My Xbox360 is crazy

ZachSand

ZachSand

Member
So I've had quite a bit of trouble with the Xbox 360's being that I've had to return 2 to be fixed.

In this case they sent me back a brand new 360, because they couldn't seem to fix mine.. or something along those lines.

I've had it for quite a while now, and it's out of warranty. Just recently(Past 3 months) it's started to(sometimes) light up either one, two, or all 3 red rings. It seems spontaneous to which one it chooses to be the problem. I'll usually turn it on and off a few times and wait then try again later, and sometimes it ends up working very smoothly.

Sometimes when i turn it off, the lights+audio/visual, basically everything goes off, yet something inside of it seems to still be on because it makes the same noise as when it is on. Which makes me have to unplug it.

There is probably some site I can go to find out/fix the problem, does anybody know what site, or have any suggestions?
 
have you tried a new power pack, i once didnt put mine in all the way and a similar thing happened so assuming this has been happening for abit maybe your power pack is on its way

EDIT: then again i saw that you said you turn it on and off then it works, a friend of mine has a similar problem and within a few weeks his xbox rrod'd so i think you should prepare to buy a new one in worst case scenario
 
I haven't tried anything really, but I'll look into it.

It's just odd because when it does work, and turn on, it works perfectly. No overheating, no scratching my discs, no freezing..

I've been prepared for it to break forever now, and often I do think it'll never start working... then it does. It's tricky.
 
When you do get it working, can you play for an extended period of time (2+ hours) without it going to a red light error? If so, that would indicate that it isn't the normal overheating problem, and could very well be the power supply. They go for around $20 on eBay, but make sure you get the right one because not every PSU works with every XBox.
 
31!m!n80r said:
Consider the PS3? I like mine more than I liked my xbox360, but thats just my preference.
Click to expand...

My brother has a PS3 and while they're nice, I do prefer my Xbox, and I don't have the cash to throw on another console yet.

I've probably played it, at most, 6+ hours(Black Ops Multiplayer) and it runs smooth. From what you're saying that must mean it's the power supply.
Are these easy to remove and replace with a new one? I've only opened the inside of my Xbox once after my warranty was up, and it was a pain.
 
mine had rrod and i fixed somtime ago, but th main issue with th 360's, is that manyof th system's mobos can hav messed soder links...and cpu/gpu overheating(which iswhat the 3rrodis..2rrod is baddvd drive, 4rrodjust means the video cable is unplugged...if th PSU isnt th problem, it may be the mobo.
hopeyu can i.d. some of those problems. :)
 
jd132 said:
mine had rrod and i fixed somtime ago, but th main issue with th 360's, is that manyof th system's mobos can hav messed soder links...and cpu/gpu overheating(which iswhat the 3rrodis..2rrod is baddvd drive, 4rrodjust means the video cable is unplugged...if th PSU isnt th problem, it may be the mobo.
hopeyu can i.d. some of those problems. :)
Click to expand...

Generally, the RRoD is associated with chips on the motherboard overheating which can warp the motherboard and damage the solder joints. However, if that were the case here then he wouldn't be able to play it for the long periods of time that he has been able too. If it were an overheating issue it would be occurring more regularly, which leads me to think it might be the PSU.
 
My vote would initially would also be for a bad power brick. My brother has been through 2 of them. But I would guess, since you said the warranty is up, that you have the older style XBOX 360, not the XBOX 360 Slim.

But.... it could also be bad power connections on console/at the brick/at the wall. Check the connections for looseness or signs of damage.

Or the wires inside the cables have gotten "pulled" away from the plug-in. Maybe a damaged section(s) inside the cables that isn't visible (like from walking on the cables a lot).

If you're using a surge protector, check the protector for damage or signs of wear. Maybe its been been used for years and been everywhere in the house and outside..... get a new one as that surge protector may be worn out or damaged (why chance it, they're cheap).

I'd check the wall socket to make sure its in good shape. Look for any signs of tan or dark residue around the socket, indicative a short has occurred. Check the socket for tightness with a plug, if its loose or has that residue, replace the socket. You could also pull the socket from the wall to check that the house wiring is firmly secured and not corroded. If you see dark brown or black scorch marks, replace the socket.

You can check your wall socket with this tool, a receptacle tester with GFCI test from Ideal. Its cheap and easy to use. I carry it with my stuff when I go anywhere I'm going to plug my electronics in, that way I have less of a chance getting my electronics fried!

Edit: Are you sure that the xbox is not overheating? When you look into the ends do you see large amounts of dust? It may be that its overheating and that old familiar xbox 360 problem is back, but I'm kinda doubting it.
 
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I'm going to try a new power supply first, my buddy has a 360 and it works smoothly, so I'll try his without first going and buying a new one.

Power connections seem to be good.

I'll check the wires after I try a new power supply.

No surge protector used.

My wall socket looks good, I use it for my TV and other things, also I've put different electronics in the same slot as the Xbox is usually in and it works perfectly.

I'm rather sure it's not overheating, I don't see any abnormal dust issues.
 
I would highly suggest getting that socket tester to make sure your wiring is correct. Also I highly recommend getting a surge protector. I have used this Belkin model and bought it for others: 12-Outlet Home/Office Surge Protector w/Phone/Ethernet/Coax Protection. Its about $65, but they have other models for less.

Do you have a good multimeter and know how to use it?

If you have one, does it have a continuity test? (most do)
 
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