Well when I started hunting for a fix for my Xbox 360 RROD, I became stressed by all of the information in existence. You can find a million sites, each selling their instructions (normally $24.95. You can get some for free) and and then there are the multitudes of YouTube videos claiming to have uncovered the miracle solution. The three that I am about to review are what seem to be amongst the most common (and sometimes most preposterous).
Number #1 - The Towel Trick - It goes something like this: You take the hard drive off, cover the entire device in a towel to counteract the excess heat from escaping, turn the console on for approximately 15 minutes to cook (some instructions advise 1 hour), shut it down, unplug it for an hour, plug it back in and like magic it works. But why? I have not heard a reliable justification yet. Here is one of the answers..."the system gets so hot that it melts the solder that was cracking to the bring about the red lights to begin with"..... Listed here are a couple of likely hazards as talked about in the same instructions "could perhaps damage other parts of the Xbox".... "The system could catch on fire it gets so hot". I've got to say I am going to rate this as the 2nd most bizarre Xbox 360 Red Ring of Death fix of the three in consideration. Recommendation: Do not use this fix.
Number #2 - The Ice Bath - I wouldn't even want to explain how to do this. Basically, a rubbermaid tub is filled with ice water, some vinegar is added, the Xbox 360 is unplugged and submerged in the water/vinegar combination. After so many minutes the console is removed, drained of water and immediately plugged back in. Need I say more. I actually heard about a kid who attempted this and was severely shocked. This as many other fixes was presented as a youtube video. It is really quite reckless and should really be eliminated. This fix is easily the most bizarre fix of the three in consideration. Recommendation: You should not even consider using this repair should you value your health.
Number #3 - X-Clamp Repair - This is actually the only legit repair I've discovered thus far. It really is as permanent as it gets. Avoid the use of it if however your Xbox 360 is still under warranty. Send the console back to Microsoft and let them honor the warranty. Then again, if your seal is broken and/or it's not under warranty this fix is the best option. This is actually the fix in summary; you get into the console, take out the x-clamps, clean up the old thermal paste, put new thermal paste on, swap the x-clamps with screws and washers, reassemble the unit, overheat, allow it to cool off and it works on roughly 90% of the units. Recommendation: Use this Xbox 360 3 Red Light Error fix.
Xbox 360 Red Ring Of Death - Which Xbox 360 3 Red Light Error Fix Is The Best?