Bah, I've got half a red ring of death on my beloved, beautiful Xbox - how will I cope? After a bit of reading up, I discovered that this means the console is overheating, however, after leaving it to cool overnight, it's still overheating 20 mins or so after turning it on.
I've tried hoovering any dust out of it's vents (phwor, I sound like Lobster Random there!) and it's in quite a ventilated position so plenty of air gets into the little shit.
Typically, the sodding thing is just out of warranty. Anyone got any tips to help before I take it to a dodgy, backstreet shop where I will invariably be robbed blind?
Sell it to some poor chump who won't test it for more than twenty minutes and then use the cash to subsidise a new one?
How many years down the line are we since the 360 was launched ?
You would have thought that those geniuses at Microsoft might have corrected this constantly recurring problem by now surely ?
Its also bullshit that you cant get this problem fixed by Microsoft after a warranty has run out because the units should be returnable at any point in time if this red ring business happens because its clearly their own fault and not attributable to misuse or whatever.
Bullshit and if this happened to mine and they refused to take it back and fix it then i might throw it at them.
If anything this is the main reason i am put off buying a 360.
I may have this totally wrong Pete, but I was under the impression that Microsoft had agreed to fix this problem for free, even if the console was out of warranty. Something about a class action law suit in the States I think. I could very well be wrong but it might be worth looking in to.
Cheers Kerrin, I'll get on to it!
Quote from: Kerrin on 11 October, 2009, 10:57:16 AM
I may have this totally wrong Pete, but I was under the impression that Microsoft had agreed to fix this problem for free, even if the console was out of warranty. Something about a class action law suit in the States I think. I could very well be wrong but it might be worth looking in to.
Thanks for that bit of info.
I'd think that if it's a known problem they'd be OK about fixing/replacing it.
A good few years ago my old style XBOX gave up the ghost, I contacted the helpline, they took the serial number and sent out a replacement and I'm fairly sure it was out of warrenty.
Give it a go, if they start playing silly buggers just tell then you'll just have to invest in a PS3 for youre future gaming needs.
I had to have my 360 repaired recently, and they replaced it despite it being of indeterminate age (at least 3 years) and also despite the fact I bought it second hand and didn't have a receipt (they didn't even ask).
360s are notoriously unreliable, but the upshot of this is that their replacement procedure appears to be very streamlined - I received a replacement within 6 days of it being collected.
They did extend the warranty (3 years I believe). Try em anyway.
I would say you had the three red lights when you ring rather than two ! they won't check before they send you a new one ! the extended three year warrenty said for three red light problems....one of my mates has sent back two chipped consoles that died and he never had a problem getting a replacement !
I think there was an article stating that release Xbox360s had a 53% failure rate (3 light issue only), which is a crazy high number. A combination of poor quality non-lead solder and a variety of other cheap part failures are the usual cause of the 3-red-light issues. Not entirely Microsofts fault, but it does fall on them to fix these issues.
Your issue might be this one (http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=496524), where some xboxes about half way through the manufacturing run were let go from the factory with the protective foil covering the heatsink paste, which means the heatsink is barely effective.
You can try as SteveMillar suggested and claim it as a 3 lighter with microsoft anyway, or you can wrap the whole thing in a towel, shake it about a bit, smack it on the top and try to overheat it further until it either works or 3 lights on you.
You should also note that the overheat warning applies to both the power brick and the console itself, so ensure the brick is clean and in the open air. Saying that though, mine is down the back of my TV unit and hasn't given me any trouble.
As far as the high street retailer goes, you should take a look at the information on this page (http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/theoneshow/consumer/2009/07/03/sale_of_goods_act_letter_downl.html) about the "Sale of Goods" act, which gives you an effective warranty from the retailer for up to 6 years (!) on all electronic goods, providing you can squeeze it out of them with a letter. Some retailers are more agreeable than others.
Thanks for all the help guys, I went through the xBox website and they wanted to charge me £80 to fix it (it's only 16 months old!) so I've had to lie and say it's three red lights instead of two. I'm worried now that they'll get it to the factory, switch it on, see it working and sent it back.
So, I've got a serious dilema now. Do I try to break it before I send it or risk sending it as it is? Help me hivemind!
It seems i can buy a secondhand 360 and then get it repaired free of charge at the expense of Microsoft.
Sounds like a plan ! ;D
I am ideologically/ethically opposed to Bill Gates so i wont buy from new and since i am late to the game there are a huge amount of used games going cheep like a Canary.
;D
Believe me Pete they won't check it !
Quote from: SteveMillar on 19 October, 2009, 10:53:42 PM
Believe me Pete they won't check it !
Thanks for the tip !
;D
yes dont mention the lights, they dont check.
i made this mistake on my 2nd unit but not on my third, they charged me for the second one, but having read it up on the net. i lied about the 3rd breakdown.
but four units in a three years is nonsense isnt it. sorted now though.
Got my beloved Xbox back today all fixed and gorgeous! Thanks for all the advice guys (and the emotional support too!) I'm currently downloading The Ballad of Gay Tony and the Left4Dead 2 Demo - oooh, it's so good to be back!
To celebrate, I've just walloped all of Godpleton's and Radiator's times on Trials 2, happy days!
QuoteTo celebrate, I've just walloped all of Godpleton's and Radiator's times on Trials 2, happy days!
That game can get to f**k.
Such brilliant fun for the first few levels (the demo was amazing), but an absolute bitch after that. I like a challenge, and consider myself to be pretty good at games, but the 'Extreme' levels just take the piss.
Note to the developer: failing for the 119th time to get up an insanely steep ramp is
not fun. I have a
life, and knowing that I'll never have the time or patience to win all the medals and unlock all the bonus stuff has really put me off the game - tbh I feel a bit ripped off. What a shame.
I'll still try and beat your times though :).