Sometimes, you may notice that your Smart TV won’t turn on or randomly shuts off again and again.
You head over to Google and start searching,
“Why is my TV not turning on?”
But after hours of searching and reading hundreds of articles, you then realize that your TV’s power board is basically faulty, and the time you spent reading those guides has gone in vain.
Right?
So, what if you knew the signs of a faulty TV power board earlier?
In this article, I will discuss some of the most common signs that will make you sure that your TV’s power board is the problem.
Let’s dive in…
1) TV Won’t Turn On
This is the most obvious sign of a faulty power board.
When you press the power button, and there’s no response from your TV, it’s a clear indicator that something is amiss.
However, before jumping to conclusions, make sure to check the power source and ensure it’s not a simple connectivity issue. Also check the power cord if it’s securely connected on both sides.
Once you are done checking these, do the following:
- Disconnect the TV from the power outlet completely.
- Similarly, disconnect all the HDMI-connected devices from the TV.
- Wait for 5 minutes.
- During this time, press and hold the TV’s power button for about 30 seconds.
We, as TV technicians, typically refer to the above process as an HDMI reset, which, although similar to power cycling, goes one step further.
However, after waiting for at least a minute, plug the TV back in and check the result.
If the TV won’t turn on even after performing an HDMI reset, check and ensure that all the cables are in good condition, and that the power outlet is providing sufficient power.
In this case, the power board is most likely faulty.
2) Flashing Lights or Blinking LED
In almost all TV brands like Samsung, LG, Hisense, or TCL, there is a default blinking pattern that indicates exactly what’s wrong with the TV.
So, take a close look at the TV’s standby light! Is it blinking?
Most of the time, if a TV’s standby light is blinking red and the TV won’t turn on, it indicates a faulty power board that cannot regulate the proper power supply.
If you need to know more about the specific issues related to your TV brand, here are some links:
- Sony TV Red Light Blinking.
- TCL TV Blinking Red Light.
- LG TV Won’t Turn on, But Red Light Is Blinking.
- Hisense TV Is Blinking Red Light and Won’t Turn On.
- Onn TV Won’t Turn on, But the Red Light Is Blinking.
So the main point is: if your TV’s red light is blinking, and the TV won’t turn on, the power board is faulty.
3) Random Shutdowns
Another common sign that your TV’s power board is faulty is experiencing random shutdowns.
For example, you are watching your favorite show, and suddenly, without any warning, your TV just switches off. Then, when you press the power button, it turns on but again switches off after a few minutes or hours.
Typically, this occurs when the power board is unable to maintain a consistent and stable power supply to the other components like the LED backlight or mainboard.
However, before you decide to replace it, try the following steps to ensure the issue isn’t related to other factors:
- Make sure the TV is adequately ventilated to prevent overheating.
- Check the cables for any loose or damaged signs and replace them if necessary.
- Try updating the TV’s firmware.
If none of these steps alleviate the problem, and your TV continues to shut down randomly, the power board is likely to blame.
4) Burning Smell
Most of the time, a TV power board gets damaged due to a sudden voltage malfunction, power surge, lightning, or even wear and tear.
So, there is a good chance that you will detect a burning smell coming from the TV.
Carefully open the back panel and locate the power supply board. Examine it closely to see if you can spot any burned components such as capacitors or other resistors.
If you can see or detect a burning smell, you know what the issue is.
F.A.Q.s
Q: Can a faulty TV power board be repaired, or do I need to replace it?
In most cases, a faulty TV power board can be repaired, but it may be more cost-effective to replace it, especially if the TV is older or if the repair cost is high.
It’s best to consult a professional technician for a proper assessment.
Q: What causes a TV power board to fail?
TV power boards can fail due to power surges, manufacturing defects, overheating, and general wear and tear over time.
Voltage fluctuations and electrical issues in your home can also contribute to power board failure.
Q: How can I diagnose if the power board is the problem or if it’s something else causing my TV issues?
To diagnose if the power board is the issue, try plugging your TV into a different power outlet to rule out electrical problems.
If the TV still doesn’t work, it’s a good indicator that the power board might be faulty.
However, it’s best to consult a professional for a precise diagnosis.
Q: Are all TV power boards the same, or do they vary by TV model and brand?
TV power boards are not the same across all TV models and brands.
They vary in design, specifications, and compatibility.
To replace a faulty power board, you must ensure that it matches your TV’s specific model and brand.
Abdul Kader, a handy guy and experienced founder of a TV repair shop in Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is mainly an expert in understanding and repairing different types of issues with Smart TVs and providing helpful insights on how to keep them in good working order. Read his Full Story.