XboX Recall !!!! 14,000,000 Units declared fire hazard !!!!

[Mr.Faxanadu]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4274035.stm

Microsoft has said it will replace more than 14 million power cables for its Xbox consoles due to safety concerns.

The company said the move was a "preventative step" after reports of fire hazard problems with the cables.

Xboxes made before 23 October 2003 for all regions but Europe need a new cable while consoles in Europe made before 13 January 2004 require a replacement.

Microsoft said it had received 30 reports of minor injury or property damage due to faulty cables.

The firm said fewer than one in 10,000 consoles had experienced component failures.

The recall affects almost three quarters of all Xboxes sold around the world since its launch in 2001.

'Damage caused'

In a statement, it added: "In almost all instances, any damage caused by these failures was contained within the console itself or limited to the tip of the power cord at the back of the console."

But in seven cases, customers reported sustaining a minor burn to their hand.

In 23 cases, customers reported smoke damage, or minor damage to a carpet or entertainment centre.

"This is a preventative step we're choosing to take despite the rarity of these incidents," said Robbie Bach, senior vice president, Microsoft home and entertainment division.

"We regret the inconvenience, but believe offering consumers a free replacement cord is the responsible thing to do."

Consumers can order a new cable from the Xbox website or by telephoning 0800 028 9276 in the UK.

Microsoft said customers would get replacement cords within two to four weeks from the time of order. It advised users to turn off their Xboxes when not in use.

A follow-up to Xbox is expected to released at the end of this year or the beginning of 2005.

[anagrama]

Hmm. Maybe that's why mine spontaneosly died. :/

[Mr.Faxanadu]

What do you guys think about those 3rd party power supplys. I have a one of them in each of the rooms in my house (so I can use my xbox anywhere LOL ) My girlfreind hates it :roll:

[Gamereviewgod]

Here's what retailers got:

Power Cord Replacement for Xbox


Microsoft is voluntarily replacing the power cords that came with Xbox consoles manufactured before October 23, 2003. This is a precautionary measure done out of concern for consumer safety. There is no charge to the consumer for this replacement.


How do I help a consumer determine if a replacement power cord is needed?

The consumer locates the manufacture date and the unique serial number on the underside of the console. This information identifies which consoles require a replacement power cord.
With this information, consumers go online to www.xbox.com and click on the link "Power Cord Replacement for Xbox".
The consumer follows the instructions to determine if a replacement power cord is needed and how to order one if necessary.
Consumers without web access may call 1-866-271-0450.



What if a consumer wants to return the console instead of requesting a replacement power cord?

This is a power cord replacement program only. There is no need to return the console.
Microsoft will not accept console returns from consumers related to the power cord replacement program.
The consumer follows the instructions to determine if a replacement power cord is needed and how to order one if necessary.
Replacement or return of the console continues to be subject to the terms and conditions of the 90 day manufacturer warranty.



Can a consumer order and/or receive a replacement cord at my store?

No. Consumers must go online to www.xbox.com. Consumers without web access may call 1-866-271-0450 to order their replacement power cord if one is needed.
Orders will be processed immediately. The replacement power cord should arrive two to four weeks after an order has been placed.
Until the replacement power cord arrives, turn off the console when not in use.



How can I be certain that I no longer have any consoles requiring power cord replacement in my inventory?

Units requiring replacement power cords have not been shipped to retail for over a year.
Our high sell-through rate makes it very unlikely that any of the consoles remain in retail inventory.



Where can I go for more information?

Microsoft has provided answers to questions you and consumers will likely have. To access that information, go online to www.xbox.com and click on the link "Power cord replacement for Xbox".
The Power cord replacement for Xbox online training course is now LIVE! Go online to retail.microsoft.com/retail/xbox/ to take the course.
Download and print a copy of this email at retail.microsoft.com/retail/xbox/ .

[njiska]

Well it's good that MS is replacing the cord free of charge and that they're accepting that it is a real problem rather then just sweeping it under the carpet.

However i think the title of this post is misleading. Only the cord is a fire hazard and a small one at that. And it's not the xbox being recalled just the power cord. I'm not the least bit worried but i might as well take advantage of the replacement offer, a new cord never hurt anyone.

[orangemage]

i went to the website to try and get new cords, entered my Serial Number and Manufacturing Date and all i got was

The serial number and manufacture date you have entered does not match information currently in our system. If you would like to re-enter this information, please use your browser back buttons and try again.


god damn mircosoft :angry:

[IntvGene]

Until the replacement power cord arrives, turn off the console when not in use.
..if flames, smoke or fire should occur when in use (and seriously affect gameplay), please call Microsoft immediately at the toll-free number in your area. ;)

[njiska]

i went to the website to try and get new cords, entered my Serial Number and Manufacturing Date and all i got was

The serial number and manufacture date you have entered does not match information currently in our system. If you would like to re-enter this information, please use your browser back buttons and try again.


god damn mircosoft :angry:

Well i just went and everything worked fine for me. My replacement has been ordered. Make sure you're at the right country page before you start.

Incidently i found it funny the the xbox canada site asked for my state instead of province, even though it only listed proviences, but then also asked for my Postal Code instead of Zip which is actually right. Funny webpage designers.

[davidleeroth]

How can you mess up designing/manufacturing a generic power cord? Oh well, new ones cost 0.5€ so I think I'll pass the offer.

[Big Papa Husker]

Damn... Even though I NEVER play my XBOX, I ordered one anyway. Maybe I can get a couple bucks for it somewhere.

[davidbrit2]

A Sony rep was heard commenting:
"We have created the most beautiful thing in the world. The flames are a design decision. I did not want to compromise and increase the girth of the power cable by 2mm with proper jacketing."

Heard from Nintendo:
"Users don't want power cords. The next revision simply won't include that functionality."

Don't flame plzkthx, I own all 3. ;-)


But in any case, my XBox was manufactured just in December, so it seems highly unlikely that any purchased recently (or considerably less recently) will have this problem. And according to Gadget Madness (http://www.gadgetmadness.com/archives/20050217-141_million_xbox_power_cords_recalled_by_microsoft _due_to_fire_hazard.php), only about 30 worldwide have caused any appreciable damage.

[slip81]

Maybe I'll just go down to the store and buy one. I'm impatient and don't wanna wait a month, even if it is free.

[orangemage]

well i enter my info in again and it worked this time, so i guess they fix whatever was causeing the problem for me :)

[njiska]

A Sony rep was heard commenting:
"We have created the most beautiful thing in the world. The flames are a design decision. I did not want to compromise and increase the girth of the power cable by 2mm with proper jacketing."

Heard from Nintendo:
"Users don't want power cords. The next revision simply won't include that functionality."

Ok that was funny. No i'll go one farther, that was hilarious. Great references. How dare anyone flame that.

[SoulBlazer]

Okay, my original manfacture date was before the cut off but it also has a refurbish date, since I bought it used from EB.

I always have the XBox off when not in use anyway.

But I figured I'd err on the side of caution and order a new cord from them anyway.

So if I'm reading this correctly, all I need to do when the new cord comes is throw out the old one and hook up the new one? That's it?

Why can't we just get them from a local store and they will charge Microsoft?

In any case, kuods for Microsoft for taking care of this.

[Lady Jaye]

No, you can't go to a store for the replacement cord (unless you wanna pay). The instruction is to either go on MS's Xbox website or call their customer service number listed in Gamereviewgod's post. The retailers must let customers know of the voluntary replacement, but that's where their involvement ends. In order words, you must deal directly with Microsoft.

And Faxanadu, please edit the thread title as it's misleading. Microsoft IS NOT recalling the earlier Xbox.


There is no need to return the console. Microsoft will not accept console returns from consumers related to the power cord replacement program.

[SoulBlazer]

Right, that's what I did. I went to the Xbox website, entered my info, and have the new cord on the way.

I just hate having to wait 6-8 weeks for it. :/ It would be easier if Microsoft delt with the stores.

[ddockery]

What do you guys think about those 3rd party power supplys. I have a one of them in each of the rooms in my house (so I can use my xbox anywhere LOL ) My girlfreind hates it :roll:

I assume you meant the power cord? The power supply is built into the XBOX itself...

[joshnickerson]

A Sony rep was heard commenting:
"We have created the most beautiful thing in the world. The flames are a design decision. I did not want to compromise and increase the girth of the power cable by 2mm with proper jacketing."

Damn. Beat me to it. LOL

[LiquidX01]

I went ahead and ordered one. Probably don't really need it, but what the heck I qualified for one.

[Videogamerdaryll]

Thank You..


I just ordered it for my two Xboxes..(both qualify)

Your order is now complete. Your new cord should ship within a matter of days. Until you receive and install your replacement power cord, turn off your Xbox when it’s not in use. If you would like to check the status of your order, please visit this website again.

[SuperNES]

Until the replacement power cord arrives, turn off the console when not in use.
..if flames, smoke or fire should occur when in use (and seriously affect gameplay), please call Microsoft immediately at the toll-free number in your area. ;)

i would call the fire Dept. first... LOL

well, i better get a new cord, my 'box is over 3 years old... :D
his name is "prancer"... :)

[Richter Belmount]

eh? fire hazard? I left my xbox on all day once and nothing happened.

[dave2236]

this was probably caused by people who leave their systems on for a few days and let them sit on the carpet all the time

[tholly]

well, my mountain dew xbox qualified....now when i go home tomorrow ill have to register the other two...see if they qualify

[GunPanther]

My XBox is ancient!

It was manufactured on 12/10/2001.

Talk about a nice, hardworking piece of technology.

I dunno 'bout you guys, but I just love my XBox. :)







:rockets: GunPanther :2gunfire:

[MightyMagnor]

DO NOT BELIEVE THESE LIES!

The evil empire has set forth this false proclamation with but one intention. To cease second hand sales on eBay. For eBay does not allow the sale of recalled products.

Evil never rests. I am off
-- THE MIGHTY MAGNOR

[LiquidX01]

DO NOT BELIEVE THESE LIES!

The evil empire has set forth this false proclamation with but one intention. To cease second hand sales on eBay. For eBay does not allow the sale of recalled products.

Evil never rests. I am off
-- THE MIGHTY MAGNOR

:hmm: :?

[XJR15]

they can use all the recalled cables to strangle their competitors !!! LOL

[RJ]

Guess the Xbox is "hotter" than we thought...! LOL

Yeah, yeah- but c'mon, this thread BEGS for humorous responses.

[Cauterize]

just for the record, it was in the newspaper over here this morning!

[Mr.Faxanadu]

What do you guys think about those 3rd party power supplys. I have a one of them in each of the rooms in my house (so I can use my xbox anywhere LOL ) My girlfreind hates it :roll:

I assume you meant the power cord? The power supply is built into the XBOX itself...

mmmm...... yup !! that's what i meant..... :embarrassed:

[christianscott27]

i tend to doubt MS has any real idea of how many xboxes have blown up, i can tell you mine did and because of the mods i never reported it to them. at the time i assumed the blow up was caused by something related to the modding but knowing about this recall i'm inclined to think otherwise. for the record my xbox is an early model and i've got a new cord coming my way. in the course of researching repair options i found many references to similar blow ups, MS probably knew about them too.

i detailed my explosion and repair in this thread

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=52350

[njiska]

I'm kind of curious as to how the cord is causing fires. I mean if the power supply was blowing up then yeah i'd understand, but the cord seems a little odd to me. It looks to be insulated reasonably well. Maybe i'll have to cut it in half and check.

[Lady Jaye]

Here's the latest Penny-Arcade cartoon:

http://www.penny-arcade.com/docs/2-18-05.jpg

[njiska]

Oh that's a great shot a IGN.

[SuperNES]

i ordered mine on the 17'th and it just came today. it looks like a power adapter type thing but with buttons for reset and test... i wonder if the old cords will become rare? :roll:

[SoulBlazer]

Yeah, I was surprised, mine came today also. Talk about fast! :eek 2:

[orangemage]

yeah i just got mine too. man that was fast, when it said it might take 4 weeks i never thought it would come so quick

[Nez]

They e mailed me and said it would 2-4 weeks. I guess that must be a worst case senario.

[tholly]

im at school now, but apparently 1 of my 2 arrived today.....the second i ordered later, so that will come eventually i guess

[christianscott27]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/JuggaloZeke/wtf2.jpg

frigging hair dryer plug!

upshot - its easier to create a funky cord than recall the consoles

[davidbrit2]

Ha ha ha. If the solution is a freaking ground-fault interrupter, somehow I don't think the problem is just the power cable.

[Videogamerdaryll]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/JuggaloZeke/wtf2.jpg

frigging hair dryer plug!

upshot - its easier to create a funky cord than recall the consoles

What the x_x x_x x_x ..

............

I just got this email..

Your order for a Xbox Replacement Cord has shipped.
Please allow 2 - 3 weeks for delivery. While you are waiting for the new cord to arrive, turn off your console whenever it is unattended. Please install the new cord when you receive it.
Thank you,
The Xbox Team

[Lemmy Kilmister]

The Mighty Magnor?! Haha, Cool. I think I have that comic somewhere in my closet.

Anywho, I just got a latter in the mail from microsoft tell me about the replacement cord. So is it actually free, or do I need to pay for shipping?

[tholly]

The Mighty Magnor?! Haha, Cool. I think I have that comic somewhere in my closet.

Anywho, I just got a latter in the mail from microsoft tell me about the replacement cord. So is it actually free, or do I need to pay for shipping?


completely free....shipped free

[SoulBlazer]

Where did you get that one at?

Mine looks NOTHING like that -- in fact, it looks almost like the old power cord I'm replacing. :hmm:

[christianscott27]

yeah somebody mentioned (and scanned) the two different cord styles over here


http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=361393

wonder which one i'll get? my model is pretty early and it did already catch on fire so i'm hoping for the hair-dryer one. of course i did replace the internal power supply itself which i'm thinking might the real problem.

[Ulticron]

I guess I should order a replacement power cord, eventhough I haven't played my XBOX in over 2yrs now. Who knows I may actually find a game I want to play on it someday, and I really wouldn't want it burning the house down. LOL

[tholly]

i love to know the story behind the 2 different cords...i wonder which 2 im getting

sad thing is...i have 3 xboxes...2 needed new cords, but i dont know which cords are which....the 3 got mixed together....oh well

[LiquidX01]

i love to know the story behind the 2 different cords...i wonder which 2 im getting

The one with the protector seems to be being passed out to people who own the Version 1.0 Xbox's since the have a tendency to heat up more than the newer ones. Anyone with a Version 1.1 and above is getting the generic style like the ones they are currently using.

*According to the thread over at Xbox-Scene.com*

[SuperNES]

i got the "protector" one... it's pretty cool but it's kind of annoying plugging it into a power strip... there are too many adapters on there already from my Genny and SNES! @_@

[Gemini-Phoenix]

One problem - I have an American Xbox in the Uk... Do they expect me to still comply with this and send it off for a replacement? Cos technically, i'm not supposed to even have a US console here in the UK as far as Microsoft are concerned...


Is it ALL countries, or just limited to either the UK / US? I know most newer consoles are safe...

[Drexel923]

One problem - I have an American Xbox in the Uk... Do they expect me to still comply with this and send it off for a replacement? Cos technically, i'm not supposed to even have a US console here in the UK as far as Microsoft are concerned...


Is it ALL countries, or just limited to either the UK / US? I know most newer consoles are safe...

You don't have to send anything in. You just go to Xbox.com and follow the links for the replacement. You fill out some info and they mail it out. I believe its US only, so just find a kind soul in the US to do it for you and then mail you rhe new cord.

[Videogamerdaryll]

I received the two XBOX plugs in the mail today,damn that was fast..

(from Ft Worth TX)

[Lady Jaye]

You don't have to send anything in. You just go to Xbox.com and follow the links for the replacement. You fill out some info and they mail it out. I believe its US only, so just find a kind soul in the US to do it for you and then mail you rhe new cord.

BTW, it's US AND Canada...

[SoulBlazer]

Oh, that's curious. I wonder why the Version 1.0 XBox's need the protector's? Anyone know how many XBox's sold in the first week of release back in 2001?

[LiquidX01]

Oh, that's curious. I wonder why the Version 1.0 XBox's need the protector's?

From what is being said, They have a tendency to overheat more than the newer versions. There is alot of speculation surrounding this power cord recall though. Here is a quote I found, I have heard of this problem for quite sometime and it does make sense...

Quote from the Xbox Boards

"So, here's the deal. MS lied.

There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with the Xbox power cords. MS just had the recall to cover their butts (they had to do something, but recaling every 1.0/1.1 console would be way too expensive).

The real problem is the Foxlink power supply. There have been numerous reports of "loose power connectors" in xboxes, and the cause of this is that the solder joints on the PSU have actually broken where the connector mounts to the board, which can result in the xbox not powering on, or possibly even sparks, smoke, and fire.
So, instead of taking the costly duty of recalling all older xboxes, what do they do? They give you a power cord with this huge GFI thing. This in no way will solve the problem, it is merely a bandaid. So, when your PSU sparks and shorts out, it just trips a switch instead of catching fire, but your xbox still doesn't work.

With the newer xboxes, you get a replacement power cord that doesnt look any different. Why? Because theres nothing wrong.

All of you with a 1.0 or 1.1, I would HIGHLY suggest checking to see if you have a foxlink PSU, and if you do, to resolder these 2 joints, a big blob on em seems to fix the problem.

This was MS's uber-lame attempt at a coverup"

Anywho, I got my cord today. It's the one with the GFI thingy.

[Rogmeister]

I received mine yesterday...the same day as I picked up the XBox version of MVP 2005...it'll be getting a lot of use due to that.

[Videogamerdaryll]

All in all: am I safer using this New Hair Dryer type plug.. Yes..?

I will admit I'm not too happy seeing the damn light on all the time ,on these two plugs and they are always warm..

They sort of act as a safety devise..Like a surge protector.(?)
So,no matter what I am better off using them right..?

[SoulBlazer]

Okay.....so if that report is correct, the older XBoxs have a slight problem with their power supply and soldering.

There can't be THAT many XBox's of those versions out there, though.

If that really IS the problem, why not just do a recall? Tell customers what is going on, ask them to send in their units, you pay for shipping going in, they pay for it going back out.

That's what Sony is doing with the DRE problems with the PS2. :hmm:

Instead, if the report is correct, all this new power cord is going to do is prevent future problems, but you still may end up with a broken XBox -- and then what do you do? Pay big bucks to have MS or someone fix it.

This is one time I think Sony may actually have better customer service then MS. x_x

[Bluteg]

Damn I can't get a new power cord because my MFG date and Serial are rubbed off of my xbox from taking it with me on trips and to friends houses.

[tholly]

Damn I can't get a new power cord because my MFG date and Serial are rubbed off of my xbox from taking it with me on trips and to friends houses.


do you still have the box your xbox came in
all the info should be on the top of the box on the white sticker (if im not mistaken)

[Bluteg]

Thanks, I never thought of that. I'll check the box ASAP.

[Bluteg]

Well it wasn't on the box but I did find the Serial # on the warranty card. Good thing I didn't send it in! LOL

[Videogamerdaryll]

Though I'm not sure if anyone else got one(two lazy to read all the posts)

I just got a Letter from Xbox in the mail. x_x

About the cord etc...Though I've already got my cords.

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE

etc..

[Flack]

According to the article posted, there were 30 reports of "minor injury or property damage due to faulty cables."

The topic of this thread has eight exclamation marks.

That's 1 exclamation mark for every 3.75 reports.

That is all.

[LiquidX01]

I forgot to mention this...I received my cord the other day and I plugged it in the day after and the damn thing doesn't work right! I had to call them and ask for a replacement for my replacement. :roll: