Is your console flashing a 3 red light error signal or red ring of death? If this is the case, don't assume right off that your console is defective. It could be that you're not getting power to your console.
This problem is very easy to deal with and it needs to be ruled out before you even think about repair. Too much heat is the usual reason for the ring of death. But unless it is very obvious that you have a heat problem, adequate power supply is the first issue to check out.
The first step is starting with the 110 AC power outlet in your wall. You could have had a temporary power brownout to your house. This power interruption will definitely cause problems with your console.
If this is the case, your console will function after turning it off and then back on. If it doesn't work, take a look at the power supply light located on the box on the power cord.
If you see a green light, there's plenty of power so the problem lies elsewhere. If so, there's little point to reading the rest of this article since I will deal with power supply problems here.
If the power supply light is orange or red or not lit at all, then you're not getting the needed power. There are a few reasons:
1.) The wall outlet in your room is the culprit.
Plug your console into a different outlet in another room.
2.) You've got a faulty power strip or defective surge protector.
Bypass any power strips or surge protectors by connecting the console power supply directly into the wall.
3.) The power supply cables to the console are not securely connected.
Turn off the console and then reconnect all cable connections starting from the console and proceeding all the way to the wall outlet.
4.) The power supply cables are damaged.
Check and replace any damaged cables.
5.) The power brick is getting too hot.
Your power brick isn't getting adequate ventilation. Keep it on a solid surface away from anything soft like a shag carpet.
6.) Your power brick is faulty.
Borrow a power brick from your friend or try using one of your own spares. If that solves the problem, then your original power brick was faulty.
This article gave a comprehensive trouble shooting list for dealing with a red ring of death that's due to insufficient power supply. If your problem was solved, you're lucky, because the other reasons for the ring of death will not be so easy to fix.