Red is typically a sign of damage, but that’s not always the case.
Sometimes the red light on a Sony TV blinks either 6 times or 3 times due to the TV’s internal glitch and firmware issue, but in most cases, the red light indicates a problem with the TV’s hardware like the backlight or the inverter board.
If the TV flashes due to a software-related error, it’s pretty simple to troubleshoot. But if it flashes due to hardware failure, you need to perform some advanced troubleshooting.
Here we go! Let’s dive into it…
Why is my Sony TV blinking red 6 times?
Typically, a blinking red light on a Sony TV indicates that there is a problem with the TV’s circuitry or power supply. Six blinks specifically indicate a problem with the hardware, such as the backlight, power supply, or main inverter board.
Look at the table:
| Reason for Blinking Red Light | Description |
|---|---|
| Power supply issue | A problem with the TV’s power supply can cause the light to blink red. This might mean that something is wrong with the TV’s internal power system. |
| Inverter board issue | The inverter board powers the TV’s backlight, and if something is wrong with it, the red light might blink. |
| Mainboard issue | The main board is responsible for processing video and audio signals, and a problem with it can also cause the TV to not function properly. This can include issues with the main board’s IC chips or other components. |
How to troubleshoot a Sony TV that blinks red light 6 times?
In short: To troubleshoot a Sony TV that blinks red light 6 times, disconnect it from the power outlet. Wait for 60 seconds. During this time press and hold the TV’s power button for about 20 seconds. Once done, plug the TV back in.
Method 1: Power reset the TV
I know you have rebooted your TV many times, but this time we will do it differently.
What I mean is that we will force the TV to release all the remaining power from its internal circuit and then reload all of its core files.
What will happen then?
The TV will start by reloading all of its core files and eliminating temporary system glitches, which may fix the issue you are facing.
However, before writing this guide, I looked at Sony TV’s user manual and several TV-related forums. The thing that blew my mind was a crazy comment.
Look at what this Sony TV user says,
“I was frustrated with my Sony TV’s red light blinking six times. Was about to toss it, but then tried a power reset. Skeptical at first, but it worked like magic! Issue gone!”
Here’s how:
- Completely disconnect the TV from the power source.
- Wait for at least 60 seconds.
- During this time, press and hold the power button for 15 seconds.
Once done, reconnect the TV to the power source. Turn on the TV and check if the problem has been fixed. If not, proceed to the next step.
Tip: Do this again and again, at least 5 times. Sometimes, the first and second tries don’t work, but the fifth try might work. Who knows which attempt will work in your case?
Method 2: Factory reset the TV
This is the last thing you can do yourself.
If it still doesn’t work, you may need to contact a professional TV repairer.
The good news is that almost 70% of Sony users who experienced this flashing red light 6 times issue fixed their TV with this method.
Here’s how:
- Unplug the TV from the power outlet.
- While the TV is unplugged, locate the “Power” and “Volume Down (-)” buttons on the TV and then press and hold both of them.
- At the same time while these buttons are pressed, replug the TV back in the power outlet.
Warning: Do not release the power and volume down buttons until it is plugged into the power outlet. Otherwise, it will not get reset correctly.
Continue holding down the power and volume buttons until the LED light on the device changes color. This can either be green or white, depending on the model you are using.
The length of time that you will need to wait for the reset to fully complete can vary. Some models may take anywhere from 15 to 60 seconds.
Once the LED light has changed color, release the buttons. This indicates that the reset has been successfully completed. Now, turn the TV on again and check if the problem has been fixed.
Sometimes you may need to reset it again and again. Sony advises that you may need to attempt a reset up to five times in certain cases before it is successful.
So, if the first attempt does not work, don’t give up. Keep trying until you find the reset that works for your device.
Related: 5 Reasons Why TV is still dominating Today’s Media Landscape!
Nothing worked, What next?
If none of the steps mentioned above (rebooting or resetting) fix the issue, and your Sony TV is still not turning on and only blinking the red light six times, there may be another underlying issue.
Prediction 1: TV’s backlight is damaged.
Backlight can be damaged due to a power outage or bad electric flow.
If that’s the case, your TV will blink red 6 times to indicate that you have to replace the LED backlight before you can use your TV.
However, there is an easy way to check whether the backlight has been damaged.
To check this, power on the TV and hold a flashlight near the screen. When you flash the light, carefully observe whether there is any image on the screen. If you see a faint picture, the backlight has been damaged.
Prediction 2: Damaged internal components.
If the test proves that the backlight is working, the problem is with the internal components.
Either the power board or the inverter board has been damaged.
If you are not skilled in DIY repairs, it is best to seek the help of a professional repairer to diagnose and fix the problem.
Trying to repair the TV yourself without the necessary knowledge and experience could potentially cause further damage.
It is always safer to leave complex repairs to trained professionals who have the tools and expertise to properly fix the issue.
F.A.Q.s
Q: How many times should I try resetting my Sony TV before giving up?
Sony advises that you may need to attempt a reset up to five times in certain cases before it is successful. So, if the first attempt does not work, don’t give up – keep trying until you find the reset that works for your device.
Q: Can a power surge cause my Sony TV to blink red?
Yes, power surges can damage the internal components of your Sony TV and cause it to blink red. It’s important to use surge protectors to protect your electronics from power surges.
Q: Can I fix a damaged backlight in my Sony TV myself?
Repairing a damaged backlight is a complex task that requires specialized knowledge and tools. It’s best you seek the help of a professional repairer to diagnose and fix the problem.
Trying to repair the TV yourself without the necessary knowledge and experience could potentially cause further damage.
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.