Microsoft to retrofit Xbox wheel

[Wobbly Goblin]

Microsoft to retrofit Xbox wheel after malfunction

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Thursday it was giving customers free retrofits to a wireless racing wheel with its Xbox 360 video game system after hearing of malfunctions in a wheel component.

The company said it was informed of about 50 incidents worldwide of a malfunction in the Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel, in which a component in the wheel chassis may overheat and release smoke when the AC/DC power supply is used.

More than 230,000 of the wheels are in the field, a spokeswoman for Microsoft said.

There have been no reported incidences of fire, injury or damage resulting from the component failure, Microsoft said. adding that customers should stop using the AC/DC power supply for the wheel until they get their retrofits.

The company said it was notifying relevant regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The spokeswoman said the retrofitting would not be material to Microsoft's earnings.

For the quarter ended June 30, Microsoft took a $1.06 billion charge to fix problems with its Xbox 360 game console, after an "unacceptable" number of repairs, and to offer a new extended warranty to customers.

Microsoft Wireless Wheel Retrofit Form

[Wobbly Goblin]

I filled out the retrofit form and faxed it to Microsoft last night. So far I haven't had any problems with my current wheel, but you know it's only a matter of time...so I guess I'll have a backup when it does

[Greyfox60]

I wonder what the retrofit actually is though. And, if you have to send your wheel off to oblivion to get it done. Let me know when you find out the details of it.

[Wobbly Goblin]

Greyfox60 - 2007-08-24 4:41 PM

I wonder what the retrofit actually is though. And, if you have to send your wheel off to oblivion to get it done. Let me know when you find out the details of it.

I'm pretty sure they'll just be replacing it. If not, I'm kind of screwed because of all the mods I've done to it

[Wobbly Goblin]

Greetings from Amazon.com.

We have recently learned that Microsoft Corporation is taking the precautionary measure of providing its customers with a free retrofit to the Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel. The Wheels were manufactured during 2006 - 2007. A component in the Wheel chassis may in rare cases overheat and release smoke when the AC-DC power supply is used to energize the Wheel.

There have been no reported incidences of fire, personal injury or property damage due to the Wheel malfunction. Despite no known safety incidents, Microsoft Corporation is advising customers about this because of their strong commitment to ensuring that their products are safe and perform to their design specifications.

Our records indicate that you have purchased one of the Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheels listed in this notification through the Amazon.com website and are therefore affected by this safety notice and retrofit.

Owners of the Xbox 360 Racing Wheel should contact Microsoft toll-free at 1-800-4MY-XBOX to register to receive the retrofit and protect against the potential hazard described above. Owners can also print out the retrofit form by going to:

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/sy...elretrofit.htm

Instructions will be provided with the retrofit. Microsoft Corporation is notifying and will be coordinating their response activities with the relevant regulatory agencies as required. This may impact retrofit delivery dates.

Owners of the Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel should stop using the AC/DC power supply until they have obtained their retrofit. Owners may continue to operate the Wheel using battery power. While operating in battery mode, the force feedback feature will not be available. Once retrofitted, owners may run the Wheel using AC power and reactivate this feature.

If you purchased this item as a gift for someone, please notify the recipient immediately and provide them with the information on the Microsoft Website concerning these safety issues.

We regret the inconvenience this precautionary measure has caused you but trust you will understand that the safety of our customers is our highest priority.

Thanks for shopping at Amazon.com.

Sincerely,

Customer Service
Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/

[Wobbly Goblin]

This is one of a few posts that did not get moved from our old site:

Originally Posted by fred114 - 10/7/2007 12:02 PM

Well I just got a letter from Microsoft today. It stated that they would be sending me a return box for my Wheel. I am to pack it up and send it back to them, they will retrofit it, and send it back. I should have in back in 2 to 4 weeks!!! I can then use the A/C power connection. Well, I am not sure I will take them up on it. I am not sure I can go back and use the control pad anymore, and I am involved with two racing series.

Tough decisions.

[Wobbly Goblin]

Well that's not very good news Fred

Microsoft hasn't contacted me yet, but clearly I won't be able to send mine back.

[Wobbly Goblin]

Well my wheel's coffin just arrived. Unfortunately with the modifications I've made, I won't be able to send mine back to be retrofitted. Oh well, I wouldn't want to be without it anyway.