressure to break the seal of the previous thermal paste.
Step 17. Using denatured alcohol, remove the old thermal paste
Make sure to clean both the CPU and the surface of the heatsink, so that no traces of the old paste remain.
Step 18. Apply the new thermal paste
Pour a small drop of paste (smaller than a pea) into the center of the processor of your Xbox 360. No need to spread it: if you have poured the drop exactly in the center, the product will distribute automatically when you install the heatsink.
Step 19. Follow any other repair instructions
The previous steps describe the basics of cleaning the system, replacing the X-clamps, and applying the new thermal paste. Refer to the repair guide to complete other operations. You may have to re-solder the connections between the chips and the motherboard, which is quite complicated.
