Xbox 360: The TV screen or monitor remains black when you start an Xbox 360 console (916158)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Xbox 360
  • Xbox Video Game System

SYMPTOMS

The TV screen or monitor remains black when you start an Xbox 360 console.

This behavior may occur with or without a game disc in the disc tray. The console appears to be on because the green power light illuminates and the fan continues to operate. However, the screen remains black.

CAUSE

Typically, you will experience this behavior if the AV cable is not connected correctly or if the AV cable is faulty. If the screen remains black indefinitely or if the screen remains black for more than ten seconds, see the "What To Try" section for more information.

THINGS TO TRY

  1. Examine the Ring of Light (RoL). If a red light flashes on the RoL, the AV cable may not be connected to the console correctly. Disconnect the cable, reconnect the cable, and then start the console again.

    If a red light continues to flash on the RoL, troubleshoot the issue more. For more information about how to troubleshoot RoL issues, click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

    907535 Xbox 360: One red light flashes on the Ring of Light

    907536 Xbox 360: One red light flashes on the Ring of Light and you receive an error message

    907533 Xbox 360: Two red lights flash on the Ring of Light

    907534 Xbox 360: Three red lights flash on the Ring of Light

    906652 Xbox 360: Four lights flash red on the Ring of Light

  2. Turn off the console, wait 10 seconds, and then turn the console back on without a disc in the disc tray. If this resolves the issue, try another game.
  3. If the game does not work, try a different game.
  4. If the console does not work when any game is loading, remove the game disc, turn off the console, and then unplug all the cables and accessories that are attached to the console.
  5. Wait 30 seconds, and then re-attach the power supply cord and the AV cable. Make sure that you insert the AV cable very firmly.

    Note Sometimes, you can insert the AV cable far enough to prevent any red lights from flashing on the RoL, but not far enough for the console to transmit images or sounds to the screen. After you reconnect the AV cable and power supply cord, restart the console.
  6. Visit the following Microsoft support Web site to search for any video or sound issues that relate to the type of AV cable that you use:

    http://support.microsoft.com/

  7. If you continue to experience this behavior, contact Xbox Customer Support.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:3/31/2006
Keywords:kbXboxConsole kbXbox360PacRimPortal kbXbox360EuropePortal kbXbox360AmericasPortal kbxbox360ext kbPubTypeKC kbtshoot KB916158
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