Editorial: Red Ring of Death (x360) By 360 Repair Guru Published: 12/04/08 PrintEmail
The Red Ring of Death and Other Troubles with the Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 has been plagued with problems, seemingly from the first day after its release. While the console undoubtedly has numerous high-tech components hidden within its confines, it also houses the potential for devastating problems. The 3 red light error, affectionately termed the Red Ring of Death, or simply RROD, by gamers, has been the most pervasive issue to strike the console.
However, the 1 red light error also has a high level of incidence. Keeping that console running is the only way that you can ensure your considerable investment is worth it, not to mention being able to actually play games. What is the 3 red light error? What is the 1 red light error? Can you repair these issues without compromising the integrity of your console?
The 3 Red Light Error - A Definitive Understanding
The rush to production is something that affects many companies. However, correct research and development are vital to the outcome of the final product. That said, Microsoft could have benefited from further R&D prior to the release of the Xbox 360. Without important research into potential problems, extensive play-testing of the equipment and the vital information that these procedures provide, the final product can have serious problems. When Microsoft released the Xbox 360, this criteria had not been met. The obvious implications of this have been apparent in the inordinate number of consoles experiencing the 3 red light error.
The appearance of the 3 red light error signifies a "general hardware failure", according to Microsoft. This single code can be used to signify any number of issues. However, it usually represents a single problem. Or, rather, it signifies the culmination of several factors that results in the Ring of Light turning red in three quadrants and the failure of your console.
How do you know if you have the 3 red light error? What can you do for the Red Ring of Death? The error will appear after your console has been powered on. On the Ring of Light, sections 1, 3 and 4 will change from green to red. The console will not allow you to do anything other than power it off from the power button. If this happens to your console, here are the troubleshooting steps to attempt:
Attempt to reboot the console and verify that the error returns. If the error does not return, your console is fine and the error was simply an erroneous operation.
Verify that the indicator light on the power supply is green. If the light is orange or red, you may have an issue with power being supplied to the console.
If the error is not fixed, turn off the unit. Unplug all cables, including the AV cable, any controllers or other peripherals and the power cord.
Reconnect all cables firmly, ensuring that they are fully seated in their connection.
Power the console on.
Verify that the 3 red lights have not returned.
If the red lights return, turn off the console. Remove the hard drive and then turn the console back on. If the lights remain off, power off the system and reconnect the hard drive. Reboot your system.
If the lights remain, you will have to do a bit more to rectify the situation.
If the 3 red lights remain lit on the Ring of Light, you will have to take your repairs considerably further. First, determine if you have any warranty remaining on your console. The warranty for the 3 red light error has been extended to three full years by Microsoft due to the prevalence of the error. If you have warranty remaining, it is highly recommended that you send the console in for repairs. However, if you do not have any warranty remaining, you may choose to take matters into your own hands. Before you do this, you will need to understand what caused the error in the first place.
All computers generate heat. The Xbox is nothing more than a computer, with a motherboard, a CPU chip, a graphics chip and RAM on board. To dissipate the heat generated by the chips, the DVD drive, the flow of electricity through the board and other components, numerous cooling mechanisms have been added. In the Xbox, these take the form of heat sinks, a cooling system (fans, etc), and a thermal protective paste which is used to coat the CPU and GPU chips.
However, a number of factors combined to make Microsoft's heat dispersal system less than effective. The problem begins with a subpar cooling system. The heat sinks for the GPU and CPU chips are too small to adequately disperse the amount of heat generated through normal usage. Second, the solder used in mounting the GPU and CPU chips to the motherboard is subpar. Lead-free solder has seen considerable use in recent decades. However, the lead-free solder used in construction of the Xbox is not capable of sustaining the high temperatures associated with console use. The application of heat in this instance results in the solder becoming brittle.
During normal console operation, the motherboard also becomes hot. Due to the application of heat, the motherboard expands and contracts, or "flexes". This flexing is normal; however, because the solder has become brittle, the flexing action of the motherboard forms hairline cracks in the solder. Over time (usually not very long), these cracks deepen and widen. In this case, the flexing of the motherboard will actually begin to unseat the GPU and sometimes the CPU from the motherboard. When the GPU works loose from its socket in the motherboard, your console will no longer function; instead, it will display the 3 red light error.
Repairing the 3 Red Light Error
While the 3 red light error is due to Microsoft's inaccurate and incorrect use of materials and construction methods, do not expect a free repair from them unless you still have warranty coverage on your console. If you lack a warranty, you can repair the console yourself. It is a simple matter, and really only involves adjusting the cooling system on the motherboard for optimum heat dispersion. If you have a warranty, you are urged to send it to Microsoft for repair, as mentioned above.
Repairing the 3 red light error involves the "X-clamp" fix. You will need to disconnect the console completely, including the power cord, any peripherals and the controllers. You will also need to remove the hard drive before proceeding. Finally, you will need to remove the X-clamps used to secure the heat sinks to the GPU and CPU chips.
Once the X-clamps have been removed, you can remove the heat sinks. At this time, you should clean the old thermal protective film from the chip and the back of the heat sink and replace it with the proper product. Now you can remount the heat sinks so that they provide uniform pressure across the GPU and CPU chip, ensuring that they remain connected to the motherboard, no matter how hot the board becomes.
What Is the 1 Red Light Error?
The 1 red light error presents differently than the 3 red light error. This error finds that the fourth quadrant of the Ring of Light is flashing red, rather than remaining green. The technical definition for this error is simply "hardware failure". You should also receive a code on the TV screen, such as E74, E65, etc. The code displayed will be required if you choose to call Microsoft support for assistance.
While there are numerous codes that can cause the 1 red light error, they all seem to have a single underlying cause. Once more, the heat generated by the Xbox 360 console during operation wreaks havoc on the internal parts due to improper construction and implementation. The most common cause of the 1 red light error is E74, which indicates an AV (audio video) error.
While it is possible that the AV cable has failed, or the ANA chip at the back of the console, it is more likely that the error is caused by a loose GPU chip, which has worked loose from the motherboard during flexing. Again, the faulty soldering material and insufficient heat dispersal are responsible for the error. However, this error is not covered by the extended Microsoft warranty and is only covered for a single year after the date of purchase.
Thankfully, the 1 red light error can be repaired with the same method mentioned for the 3 red light error. In fact, the X-clamp fix can remedy a number of errors with the Xbox 360 and help ensure that you have the gaming enjoyment that you require. If your Xbox 360 is still under warranty, you are once again urged to send it in for repair.
Are There Other Problems with the Xbox 360?
The problems with the Xbox 360 console do not end with the 1 red light error and 3 red light error. There are numerous other failures that can occur. One of the most recent occurrences according to new sources is the incidence of video failure. Termed the "black screen of death", this error is frequently preceded by video anomalies, such as color degradation, over-tinting of a single color, flashing bars or trailing streaks. Other symptoms can include pixilation of the picture and poor image quality. While these symptoms may present before video failure, they may only be present for a very short time, if at all.
The first area of concern in this occurrence is the AV cable, itself. While the cables fail infrequently, it is a possibility and one more easily rectified than than are other causes. To test this, simply connect the Xbox through another AV cable. In addition, testing it on another TV can help eliminate television failure as the culprit. Finally, check the HDTV and TV settings on the AV cable to ensure the switch is in the proper place.
However, these repairs usually result in no betterment of the situation. Frequently, the cause can be traced back to the same source as the 3 red light error and the 1 red light error. A loose GPU chip will not produce video and can present without a red light warning.
Another common error reported is the 2 red light error. Microsoft defines this error as "overheating". This error requires some troubleshooting prior to repair. The first step is to ensure that the power supply indicator light is green. Low power supply or an overheated power brick can cause this error.
Once you have eliminated the power supply, it is time to look at how your Xbox console is setup. Ensure that all air vents are unobstructed, allowing fresh, cool air into the case. Second, ensure that the console is resting on a firm surface, not a cloth covering. Finally, ensure that the console is not resting atop another device that produces heat, such as a DVD player or surround sound system.
If all of these steps have been followed and your Xbox continues to display the 2 red light error, allow the unit to cool and then attempt the X-clamp fix. Once again, Microsoft's negligence has caused a problem with game play and customer satisfaction. Once more, the warranty extension applied to the 3 red light error will not provide you with any coverage and, if your console is no longer under the 1-year warranty, you will have to repair the system yourself.
Another common problem with the console is the 4 red light error, which indicates that the console cannot locate the AV cable. This concern is usually rectified by checking the AV cable where it connects to the back of the console. Remove the cable from its connection point and reinsert it firmly. If you hear a click, then it is connected correctly. As mentioned, this repair usually corrects the problem. However, it is not uncommon for this to simply be another manifestation of the heat problem that has so plagued the console.
