Xbox 360 Repair - Opening the Case

If you have experienced the RROD lately, you either are looking for a fix or maybe even a new console. Don't despair it can be fixed. The first thing you need to determine is if your Xbox is still under warranty. If it is still under warranty, send it back to Microsoft to get repaired. If not, don't waste your money on a repair manual, follow these steps and you can fix it yourself.

First, remove the faceplate. The easiest way to remove the face is to use the finger hole at the bottom of the console and simply pull forward. (In this photo the Xbox is upside down) Give her a good tug and pop!

Starting with the gray bottom vent plate, you will see six tabs that hold it into place. All tabs are accessible from the sides through the vent holes. Gently pull up on the plate and simultaneously release the clips by pushing in with a small screwdriver or other tool that fits through the hole.

The top plate is a little more difficult. Three out of the six tabs are not in plain view. One of the rear tabs can be accessed by removing the foot that covers the vent hole. If you release the two in the back and two in the middle, you can work the front two out by wiggling the plate.

Begin at the front of the case and work your way back alternating sides so each pair of tabs are released. Keep gentle pressure to pull it up and away as you go

With the top and bottom vent covers removed, lay the console upside down. This makes the process much easier because the chassis is screwed to the top. With the feet pointed up you can see 7 small holes. Inside the holes are clips that will need to be released.

You will need a very small tool to insert into the small holes. I use a 1.4mm miniature flat screwdriver. When releasing the clips, I find it helpful to spread the case with my thumb and forefinger, and then start with the two holes by the power cord. Press in with the screwdriver, you should hear crisp clicks as the clips release and the case should pop open a bit.

Continue to spread the case apart and push in the clips across the console. With every clip, it will spread a little further apart. Continue until the case is free. Spread the back apart a couple inches it should be able to rest open while you turn the console to work on the front.

Begin with the front clip nearest the DVD drive, use your fingernail to apply a little pressure and start spreading the lid apart. It should pop right open. Continue on with the rest of the tabs until the cover releases.

Lift the lid and you’ll discover a steel chassis. The photo indicates which screws to remove. Remove the six screws with a Torx 10 driver.

Turn it back right side up but before removing the other half of the case, remove the eject button with your fingernail.

You should now have a spread of parts that looks something like this.