Pixelbox

My 360 died again a few weeks ago, showing the all too common 3 red rings (read rings of death or RROD for short). The first time I had this problem it was still in warranty so Microsoft fixed it for me, the second time I had to send it off to a console repair company, who apparently just reset it for me after a “diagnosis” came back OK. I was about to send it back off to them again, when I through I would have a look into fixing it myself, after all what better way to spend a hung over new years day.

You can find out what the problem is with your system by holding down the sync button then tapping the eject button. Each time you press it, you get a number, represented by flashing lights (video example). I got 0022, which is apparently is an error form the GPU over heating. This was what I expected as the system kept freezing and displaying some odd stuff before the RROD appeared. There is a huge list of error codes and their descriptions here.

It seems the RROD are displayed when the system detects an error, and locks it down to stop it working. The only way you seem to be able to reset it, is to overhead the system. This can be done by the “towl trick” or better yet jamming the fans. Lots of examples of these can again be found on YouTube.

This didn’t work for me, so I did some more research for my error code 0022 and found this solution by xx_mimic_xx

There is a very simple fix to this issue and I am not sure why it is not being talked about. I will have to make a video and post it for everyone to see, but in short, you need to overheat the GPU while keeping the CPU cool.
Now, if you do not know what you are doing, I would wait until I make a video about it. However, if you are comfortable taking your Xbox apart then it is simple.
You will need to disaseble the box all of the way down to removing the top cover and exposing the board. You do not need to remove the DVD or the fan, however you will need to take off the plastic piece that vents the fan air into the heat sinks. After you get that far, take the fan out of the case. DO NOT UNPLUG IT, as you will need it. Just pull it out of its holding spot. Next, you will want to move the DVD drive off to the side, away from the GPU heat sink, but leave it plugged in. Then set the fan on top of the CPU heat sink, the taller one, so that it does not overheat. Then turn your system on and let it RROD, then leave it on for about 10-15 min. What this will do is overheat the GPU and reflow the solder underneath it. After 10-15 min, turn your system off, let it cool, put it back together, and you should be good to go! I have done this on 3 systems that came up with error codes related to the CPU or GPU, and all 3 are now working again. Good luck!

So first off you need to get the case off, and in this modern age YouTube comes to the rescue with loads of really useful videos of people doing just that. Videos are great as I often find normal tutorials will miss something out the author thinks trivial (yet vital) or just aren’t very clear. After all seeing is believing. This one is as good as any: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaxIB6cXTYM You don’t need any special tools, but the do make things easier (I was making the best of a swiss army knife)

Then as xx_mimic_xx said, you need to place the fan on the CPU (the taler one) and leave it for about 20 minutes. The system shouldn’t show the 2 flashing red rings when it overheats (as we a cooling the CPU). Instead the GPU should over heat and stay over headed apparently reflowing the solder.

Once done, let if cool for as long time and then hopefully it should turn back on without the RROD. You may need to do a standard overheat to reset the system though. It wont be a permeant fix mind, but should keep you going for a bit…

NOTE: Make sure not to be connected to Xbox live when your tinkering with your system, as it may ban you if it thinks you modding the system. Also make sure you careful when running the system with no covers, as there is a risk of electrocution and be sure to ground yourself too ;)