XBOX 360 - Struggling with that Red Ring of Death? Here is The Ultimate Guide demonstrating how to put your XBOX back on track!

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Ok



The X-Clamp Fix :)

Content:
Preface
Step 1 - Preparation
Step 2 - Opening the XBOX 360
Step 3 - Removing the X-Clamps
Step 4 - Installing the Repair Kit
Step 5 - Overheating

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Preface

Here you will find essential information on how to permanently fix XBOX 360 that suffers from the infamous Red Ring of Death. As with most tutorials that I’ve seen, this is not at all “my” invention or information. This is a collaboration of many peoples ideas and theories that have been tested by many others, but as whole - seem to benefit the entire XBOX Scene community. Do this at your own risk, only if you are like me - “Out of Warranty”. I take no responsibility if you destroy your XBOX further. With that said let’s get to the fix.

Why does it really work

When Microsoft designed the 360, they chose a slightly unusual way of mounting the heat sinks to the processors. When the console is running, there is a tremendous amount of heat build up inside the case. This causes the motherboard to flex against the X-Clamp support which in turn can cause the soldered joints on the processor to come away from the motherboard itself. This result in the the Red Lights of death. Due to the inefficient design of the heat sink clamping method, this is a very serious problem. Although Microsoft haven’t (as of yet) come up with a decent design fix, on the latest ‘Elite’ versions of the console they have used epoxy resin to ‘glue’ the corners of the processors down to stop the flexing that causes this error. Whether their fix will stand the test of time remains to be seen. What the modification contained in this manual achieves is to alleviate board flexing and apply uniform pressure to the processors. This uniform pressure is enough to ‘remake’ the faulty joints resulting in a working console. Also, because the pressure on the processors is uniform the heat sinks do a much better job of dissipating the heat build up.


!!!Before You Start!!!

Be clever and check whether its absolutely necessary to perform the X-Clamp Fix। If you can, always make use out of that bit of warranty that's left and send it back to Microsoft. Check the Error Codes List first so that you know exactly whats wrong with your console.
If you are fed up with your old xbox 360 consider buying a new one from amazon, they have great deals with arcade version starting at just over £120inc postage!!Link is just on your right >


click here > ERROR CODE LIST



REMEMBER
3 Red Lights - Fix GPU and CPU
1 Red Light - Fix the GPU only

Go to the list of content on the right side of the page to read through Step 1

XBOX 360 X CLAMP FIX - Step 5 - Overheating the console

A) Put the motherboard back in the silver case
Plug in the Twin Fan, DVD the daughter board, Power cable, AV cable.
Switch it on.
If it doesn’t work at first, you need to “bake it”.


B) Leave it on for about 10minuts and let it overheat.
You might see the lights on the power button going from RROD to 2 lights indicating that the console is overheating. That's the state you want it to stay for 10min. Sometimes it will only show you the RROD, still don't worry, have it ON for 10-12min and let it cool off.

F) Now Plug everything back again
and turn it on while the console is open
You should get the Green Lights if not go back
to Step 4 and do it again.

If it still does not work, play this to cheer yourself up




I hope that you found this guide helpful, cheers for now.

If you have any problems post it here and I will reply on the forum.
Best Regards 

XBOX 360 X CLAMP FIX - Step 4 - Installing the Repair Kit

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A) Apply a drop of thermal paste on
the GPU and CPU
Spread it with your finger and cover the whole
surface of the processor

B) Put the XBOX Motherboard on a side like
shown on the Picture and insert all of the bolts and washers
The Motherboard will keep balance on its own so there is no need
to cellar-tape the bolts to the motherboard at all.Take your time, slow and steady wins the race.

Tighten the bolts evenly
Only do this hand tight to start with. Only after
use the screwdriver and do quarter turns on each
of the screws.
Make sure you don’t put too much pressure on the motherboard while tightening the screws, otherwise it will bend and possibly brake solders on the board!!

How much is too much? Use common sense.



Go to Step 5 - Overheating the Console

XBOX 360 X CLAMP FIX - Step 1 - Preperation

Q - What Do I need to perform the X Clamp Fix?
the answer is simple. Few tools and a bit o patience.


Make sure you have:

• 8x M5 12mm Flat Head Screws
• 8x M5 Steel Washers,
• 8x Stainless Steel Spring Washers,
• 16x Heat Treated Nylon Washers,
  
• T8 & T10 Torx Screwdrivers or Driver Bits
  
• 1x High Quality Thermal Compound,
• 1x Isopropyl Alcohol Wipe (or you aftershave)
• Pliers or Standard Hex Driver
• 3mm Hex Key
  

Go to Step 2 - Opening the Xbox 360

XBOX 360 X CLAMP FIX - Step 3 - Removing and Preparing the Heat Sinks

Take off the power button
(white bezel) and unscrew the
front panel (Torx 8)
take out all 3 black screws and unplug the daughter board.

Unplug and Remove the obstacles as follows
DVD drive, white plastic air duct, Twin Fans and then take out the Motherboard


Remove the X-Clamps using big slotted screwdriver
Before you start make sure you tape the vulnerable places on the Motherboard. The screwdriver can slip very easily plowing through the solders witch would give you the final RROD.
When your MOB is safe and ready to rock, jam the screwdriver in one of the legs and twist it to loosen it up. Do another one on the same side of the X-Clamp and wiggle the other two out.
Never throw away your X-Clamps!!
Collect it! That's your trophy, isn’t it?


Remove original screws from heat sinks
A hex screw driver comes handy as the screws you are about to undo have boarders exactly the same as standard hexagonal driver bits. Otherwise, use pliers.


Clean the Heat Sinks and Processors till they SHINE!
Use ear-buds and isopropyl alcohol to wipe the useless
Microsoft compound off. You can scrape big
dry chunks of it with a credit card or dedicated scraper

Go to Step 4 - Installing the Repair Kit

XBOX 360 X CLAMP FIX - Step 2 - Opening the XBOX 360

Q - How to open XBOX 360 to keep the warranty sticker intact?
You cant, but it is good to know that one is intact when buying a second hand console with Red Ring of Death.

Q - How to QUICKLY open the XBOX 360?
It is true what they say. Practice does make perfect. Still, you need to know what you are doing. The best way to improve the speed of opening the outer shell is to take a good look at it when you first take it off. Try to understand how the locking system on the back of the console works to minimize the damage caused during that easy procedure.
Sometimes things might get a bit frustrating and you start thinking of shortcuts. DO NOT TRY WHAT YOU SAW ON YOUTUBE, Im talking about snapping the case in one second! Take your time and it will pay off.


A) Remove all accessories; HDD, Memo Cards, etc


B) How to Remove the front face plate
from your XBOX 360
Insert the 1st, 2nd and 3rd finger into the slot that covers the two USB ports and put your thumb on the edge of the the plate. Pull gently, with not too much effort and the face plate should come away with ease.

C) How to Remove Grey End Plates
Looking through the ventilation shaft locate 3 locks on each side of the grey plate and insert the precision screwdriver (or anything thats thin enough) to release them pulling them slightly upwards with your other hand. The HDD Grey End Plate has one of the locks covered by the rubber foot. Simply remove the foot press the lock out and put the foot back in place.

D) Release 4 Front Clips
Easy, try to push the case apart while doing it.

E) Release 6 slots at the back of
the console
Put the precision screwdriver into the slots one by one and press till you hear click. Try to prevent the slots from closing back before you open all of them so keep pulling the case apart, be sensible. See how I use my left hand to push the case left and right.

Take the plastic side off and reveal the silver bottom part of the XBOX 360. Start taking the bolts out.
You will need T10 and T8 bits to unscrew 14 silver and 8 black screws respectively. Remove the Eject Button.

Watch the Video Tutorial on how to open Xbox 360

Go to Step 3 - Removing and Preparing the Heatsinks

Know your error - How to find and decipher the XBOX 360 error code

The specific type of hardware failure can be determined by a "hidden" error code Turn the xbox 360 on, and wait till the 3 red lights are flashing. Press and hold the sync up button (the small white one), while holding that button press the eject button.

• The LEDs will now blink the first number in the code (as described below).
• Release the eject button and press it again.
• The LEDs will now blink the second number of the code.
• Release the eject button and press it again.
• The LEDs will now blink the third number of the code.
• Release the eject button and press it again.
• The LEDs will now blink the forth number of the code.
• Release the eject button and press it again.
• The LEDs will go back to the 3 red flashing lights.

You should be able to determine the difference between the 3 flashing lights and the error code lights by the rate in which they flash. Here is how you interpret the LEDs to get the code number:

• All four lights flashing - 0
• One light flashing - 1
• Two Lights flashing - 2
• Three lights flashing - 3  

Go to Step 1 - Preparation

--==ERROR Codes==--
If there is a problem with the Xbox360 The LEDs in the ring of light will flash in a particular pattern. The pattern itself leads some insight to the problem. Certain patterns will lead to numbered error codes which will provide further insight to the problem. The numbered error codes are described below their corresponding LED code.

After reading this guide if you'd like to discuss the problems you're experiencing with others you can do so in the following thread:
http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=462099

these are the codes we know so far...
Please contribute if you know of new codes that are not part of this list.

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Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 are flashing red
- The AV cable cannot be detected
/ \
\ /

THINGS TO TRY

1. Make sure that the AV cable is correctly connected to the Xbox 360 console.
2. Disconnect the AV cable from the Xbox 360 console, and then reconnect the AV cable to the Xbox 360 console.
3. If the four flashing red lights continue to flash, try wiping the metal area of the AV pack with a dry cloth. The metal area is the end that plugs into the console. Wipe the metal area thoroughly, and then try the AV Pack again.
4. If the AV cable is correctly connected but the four red lights are still flashing, substitute a different AV cable if you have one available.

=============================

Sections 1, 3, and 4 are flashing red
- General Hardware Failure
/ \
\ /

Check the secondary Error Code per the instructions in the section below

THINGS TO TRY

1. Try restarting the console.
2. If restarting the console does not resolve the behavior, follow these steps:
   
   • Turn the console off.
   • Unplug all the power and AV cables from the console.
   • Unplug the power cord from the wall socket.
   • Firmly reconnect all the cables.
   • Turn on the console.
3. If these steps do not resolve the behavior, turn the console off, remove the hard drive, and then turn on the console. If the 3x Red LED error light is no longer displayed, turn the console off, re-attach the hard drive, and then turn on the console.
4. Also examine the lights on the power supply. When you turn on the console, the power supply light should illuminate green even if the three lights on the RoL flash red.

=============================

Sections 1, and 3 are flashing red
- Overheating
/ \
\ /
Alternatively Overheating can be cause by the console locking up or "freezing" after a set amount of time. Lockups that occur at a specific point in a game are generally problems with the game itself and not caused by overheating.

THINGS TO TRY

1. Let the Xbox 360 console cool.
   Note You may have to wait several hours for the console to cool enough. Do not turn on the console when the console is hot.
2. Verify that the console has sufficient ventilation and that the fan is operating. For more information about ventilation, see the "More Information" section.

PREVENTION SUGGESTIONS
To try to prevent this problem, use the following precautions:

• Do not block any ventilation openings on the Xbox 360 console.
• Do not put the Xbox 360 console on a bed, on a sofa, or on any other soft surface that may block ventilation openings.
• Do not put the Xbox 360 console in a confined space, such as a bookcase, a rack, or a stereo cabinet, unless the space is well-ventilated.
• Do not put the Xbox 360 console near any heat source, such as a radiator, a heat register, a stove, or an amplifier.

DO NOT EVER PUT YOUR CONSOLE IN THE FREEZER OR OUT IN COLD WEATHER
Some people think that doing this might help "fix" an overheating console, in fact doing so could cause even bigger problems. Electronic devices like your console are made to function at and around room temperature, extreme cold temperatures can often cause just as many problems as extreme warm temperatures (such as overheating). Also if the console is located in a dramatically cold area while running, the difference in temperature between the hot console and cold air can create condensation which in turn will short out your console making the situation far worse. Condensation will happen more quickly if your console is overheating due to the greater difference in temperature. In short... DON'T DO IT.

A more aggressive Solution to overheating is to improve the cooling system of the console. The best solution is to replace the thermal compound. If you attempt this you do so at your own risk. If you're console is still under warranty it is recommended that you contact MS for a replacement before attempting to fix it yourself.

=============================

Section 4 is flashing red
- Hardware Failure
/ \
\ /

The Specific Type of hardware failure can be determined by the error code displayed on the screen.
If the screen is blank or you would like additional information follow the instructions for determining the secondary error code in the section below
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ERROR CODES


0001 See Error E01
0002 See Error E02
0003 See Error E03
0010 See Error E04
0011 See Error E05
0012 See Error E06
0013 See Error E07
0020 See Error E08
0021 See Error E09
0022 See Error E10
0023 (not yet known)
0030 See Error E12
0031 See Error E13
0032 (not yet known)
0033 (not yet known)
0100 See Error E16
0101 (not yet known)
0102 See Error E18
0103 See Error E19
0110 See Error E20
...
0200 (not yet known)
0201 (not yet known)
0202 (not yet known)
0203 See Error E35
...
1000 See Error E64
1001 See Error E65
1002 See Error E66
1003 See Error E67
1010 See Error E68
1011 See Error E69
1012 See Error E70
1013 See Error E71
1020 See Error E72
1021 See Error E73
1022 See Error E74
1023 See Error E75
1030 See Error E76
1031 See Error E77
1032 See Error E78
1033 See Error E79
1100 See Error E80
...
1444 and up There is no "4" in the error codes. Four lights is a "0" go back and check your code again.



==========================================


E01: possibly a power supply problem

E02: possibly a Network Interface problem (might be fixed by loosening the x-clamps)

E03: possibly Power problem could be the PSU could be the GPU/CPU, somehow the console isn't getting clean power from the power supply.

E04: Unconfirmed: There is a problem with the Southbridge Chip usually dealing with how it connects to the mainboard (cold solder joint/bridged solder joints)

E05: CPU over heating - If you are receiving this error after disassembling your console make sure to all 8 of the heatsinc screws are tightened securely to the board/heatsink holes.

E06: GPU over heating -ensure your x-clamps are installed properly.

E07: RAM over heating

E08: Unconfirmed: GPU Malfunction, similar to error E18

E09: Unconfirmed: This can be caused by two completely different things either:
A. DVD Drive Time out - Can be caused by problems with a firmware flash. This is also speculated to sometime be caused by a problem with the southbridge chipset on the motherboard based on how it connects to the DVD drive.
B. GPU error, generally caused by a poor connection to the mainboard (cold solder joints/bridged solder joints) See error E18 for more information

E10: Unconfirmed: CPU error, generally caused by a poor connection to the mainboard (cold solder joints/bridged solder joints). This can also be triggered by an error with the TSOP.

E11: (not yet known)

E12: Possibly a problem with temperature control

E13: Unknown: could be caused by a short between the heatsink and surrounding capacitors

E14: (not yet known)

E15: (not yet known)

E16: Unknown: Likely a cold solder join in GPU or Ram chips (see error E18)

E17: (not yet known)

E18: Error in the "Digital Backbone" (CPU/GPU/RAM), this is usually caused by a cold solder joint between the GPU and the mainboard.
There are two theories to fixing this one deals with the "X" clamps that hold down the chips. The other involves re-Heating the chips. DO NOT attempt either of these if your console is still under warranty. If your console is still under warranty return it to the store where it was purchased or call MS to have it replaced.

E19: Unknown: GPU Error this is usually caused by bridged solder points where the GPU connects to the mainboard. see error E18 for more detailed information

E20: likely a Ram error, this can be caused by a cold or bridged solder joint on one of the Ram chips.
...
E32: (not yet known)

E33: (not yet known)

E34: (not yet known)

E35: over heating GPU possibly due to lack of thermal compound.
...
E45: Unknown (possibly dashboard update related)

E64: DVD Drive Error - Dvd drive timed out during reset :Wrong firmware, dvd is without f/w chip, etc. This can also be caused by the tray not being fully closed on boot. also it could mean that the Kernel can't be launched/signature in NAND Flash chip is broken It could be possible after bad update. http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?sho...p;#entry4156375 This might also be caused by a bad SATA cable.

E65: DVD Drive Error - Dvd drive is not DMA configured :Wrong firmware, dvd is without f/w chip, etc. This can also be caused by the tray not being fully closed on boot.

E66: DVD Drive Error - Dvd drive pairing failure: DVD model, or version does not match that of the version expected by the dashboard. OR the firmware version on the drive is older then the firmware version expected by the dashboard. Make sure the DVD drive is of the same version originally included with the console and that it is using either the original firmware included with the console or newer. if drive can eject, read, and write under windows but errors on console, replacing original firmware should fix issue.

E67: Hard Drive Error - Hard drive timed out during reset: It could be a problem with the Hard Drive itself or a problem with the internal connection to the hard drive, Try removing the hard drive and playing without it.


E68: Hard Drive Error - Hard drive not DMA configured: It could be a problem with the Hard Drive itself or a problem with the internal connection to the hard drive, Try removing the hard drive and playing without it. Also this can be caused by a problem with the fans that make them draw too much power, it can also be caused if you have unnecessary accessories attached to the console like an external fan unit. Attempt to remove unnecessary accessories first, and then necessary components such as the hard drive and USB devices. If you have any case mods you may want to investigate those as well.

E69: Hard Drive Error - Reading the HD Security sector failed: It could be a problem with the Hard Drive itself or a problem with the internal connection to the hard drive, Try removing the hard drive and playing without it

E70: Hard Drive Error - Hard drive not found

E71: Dashboard Error - Error within Xam.xex: possibly a dashboard update error, Check below in the "Console Reset Codes" for instructions. If that does not work there is no other solution and the console must be sent back to MS for repair.

E72: Dashboard Error - Error within Xam.xex: Like a problem with the NAND flash

E73: I/O Hardware Error - Couldn't calibrate HSIO Bus from edram: this error is likely caused by a problem with the Ethernet port or supporting control devices

E74: I/O Hardware Error - HSIO related, could be crc error, or many things: There is high chance it's a scaler chip problem (the "ANA" or "HANA" chip near the AV cable connection) it can also be caused by a faulty AV cable so check that first. Microsoft covers this error under their 3-year warranty, this is availble to anyone who hasn't modified their console. contact MS to get a free replacement console before attempting to fix this yourself. Failing that this error In some cases it is a problem with the GPU and may be repairable by doing the x-clamp replacement (see error 0102)

E75: Ethernet Error - Couldn't read ethernet phy vendor: Strange but sometimes caused by the DVD drive not being connected properly.

E76: Ethernet Error - Couldn't complete ethernet reset: This error is usually cased by the Ethernet port's controller chip, a dead chip may not cause the error but removing the Ethernet controller chip does, it may also be caused by other Ethernet related problems.

E77: Ethernet Error - phy request is already processing/reading reg failed/Failed to write reg: This error is sometimes caused by power problems with the RAM chips. It might be cause by a short between the heat sink and resistors or by more serious problems with the RAM. [more info]

E78: Dashboard Error - AsicId check failed

E79: Dashboard Error - Couldn't start xam.xex: probably a file system corruption, it could also be a problem with the Hard Drive itself or a problem with the internal connection to the hard drive, Try removing the hard drive and playing without it.

E80: Dashboard Error - Wrong LDV version in NAND Flash: This is in new dashboard. You have the update but haven't R3T6 resistor. You can:
-Downgrade to old dashboard, solder back the resistor and then update your xbox
-If you have CPU Key, get current NAND Flash image and fix LDV (just add 1 up to latest kernel). (See error 1100)


Last one, I promise :) --==Console Reset Codes==--

Clear All Installed Game Updates and Console Cache

Go to the "system" blade
Select "memory"
Press Y on the HD symbol
Press X,X, Left Bumper, Right Bumper, X,X
A message will appear saying: "Do you want to perform maintenance on your Xbox 360 storage devices?"
Select Yes

Clear Any Failed system updates that cause the console to error.

With the console off, press and hold the sync up button (the small white one)
While holding the sync button press the power button to turn on the console
Continue to hold the sync button until the Console has booted up completely.
During the boot process the console should clear any failed updates, allowing you to use it normally.

Quick Note!
All the information on this page comes form the xbox-scene forum and naturally all the credit goes to them. We all say thanks! If you want to see the original click here.

Go to Step 1 - Preparation