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How to Fix RROD With a Heat Gun

The "red ring of death" (RROD) is an LED circle that appears on the front of the Xbox 360 when it has overheated. To repair the game console so that it can again be used, restore the heat sink to full operation by re-soldering the computer chips beneath it. A partial disassembly of the Xbox 360 is needed, as are a few tools common to most households.

Things You'll Need

Towel
Flathead screwdriver
No.15 Torx screwdriver
Flat-edged jeweler's screwdriver
Compressed air
Work glove

Instructions

- 1
  Unplug the power cord and any cables that are attached to the Xbox 360. Place a towel on a table to protect the surface. Place the Xbox 360 on the towel with the front facing you. Grip the upper left corner of the faceplate and the bottom right corner. Pull the faceplate off the Xbox 360.
- 2
  Insert the tip of a flathead screwdriver into the vent hole at the upper left corner on the right side of the console. Push the tip back and forth to release the inner clip. Repeat this procedure with the vent hole in the middle, and at the other end on the right side of the console. Repeat this procedure with the vent holes on the left side of the console.
- 3
  Turn the console over. Pull the shelf up to reveal the screws beneath. Remove the screws with the Torx screwdriver. Return the console to an upright position.
- 4
  Grip the Xbox 360 on both sides and pull the outer case off. Remove the plastic inserts on both sides. Remove the screws from the back panel with the Torx screwdriver. Pull the back panel off. Remove the screws from the metal plate with the Torx screwdriver. Pull the metal plate off.
- 5
  Locate the grooved metal heat sink at the upper right of the console. Insert the tip of a flat-edged jeweler's screwdriver beneath the heat sink on one side. Lift the tip to release the clip holding the heat sink to the circuit board. Repeat this procedure on the other side of the heat sink. Lift the heat sink off the circuit board.
- 6
  Blow the computer chips now revealed with a burst of compressed air. Plug in the heat gun. Adjust the setting of the heat gun to "medium" if there is a setting control.
- 7
  Play the stream of hot air from the heat gun over the computer chips for four minutes. Put on a work glove. Push down on the top of each of the two computer chips with a gloved finger. Repeat this entire procedure, playing the stream of hot air against the sides of the computer chips for four minutes. Turn off the heat gun. Let the computer chips cool for at least 10 minutes before proceeding.
- 8
  Return the heat sink to its original position over the computer chips. Place the metal plate back on the console and reattach the screws. Place the back panel back on the console and reattach the screws. Place the two plastic inserts on the console. Put the outer case back on. Turn the console over, reattach the screws and return it to an upright position. Reattach the power cord and cables.

Xbox 360