Fix My Xbox 360 - 30 Minute Repair

"How Do I Fix My Xbox 360"? This is quickly becoming one of the most common questions asked at my blog. If your Xbox 360 has a freezing problem then this article is for you! Xbox 360 freezing is a not uncommon; in fact, millions of Xbox 360 owners are dealing with this very problem. In a July 2007 announcement, Microsoft admitted that a large percentage of all consoles sold are failing or soon face serious problems. This article identifies the causes of Xbox 360 failure and the steps that can be taken to fix the problem.

Reasons for Xbox 360 Failure

Overheating is the main cause of Xbox 360 failure. This overheating results from a design flaw in the console which uses vented openings, fans and heat sinks to get rid of excess heat. The 3 red lights error occurs when the graphics processing unit (GPU) comes loose. When overheating occurs, the motherboard heats up and starts to vibrate. As a result of these vibrations, the soldering holding the GPU in place loosens and each time it comes loose Xbox 360 failure occurs.

How Do I Fix My Xbox 360

First of all you should know that well over 90% of red light errors can be fixed without purchasing new parts, just a simply "tweak" is usually all that is required. Secondly, you should know that there is a rumor that the red light error can be fixed with what is known as a "towel fix". The so called towel fix involves wrapping your Xbox 360 in a towel and turning it on and off. This method does not work at all and worse, it can cause serious damage to your console by short-circuiting the motherboard.

The following steps should help repair your Xbox 360 without having to send it back to Microsoft (which incidentally will cost you an arm and a leg and access to your Xbox 360 for 4-6 weeks). I highly recommend using an Xbox 360 repair guide with instructional videos to help you step-by-step through the following repair process:

1. Take the outer case apart.

2. Remove the DVD drive and unplug the cables.

3. Remove the fan and the motherboard.

4. Turn the motherboard upside down, take off the x-clamp under the heat sink.

5. Remove the heat sink, this will reveal the GPU and CPU.

6. Carefully clean any dust and debris from the GPU and CPU.

7. Upon purchasing arctic silver thermal compound at any local computer store (cost is about $1) apply the compound over the GPU and let sit for 15-20 minutes.

8. Add two nylon washers on each screw from the heat sinks and screw them back on the motherboard. With the two screws screwed up through the motherboard add another 2 nylon washers to those same screws.

9. Place the heat sink on those screws, then screw them up ensuring they are tight.

10. Put all the other pieces back together and start it up.

Your Xbox 360 freezing problem should now be solved. Given how complicated the word version of these instructions can be I highly recommend using the instructional videos that come with a repair guide. The best repair guides can be purchased online and downloaded upon payment, they are inexpensive (about $25) and offer you a money back guarantee and 24/7 customer support. Alternatively, you can send your Xbox in to Microsoft if you don't mind waiting 4-6 weeks and don't mind paying $140 repair bill plus shipping and handling. Either way don't allow the 3 red light error to continue as the internal components of your Xbox 360 will become further damaged.

By: Brinndog

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

To find an easy to use and inexpensive repair guide that will fix your Xbox 360 visit www.repairXbox360now.com/ and for a review of the best repair guides online that will have you up and running again in minutes visit www.repairXbox360now.com/ The Author B. Norman has been involved with Xbox 360 for years and has extensive experience with repairing Xbox 360 consoles.