Topic: Possible Fix For Errors 0021 And 0020 (Read 24 times)

IT Security · « **on:** November 24, 2007, 06:28:00 AM »

This is a possible fix for error codes 0021 and 0020 after X-clamp fails.

After hours of tweaking and testing I was able to recreate and then re-solve my RROD multiple times.

THE WHY:
Let's start by explaining that error codes 0021 AND 0020 are when the GPU disconnects from the mainboard. This happens as over time the warping of the board and heat (as reported multiple times in other topics) cause the solder that connects the gpu to become brittle, Once the connections become brittle even something as simple as plugging in a hard drive (as in my case) can cause the solder to disconnect the gpu from the board. This fix is based on the idea that only one point of contact between the gpu and board is broken and to isolate and secure that one point.

THE FIX:
Remember!!! This is only a fix when the X-clamp mod fails. The fix I had used was to first remove all the screws holding the board to the metal casing (unless of course they are for the X-clamp mod). Once the board can flex freely loosen all four screws holding the gpu heatsink until they are applying as little pressure as possible. Then simply secure each screw individually and test the 360 by booting it between each adjustment. (ex. Tighten one of the screws closest to the cpu first then the next one over.) be sure to secure them gradually, one or two turns at a time and power on the 360 each time to find which of the 4 screw points is causing the RROD. Once you find the bad point, secure the other 3 screws tightly to the board to be sure the heatsink has enough contact with the gpu and your set!

thedethklok · « **Reply #1 on:** November 25, 2007, 08:54:00 PM »

Interesting, i have a 0021 error after the x clamp fix, it worked but then trying to play call of duty 4 broke it again. I've been looking into possible solutions and this ones quite simple so I will give it a shot.

I'll get back to you if it does the job

thedethklok · « **Reply #2 on:** November 26, 2007, 03:06:00 PM »

i tried tightening each screw on the gpu heatsink in different patterns with no luck.

Now normaly if with a working 360 if you disconnect the dvd drive does it still boot up to the dashboard?
If so is that a way to rule out that the drive is causing the 0021 error that i have?

flippy10 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 27, 2007, 05:14:00 PM »

An Xbox with a disconnected DVD drive should still boot to Dashboard without an error. It's definately a GPU related error, I'm pretty sure that it is bridged connections because the heatgunning didn't do anything.

thedethklok · « **Reply #4 on:** November 27, 2007, 10:09:00 PM »

QUOTE(flippy10 @ Nov 28 2007, 01:50 AM)

An Xbox with a disconnected DVD drive should still boot to Dashboard without an error. It's definately a GPU related error, I'm pretty sure that it is bridged connections because the heatgunning didn't do anything.

What exactly are bridged connections refering to?

brandogg · « **Reply #5 on:** November 27, 2007, 11:32:00 PM »

He means some solder melted under GPU and connected to another BGA joint under the chip, or 2 or more points melted and "came together" creating a short of sorts.

thedethklok · « **Reply #6 on:** November 28, 2007, 09:33:00 AM »

Do you mean on the underside of the board or actually between the chip and the board, cause it sounds like im screwed.

BigChris · « **Reply #7 on:** December 02, 2008, 05:49:00 PM »

OK. I purchased my 360 first month they were released in Australia. Had the RROD problem sine, I took it to the shop to get it fix and they fixed it, not sure what they did. then got RROD 3 more time totaling over $200AUD in fixing fee's. then MS offered extended warranty. i cant send mine in because its been opened.

360 sat in cupboard until fix comes out. last month i noticed the error code reporting and checked mine to be this error 0021. noticed the clamp fix is supposed to work so i gave it a try. didnt change anything, then further research on net notice the chipset may have come loose from overheating. i purchased a heat gun and followed this tutorial.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6...20fix&hl=en
make sure the chipsets are cleaned thoroughly and use artic silver thermal paste or similar. put xbox back to gether and worked 1st time. i have been playing it now for around 30-40ish hours and hasnt missed a beat. fixed 2 others now and both are working fine.

they say that error code 0021 is dvd timed out and south bridge chip set, all 3 i repaired so far there has been nothing wrong with the dvd at all. it has been the chipset.

Mholt215 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 03, 2008, 01:58:00 AM »

QUOTE(thedethklok @ Nov 28 2007, 12:09 PM)

Do you mean on the underside of the board or actually between the chip and the board, cause it sounds like im screwed.

Under the chip on top of the board. I was heatgunning a board once, and i accidently bumped the shit out of it with the end of my heatgun.. turned it on, error code 0021. Definetly bridged solder joints under the GPU.

raisdfist1 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 15, 2008, 08:11:00 AM »

Actually 0021 is fixable... its not always a dvd problem or a short... can be broken solder as well just as 0020

Author Topic: Possible Fix For Errors 0021 And 0020 (Read 24 times)