Don't be discouraged if your Xbox 360 game console won't turn on. There are some simple steps you can take to get your Xbox up and running. What's more, you can do basic repairs if your console is close to breaking. If you want, try to make more complex repairs, but it is better to entrust it to a professional.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Identifying the problem
Step 1. Look at the lights on the front of your Xbox 360
The indicator lights around the power button indicate a problem, which can help you determine how to fix it.
- If the green indicator is on, the set-top box is working normally.
- If one red light is on, the problem is with the hardware in the console; as a rule, in case of such a malfunction, some code is displayed on the screen, for example, "E74". Read the following sections for information on how to correct this problem.
- If two red lights are on, the console is overheated. In this case, turn off the Xbox and do not turn it on for several hours; also make sure that air flows to the console from all directions.
- If three red LEDs are on, this is the so-called "red ring of death" (RCC), which indicates a serious breakdown, for example, as a result of overheating, the motherboard is deformed, and the chips will no longer come into contact with it. In this case, either open the console and repair it yourself, or take it to a workshop.
- If the four red LEDs are on, the A / V cable is defective or not supported.
Step 2. Look at the indicator light on the power supply
Some Xbox 360 power supplies have an indicator light to indicate their status.
- If the indicator is off, power is not being supplied to the power supply.
- If the green light is on, the power supply is functioning normally and the Xbox is turned on.
- If the light is orange, the power supply is functioning normally and the Xbox is turned on.
- If the red light is on, the power supply is defective, most likely, it is overheated. If this happens, unplug the power supply from the console and from the electrical outlet, and leave the Xbox unplugged for an hour.
Part 2 of 3: Basic Repair
Step 1. With your bare finger, press the power button (Xbox 360 S)
This will turn on the game console. This model (S) has a touch-sensitive power button that will not function if pressed with a gloved hand or fingernail.
Step 2. Let the power supply cool down
Overheating of your power supply is one of the most common reasons your Xbox 360 won't turn on. Many users hide the power supply, which prevents it from cooling. Make sure that air flows to the power supply from all sides.
- Unplug the power supply from your console and from the electrical outlet, and leave your Xbox off for an hour.
- Make sure the power supply fan is running. A low buzzing sound should be heard when turning on the power supply. If the fan does not work, replace the power supply.
Step 3. Let the console cool down
If the two red lights on the Xbox 360 power button are on, the console is overheated. Turn off the set-top box for a few hours, during which it cools down. It is recommended that you use your Xbox 360 in a well-ventilated area; also, do not place objects on or near the console.
Some users believe that the horizontal arrangement of the set-top box leads to better cooling
Step 4. Connect another video cable
If the four red lights on the Xbox 360 power button are on, a bad or unsupported video cable is connected, or it is loose. Make sure the cable plugs are firmly connected to their respective connectors. To fix this problem, try connecting a different video cable.
Step 5. Disconnect all peripheral devices
Sometimes an excessive number of peripheral devices connected to the set-top box leads to increased power consumption. This is especially true for modified consoles that plug in additional hard drives or other peripherals. Disconnect all peripherals and try turning on your console.
Typically, this will show the code “E68” on the screen
Step 6. Inspect the USB ports for bent pins
This is a common problem in which a short circuit occurs and as a result, the Xbox 360 cannot be turned on.
- Examine the USB ports on the front and back of the console. If the pins come in contact with each other or touch the case of the port, this is most likely causing a short circuit.
- Turn off and unplug the Xbox from the electrical outlet, and then use tweezers to return the bent USB ports to their original state. Try not to use USB ports anymore to avoid bending the pins.
Part 3 of 3: Eliminating the Red Ring of Death
Step 1. If the warranty period is not expired, send your console to Microsoft for repair
There it will be repaired free of charge or at a great discount. If the console cannot be repaired, it will be replaced with a new one. (This may not apply to Xbox owners living in Russia.)
Go to https://devicesupport.microsoft.com/en-US to register your console, check its warranty status, and contact a service center
Step 2. Find out the secondary error code
The "Red Ring of Death" (three red lights around the power button) may indicate various problems with the console components. In most cases, this light indicates that the motherboard has become deformed as a result of overheating, and the chips will no longer come into contact with it. But by finding out the secondary error code, you will determine the true cause of the malfunction.
- Turn on your console. Once the red lights turn on, press and hold the sync button located on the front of your Xbox.
- While holding down the sync button, press and release the eject button.
- Pay attention to the flashing lights that will help you identify the first digit. One blink means number 1, two blinks - number 2, three blinks - number 3, four blinks - number 0.
- Press the eject button again to find the next digit (you only need to identify four digits).
Step 3. Find out the source of the malfunction using the code
Once you know the secondary error code, see its meaning at xbox-experts.com/errorcodes.php.
Step 4. Next to the corresponding error code, click Details
Recommendations (in English) for fixing a specific problem will open; a list of required parts and tools will also be displayed.
Step 5. Do not repair the console yourself - let a professional do it
If the warranty period has not expired, it is better to take the console to the nearest workshop, the address of which can be found on the Internet. Do this if repairing the attachment involves re-soldering parts, which requires special equipment.
Step 6. Purchase the appropriate repair kit
First of all, it is recommended to replace the crosspiece with which the radiator is attached to the processor. And change the thermal paste that is applied to the processor (and then a heatsink is installed on it).
You will need a drill if you intend to replace the screws with larger diameter screws
Step 7. Find recommendations for the repair being performed
This article cannot cover all the recommendations, so find the ones that are appropriate for your specific problem. You may need additional tools such as a soldering iron. Remember that renovations vary in complexity and materials required.
Step 8. Open the Xbox 360 case
In most cases, repairing your Xbox 360 requires opening the console case. This is a challenging process that can be facilitated through the use of special tools. For detailed instructions, read this article.
Step 9. Unplug and remove the optical drive
This is necessary in order to gain access to the console components. Disconnect the two cables that are connected to the back of the drive and then lift it up to remove it.
Step 10. Remove the fan shroud and the fans themselves
Open the clips of the fan shroud and remove it. Disconnect the cable that connects the fans to the motherboard, and then remove them from the console case.
Step 11. Remove dust
Do this if your console overheats frequently. Remove dust from the radiator with a clean brush and compressed air from narrow gaps.
Use a toothbrush to remove dust from each blade of the removed fans. Do not use compressed air to clean the fans to avoid damaging them
Step 12. Remove the radio that is located along the front of the console
It is a small board that mounts vertically along the front of the console.
Remove the cover plate with a flat screwdriver, and then remove the three screws with a star screwdriver
Step 13. Flip the console over and remove the screws securing the motherboard
It uses nine yellow T10 Torx screws and eight black T8 Torx screws.
The repair kit should include a set of eight Torx T8 screws
Step 14. Carefully flip the console over and remove the motherboard
This can be done through the front panel. When flipping the console, make sure the motherboard does not fall out.
Step 15. Disconnect the D-pad from the motherboard
If you need to change the D-pad or thermal grease (on the processor heatsink), disconnect the D-pad from the motherboard (the D-pad is on the back of the motherboard).
- Use a small flat-blade screwdriver to pry the cross-piece so that it protrudes slightly from the slots.
- Insert a flat head screwdriver under the spider and gently push down until the spider is completely out of the slots.
Step 16. Disconnect the heat sink from the processor
If the old thermal grease is dry, you may have to use force to remove the heatsink from the processor.
Step 17 Remove the old thermal grease using rubbing alcohol
Clean the surface of both the processor and heat sink.
Step 18. Apply new thermal paste
In the center of the processor surface, apply some thermal paste (in the form of a small pea). There is no need to smear the thermal paste on the surface of the processor - if the thermal paste is applied exactly in the center, it will smear itself during the installation of the heatsink.
Step 19. Perform additional repairs
Basic procedures include cleaning the case and accessories, as well as replacing the cross and thermal paste. Check out the troubleshooting tips for a specific problem to see if you need to do any additional procedures, such as melting the solder that holds the chips to the motherboard (this is a rather complicated process).