Got The Red Ring Of Death? – Find Out If Your Xbox Needs Repair
Posted By on November 19, 2009
Is your console flashing a 3 red light error signal or red ring of death? If this is the case, don’t assume right off that your console is defective. It could be that you’re not getting power to your console.
This problem is very easy to deal with and it needs to be ruled out before you even think about repair. Too much heat is the usual reason for the ring of death. But unless it is very obvious that you have a heat problem, adequate power supply is the first issue to check out.
The way to do this is to first start with the power outlet in the wall. There may have been a brief power brownout. This is enough to cause your console to fail.
If such is the case, the console will operate just fine after a restart. If not, look at the power supply light located on the box on the power cord.
If you see a green light, there’s plenty of power so the problem lies elsewhere. If so, there’s little point to reading the rest of this article since I will deal with power supply problems here.
If you see a red or orange light or no light at all, then inadequate power supply is the problem. There are a number of reasons:
1.) The AC power in your room is at fault.
Plug your Xbox 360 into another outlet in another room.
2.) You have a bad surge suppressor or power strip.
Bypass any surge protectors or power strips by connecting the power cord straight into the wall.
3.) The consoles power cables aren’t properly connected.
Turn off the console and then reconnect all cable connections starting from the console and proceeding all the way to the wall outlet.
4.) The power supply cables are defective or damaged.
Replace all defective or damaged cables.
5.) Your power brick is running too hot.
The power brick isn’t getting enough air for cooling. Put it on a firm surface or hang it from a hook.
6.) Your power brick is faulty.
Get a power brick from someone else or use a spare that you already own. If the problem goes away, then the problem was a defective power brick.
This article presented a trouble shooting procedure for the three red light error caused by power issues. I sincerely hope that this solves your troubles because the other reasons for the ring of death will not be so easy to fix.
Marc Sandford is a gaming enthusiast and writer. Get more Xbox 360 trouble shooting advice about fixing the Xbox 360 red ring of death.