When the Xbox 360 DVD drive keeps ejecting, chances are that something is preventing the tray from going all the way in or obstructing the clips.
In contrast to the random openings of the DVD tray, some users experience a problem where the tray won’t open at all, and it’s related.
To stop the Xbox 360 DVD drive from opening at random you need to attempt with a different disc and make sure that the tray is closing all the way in. In case that doesn’t help you’ll need to assemble the console and repair the hard drive at home!
Yes, it’s possible to repair the hard drive at home but we’ll first attempt some easy methods!
Why Does The Xbox 360 Disc Tray Keeps Opening?
For some users, the problem has appeared out of nowhere and for others, the issue started after servicing the machine.
When the Xbox has been opened before, for a cleaning or a hardware component replacement, the DVD drive might not be installed properly.
There are a few components that the Xbox 360 DVD drive utilizes to open and close including:
- Drive gears
- Drive Belt
- Tray rollers
When some of these components are compromised, the disc tray will uncontrollably open and refuse to close.
There are other reasons why the DVD drive would continue to open and next we’ll address each possibility individually to find what’s causing the problem.
How To Fix When Xbox 360 DVD Drive Keeps Ejecting?
Since most of the solutions would require specific tools to open the machine and work with the DVD Drive, here’s a list of everything that you would need before we begin:
- SM. Flat-Head Screwdriver
- Philips-Head Screwdriver
- Pry Tool/AWL
- TORX #6 Tool
- Compressed Air
Once you’ve got the tools at your disposal, let’s jump into solution number #1
Solution #1 Remove The Disc
The very first solution to this problem would be to remove if there is a disc inside the tray since the console will eject any disc that it can’t read.
Test whether the DVD drive will continue to open with a clean disc!
When the disc is not in good condition, the console will refuse to read the data, therefore keeps ejecting the tray.
Make sure to test with a disc that was previously working on the console and make sure that the content side of the disc has been wiped clean.
Tip: Also test closing the DVD drive without a disc.
Solution #2 Reposition The DVR Drive Clips
The problem with the non-closing Disc Tray on Xbox 360 is sometimes due to dispositioned clips on the edge where the drive goes in.
When it’s not clipped properly, the components would obstruct the tray, therefore making it keep ejecting.
The solution requires 2 seconds and users only need to push the tray downwards while open to hear a click.
Sometimes, there could be an object preventing the clips from embedding into their position so users need to inspect that as well.
Solution #3 Push The Tray
Sometimes the tray does not go all the way in, therefore not engaging with the close switch, which actively prevents the drive from opening.
Close the Xbox 360 DVD tray and observe the LED on the power button!
When the green blinking light does not stop even when the tray is inside, that means that the close switch was not engaged, thus, the DVD drive is sending the tray out.
To solve the problem, push the tray inwards, applying a slight force to make sure that the close switch has been reached, and check whether the DVD drive comes out again.
Tip: Too much force or pressure could damage the disc tray further!
Solution #4 Hard Reset The Console
Assuming that you haven’t attempted it already, power cycling the Xbox might be helpful when the disc tray keeps opening up.
The method is simple:
Unplug the console from the power supply for a few minutes to discharge!
In case you’ve already tried to power cycle the Xbox, we strongly suggest attempting the long unplug.
This method works by leaving the console without power for a few hours and then checking whether the DVD drive will keep opening up.
Solution #5 Remove Obstructions
In some cases, the DVD disc tray won’t be able to fully close, thus keeps coming out.
The tray won’t close properly when there is a lot of dust packed in between the rollers or there is an object preventing the proper back-and-forth movement.
To remove any obstructions, you would need a can of compressed air:
- Open the disc tray.
- Using compressed air, take out as much dust as possible.
- Check for any objects preventing the tray’s closure.
- Manually push the tray in and out a few times.
- Repeat step 2.
In case that doesn’t help, you would need to open the Xbox and work with the DVD drive which we’ll learn how to do in the next part of the guide.
Let’s jump right in!
How To Repair The Xbox 360 Drive?
Be aware that opening the machine voids the warranty!
Step #1 Open The Console
The first step in the process is to remove the faceplate by reaching in and pulling gently. The faceplate should come loose in one piece.
To remove the bottom panel, you’ll need to use the push tool and reach inside the little holes and push the holders inwards to release the panel.
Flip the console upside down where the entries are and using the flat head screwdriver reach inside each of the clip holder holes and attempt to separate the two side panels.
It might take a few minutes since there are several clips that hold the panels together.
When you’re ready, lift off the panel and proceed further.
Step #2 Unscrew The Metal (RF) Shield
To remove the metal cover, follow the steps below:
- Unscrew the 3 long screws along the perimeter edges
- Remove the other 3 more screws that are a little bit inwards.
- Take out the eject button by pulling it straight out.
- Pull the top shell off.
Step #3 Disconnect The DVD Drive
Before you can remove the DVD drive, you’ll need to disconnect the 2 cables:
- The Data (SATA) cable
- The Power cable
They pull straight out. Users only need to make sure to grab the connectors and pull instead of pulling by the wire.
Step #4 Open The DVD Drive
Once you’ve taken out the DVD drive, you’ll need to unscrew the 4 screws to open the device so you can start working on repairing the unit.
The screens are located at the 4 corners.
Tip: Be gentle when opening the hard drive to preserve its functionality!
Step #5 Clean The Belt
The most common reason for the disc tray to continuously open is when the belt is dirty or stretched.
To remove the belt, you can use a flat-head screwdriver to pull it up gently.
- To clean the belt, use warm water + soap!
- To fix the stretched size, put the belt in a microwave for 60 seconds.
- Clean the entire area where the belt was being installed on.
When you’re ready follow the steps in reverse to install back everything into place.
After everything is installed back, the disc tray should no longer open at random.
Quick Recap:
Thus, the Xbox 360 Disc tray won’t close and keep opening when the disc inserted can’t be read or something is obstructing the rollers. If that’s not the case, then the tray belt has to be cleaned by opening the machine and reaching into the DVD drive.
Read Next: How To Connect Xbox 360 Controller To PC Bluetooth?
Last Thoughts:
Now that we’ve learned the main reason why Xbox 360 DVD drive keeps ejecting, we know that there is a solution.
Even when the warranty of your Xbox 360 has ended, you can easily open the machine and clean the components, preventing the disc tray from closing.
In rare cases there is a weak laser, unable to read discs, therefore keeps ejecting the tray.
Sadly, that can’t be fixed at home but a laser can be purchased for about $20-$30.
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.