XBox 360 - 3 Red Lights

Dont be at yourself · 18-12-2007 7:36am #1

An all too common occurance amongst 360 owners is to switch on the machine only to find the ring-of-light blinking red and failing to boot up. The web will throw up various 'fixes' for the issue, most of which are completely off-the-wall and temporary at best.

So, what can you do?

Receipt in hand, bring it back to the point of purchase. They should swap it over for a new machine.

or

Ring Microsoft, and organise a replacement. They offer an extended warranty in relation to this particular fault, so you shouldnt have to pay a penny. The number is 1800 509186.

If anybody has any more helpful information, please post below. Off-topic posts or chat aren't welcome in this thread.

Stokolan · 18-12-2007 8:06am

For those People that are worried about warranty, The standard warranty is 12 months but as NekkidBibleMan said the 3 red lights has an extended warranty which is 3 years.

For those who don't know what the 3 red lights are see below.

Dont be at yourself · 19-12-2007 3:52am

Just to clear the muddy waters:

If you have a receipt and a damaged Xbox, then the retailer you bought it from is legally obliged to issue you with a refund, replacement or a permanent repair. They can have all the '14 day returns policy' signs they want, but it doesn't change the law.

They may tell you to deal with Microsoft, but if you state your rights, they will swap your damaged one for a new one. Having worked in Gamestop, we took in damaged Xboxen all the time.

Dont be at yourself · 20-12-2007 2:26am

THE LETTER OF THE LAW

The Irish Statute Book wrote:

Under this Act the purchaser of goods has a number of rights - the main ones are

* Goods must be of merchantable quality – goods should be of reasonable quality taking into account what they are meant to do, their durability and their price
* Goods must be fit for their purpose – they must do what they are reasonably expected to do
* Goods must be as described - the buyer must not be mislead into buying something by the description of goods or services given orally by a salesperson or an advertisement.

When you buy goods in a sale you have the same rights as when you pay full price for the goods.

If you have a contract with a supplier of services you can expect that:

* The supplier has the necessary skill to provide the service
* The service will be provided with proper care and diligence
* The materials used will be sound and that goods supplied with the service will be of merchantable quality

You can read more about your rights when you buy a service here.
If things go wrong

If you have a problem with an item that you have bought it is always the seller who should put things right. As a general rule, the seller can either repair or replace the item. Alternatively, they can refund the costs of the item or service to the consumer.

If you are not satisfied with the quality of goods or services you can:

* Return the goods to the supplier who sold it to you (you should not return the goods to the manufacturer)
* Act as soon as you can – a delay can indicate that you have accepted faulty goods or services
* Do not attempt to repair the item yourself or give it to anyone else to repair it
* Make sure that you have a proof of purchase (a receipt, cheque stub, credit card statement or invoice)

You have no grounds for redress if

* You were told about the defect before you bought the item (for example, if the goods were marked 'shopsoiled')
* You examined the item before you bought it and should have seen the defect
* You bought the item knowing that it wasn’t fit for what you wanted it to do
* You broke or damaged the product
* You made a mistake when buying the item (for example, if you bought an item of clothing thinking it was black when it is actually navy)
* You change your mind

So, there you have it. Return it to the retailer with your receipt, and they'll give you a repair/replacement or a refund. You are not obliged to accept a credit note, you are not obliged to deal with Microsoft and you are not held to the terms of any '7 Day Return Policy'.

tred · 28-12-2007 5:02pm

NekkidBibleMan wrote: »

An all too common occurance amongst 360 owners is to switch on the machine only to find the ring-of-light blinking red and failing to boot up. The web will throw up various 'fixes' for the issue, most of which are completely off-the-wall and temporary at best.

So, what can you do?

Receipt in hand, bring it back to the point of purchase. They should swap it over for a new machine.

or

Ring Microsoft, and organise a replacement. They offer an extended warranty in relation to this particular fault, so you shouldnt have to pay a penny. The number is 1800 509186.

If anybody has any more helpful information, please post below. Off-topic posts or chat aren't welcome in this thread.

is there an irish number, when i call this, it tells me the service is not availabnle from my location..

Mr E · 28-12-2007 5:16pm

Some 1800 numbers don't work from mobiles. Try a landline.

A-Trak · 29-12-2007 8:15pm

Xbox customer support for Ireland :

Assistance by phone:

1 800 509 186

or +353 12420758 from a mobile phone

Hours of operation:
Monday-Friday: 09:00-22:00
Saturday: 09:00-20:00
Sunday: 09:00-17:00

Before contacting them I would strongly recommend registering your Xboxs serial number online as it speeds up the process immensely. You can do this here (You'll have to log in first.)

You'll also be able to track the status of your repair via the support and then "View my repair status" areas on the above site.

When calling them they will arrange for UPS to pick up your bricked console, but before this, they will need to send out shipping labels to you.
This can be done via two methods :

1. Mail the labels via email and you, you then print them out and attach them to the box and call UPS to arrange collection.
2. Send the courier to pick up the box and the courier will have the labels themselves.

I'd strongly recommend option 2, as having Microsoft mail you the labels can again take much longer.
The courier usually is dispatched the next working day, whereas folks have waited weeks for the email to arrive with the labels.
On the call to support they can be reluctant to send the courier with the labels, so ask if they don't offer.

Turn around time is around 3 weeks on average. Also it's worth noting your original serial number before shipping so as you can tell whether they've repaired your original box or replaced it.

Varik · 05-01-2008 8:29pm

can only return it to the shop legally up to one year
after the second year you have to prove it's not your fault (they have to send it back to ms)
year 3 to 6 you have to show
1: i't not your fault
2: it was meant to last longer than it did.

johnny_ultimate · 16-01-2008 3:08pm

Quick question: my 360 just red ringed and they are sending the labels, but do I put the power supply in the box as well, or just the console itself?

tred · 16-01-2008 3:49pm

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

Quick question: my 360 just red ringed and they are sending the labels, but do I put the power supply in the box as well, or just the console itself?

Did they ask you to check the Power Supply, was it green when u powered on the xbox?. If the power supply hasnt failed u dont send that over. you just send the xbox on its own, no hard drive, no cables, just the box. and they told me to put it into a box that isnt the xbox box. probably for security. i actually printed out the lables, and then UPS collected next day. just taped them to the box.

~Marky~ · 16-01-2008 3:52pm

Make sure you dont leave a game inside the console when your sending it like I did :rolleyes:

Cully · 21-01-2008 2:23pm

Also... if for some reason you've opened your Xbox and voided your warranty (and therefore can't send it to MS), there is a guy here in ireland who'll fix it for you.. (cheap enough I think)...

www.modchipsireland.com

robby^5 · 26-01-2008 4:51pm

Mine just red ringed last week, gonna go about getting MS to get it fixed this week, really sucks.

Do ya have to pay for p&p yourself?

joe123 · 28-01-2008 12:56am

Just got a call from my housemate saying he turned on my xbox and it had three flashing lights asking me what it meant.

Anyways i told him not to touch it and ill sort it out when i get there. A few minutes later he rings me back saying he took all the wires out and took the hard drive out and put it back together again and now its working.

Can anyone tell me is this a genuine fix or should I just bring it back to the shop...although one of my friends lost my reciept for the xbox as i had it inside a game i leant to him?

Any info on this would be great thanks.

Basq · 28-01-2008 1:00am

joe123 wrote: »

Just got a call from my housemate saying he turned on my xbox and it had three flashing lights asking me what it meant.

Anyways i told him not to touch it and ill sort it out when i get there. A few minutes later he rings me back saying he took all the wires out and took the hard drive out and put it back together again and now its working.

Great housemate he is! :eek:

Quick tip: never leave your girlfriend alone with him and make sure you don't say the following to him: "don't you shag her?! Don't do it.. mmmkay? I'll be back in 4 days!"

Back on topic.. not a genuine fix but you've voided the warranty by opening it up anyways. It's as fixed as any of these unofficial RRoD fixes are (towel trick etc), best to get parts replaced and fixed by Microsoft themselves.

joe123 · 28-01-2008 1:08am

basquille wrote: »

Great housemate he is! :eek:

Quick tip: never leave your girlfriend alone with him and make sure you don't say the following to him: "don't you shag her?! Don't do it.. mmmkay? I'll be back in 4 days!"

Back on topic.. not a genuine fix but you've voided the warranty by opening it up anyways. It's as fixed as any of these unofficial RRoD fixes are (towel trick etc), best to get parts replaced and fixed by Microsoft themselves.

Yeah that annoyed me a bit :cool:

Now when i say he took the wires and stuff out i just mean the cables in the back and stuff not like actually unscrewing anything. He took out the hard drive aswell something ive never even bothered to touch. But of course he had to go messin with it....

at least I hope he hasnt attempted to unscrew anything!

I had a quick look there and i found the receipt (ended up inside the game manual)

After these red lights happening am i just better bringing it back to the shop? ( I also get a hell of a lot of "this disc is unreadable" ) which is possibly one of the most annoying things.

Got the xbox in may....

MayoForSam · 28-01-2008 8:56pm

joe123 wrote: »

After these red lights happening am i just better bringing it back to the shop? ( I also get a hell of a lot of "this disc is unreadable" ) which is possibly one of the most annoying things.

Well, I got the RROD on my box today so back it will have to go, thanks for the tips in this thread folks.

I was getting a lot of the 'disc unreadable' errors too recently, I wonder will this be fixed too? Or is it the DVD drive thats at fault and probably won't get fixed?

johnny_ultimate · 28-01-2008 8:59pm

For anyone dealing with RROD, I'd recommend getting the labels emailed rather than posted. After waiting nearly two weeks for the labels in the post (based on fellow boardsies advise) I phoned today and asked them to email: had the labels less than an hour later, and my Xbox will hopefully finally be picked up in the next 48 hours or so.

All seems to depend on who you get on the phone though.

sekelly · 31-01-2008 2:19pm

Assistance by phone:

1 800 509 186

or +353 12420758 from a mobile phone

Hours of operation:
Monday-Friday: 09:00-22:00
Saturday: 09:00-20:00
Sunday: 09:00-17:00

When calling this number what details are required to speed up the process, i am away from my xbox so i dont have much details with me. I want to call the number now if possible but need to find out will i have to wait til i have access to my xbox

johnny_ultimate · 31-01-2008 3:17pm

sekelly wrote: »

When calling this number what details are required to speed up the process, i am away from my xbox so i dont have much details with me. I want to call the number now if possible but need to find out will i have to wait til i have access to my xbox

You will definitely need the serial number from the back of the Xbox.
Also, you may have done it already, but there are a number of checks they will go through with you (e.g. making sure your power 'brick' is still showing a green light). If you've done all those checks yourself, then the serial number is all you will need.

sekelly · 31-01-2008 4:16pm

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

You will definitely need the serial number from the back of the Xbox.
Also, you may have done it already, but there are a number of checks they will go through with you (e.g. making sure your power 'brick' is still showing a green light). If you've done all those checks yourself, then the serial number is all you will need.

Thanks, i will try that so and we will see what happens!!

speedfreak · 31-01-2008 8:43pm

sekelly wrote: »

Thanks, i will try that so and we will see what happens!!

a little ray of hope for you RROD guys, i received my xbox back yest after only a week with repair centre (two weeks to the day from RROD). Its now also much quieter! Plus got a free months XBL.

Sm0ke · 31-01-2008 11:47pm

im worried i got my evil death rings yesterday, but I have this machine since they first came out, is that too long to void all warrentys? am I gonna have to pay microsoft to fix it?

If so I'll **** the thing out now and get a ps3, I hear you get an instant trade in if theres any faults with them.... no wait I lie thats just Blasphemy that is!

johnny_ultimate · 01-02-2008 12:09am

Sm0ke wrote: »

im worried i got my evil death rings yesterday, but I have this machine since they first came out, is that too long to void all warrentys? am I gonna have to pay microsoft to fix it?

If so I'll **** the thing out now and get a ps3, I hear you get an instant trade in if theres any faults with them.... no wait I lie thats just Blasphemy that is!

The warranty for the RROD has been extended to 3 years, so you will get your repair for free.

Batesy · 01-02-2008 12:47pm

Got the RROD the other day 1year and 2 days after purchase! Thanks god they extended the warranty!

Anyway when you ring MS do they organise UPS or do you ring them and organise a time that suits you. I mean if I ring today can I have UPS come next Wednesday to collect when I'm off? Do UPS do Saturdays?

Sm0ke · 01-02-2008 6:56pm

Batesy wrote: »

Got the RROD the other day 1year and 2 days after purchase! Thanks god they extended the warranty!

Anyway when you ring MS do they organise UPS or do you ring them and organise a time that suits you. I mean if I ring today can I have UPS come next Wednesday to collect when I'm off? Do UPS do Saturdays?

just talking to them there they said within 5 working days

didnt ask any specifics as theres someone here generally during the week. theY best be careful with my baby!

Q_Ball · 02-02-2008 8:52pm

I just got the RROD. Disconnected and reconnected the power cable and its working fine now. Should I send it back anyway or wait till its perma-rrod?

MarkR · 04-02-2008 11:22pm

Just got this today while playing H3 online. Thought it was a one off but it keeps happening now. Support ticket logged. Poopy.

mikemac · 05-02-2008 2:25pm

I've a launch console and last week I got the RROD.
Not three lights but 4 lights so a complete circle.

I went to great trouble asking around and then searching for a contact number for Microsoft (should have checked Boards first

)

4 red lights means the AV cable is not connected properly so it's not a terminal failure to clear this. Just connect the AV cable, problem solved

Batesy · 05-02-2008 5:00pm

Rang MS this morning at 9.30 and got my labels mailed to me at 12.30. Rang UPS at 3pm and they will be out to collect the box tomorrow. Pretty happy with the support so far. *fingers crossed*

speedfreak · 05-02-2008 9:20pm

got mine back last Tuesday. Hardly played it.. RROD again Sunday. piece of $hit. new one on the way apparently when this one goes back plus offered free accessory or game because of failure no. 2. seriously considering a PS3 after this..

MarkR · 07-02-2008 3:54pm

speedfreak wrote: »

got mine back last Tuesday. Hardly played it.. RROD again Sunday. piece of $hit. new one on the way apparently when this one goes back plus offered free accessory or game because of failure no. 2. seriously considering a PS3 after this..

Ouch. I hope mine fares better. I'm already pricing ps3's.

(In addition to, rather then to replace the xbox. Blueray is calling..)

Nephew · 09-02-2008 11:42pm

What do they actually do when its set off to get fixed, do they replace the chip with the newer one that's in the current batch of 360's, or just give it a couple of shocks with a defibrillator?

GrumPy · 12-02-2008 1:01am

The clarify my story: This is my second xbox, first one died of GPU failure (causing artifacts, freezing)

My current xbox, which I have NEVER had trouble with, just gave me the three red rings. And I am almost certain the hd dvd drive caused it. Sounds retarded i know but wait, I have had the drive since xmas and use it often with no problems. Today, 5 mins after watching full metal jacket (which when finished, I powered down console)

I press eject on hd dvd drive, take out disc, put in another disc, THEN power on actual console, and bingo three red lights.

Yes, coincidences do happen, but WTF no way that that's a coincidence. Turning on the hd dvd drive first cleary freaked out my console and it burnt itself out or something.

Pretty annoyed.

0ubliette · 12-02-2008 9:59am

Does anyone know what the dealio is with UPS? I got my labels, i know i need to call them to arrange collection and theres a number to call on it, 1800 575757, is that the right one?

Batesy · 12-02-2008 10:03am

Yeah thats the right number. If you ring today they'll ask you if you are around all day tomorrow to hand over the box. They arrived at 10.30am for me down in Wicklow.

0ubliette · 12-02-2008 10:41am

Batesy wrote: »

Yeah thats the right number. If you ring today they'll ask you if you are around all day tomorrow to hand over the box. They arrived at 10.30am for me down in Wicklow.

cheers, thanks for that

sekelly · 13-02-2008 1:30pm

i am so pissed off waiting...UPS collected my xbox last thursday at lunch time. I rang them there to see what was the story and they told me that its hasnt arrived at the centre yet...wtf

After reading that sum people got there xbox within a week i was hoping to get it tomorrow!!

I am gona get my German friend to speak to microsoft, he sounds like terminator when he is mad...and he has really good skills when dealing with complaints!!

0ubliette · 13-02-2008 3:49pm

well the dude from ups just picked up my package, the first thing he said when looking at the box? (bear in mind its a plain cardboard box, nothing about xbox or MS on it)

"lemme guess, another bleedin xbox 360?"

Batesy · 13-02-2008 4:34pm

Update:
Rang MS last Tuesday.
UPS picked it up Wednesday.
Arrived Germany Monday
Ready to be shipped back today. (awaiting UPS pick-up)

All and all I'm quite happy with the support. (Even thought the RROD should'nt have happened in the first place)

Hopefully I'll have it back for the weekend but more likely Monday.

johnny_ultimate · 13-02-2008 6:46pm

Damn.
Get my Xbox back yesterday and was greeted with constant screen freezes. Another call to Xbox support and off it goes for another two weeks. Quick repair this time apparently :rolleyes: Honestly.

Batesy · 13-02-2008 7:17pm

It's a joke really isn't it.

If that happens to mine I'm gonna demand they send me a NEW one and not just repair it again.

I have to admit with Blu-ray having won the HD war the PS3 is starting to sound VERY tempting indeed.

johnny_ultimate · 13-02-2008 11:56pm

Batesy wrote: »

It's a joke really isn't it.

If that happens to mine I'm gonna demand they send me a NEW one and not just repair it again.

I have to admit with Blu-ray having won the HD war the PS3 is starting to sound VERY tempting indeed.

The reliability of the PS3 is certainly tempting. I think the 360 is a terrific console, but honestly I just want to play some games for an hour or two every night, and at this rate it just isn't happening. I will defend Microsoft and their excellent game system, but my patience is really being tested now.

sekelly · 14-02-2008 1:10pm

Batesy wrote: »

It's a joke really isn't it.

If that happens to mine I'm gonna demand they send me a NEW one and not just repair it again.

I have to admit with Blu-ray having won the HD war the PS3 is starting to sound VERY tempting indeed.

I dont know about that....microsoft will never giv in, they have never lost a console war so it must feel weird!!! They might aswell admit that at the moment blu ray is the bomb...although microsoft will never go the blu ray route.
I heard that in japan they have a team working on ultra HD that will be able to compete with blu ray?!? So the future is not that bleak for xbox gamers.......to be continued

sinlessgunner · 14-02-2008 7:17pm

I got the RRoD on mine the other night and there is a guy in Bray that fixes them for €60 odd. Mine is with him now said he would get back to me in a week or so. Saves sending it to Microsoft, you will be waiting ages for them to get it back to you. It's a joke anyway, I spent €500 on that machine and jut over a year later it dies on me. PS3 beckoning I think.

Batesy · 15-02-2008 9:30am

sinlessgunner wrote: »

I got the RRoD on mine the other night and there is a guy in Bray that fixes them for €60 odd. Mine is with him now said he would get back to me in a week or so. Saves sending it to Microsoft, you will be waiting ages for them to get it back to you. It's a joke anyway, I spent €500 on that machine and jut over a year later it dies on me. PS3 beckoning I think.

Don't know about that mate. Sent mine off to MS in Germany last Wednesday for FREE and it's on its way back now. Should have it on Monday/Tuesday. That's a turnaround of less than 2 weeks for FREE!

MarkR · 15-02-2008 9:40am

Mine was sent off last monday, due back today. Again, less then two weeks and for free.

Yo Mamma · 15-02-2008 11:33am

Just checking my UPS tracking NO. and looks like it was delivered yesterday to Germany

Probably get it back next Friday

sekelly · 15-02-2008 11:41am

Yo Mamma wrote: »

Just checking my UPS tracking NO. and looks like it was delivered yesterday to Germany

Probably get it back next Friday

I am the same....I should be expecting it back today(wishful thinking) or else on Monday. I sent it away on the 7th of feb so if i get it back within 2 weeks then i will be happy!! Plus i heard that they are sending out new xbox 360's with hdmi port??

Nalz · 15-02-2008 4:06pm

Dodgy leccy job in my new rented gaf made these red lights appear on my machine...broke one, never realized it was the leccy job until when my second one arrived (replacement from microsoft) it happened after a month. The following week my housemate plugged in an iron and the whole sockets in room went! Brought it into another room and it worked perfectly!

thefinalstage · 15-02-2008 6:24pm

Is there a way for me to set this return up online? I don't feel like sitting on hold...

XBox 360 - 3 Red Lights

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