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Post by Ex on Mar 28, 2024 21:32:45 GMT -5
 Back in 2013 I bought a brand new Xbox 360 Model E. I've taken very good care of it in the eleven years since. It has been rock solid for over a decade. But two days ago, something weird happened. My 360 suddenly lost the ability to sync to its wireless controllers. I'm talking about official OEM Xbox 360 controllers, that have worked with this same console since day one. Last Tuesday I was using this 360 with the wireless controllers, then Wednesday the same console refused to sync to the controllers. It is a mystery.
I've tried the following:
following the Microsoft sanctioned method of sync'ing wireless 360 controllers to an Xbox 360
replacing batteries in the controllers (with fully charged batteries) unplugging the 360 from power to let its mobo/RAM/caps completely drain out
manually reflashing the 360 firmware to latest version resetting the 360 to default settings
Still the console won't sync to the controllers.
However! When I use a 360 wireless dongle like this:
 Hooked up via a front USB port of the 360 console, then the wireless controllers CAN sync to the console through said dongle. Thankfully I had one of these dongles, as it came with a spare 360 controller I bought years ago. So the console will connect to the controllers using the dongle, but won't connect without the dongle. Any ideas of fixes to try? I mean that I haven't tried yet? Cursory searching on Google and YouTube turned up nothing useful. Maybe somebody on HRG knows a trick... I hope. |
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Post by Xeogred on Mar 28, 2024 22:22:23 GMT -5
Never had this model myself, just the OG/first Slim. You said "controllers" so I guess you had a few laying around to test and figure it's the console that's the issue? That would throw my idea out the window then, if there's maybe alternative controllers you could use that work with it. Do the OEM ones work fine wired?
I almost wonder if hooking up the console somewhere else would be worth a shot, lol. BT/wireless can be funky. But yeah I don't really know on this one. Especially if you've gone as far as flashing the firmware.
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Post by Sarge on Mar 28, 2024 22:25:52 GMT -5
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Post by Ex on Mar 28, 2024 22:41:53 GMT -5
Thanks for your input dudes. You said "controllers" so I guess you had a few laying around to test and figure it's the console that's the issue? Yeah I've tried two OEM controllers, both won't sync with the console without the wireless dongle. They do with the wireless dongle. >Do the OEM ones work fine wired? I actually don't own that special USB cable (with the proprietary controller adapter) so I ordered some yesterday. Should be here tomorrow, might have time to try tomorrow. Would be a nice secondary option to use the wireless controllers wired if needed. >wonder if hooking up the console somewhere else would be worth a shot Well I've tried sync'ing the controllers within a foot distance, I don't think it's a proximity issue. I even disabled every other wireless transmitting device in my house, just in case it was interference... no effect. it sure sounds like a wireless chip crapped out / Cursory search says it may be the RF module That's been my concern since this started. That the chip itself is toast. Well I'll probably end up buying another module and installing it if so. |
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Post by Sarge on Mar 28, 2024 22:45:10 GMT -5
At least it's not a terribly expensive chip, but yeah, it's annoying when you have to fix stuff like that.  |
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Post by Ex on Mar 28, 2024 22:46:58 GMT -5
Doesn't look like it'll require desoldering/soldering either, from what I'm seeing with the E model. That's good. I'm not the world's best solder ninja.
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Post by Sarge on Mar 28, 2024 23:01:35 GMT -5
If there's a ribbon cable involved, maybe it unseated?
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Post by Ex on Mar 28, 2024 23:09:58 GMT -5
Not outside the realm of possibility, though I don't know how it could have. I didn't move the console or anything. It's been sitting in the same place for years now. Unless the vibration of the cooling fan and disc drive spin would be enough to work that cable loose over time. It's not outside the realm of possibility, but I'm thinking the wireless transmission chip over-amped itself and shorted out.
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Post by Sarge on Mar 28, 2024 23:12:01 GMT -5
Yeah, it's a slim chance, just suggesting because my 32X systems had that problem. |
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Post by Ex on Mar 28, 2024 23:18:13 GMT -5
Fair enough, I do appreciate the input on figuring this mess out. Can't let this 360 die, love this console too much for that. Will repair it!
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