(For those that are out of warranty)..........I wanted to post this on the "other" forum. But for fear of being banned or silenced, I simply posted asking anyone interested in it to send me their email address and I'd send this to them. This saved my 360 about a week ago and I hope it helps those in need of the information.
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Here's all the info that I managed to dig up and use to fix the '3 red lights' on my 360. Just remember, if you try any of this, don't blame me if it doesn't work--I'm just offering up some info I found that helped me get the job done. I just though it might help a few others with the same problems. (ie. don't shoot the messenger/helper)--lol. Also keep in mind, some of these also link to Xbox 360 modding--I am NOT condoning it or promoting it, I simply searched Google and found the info on these sites (in all honesty, this could be the one good thing to come from the modding community).
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These are the tools that I personally used to fix my 360:
$12.98 @ Lowe's - This set is worth every penny (not just for this project either). It contains 3 tools that you will need for this project: the T-8 Torx screwdriver bit, the T-10 Torx screwdriver bit, and an array of Hex bits (one of which you'll need to remove the screws from the heat sinks after it's been removed from the motherboard. Ask an employee for help with this and the following screws and washers. I was in and out in minutes.
$9.99 @ Radio Shack - This is the best heat sink compound to use for this project. You can check that site to see if they have it in stock at your local Radio Shack store, if not, Newegg also stocks it online--click the Newegg link to view their prices and shipping. (it was much faster to hit the local RS for it though).
* Plastic scraper tool or pocket knife (a credit card also works).
* Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol 70% (I used the CVS brand--worked great, but took some time to slowly clean it all off--worth the time spent in the end).
* Q-tips/Cotton Swabs (to apply the alcohol)
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Here's a brief run-down on how I fixed the 3 Red Lights of Death on my Xbox 360:
* Follow Aweirdguy's tutorial on opening the 360 case and getting inside.
* Unplug the fans from the motherboard (clean them--odds are, they've got some dust).
* Remove the mobo from the case VERY CAREFULLY and look at the "X-Clamps" underneath it.
* Remove the X-Clamps VERY CAREFULLY with a small flat-head screwdriver (a very small flat-head) by prying the clamp out and around the screw. (once you've done two on the same side, the others should let it release easily). *be very careful with this step--do not let the screwdriver slam into the mobo or scratch it up. take your time and be careful*
* Once the X-Clamps are removed, you should be able to pull the heat sinks off of the CPU & GPU, carefully.
* Find the hex bit that you'll need to unscrew the screw-posts from the heat sinks and do it, again, carefully.
* Clean the bottom of the heat sinks, as well as the CPU and GPU--use a plastic card (possibly a credit card) to carefully scrape away the old thermal compound/paste. Once you have the heat sinks, CPU, & GPU clean, use Q-Tips to begin cleaning it all with the alcohol, carefully.
* Once it is all clean (this may take hours--I took my time), apply Arctic Silver 5 to the CPU & GPU (as seen in the following links and tutorials), then carefully begin the task of getting the machine screws and washers in the right spots before putting the heat sinks back on, one at a time.
* Follow the instructions laid out in the pdf I'm supplying--this is what I used most and it lays out the exact way you need to put the washers (do NOT allow any metal washer to come into contact with the motherboard--it won't harm it necessarily, but it will still show as an error if you do it this way. Always place the nylon washers against the mobo.
* As the pdf states, once you have the heat sinks back in place and tightened down (not too tight, just SNUG), reconnect the front LED, your A/V cable, and power cord (leave the fans unplugged). Keep the system horizontal and turn it on--this allows the heat sinks and thermal compound to set. Once the system runs for a few minutes, it will overheat and show the overheat error (2 LED's will be lit up red). Wait 2 minutes and then turn it off (this allows the heat to help the solder to reconnect good with the CPU & GPU and helps it all set in firmly).
* Unplug the A/V and power cable from your 360, as well as the front LED again. Now carefully tighten the screws for the heat sinks on the bottom of the mobo. Remember, do it SNUG, do not over-tighten!
* Allow the entire system to cool back down (I waited roughly an hour), then put everything back together.
* Test your 360--this SHOULD have fixed it, but if not, simply follow the steps again. This worked for me the first time I tried it, so have faith in it. I don't know if this is a permanent fix, but it worked when my system was DEAD.
(these instructions are VERY loosely based on what you should read and learn on the following links--I read and re-read before attempting any of this and learned pretty quickly).
This site has a very large listing of error codes for the Xbox 360. Follow the instructions and check to see which errors you have. Also, follow it up with a secondary error code check. If done correctly, this will give you the exact error code and by using the list, you should be able to see what the problem is.
This was posted on one of the gamefaqs boards. It helps explain the true problem behind the 3 red lights and gives a light explanation of what would basically need to be done in order to fix it. (Notice: the link to the pdf file at the end of his post does not work).
zilli0n (another member at xbox-scene) gives a picture tutorial on how he fixed his. Pretty helpful, although I merely used some Isopropyl alcohol to help clean the heat sinks, CPU, & GPU (it took a lot longer, but when you're in the middle of project like this, you should take all the time you need).
Small article discussing the tools needed and how to do it (it's small and it really doesn't help much, other than giving a little more insight as to what to do and how to do it). Nice read, but not as helpful as the other links I'm providing.
The motherload. This link alone, along with the pictures, should give enough info on how to do this fix. Keep in mind though, I did NOT use the exact parts listed on this link--I will offer up the exact tools I used below a bit later.
This link will show you how to open your 360 and get to the areas that you need to in order to apply this fix.
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I also have two pdf files. One is the 3 Red Light Fix pdf that I mentioned earlier (the one that didn't work on that link). The other is a pdf for Arctic Silver 5. This will help lay out what the product is and how it is used, while also explaining maintenance and cleanup. If anyone is interested in these pdf files, please message me and I'll get them to you.
Here is the pdf file that I used along with RBJtech's helpful info and pictures. So far, my console hasn't failed and this is the file I'd suggest everyone use and refer to when doing this fix.
This was posted on xbox-scene, so those are the numbers they've compiled from their members that have apparently fixed their own consoles. I agree that we should see how well the fix works for our members here.
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