Receiver constantly overheats

Time to replace it.

What is the receiver model? What are all of your receiver models? We’ll be able to determine for you the best replacement or upgrade if needed.

Hi, screen capture of bottom attached, lmk if you need more info.

(there is a secondary receiver but that is working fine)

The HR24's internal cooling fan has probably failed or is blocked. Call DirecTV to request a replacement. It's free if you have their Equipment Protection Plan, otherwise $20 for shipping. 

Is there a way to try and clear it myself? (opening up the case and using compressed air maybe)

(and if not, drop it off/pick up a replacement depending on location?) Thanks

You can certainly try cleaning it yourself. But the HR24 case is tricky to open. Can you see/hear if the fan is actually spinning? You might try setting the DVR on a USB-powered cooling fan, the kind you might use with a laptop computer. 

There are no pick-up/drop-off locations. You need to call DirecTV and they'll ship you a replacement.

Right, the HR24’s have two or three clips on each side. Stick a screwdriver nearest to each clip and pull up. Be careful not to break the clips on the case though as they break quite easy. There are videos on YT showing how to open an HR24. 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=R40LfxYL0Ro

If I try to open it and do break a clip do you know if they will give me grief about a replacement? (I don't think I have the warranty plan.)

@olliewatcher 

Possibly. It is theoretically against the TOS to open a leased receiver. However, it seems DIRECTV has taken a step back recently on this, especially with older standalone HD-DVR receivers like the HR24 which they no longer ‘entertain’.

While the HR24 is no longer returnable it is still against the TOS to open the receivers.

Ok thanks for the info. I put it on an old laptop cooling pad I had and it seems ok for now, if it flakes out again I'll email DirecTV and ask them if I can try to pop up open and fix them and save them the trouble of sending a replacement and see what they say.

DTV doesn't do email support and it is more then likely DTV no longer has any HR24s left to send.

Ok I guess I'll call them (but I don't care about which model replaces it as long as it works, unless they want to charge me for a new model).

The only replacements are the HR54 Genie or the HS17 Genie2 client only system with will be an upgrade with a new 2 yr contract unless you have a free upgrade coming there will be a charge.