Sometimes, you might 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 move on…
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 wrong.
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.
As TV technicians, we 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.
These blinking patterns serve as diagnostic codes, helping to pinpoint specific issues without needing to open the TV or use specialized diagnostic tools.
Understanding Blinking Patterns
Each TV brand has a unique set of error codes indicated by the number and frequency of the blinks. Here are some common interpretations:
- Samsung: Samsung TVs often use a red standby light that blinks in a specific sequence. For example, a repeated blinking pattern could indicate a problem with the power supply or main board.
- LG: LG TVs may show a blinking red light to indicate issues with the power supply, inverter, or even the LED backlights. The number of blinks can vary based on the specific fault.
- Hisense: Hisense TVs also use a blinking red light system. A continuous or specific pattern of blinks often points to power board issues.
- TCL: TCL TVs might blink in different colors (red or white) depending on the issue. A blinking red light frequently suggests a problem with the power supply.
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.
Here are some typical signs:
- Consistent Blinking: A steady, consistent blinking pattern often signals that the power board is failing to supply consistent voltage to the TV’s components.
- Intermittent Blinking: Occasional or irregular blinking can also indicate power supply issues, possibly due to fluctuating power or failing components within the power board.
What to Do If Your TV’s Light Is Blinking
If you notice your TV’s standby light blinking and the TV won’t turn on, follow these steps to confirm the issue and potentially fix it:
- Power Cycle the TV: Unplug the TV from the power source, wait for a minute, and then plug it back in. This simple reset can sometimes resolve temporary power supply issues.
- Check All Connections: Ensure all cables are securely connected and that there are no visible signs of damage or wear.
- Test the Power Outlet: Plug another device into the same outlet to confirm that it is providing power correctly.
- Inspect the TV for Damage: Look for any visible signs of damage, such as burnt components or a burning smell, which could indicate a more serious issue with the power board.
If the blinking persists and the TV still won’t turn on after performing these checks, the power board is likely faulty. In this case, it’s best to consult a professional technician.
Attempting to repair or replace a power board yourself can be risky, especially if you’re not experienced with electronics.
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.
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, it 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.
What to Do:
- Immediately Unplug: If you smell burning, turn off and unplug your TV right away to prevent further damage or potential fire hazards.
- Inspect for Visible Damage: If you’re comfortable with electronics, carefully open the back panel and visually examine the power board. Look for any signs of burnt or discolored components, such as capacitors with bulging tops or resistors that appear charred.
If you can see or detect a burning smell, you know what the issue is.
Remember, a burning smell should never be ignored. It’s a serious warning sign that requires immediate attention to prevent further damage to your TV or potential safety risks.
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 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.