Jantoh Blog

Here is a quick (and hopefully comprehensive) guide to opening your XBOX 360 case and fitting a case mod.

NOTE: Opening your XBOX 360 involves breaking the warranty sticker on the front, therefore voiding your warranty with Microsoft, if you need your warranty then removing the case is not recommended!

Pre-requisites

1. Half an hour of free time, and a bit of patience (some parts can be a little fiddly – dont be too heavy handed!)
2. An XBOX 360 case opening tool set
   The same result can be achieved with Torx drivers and a small thin piece of metal, but in our experience, it is more difficult to remove the case (especially without damaging it) when you dont use the proper tools, for the cost of the proper case opening tool, its worth not wrecking your case, just incase you want to put it back on later!
3. An XBOX 360 case mod kit
4. A small Phillips screwdriver
5. A small Flathead screwdriver
6. A Stanley knife/Other tool capable of cutting plastic

Case Removal Instructions

Faceplate Removal

1. The Face Plate

Put your finger inside the USB port door at the bottom of the console, hook your finger around the plastic, and give it a gentle tug, it should quite easily ‘pop’ off the front (The faceplate was designed to be removed easily by Microsoft, by means of allowing basic customisation, so it should come off no problem at all)

Grille Removal

2. The Top & Bottom Grilles

The grilles are held on by four plastic clips, which are visible from the ventillation holes on the top and bottom of the shell.

Push the end of the removal tool on to the clips and you should hear them click, gently pull the grille upwards and they should come off.

If you have trouble releasing the last clip on the hard drive side, you will need to remove the grey rubber foot at the back of the console, which will reveal another vent hole, you then put the case opening tool into the hole and the last clip should undo.

Front Case Clips

3. Front Case Clips

You need to undo the four clips on the front of the case, putting your fingernail undernieth these should be adequate enough to get them undone, failing that a very small screwdriver will do the trick, but be careful not to damage the case if you choose to use a driver to do it.

Once the four clips are undone, pull the case up slightly to prevent it clipping back down – dont be too heavy handed with this or you risk damaging the plastic.

4. Back Case Clips

This is where the opening tool comes into its own, having done this manually with a screwdriver previously (and having made a mess of the holes on the back of the case), you will be thankful of the tool!

Flip the console upside down.

Start on the left hand side of the console, where the two halves of the case join, you will see slits where the clips are, rotate the tool so that the clip push pins align with the case, and gently push the tool into the case, you should hear a click as the clips release, gently pull the case up, to prevent the clips from locking back into place.

Move on to the right hand side, rotate the tool as before so that the holes line up with the clip push pins, again push the tool into the holes and you will hear a click, gently lift the bottom of the case off, and your half way there!

5. The Eject Button

The eject button is clips onto the front of the DVD drive. You should be able to get your fingernail undernieth it and prise it off, failing that a small flathead screwdriver will do the trick just fine.

Other guides suggest removing the DVD bezel as well as this point, but from experience it is much easier to remove once the top of the case is off, so hold fire!

6. Undo Case Screws

At this point you should see the following in front of you:

Remove the torx bolts that are circled using the tool in your opening kit.

The top of the case will then be free of the chassis – WARNING: The DVD drive is held in by the bolts you just removed, be careful when you lift the chassis up as the drive will fall out of it as you lift it.

7. The DVD Bezel

On the underside of the DVD bezel, you will see two clips, put your fingernail or a small flathead screw driver under them and the bezel should slide straight off of the drive.

Success, the case is now removed!

You have now successfully removed the case and dvd drive bezel from the XBOX 360, time to fit the shiny new case!

Fitting the new case

Heat Guard

1. The Heat Guard for the top case panel

Some guides I’ve read seem to omit this part, it is strongly suggested that you re-install the heat guard into the new case lid.

Flip the old case top so that it is face down, you will notice that there are 2 plastic studs holding the heat guard onto the lid, with a stanley knife or other sharp tool, trim back the plastic studs enough that you can easily remove the heat guard panel, take care not to bend or damage the panel in the process.

Once the panel is free, place it inside the lid of your new case, there are studs in the case lid to ensure that it is seated in the proper location.

2. The DVD Bezel

Slide the new DVD Bezel over the front of the DVD drive drawer, if the clips are aligned properly it will click straight into place.

3. The lid

With your console the right way up, place the new lid on top of the chassis, with the heat guard installed (as mentioned earlier) it should line up perfectly, with a gentle downward push, the lid should seat in the correct place.

Hold the lid on, and flip your console up the other way, proceed to bolt the top back on, following the diagram below, I would suggest bolting opposite corners first to ensure that the case sits squarely over the 360.

4. The Eject Button

Line up the eject button to its respective button on the front of the case, and click it into place, it is important that this is fitted correctly before proceeding, otherwise you wont have access to the clip and button.

5. The bottom of the case

Flip the console onto its top, align the bottom of the case with the top, start by pushing the back down, until it clicks into place, then push the front down, this will click down.

NOTE: The heat guard sometimes bends when you put the bottom back on, and prevents the case from clicking together, to avoid this, pull the top case part out slightly when pushing the bottom down.

6. The side grilles

If your case mod was supplied by Jantoh, instead of the flimsy clips on the original XBOX 360 case, the side grilles screw into place on the side of the case, simply line them up and tighten the supplied screws into the holes in the case sides.

If you are using a non-Jantoh case mod, the side grilles may clip in like the originals, simply align them and push them down in this case, they should click into place.

7. The face plate

This is the simplest part to install, simply line it up and click it in to place.

DONE! – Your case mod is now fitted, give yourself a pat on the back and admire your shiny new console case!

If like me you have a 360 core system with no hard drive, you’ll soon discover how much you need one (some definate classics in the XBOX live arcade that are worth a play), Obviously you can buy the MS external drive and plug it directly into the top of the XBOX, but what about installing one internally? sounds like a good mod to me!

If you are a bit handy with a soldering iron and have the skills to not burn your 360’s motherboard, I found a guide to installing an internal drive.

Word of warning though, this is not for the faint of heart, you run a high risk of turning your XBOX360 into a doorstop if you mess up the solering!

THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED AS-IS IN THE HOPE IT WILL BE USEFUL, NO WARRANTY IS PROVIDED, NO LIABILITY OF ANY KIND IS ACCEPTED BY MYSELF, CARBIDE-FINGER LTD OR THE AUTHOR OF THE ARTICLE, IF YOU CHOOSE TO FOLLOW THE GUIDE YOU DO SO ENTIRELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

The article detailing what you need to do to get the hard drive connected to your 360 is here at the IVC WIKI

Once you have completed the cable install, you’ll need to find a suitable place inside the case, it has been suggested that directly above the DVD drive is the best place, but thats open to opinion, choose the place you think suits best.

Let us know your thoughts and success/horror stories if you attempt this, we’d love to know how it goes!

100% of the info here was discovered by Scene Members through trial and error, a lot of the information is probably incorrect, but it is our best guess.

THIS ERROR CODE GUIDE IS IN NO WAY OFFICIAL NOR DO WE MAKE ANY CLAIMS TO IT’S ACCURACY.

Originally posted in Xbox-Scene.com Forums http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=484726, reproduced with permission on: 02/04/09

Quick Links

• Sections 1,2,3 & 4 are flashing red
• Sections 1,3 & 4 are flashing red
• Sections 1 & 3 are flashing red
• Section 4 is flashing red
• Secondary Error Codes
• Console Reset Codes
• Sending your console in for repair
• Credits/Thanks

XBOX 360 ERROR Codes

If you discover something that is incorrect or not included please PM twistedsymphony to update the guide. Neither Xbox-Scene, twistedsymphony, nor any of the guide contributors take responsibility for any actions you might take as a result of reading this guide.

If there is a problem with the Xbox360 The LEDs in the ring of light will flash in a particular pattern.

The pattern itself leads some insight to the problem. Certain patterns will lead to numbered error codes which will provide further insight to the problem. The numbered error codes are described below their corresponding LED code.

After reading this guide if you’d like to discuss the problems you’re experiencing with others you can do so in the following thread: http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=462099 these are the codes we know so far…

Please contribute if you know of new codes that are not part of this list.

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Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 are flashing red – The AV cable cannot be detected

THINGS TO TRY

1. Make sure that the AV cable is correctly connected to the Xbox 360 console.
2. Disconnect the AV cable from the Xbox 360 console, and then reconnect the AV cable to the Xbox 360 console.
3. If the four flashing red lights continue to flash, try wiping the metal area of the AV pack with a dry cloth. The metal area is the end that plugs into the console. Wipe the metal area thoroughly, and then try the AV Pack again.
4. If the AV cable is correctly connected but the four red lights are still flashing, substitute a different AV cable if you have one available.

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Sections 1, 3, and 4 are flashing red – General Hardware Failure

You are strongly advised to check the Secondary XBOX360 Error Code per the instructions in the section below, this will give you a more accurate idea of what is causing your RROD.

3 Light Red Ring of Death

THINGS TO TRY

1. Try restarting the console.
2. If restarting the console does not resolve the behavior, follow these steps:
   • Turn the console off.
   • Unplug all the power and AV cables from the console.
   • Unplug the power cord from the wall socket.
   • Firmly reconnect all the cables.
   • Turn on the console.
3. If these steps do not resolve the behavior, turn the console off, remove the hard drive, and then turn on the console. If the 3x Red LED error light is no longer displayed, turn the console off, re-attach the hard drive, and then turn on the console.
4. Also examine the lights on the power supply. When you turn on the console, the power supply light should illuminate green even if the three lights on the RoL flash red.

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Sections 1, and 3 are flashing red – Overheating

Alternatively Overheating can be caused by the console locking up or “freezing” after a set amount of time. Lockups that occur at a specific point in a game are generally problems with the game itself and not caused by overheating.

THINGS TO TRY

1. Let the Xbox 360 console cool.
   Note You may have to wait several hours for the console to cool enough. Do not turn on the console when the console is hot.
2. Verify that the console has sufficient ventilation and that the fan is operating. For more information about ventilation, see the “More Information” section.

PREVENTION SUGGESTIONS

To try to prevent this problem, use the following precautions:

• Do not block any ventilation openings on the Xbox 360 console.
• Do not put the Xbox 360 console on a bed, on a sofa, or on any other soft surface that may block ventilation openings.
• Do not put the Xbox 360 console in a confined space, such as a bookcase, a rack, or a stereo cabinet, unless the space is well-ventilated.
• Do not put the Xbox 360 console near any heat source, such as a radiator, a heat register, a stove, or an amplifier.

DO NOT EVER PUT YOUR CONSOLE IN THE FREEZER OR OUT IN COLD WEATHER

Some people think that doing this might help “fix” an overheating console, in fact doing so could cause even bigger problems. Electronic devices like your console are made to function at and around room temperature, extreme cold temperatures can often cause just as many problems as extreme warm temperatures (such as overheating). Also if the console is located in a dramatically cold area while running, the difference in temperature between the hot console and cold air can create condensation which in turn will short out your console making the situation far worse. Condensation will happen more quickly if your console is overheating due to the greater difference in temperature. In short… DON’T DO IT.

A more aggressive Solution to overheating is to improve the cooling system of the console. The best solution is to replace the thermal compound. If you attempt this you do so at your own risk. If you’re console is still under warranty it is recommended that you contact MS for a replacement before attempting to fix it yourself.

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Section 4 is flashing red – Hardware Failure

The Specific Type of hardware failure can be determined by the error code displayed on the screen.

If the screen is blank or you would like additional information follow the instructions for determining the secondary error code in the section below.

E45

Unknown (possibly dashboard update related)

E64

DVD Drive Error…. DVD Timeout, Wrong firmware, dvd is without f/w chip, etc.

E65

DVD Drive Error…. DVD Timeout, Wrong firmware, dvd is without f/w chip, etc. This can also be caused by the tray not being fully closed on boot.

E66

DVD Drive Error: DVD model, or version does not match that of the version expected by the dashboard. OR the firmware version on the drive is older then the firmware version expected by the dashboard. Make sure the DVD drive is of the same version originally included with the console and that it is using either the original firmware included with the console or newer.

E67

Hard Drive Error… It could be a problem with the Hard Drive itself or a problem with the internal connection to the hard drive, Try removing the hard drive and playing without it.

E68

Voltage Error… This error means that the Xbox 360 has insufficent power to function properly. This can be caused by an error in the hard drive or the fans that make them suck up too much power, it can also be caused if you have unnecessary accessories attached to the console like an external fan unit. Attempt to remove unnecessary accessories first, and then necessary components such as the hard drive and USB devices. If you have any case mods you may want to investigate those as well.

E69

Hard Drive Error… It could be a problem with the Hard Drive itself or a problem with the internal connection to the hard drive, Try removing the hard drive and playing without it.

E71

Possibly a dashboard update error, Check below in the “Console Reset Codes” for instructions. If that does not work there is no other solution and the console must be sent back to MS for repair.

E72

Error with the NAND flash

E73

General Hardware Error: Ethernet port… this error is caused by a problem with the Ethernet port.

E74

There is high chance it’s a scaler chip problem (the “ANA” or “HANA” chip near the AV cable connection) it can also be caused by a faulty AV cable so check that first. In some cases it is a problem with the GPU and may be repairable by doing the x-clamp replacement (see error 0102)

E76

This error deals with the Ethernet port’s controller chip, a dead chip may not cause the error but removing the Ethernet controller chip does, it may also be caused by other Ethernet related problems.

E79

Hard Drive Error… It could be a problem with the Hard Drive itself or a problem with the internal connection to the hard drive, Try removing the hard drive and playing without it.
According to tmbinc: E79 is the error code if xam.xex could not be started, i.e. probably a file system corruption.

E80

Wrong LDV version in NAND Flash. This is in new dashboard. You have the update but haven’t R3T6 resistor. You can:
-Downgrade to old dashboard, solder back the resistor and then update your xbox
-If you have CPU Key, get current NAND Flash image and fix LDV (just add 1 up to latest kernel). (See error 1100)

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Secondary Error Codes

The specific type of hardware failure can be determined by a “hidden” error code

1. Turn your 360 on, and wait for the red ring of death to show up.
2. Press and hold the sync button on the front of the 360 (Has a wireless icon next to it), keep it held down and press the eject button on the 360’s DVD drive.
3. The lights will now indicate the first number in the error code.
4. Let go of the eject button and press it again.
5. The lights will now indicate the second number in the error code.
6. Let go of the eject button and press it again..
7. The lights will now indicate the third number in the error code..
8. Let go of the eject button and press it again.
9. The lights will now indicate the last number in the error code.
10. Let go of the eject button and press it again.
11. The lights will then turn back into the red ring of death.

Key To Error Codes

• All 4 LED’s flashing = 0
• 1 LED flashing = 1
• 2 LED’s flashing = 2
• 3 LED’s flashing = 3

0001

power supply problem

0002

Network Interface problem (might be fixed by loosening the x-clamps)

0003

Power problem could be the PSU could be the GPU/CPU, somehow the console isn’t getting clean power from the power supply.

0010

There is a problem with the Southbridge Chip usually dealing with how it connects to the mainboard (cold solder joint/bridged solder joints)

0011

CPU over heating – If you are receiving this error after disassembling your console make sure to all 8 of the heatsinc screws are tightened securely to the board/heatsink holes.

0012

GPU over heating -ensure your x-clamps are installed properly.

0013

RAM over heating

0020

GPU Malfunction, similar to error 0102

0021

This can be caused by two completely different things either:
A. DVD Drive Time out – Can be caused by problems with a firmware flash. This is also speculated to sometime be caused by a problem with the southbridge chipset on the motherboard based on how it connects to the DVD drive.
B. GPU error, generally caused by a poor connection to the mainboard (cold solder joints/bridged solder joints) See error 102 for more information

0022

CPU error, generally caused by a poor connection to the mainboard (cold solder joints/bridged solder joints). This can also be triggered by an error with the TSOP.

0023

(not yet known)

0030

Problem with temperature control

0031

could be caused by a short between the heatsink and surrounding capacitors

0032

(not yet known)

0033

(not yet known)

0100

Likely a cold solder join in GPU or Ram chips (see error 0102)

0101

(not yet known)

0102

Error in the “Digital Backbone” (CPU/GPU/RAM), this is usually caused by a cold solder joint between the GPU and the mainboard.
There are two theories to fixing this one deals with the “X” clamps that hold down the chips. The other involves re-heating the chips.
DO NOT attempt either of these if your console is still under warranty. If your console is still under warranty return it to the store where it was purchased or call MS to have it replaced.

0103

GPU Error this is usually caused by bridged solder points where the GPU connects to the mainboard. see error 0102 for more detailed information

0110

Ram error, this is caused by a cold or bridged solder joint on one of the Ram chips.

0200

(not yet known)

0203

over heating GPU possibly due to lack of thermal compound.

1000

Kernel can’t be launched/signature in NAND Flash chip is broken! It could be possible after bad update. http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?sho…p;#entry4156375 This might also be caused by a bad SATA cable.

1001

DVD Drive Error, either incorrect firmware or DVD Time out.

1002

DVD Drive Error, likely a firmware error, drive can eject, read, and write under windows but errors on console, replacing original firmware should fix issue.

1003

Hard Drive Error… It could be a problem with the Hard Drive itself or a problem with the internal connection to the hard drive, Try removing the hard drive and playing without it

1010

Hard Drive Error, Can be caused buy a corrupt or missing eProm. See also E68 above

1011

(not yet known)

1012

(not yet known)

1013

(not yet known) possibly a dashboard update error

1020

(not yet known)

1021

(not yet known)

1022

There is high chance it’s a scaler chip problem (the “ANA” or “HANA” chip near the AV cable connection) it can also be caused by a faulty AV cable so check that first. In some cases it is a problem with the GPU and may be repairable by doing the x-clamp replacement (see error 0102)

1023

DVD drive not connected, connect DVD drive to boot

1030

This error deals with the Ethernet port’s controller chip, a dead chip may not cause the error but removing the Ethernet controller chip does, it may also be caused by other Ethernet related problems.

1031

This error is for power problems with the RAM chips. It might be cause by a short between the heat sink and resistors or by more serious problems with the RAM.

1032

(not yet known)

1033

it could be cpu/gpu related or it could be psu related, not much info is known for sure.

1100

Wrong LDV version in NAND Flash. This is in new dashboard. You have the update but haven’t R3T6 resistor. You can:
-Downgrade to old dashboard, solder back the resistor and then update your xbox
-If you have CPU Key, get current NAND Flash image and fix LDV (just add 1 up to latest kernel). (see error E80)

1444 and up

There is no “4″ in the error codes four lights is a “0″ go back and check your code again.

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Console Reset Codes

Clear All Installed Game Updates and Console Cache

1. Go to the “system” blade
2. Select “memory”
3. Press Y on the HD symbol
4. Press X,X, Left Bumper, Right Bumper, X,X
5. A message will appear saying: “Do you want to perform maintenance on your Xbox 360 storage devices?”
6. Select Yes

Clear Any Failed system updates that cause the console to error.

1. With the console off, press and hold the sync up button (the small white one)
2. While holding the sync button press the power button to turn on the console
3. Continue to hold the sync button until the Console has booted up completely.
4. During the boot process the console should clear any failed updates, allowing you to use it normally.

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Sending in your Console for Repair

If none of the above suggestions work, contact MS customer support get get a support ticket started. If your console is still under warranty DO NOT attempt to open it and fix it yourself. MS will fix it promptly and for free and if you open it you loose the free support.

Check the documentation that came with your Xbox 360 for contact information.

In the US Customer Support can be reached at 1-800-4-MY-XBOX (1-800-469-9269)

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Thanks to the guys over at Scenyx Entertainment Community (particularly twistedsymphony) for allowing us to mirror this.

After reading this guide if you’d like to discuss the problems you’re experiencing with others you can do so in the following thread:
http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=462099

Thanks to community members for their help:

• posure
• diacronic
• XGC xINSANITYx
• tommiwan
• Team Modfreakz
• neoed30
• Xfab29
• rsintx
• BenS
• leorimolo
• CajunSniper
• gwashington42490
• G0t M4xx 21
• mp3boy
• bluefalcon
• ethylique
• MatrixNeo
• sodiumba
• Taher
• sniper68500
• fierygt
• letsmod
• maysam
• fire4adrymouth
• Chickan

Very Special Thanks to sowa99 who has single-handedly identified about half of the secondary error codes.