Two Red Lights on XBox 360 and What They Mean

If your XBox 360 has taken to displaying two flashing red lights instead of properly booting, then you already know that you have a problem. What you might not know, however, is what that problem is and how to fix it. This article is designed to help you understand the true meaning of two red lights on XBox as well as what to do to stop them from ever coming back.

There are a number of problems that can trigger the various incarnations of the 360’s dreaded red ring of death. From faulty hardware to simple cable issues, the problem is much more common that certain people in the gaming industry would care to admit. Two red lights on XBox 360 is a sign that the console is overheating. The good news about this is that the fix for the problem is quite simple.

While disassembling your console may be required in order to stop the problem, it is important to see this as a last resort. Even if you are dying to know what makes your console tick, realize that opening your machine will void the warranty and that if you do so improperly you could also damage the internal components. The first diagnostic test for two red lights on XBox 360 is a cosmetic inspection of the console and the surrounding area. Look at the vents on your console and ensure that there is about a foot of space on all sides of them. The guide may require less space than this, but your console generates a lot of heat and better air flow means less overheating.

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If your console is well ventilated in this manner, you will want to try the addition of a third party fan. This will draw heat out of the console during play and can help prevent many overheating problems. If this still does not resolve your issue then you will soon find yourself discovering what makes your machine tick after all. If your store warranty is still in effect, however, you may want to simply return the defective 360 and exchange it for a newer model.

If opening your 360 to repair it is the best option for you, take the time to find a proper guide. Photos, videos, and concise instructions can ensure that everything goes smoothly and can help ensure that you perform the repair properly. You will need to pick up thermal compound from a computer store in order to repair your console. The problem causing your error is that your heatsink is not properly disbursing heat and your graphics chip is overheating.

Once your GPU has been properly coated with thermal compound and the heatsink has been replaced, your XBox 360 should be working properly. Two red lights on XBox can be very frustrating, but the fix is simple and permanent. Taking care to properly ventilate your machine and to clean out accumulated dust can help prevent overheating issues, but the simple fact is that many consoles simply need added thermal compound to keep them running smoothly.

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