LG TV Half Screen Dark? (Repair Guide)

Before you know it, your LG TV might develop a frustrating issue—half of the screen turning dark.

If the half screen of your LG TV is black, the most likely reason is a damaged T-con board, a faulty ribbon cable, or a burnt-out LED backlight on that specific side.

Before you hand it over to a repairer or contact LG customer care for a replacement, try these effective troubleshooting methods that can help you fix the issue at home.

Let’s dive in…

Step 1) The Power Cycle Trick

You have to do this using a traditional method: Power Cycling.

I know, this is something that no one even wants to hear, including me!

But it really works!

The reason why power cycling works is that when you turn off your TV by pressing the power button, it goes into standby mode. This means many components and circuits are still active.

So, when you do this by disconnecting the cable, it will drain the power from all the internal capacitors and transistors!

Anyway, here’s how:

• Disconnect the TV from the outlet completely.
• Similarly, Disconnect every HDMI cable connected to the TV.
• Now wait for a minimum of 10 minutes. (Don’t compromise here)
• During this time, press and hold the TV’s power button for about 30 seconds.
• Once done, plug all the cables back in and power the TV on.

Now check whether the problem has been fixed! If yes, CONGRATULATION.

But if the TV’s half screen is still dark, proceed to the next step.

Note: Many online guides will suggest you adjust various settings or perform a factory reset on the TV. However, these steps are unnecessary as this issue is related to hardware faults.

Step 2: Is There a Boundary? (Diagnosing the Problem)

For this, you will need to open up the TV and inspect the parts carefully.

You might also need some tools and replacement parts, depending on what you find.

Here are some tips on how to do this:

Warning: If you lack the necessary skills for a DIY project or have a limited understanding of electronics, don’t attempt to disassemble and repair the TV on your own.

⊕ Clear Boundary Line (T-Con or Panel)

If there is a distinct vertical line dividing the dark and bright sections or if one side is completely black, the issue likely stems from the T-Con board or display panel.

T-Con board is responsible for processing the images and sending them to the panel and the display panel is where the images are shown on the screen.

To fix this, try the tape method—placing a small piece of tape on the ribbon cable to block faulty clock signals interfering with image transmission.

This will block any faulty clock signals that might be interfering with the image transmission.

Here’s a video guide describing this process in detail. 

⊕ Gradual Darkening (Backlight or LEDs)

If there is no visual boundary line between the left and right sides of the TV screen, but rather a gradual darkening or dimming of one side, then the problem is likely with the backlight or the LED strips.

Backlight is what provides light for the display panel to show the images and the LED strips are what make up the backlight.

Here’s how to check:

• Shine a flashlight on the screen. If you can see faint images, the backlight is defective but the panel is working fine.
• Consider replacing the LED strips or re-soldering loose connections if you have the necessary skills.
• Watch this guide for LED strip replacement: YouTube Link.

⚠️ Warning: If you’re not experienced with electronics, do not attempt disassembly. Instead, seek professional repair services.

When to Call a Pro (and When to DIY)

Alright, so you’ve done the power cycle, you’ve checked for those boundaries, and you’re still staring at a half-lit LG TV.

Now comes the big decision: DIY or call in the cavalry (aka, a professional technician)?

Well, here is when to Grab Your Screwdriver (DIY):

• You’re a tech-savvy DIYer: If you’re comfortable with electronics, you have the right tools, and you’ve watched a few YouTube videos on the repair, then you might be able to tackle this yourself.
• The damage is obvious: If you open up the back of your TV and see a clearly damaged component (like a burnt-out LED strip), then replacing it might be within your skillset.

Now, let’s be honest, messing around inside a TV isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

So, If you’re not confident, it’s best to leave it to the experts.

Remember: Even if you’re feeling adventurous, always put safety first. Unplug your TV before you start tinkering, and be careful not to touch any components with your bare hands.

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F.A.Q.s

Q: Is a darkened half-screen on an LG TV fixable?

Yes, in many cases, it is fixable.

The solution depends on the cause:

• Hardware issues (e.g., backlight failure, T-Con board malfunction) may require repair or replacement.
• Loose connections or power issues can often be fixed with simple troubleshooting, like power cycling.

Q: How much does it cost to fix the half-screen dark issue?

The cost of fixing the half-screen dark issue on an LG TV can vary depending on several factors.

The exact cost will depend on the nature of the problem, the specific model of the TV, the availability and cost of replacement backlight parts (if needed), and the labor charges of the repair service.

In some cases, if the TV is still under warranty, the repair cost may be covered.

However, if the warranty has expired or the issue is not covered, you may need to bear the full cost of repair.