Xbox 360:Error Codes

This page is intended to be a comprehensive list of all error codes for all models of Xbox 360, as well as tutorials on fixing them if applicable/possible. This error code guide is in no way official and may not be 100% accurate as it is community sourced. We take no responsibility for any actions you may take to fix your console.

Generally, if there is a problem with the Xbox 360, the LEDs in the Ring of Light (ROL) around the power button will flash in a particular pattern. The pattern itself lends some insight to the problem. Certain patterns will also display numbered error codes on screen, known as your primary error code, which will further help diagnose your console’s issue.

Officially documented descriptions of the errors can be found on Octal’s RROD Database (officially documented errors).

Ring of Light Error Codes
Determining the malfunctioning component of your Xbox 360 depends on how many red lights around the power button are flashing.

One Red Light
If the bottom right red light is flashing on your Xbox 360, then your console is experiencing a hardware error. The console will still power on, and should display an error code on the screen it is connected to. The code will begin with an E, followed by two digits. Some in-depth error code information can be found on this page below. 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 for it below.

Two Red Lights
When the left two lights are flashing red on the console, a component is overheating. It is likely that the fan will be running very loudly. Shut the console off and let it cool down for a couple hours. To prevent this from happening in the future, make sure your Xbox 360 is in a well-ventilated area and out of the immediate proximity of any walls, heaters, or other appliances. Alternatively Overheating can be cause 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. Let the Xbox 360 console cool. You may have to wait several hours for the console to cool enough. Do not turn on the console when the console is hot. Verify that the console has sufficient ventilation and that the fan is operating. For more information about ventilation, see the Care page. 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.

Three Red Lights (“Red Ring of Death”)
The “Red Ring of Death” has occurred when all but the top right corner of the light ring are flashing red. A general hardware malfunction has occurred, affecting one or more components. The error message is not displayed directly, since the console doesn’t power on, but it is possible to obtain the secondary error code from the Xbox. Most, if not all, three-light errors in Xbox 360 consoles are related to overheating. The most common issue is a cracked or cold solder joint underneath the GPU on the motherboard. A flaw in the design of the heat sink allows the motherboard to warp in the area around the chip, which causes the chip to lose contact with the board. There are various fixes for the RROD, which include replacing the high-stress x-clamp, reflowing the GPU’s solder connection, and also replacing the heat sink in older models with Microsoft’s updated Zephyr heat sink. To keep your Xbox 360 from being affected by the RROD, keep it in a well-ventilated area and make sure the cooling vents are free from obstruction. If your Xbox begins to overheat, turn the power off and allow it to cool for at least an hour before continuing play. Alternatively, use an external fan to help circulate air across the device. If the RROD is already plaguing your Xbox, and your console is no longer covered by Microsoft’s warranty, there is hope yet. Even though the console will not turn on, you can obtain a secondary error code from it. After pinpointing the cause of your Xbox’s RROD, you can take the necessary action to remove the problem. Red Ring errors caused by the CPU or GPU are normally fixed by installing a Red Ring of Death Fix Kit. Try restarting the console. 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. 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. 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.

Four Red Lights Flashing
The Xbox 360 A/V cable is not connected. Make sure that the AV cable is correctly connected to the Xbox 360 console. Reconnect the cable either to the console or the display you are using. Disconnect the AV cable from the Xbox 360 console, and then reconnect the AV cable to the Xbox 360 console. 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. 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.

Manufacture Mode (Xmas Lights)
Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 are flashing red and green. If you attempted the JTAG hack, restore your original NAND image and/or reflow the Southbridge. Be aware that Xenon keyvaults have a Type 1 keyvault, while all other Xbox 360s have a Type 2 keyvault. Either type can be used on a Xenon, but a Type 1 keyvault cannot be used on a newer console or else you will get this error.

Secondary Error Codes
A secondary error code can be obtained through a button combination to provide more insight on the issue the Xbox 360 is experiencing. To determine which error message corresponds to your secondary error code, consult the secondary error code list provided by Xbox-Experts.


 * 1) Power the console on so the red lights are flashing.
 * 2) Press and hold the small white Sync button and press the Eject button.
 * 3) The LEDs will now blink the first number in the code (see number table below).
 * 4) Release the eject button and press it again.
 * 5) The LEDs will now blink the second number of the code.
 * 6) Release the eject button and press it again.
 * 7) The LEDs will now blink the third number of the code.
 * 8) Release the eject button and press it again.
 * 9) The LEDs will now blink the forth number of the code.
 * 10) Release the eject button and press it again.
 * 11) The LEDs will go back to the 3 red flashing lights.

You should be able to determine the difference between the 3 flashing lights and the error code lights by the rate in which they flash.