Written By:
Most TV owners wouldn’t think twice about repairing their TVs when they experience power board issues. However, depending on your TV manufacturer, power board repairs can be pretty pricey, especially if you don’t qualify for a warranty. This is especially true for top-rated TVs in the industry.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
On the other hand, fixing your Television power board is relatively easy. Fortunately for you, we’ve compiled a few steps that’ll help you learn how to repair a TV power board at home.
Your TV power board functions by converting the AC line voltage from 110 volts AC to voltages that are lower and conducive for the normal operation of your Television. Perhaps the most important is the 5 volts required by the microprocessor to stay powered to receive commands from the user when they need their devices to turn on the power supply.
The power supply generates secondary voltage required that is dependent on the model of the TV. Traditional TVs may require different power voltages from say, a 4k TV. Check the packaging of your TV if you are not sure what a 4K TV is or if yours is a 4K TV.
Sending your TV to your manufacturer for repairs can be pretty pricey, especially if you factor in shipping and handling fees. What most TV owners don’t know is repairing their TV power board is relatively easy but repairing the TV main board is a different process. Here you only need a soldering iron, Philips screwdriver, wire cutters, replacement parts (capacitors), and pliers.
STEP 1
First, unplug your TV and remove the stand or wall mount (mounting bracket). When handling your TV, make sure it’s always standing upright or lying flat (face-down). Placing any pressure on odd angles might break its fragile glass.
STEP 2
Unscrew the back casing of the TV on the outer edge. Depending on your TV model, they may be between 10-20 screws. Also, don’t forget to unscrew the hard-to-find screws on the audio-video input/output section and the power cord area.
STEP 3
Remove all the wiring harnesses from the power board. Identifying the power board is quite simple once your back casing is removed. It is the section where the power cord wiring goes into.
STEP 4
Unscrew the power board from the TV.
STEP 5
Next, you’ll need to identify bad capacitors. Capacitors are small and ‘can-shaped,’ depending on your TV, they will be in different color shades and sizes. If you have heard popping noises coming from your TV, these capacitors could be the culprit.
STEP 6
Identifying bad capacitors is relatively easy, and you don’t need any technical know-how to perform this task. Bad capacitors will have weakened, cut-out, or bulging tops. Another visible sign will be leaking fluid that will be orange or brownish. When fixing your TV power board and scanning for failed capacitors, don’t bother with the large capacitors (commonly two or three). They are high voltage and will rarely malfunction. Working on these also needs some technical know-how.
STEP 7
Remove the failed capacitors and replace them with new ones. Make sure to check the capacitor when removing it to note the positive and negative terminals. Also, take note of the white stripe side. The new capacitor will be installed in the same manner.
STEP 8
Finally, with your soldering iron, attach the new capacitors in place and reassemble your TV. Congratulations! You have successfully repaired your TV power board.
However, if this does not fix your problem and your TV is beyond fixing, be sure to know how to properly dispose of the TV.
F.A.Q.S
What is a TV power board?
A TV power board functions by converting the AC line voltage from 110 volts AC to voltages that are lower and conducive for the normal operation of your Television.
How do I know my TV power board is faulty?
When your TV fails to go on or makes clicking noises, there’s a good chance you have a power board problem.
How can I identify capacitors on the TV power board?
Capacitors are small ‘can-shaped,’ and depending on your TV, will be in different color shades and sizes.
Is it possible to repair my TV power board at home?
Yes. Sending your TV to your manufacturer for repairs can be pretty pricey, especially if you factor in shipping and handling fees. However, fixing your power board at home is easy, and the tools required cost less than $50.
What do I need to repair my TV power board at home?
All you need to repair your TV power board at home successfully is a soldering iron, Philips screwdriver, wire cutters, replacement parts (capacitors), and pliers.
STAT: There are about 39,820 Electronic and Computer repair services in the U.S as of 2021. This is a -6.3% decline from 2020. The industry has also experienced a -3.7% growth in 2021 (source)
REFERENCES:
