Repair Xbox 360 – 3 Red Lights
James at joystiq fixed his own 360 that was flashing three red lights, which indicates an internal error.
If you have this problem try this simple fix:
1) Remove your hard drive and/or memory units.
2) Run "Initial Setup" under the system blade.
3) Decline inserting HDD or memory unit when prompted.
4) Sync your controller and pop in a game.
*** UPDATE *** Microsoft has a new free warranty of 3 years for the 3 red light error. If you have this problem, you can send your console in for free repair. Or, if you don't want to pay shipping and have to wait 2-3 weeks, you can attempt to fix it yourself.
More details here:
NEW! Instructional videos to repair your 360 yourself in less than an hour, guaranteed: Xbox 360 Three Red Light Repair
Related posts:
Comments (768)
I bought the premium 360 yesterday, it was all good on the first day but now i get this 3 light error. i have tried all the examples above and a few other things to no avail. I think this is a total joke for a new machine,
Wow, that’s a bummer. Did the store have more 360s for sale?
You might be better off exchanging it for a new one.
I tried this multiple times and found that it does not work. The only answer is to send it in for repairs.
Me too i cannot figure our what is wrong with it. I have tried everything from every website and i still cant get it to work.
Time to call support to send that baby in for repair. (If it’s too late to exchange from where you purchased.)
Ive got a xbox 360. What has the same problem has you lot. Mine comes up with the 3 red lights. Ive tried many things with the 360 but i have no joy with it. Now ive got to take it back to the shop where I got it from. I think the Microsoft should take the blame and they should have released the 360 so early. Microsoft took a total joke out of us and making money out of us.
I bought an XBox 360 in early april 2006 (premium with hard drive). Worked great for 2 weeks, then wouldn work: the three flashing red lights.
Called customer support, and they say that it is an internal problem: have to take it back for exchange.
Quick web search shows this is a common problem: Clearly Microsoft released the XBox 360 too early. I think Ill see if I can get a refund and exchange it for a plain XBox.
It’s rediculous how poorly made these machines are. Mine will give me the three lights, i’ll unplug everything but in all honesty, how in god’s name is that going to do anything?! I’ve tried everything from every website i’ve found and nothing works. Best bet i’d say is to send it to Microsoft with a big “thank you for crap” written on it. $400 is better off going to charity.
Yeah, sometimes eletronics fail.
At least they’ll fix it.
how come xbox support was repair the units for free, but now they are charging $130?