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 is a very simple issue to fix and you want to rule this out before sending your Xbox off for repair. Excessive heat is the normal explanation for getting 3 red lights. But unless overheating is plainly obvious, you should first make sure that the machine is getting adequate power.
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 true, your console should work after restarting it. If not, take a look at the power supply light on the box at the halfway point of the power cord.
If there's a green light, you have plenty of power so the ring of death is not power related. If this is the case, you can stop reading this article because I will only talk of power related issues.
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 outlet in your room is to blame.
Plug your Xbox 360 into another outlet in another room.
2.) You're using a defective surge protector or power strip.
Bypass any surge protectors or power strips by connecting the power cord straight into the wall.
3.) The power supply cables are loosely 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 have a defect or have been damaged.
Inspect and replace all cables that have been damaged.
5.) The power brick is overheating.
The power brick isn't getting enough air for cooling. Put it on a firm surface or hang it from a hook.
6.) The power brick is defective.
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.
A trouble shooting procedure was given in this article for the 3 red light error that's related to inadequate power supply. Hopefully this will solve your problem because the other causes are much more difficult to resolve. - 29852
This is a very simple issue to fix and you want to rule this out before sending your Xbox off for repair. Excessive heat is the normal explanation for getting 3 red lights. But unless overheating is plainly obvious, you should first make sure that the machine is getting adequate power.
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 true, your console should work after restarting it. If not, take a look at the power supply light on the box at the halfway point of the power cord.
If there's a green light, you have plenty of power so the ring of death is not power related. If this is the case, you can stop reading this article because I will only talk of power related issues.
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 outlet in your room is to blame.
Plug your Xbox 360 into another outlet in another room.
2.) You're using a defective surge protector or power strip.
Bypass any surge protectors or power strips by connecting the power cord straight into the wall.
3.) The power supply cables are loosely 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 have a defect or have been damaged.
Inspect and replace all cables that have been damaged.
5.) The power brick is overheating.
The power brick isn't getting enough air for cooling. Put it on a firm surface or hang it from a hook.
6.) The power brick is defective.
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.
A trouble shooting procedure was given in this article for the 3 red light error that's related to inadequate power supply. Hopefully this will solve your problem because the other causes are much more difficult to resolve. - 29852
About the Author:
Marc Sandford is a gaming enthusiast and author. Get more Xbox 360 trouble shooting advice about repairing the Red Ring of Death.
