Hello, So my xbox didn't turn on after some time without using it. Did some research and thought that it was a blown fuse as that is usually the problem if the unit doesn't power on. I ended up replacing the fuse but it still did not power on. Close inspection of the motherboard reveled that one of the caps was broken and had leaked. I cleaned the "spill" with 95% alcohol and removed the blown cap. The markings on it are: 2.5V 1F Powerstor Aerogel I went to radioshack thinking I could easily replace the component but I guess these things are not so common. Radioshack does not carry caps at this specification. I did find some info online and a place I could purchase a cap of the same specs. http://www.cdiweb.com/ewave/422 http://www.cooperet.com/library/products/PS-5101 A Series.pdf http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts/90536-cap-10f-25v-al-type-gold-rad-eeca0el105.html Anyway, my main concern is that the leaked cap could have caused terminal damaged as I was consistently try to power up the unit and thus getting a new cap would be pointless. So, in short, does anyone know of a place I can cheaply purchase a replacement cap (under $10 with shipping)? Also, is it even worth it as the board may be dead? Thanks in advance
Thanks for your response! http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/2005/img0293uf6.jpg http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/7564/img0294wn1.jpg Don't have a picture of the cap but there's nothing really to see. Thanks again
Hmm, doesn't look good! I've got a limited expertise with the actual motherboard components, however if you the patience and would rather try to fix this then get a new motherboard, head over to the llamma forums and look for a member called 'DarkMatter'. He's a good mate of mine and if anyone knows how to fix it, he's your man! Goodluck! http://forums.llamma.com/
Did some research on the llamma forums and found this: http://forums.llamma.com/viewtopic.php?t=404&sid=27ddb5a3e3f285e0dde69dc9466e585b I guess it's a relatively common problem. I am going to try and find the part locally (tv repair, chinatown shops) if not I guess I will be ordering it from Digikey. Thanks once again for your responses. - Matt
I have read several posts about the aerogel caps. it is for maintaining system time should the xbox become unplugged. some people twist the cap off and leave it off after they clean the spilled cap guts of course. the xbox should run fine without the cap. I have not had this problem yet. but I know its coming, I have three modded xboxes and everyone of them will keep the system time stored for only a short period while unplugged anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour, so every time I take one out of the house the first thing I do is set the time. Please correct me if you find out different. Hope this helps seeya Ctackus
OK, so I got the replacement part from this website: http://www.cdiweb.com/ First, I cleaned up the electrolyte residue with white vinegar as best I could and then tined the pads on the motherboard and connections on the capacitors. I then soldered the replacement cap onto the board. Plugged it in and it works like new. It was very easy but a couple things for anyone who attempts capacitor replacement. 1) Clean up any electrolyte residue from the old cap(s) with vinegar. When I first replaced the cap, the unit kept restarting and this turned out to be the reason. Vinegar neutralizes any electrolyte reside. 2) After vinegar, clean with rubbing alcohol and make sure everything is dry before testing the unit. Thanks again for everyone's help and suggestions
