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[xbox3604me]

Surely some kind soul can help me?  I was hoping to have a game with the kids on xmas.  Oh btw, i've also checked the power supply by using my mate's, but this still hasn't solved the issue.

If both options have been tried, then do you think its the AV connector within the xbox or something else?  

[CarbonMonkey]

Have you had a power surge recently while the xbox was turned on?

[xbox3604me]

No mate, we've had no power surge.

One thing that might be worthwhile pointing out is that the kids use the xbox most of the time.  Whilst they were using it, the xbox suddenly showed 3 red lights.  But according to them, it continued working.  Sometimes it may not turn on, but then other times it would.  Eventually the xbox totally went dead, showing four red lights.

Any idea?

[CarbonMonkey]

Does the xbox have a Xenon mobo?

[xbox3604me]

QUOTE(CarbonMonkey @ Dec 25 2010, 06:23 PM)

Does the xbox have a Xenon mobo?

I'm sorry, but i don't know...how do i check this?  Also what does it mean, having a xenon mobo?

[CarbonMonkey]

The Xenon Mobo(Motherboard) was the first board to be released in the xbox 360's, they use a 203watt power brick and dont have HDMI.

Xenon = 203watt + no HDMI
Zephyr = 203watt + HDMI
Opus = 175watt + no HDMI
Falcon = 175watt + HDMI
Jasper = 150watt + HDMI

[xbox3604me]

after looking at the power brick, it says 203w and i don't have a hdmi, so yes i think it looks like a xenon.  But may i ask why this is important mate?

[CarbonMonkey]

Its important because Xenon and Opus show the 4 red lights when there is no cable connected, can you see any physical damage to the AV socket on the back of the console

[xbox3604me]

Many thanks for that carbonmonkey.

Whilst waiting for your reply, I decided to open the 360 to inspect the AV connector.  The mobo was absolutely disgusting and the heatsink was totally clogged with years of dust.  After cleaning the lot, i switched on the 360, but now its only 3 lights, so can i assume that this is the 3 rings of death?  If so, what tutorial do you recommend i follow to fix this?

Thanks very much again and merry xmas.

[CarbonMonkey]

Now you need to get the secondary error code, if you dont know how here is a guide

    * Turn the xbox 360 on, and wait till the 3 red lights are flashing.
    * Press and hold the sync up button (the small white one), while holding that button press the eject button.
    * The LEDs will now blink the first number in the code (as described below).
    * Release the eject button and press it again.
    * The LEDs will now blink the second number of the code.
    * Release the eject button and press it again.
    * The LEDs will now blink the third number of the code.
    * Release the eject button and press it again.
    * The LEDs will now blink the forth number of the code.
    * Release the eject button and press it again.
    * The LEDs will go back to the 3 red flashing lights.

Source - http://www.llamma.co...error-codes.htm

[xbox3604me]

Damn!    its a bit late mate, i decided to use my own initiative and opened up the whole xbox and sort out the thermal paste as i thought that was the problem  

What shall i do now?

[CarbonMonkey]

Just get the secondary code and then you will be able to find out what is actually wrong with the console, as long as it still gets 3 red lights

[xbox3604me]

hi mate, because i've already taken off the heatsinks, I might as well sort out the thermal paste.  I'll then for temporary put the xclamps back on and test out your method.

Btw, can you recommend a uk store/website or ebay seller where i can get a good x-clamp kit from?

thanks

[xbox3604me]

hi mate,

unfortunately, after some replacing of thermal paste, i still have the same problem.  However, i have followed your advice and got the codes.  Here is what happens:-

Before pressing any buttons - normal slow 3 red light blink

after pressing 1st eject:
All 4 lights blink fast

after pressing 2nd eject:
All 4 lights blink fast

after pressing 3rd eject:
Only 2 lights blink fast

after pressing 4th eject:
All 4 lights blink fast

after pressing 5th eject
Back to normal slow 3 red light blink.


So i assume I get 0020 code?  If so, then this means not yet known?  what shall i do now?  


EDIT:  I have just realised a couple of things....When I switch on the xbox, the fans are quiet, but after leaving it for a minute, the fans become very loud (possibly faster too?).  Also the CPU Heatsink is absolutely boiling to touch, whereas the GPU heatsink is normal/luke warm to touch.  Does this mean anything to anyone?

[xbox3604me]

No mate, all i've done is:-

1. Cleaned the surface of GPU+CPU + Both heatsinks with Alcohol cleaner
2. Applied a tiny amount (grain of rice) of AS5 thermal paste
3. Slightly bent the original x-clamps, so that there is more force applied to press the heatsinks down
4. Finally i've screwed everything down.

I've added no extra things such as washers or nuts & bolts.

I must say though i'm suspecting its the cpu heatsink as the cpu heatsink gets so hot (even with the fans running), that i'd burn my hand if i touched it and the xbox lights go from 3 to 2, which after a while forces the xbox to shutdown.

Also the GPU heatsink is quiet cool (lukewarm).