How to Fix an Xbox Red/Green Light
The ring of light on the Microsoft Xbox 360 console flashes green or red to indicate controller positions or problems with the system. A flashing green light means the console is processing functions, and a solid green light in one of four quadrants indicates that a controller is attached (top left for position one, top right for two, bottom left for three and bottom right for four). Flashing red lights indicate problems with the console that you may be able to remedy with some troubleshooting steps.
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Instructions
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Check your audio-video cables if all four quadrants on the ring of light flash red. This indicates a problem with the AV connection. Either the cord is faulty or it isn't properly connected to your console or television.
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Cool down the console if the two left lights on the ring of light flash red. This indicates the Xbox 360 is too hot and will not play discs until it cools down. Remove it from any heat sources and place it in an area that is well-ventilated. After a few minutes, plug it back in and see if the flashing stops.
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Buy a coolant accessory. Several such peripherals are available that attach to the Xbox 360 and use fans to blow cool air into the console to prevent it from overheating. You can purchase these accessories in stores in the $20 to $30 range.
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Contact Xbox customer support if you see any other flashing red light patterns, particularly three flashing red lights, which indicates hardware failure. You will probably have to ship your console to Microsoft's Xbox 360 repair center. The cost of repair likely will be covered if your system is still under warranty. Reach customer support at 800-469-9269.
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Tips & Warnings
If four continually flashing green lights occur, this means that either no controller is connected to the console or that you have attempted to connect a fifth controller and that all the available slots are already full. This does not indicate any kind of hardware failure.
References
- Xbox 360 User Manual; Microsoft
