How to Repair a Loose Laser on a XBox 360

The DVD drive in the XBox 360 uses a laser to read the data off of the game discs inserted into the game console. The laser is set into the laser assembly and rides on two rails in order to read disks. If the laser assembly is not centered on the rails, the laser will not read the discs correctly. Repairing a loose laser on the XBox 360 doesn't require electronic skill, but does take patience and attention to detail. Opening up the game console and repositioning the laser can be done within an hour and will let you get back to playing games.

Things You'll Need

• Long thin stick
• Flat-edged screwdriver
• Torx screwdriver
• Jeweler's screwdriver
• Compressed air

Instructions

1. Remove the power cord and all cables from the XBox 360. Put it down face up on a work surface. Remove the front faceplate by putting one hand inside the panel where the USB ports are, the other hand at the top of the faceplate and wiggling the faceplate loose from the case. Remove the faceplate.

2. Bend open the right side of the XBox 360. Insert the long, thin stick into the opening and release the clips holding the gray piece of plastic. Press the button on the front of the XBox 360. Release the clips holding the gray piece of plastic from the other side of the XBox 360 using the long thin stick. Put the XBox 360 face down on the work surface.

3. Use a flat-edged screwdriver to release the four clips on the bottom holding the case together. Lift the bottom up and remove the screws using the Torx screwdriver. Turn the XBox 360 back face up and put it down on the work surface. Remove the top case from the bottom case.

4. Use a jeweler's screwdriver to remove the screws holding down the case over the DVD drive. Remove the case and take out the DVD tray. Carefully reposition the laser assembly so that the laser assembly is centered on the two rails that it rides on. Blow off loose dust and debris with the compressed air.

5. Reassemble the DVD drive. Reassemble the XBox 360. Plug the power and all cables back into the XBox 360. Turn the XBox 360 on and insert a game disc. Play the game that is being read by the laser in the DVD drive of the XBox 360.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear an anti-static strap to avoid static electricity damaging the internal components of the XBox 360.

• The warranty is voided by opening the XBox 360.

References

• XBox 360 Disassembly Tutorial For XBox 360 Case Replacement

Resources

• XBox 360