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
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Comments (768)
I had no idea until now how much the “3 red lights” problem was. I have had my 360 for a little more than a year and just yesterday, the piece of S*** stoped working. There is no reason microsoft cant warn others of this problem and fix those who are experiencing the problem. someone with some power should step up and solve this. Sorry to the 360 goo-roo’s but PS3 is my next purchase if i can get rid of this wack 360.
So basically what I am reading here (after my own console quit) is that Microsoft needs to do a general recall of their systems, but yet, they will not due to bad publicity. Yet at the same time, the auto companies do this on an almost regular basis. What are our consumers rights? Anyone been in touch with Consumer Reports?
Come take our poll, how many have you had crash? Just takes a second.
Center Poll, just under guestbook.
http://www.xbox360defective.com
Hey boys and girls, I have I think have fixed my Xbox problem. I also got the 3 red lights and have tried all the web sites stuff and all. Then I gave it another shot, what about it the box wouldn’t standing up, but instead laying flat. And voila, it worked of so it seemed, as soon as I put it standing up and turn it on the 3 red lights come on. Lay it flat and turn it on works fine. Coincidence? could very well be, but for now it’s working.
I have tried everything, but nothing works. I think my Graphics chip has burnt out. If so, that sucks cuz I have looked and looked, and there isn’t a replacement or service or anything. I’m going INSANE!!!!!!!!!!
Xbox 360 Maniac Followed your instructions and it worked for me, Cheers!
I bought my Xbox360 last Dec, how long does the warranty usually last? Just wondering because if it is still under warranty I would like to exchange it just in case it happens again.
I know that Microsoft (not some shop, Gill Bates himself) gives you 2 years of warrenty in Sweden, might some other countries in Europe aswell. Otherwise 1 year of warrenty is a standard.
Matty Ni. Phone Microsoft and see what warrenty there is for your country.
this is a complete joke. mine has worked for 2 years and now i get the 3 red lights!!!!!!wtf???? my warranty i up and im only 14 so im definitely not doin a repair myself. or paying $140$!?
Dear fellow Ring of Death club members,
If you had bothered to visit the Xbox website you would have found the following
Microsoft Extends
Xbox 360 Warranty to One Year
This holiday season, shoppers can buy with added confidence as Microsoft expands its warranty coverage of the Xbox 360™ video game entertainment console from 90 days to one full year. Microsoft has announced that any Xbox 360 purchased in both the United States and Canada will include this added warranty coverage, and it even applies to those who have already purchased an Xbox 360 console and who are still within their first year of ownership!
Effective today (December 22), the one year warranty is now the standard for all Xbox 360 consoles. Customers that experience hardware issues with their Xbox 360 within one year of purchase will have their consoles repaired at no cost. Moreover, the new warranty policy is retroactive, so consumers that may have already paid for out-of-warranty Xbox 360 repair within one year of the console’s purchase will be eligible for reimbursement of their console repair charges.
“Our number one priority for the Xbox 360 is customer satisfaction,” said Jeff Bell, Corporate Vice President of Global Marketing for Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business. “Now, in addition to Xbox 360 offering features such as jaw-dropping high definition graphics, an amazing variety of more than 160 games, and social online and entertainment experiences found on Xbox Live®, this warranty upgrade is an exclamation at the end of an already compelling home entertainment offering.”
Customers who have already paid for repairs within their first year of ownership can expect reimbursement checks for the amount of their console hardware repair in approximately 10 weeks. These will be automatically distributed, so customers do not need to proactively contact Microsoft. Customers who have any questions regarding this policy change or who have experienced any hardware issues should visit: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/contact/ or call 1-800-4-MY-XBOX and speak to an agent.
This warranty extension only applies to the hardware and software of the actual Xbox 360 console itself. It does not apply to any Xbox 360 accessories, including any that may have been packaged with the console at the time of its original purpose. Xbox 360 accessories retain their original 90 day warranties. For full information on the Xbox 360 warranty, click here.
Wow.. I just got it less then 30 minutes ago. This Xbox360, that ive had since October06′ is obviously a piece of crap.. Ive loved it.. Until this 3 red light bullcrap.. It’s been going on for 3 years, THEY STILL HAVENT DECIDED TO FIX IT? I think they did this just to make money.