Console · Microsoft · Xbox 360
Microsoft Xbox 360 Fan Replacement
Fan Replacement guide for the Microsoft Xbox 360
Before you begin
Tools
- Torx T10 screwdriver
- Torx T8 screwdriver
- Plastic spudger
- Xbox 360 unlocking tool
- Tweezers
- Precision screwdriver set
Parts / materials
- Replacement Xbox 360 dual fan assembly
- Microfiber cloth
- Isopropyl alcohol
Safety
- Disconnect the power supply cable and all peripherals before starting disassembly.
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap to protect internal circuitry from electrostatic discharge.
- Be cautious of sharp metal edges along the internal steel EMI shielding.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Pull off the front faceplate
2 minInsert your fingers into the USB door slot and pull the faceplate firmly away from the console.
- 2
Remove the top vent grill
3 minUse a plastic spudger to disengage the plastic latches visible inside the top vent holes, then lift the grill off.
- 3
Remove the bottom vent grill
3 minInsert an opening tool into the lower ventilation holes to release the locking tabs and remove the grill.
- 4
Unlatch the front case clips
2 minPry the four plastic latches along the front edge of the console to separate the outer plastic housing.
- 5
Release the rear case latches
4 minInsert an Xbox 360 unlocking tool or thin prying tool into the small rear slots until the clips pop open.
- 6
Separate the bottom outer case
2 minLift the bottom plastic shell straight up and away from the internal metal chassis.
- 7
Unscrew the chassis screws
4 minUse a Torx T10 screwdriver to remove the six long silver screws securing the top casing.
- 8
Remove the top outer case
2 minFlip the console over and carefully lift the top plastic shell off the metal chassis.
- 9
Disconnect the optical drive cables
2 minUnplug both the SATA data cable and power cable from the rear of the optical disc drive.
- 10
Lift out the optical drive
2 minLift the optical drive straight up out of the metal chassis and place it aside.
- 11
Remove the plastic fan shroud
2 minGently unclip the white plastic air shroud from the heatsinks and lift it out.
- 12
Disconnect the fan power connector
2 minUse tweezers or your fingers to pull the fan plug straight up off the motherboard header.
- 13
Release the metal fan retaining clips
2 minPress down on the two metal tabs located on the rear EMI shield directly above the fan duct.
- 14
Remove the old fan assembly
2 minPush the dual-fan unit inward slightly, then pull it upward out of the metal chassis.
- 15
Insert the replacement fan unit
2 minPosition the new fan assembly against the rear exhaust vents until the metal tabs lock into place.
- 16
Plug in the fan cable
2 minAlign the 4-pin fan connector with the motherboard header and press down firmly to secure it.
After your Microsoft Xbox 360 fan replacement
Power the Xbox 360 back on and test the fan replacement function before you put every screw away. Check touch/display response, charging, cameras, buttons, and wireless as relevant to this repair. If something fails after closing the device, reopen carefully and reseat the connectors for this Microsoft Xbox 360 job before assuming the part is defective. Keep leftover adhesive and screws labeled in case you need a second pass.
Keep learning
Explore more Microsoft Xbox 360 repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
