How to Fix E74 Error

What Is The E74 Error?

Xbox 360 problems happen to nearly one third of all consoles according to Microsoft, so you are not alone.The E74 Error is a very common error that millions of gamers are dealing with around the world. E74 Error is now considered the same thing as the 3-red-light issue, or as most people call it, the red ring of death.

What Causes The E74 Error?

E74 is a general hardware error on Xbox 360 indicated by a single red flashing light in the Xbox Ring of Light and an error message visible on the television. The E74 error is related to the graphics hardware. There is a high chance it's a scaler chip problem (the "ANA" or "HANA" chip near the AV cable connection) it can also be caused by a faulty AV cable so check that first.

When the scaler chip becomes overheated it does not make contact with the motherboard anymore. That is why you get the horizontal greens lines on your screen or even worse The E 74 Error. It can also be caused by an overheated GPU Chip.

How To Fix E74 Error

OK, I'll try to explain this the best I can. You will have to open your Xbox 360. (Warning! … Opening Your Console Will Void Your Warranty) Next tape about 10 pennies in a stack using electrical tape. Remove the DVD drive and the fan shroud.

The scaler chip is located above the GPU heat sink. The GPU heat sink will be the flat one on the left. The scaler chip is square and black. It is the one located next to the left fan. Unplug the cooling fans and let your Xbox 360 overheat until you get 2 flashing red lights.

Turn your console off and let it cool for about 20 minutes … its really hot at this point. This was done to re-solder the joints without having to remove the motherboard and use a heat gun … saving us time! When the Xbox 360 is cool reconnect the fans and place the stack of taped pennies on top on the scaler chip. Install the fan shroud and reconnect the fans.

Install the DVD drive and place about 7 CDR's on top on on of it. This will make sure that the stack of pennies remains on top of the scaler chip. Install the top cover of the Xbox 360 and test it out.

This should work as it worked for me. I hope I was of some help. Happy Gaming!