Repairing a TV backlight isn’t as easy as you might think!
In fact, it’s one of the most complicated DIY tasks in a Smart TV that requires a good understanding of electronics and technical expertise.
But, if you are already a DIY expert or a novice in the DIY field but are willing to give it a shot on your own, this article will guide you through the entire process of repairing an LED TV backlight.
Let’s move on…
Common Symptoms Of TV Backlight Failure
Before you go ahead and disassemble the TV, you must ensure that you are doing it right and the backlight is actually faulty.
Here are some usual symptoms of TV backlight failure:
- No picture but has sound.
- Very dark or dim picture.
- Picture is flickering or flashing.
- Horizontal or vertical lines on the screen.
These symptoms indicate either a partial or complete failure of the backlight, but sometimes they can also indicate mainboard failure (though it’s rare).
A partial failure means that some of the LED strips or CCFL tubes are not working properly, while a complete failure means that none of them are working at all.
How To Repair TV Backlight (Step-by-step)
- Open the TV and remove the front housing and LED panel. Be careful not to damage anything.
- Remove the bezel that covers the LED strips. Use a plastic pry tool or a screwdriver.
- Find the bad LEDs by using a multimeter or a backlight tester.
- Replace the bad LEDs with new ones.
- Reassemble the TV and test it.
Here are the detailed guidelines:
Step 1: Safety precautions
Before you start fixing your TV backlight, must do the following things:
- Unplug the TV from the power outlet and power cycle it.
- Discharge any capacitors by shorting their terminals with a screwdriver
- Keep children and pets away from the TV.
Once you are ready, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Disassemble the TV
To access the faulty component, you will need to disassemble your TV.
The exact steps may vary depending on your TV model and brand, but here are some general steps to follow:
- Lay your TV face down on a soft and flat surface, such as a carpet or a blanket.
- Remove the screws that hold the back cover of your TV.
- Carefully lift the back cover and disconnect any cables or connectors that attach it to the main board or the power supply board.
- Disconnect the backlight connector from the power supply board by gently pulling it out.
- Remove the screws that hold the LCD panel to the metal frame of your TV.
- Carefully detach the bezel, lift the LCD panel, and place it aside on a clean and dry surface.
- Remove any tape, clips, or brackets that hold them in place.
- Now locate the LED strips.
Pro Tip: Keep track of screws and components, take photos as you disassemble for reference, and double-check all connections before reassembling the TV.
Step 3: Replace The Faulty Components
To replace the faulty component, you will need to identify which one is causing the problem.
Here’s how:
- Locate the testing point.
- Now take a backlight tester and then put the black lead in (-) and the red lead in (+) point. Now test one by one and look carefully at which individual LED isn’t working.
- You might see one or several LED lights isn’t lighting.
- Once you identified the faulty strip, remove it and then replace it with a new one.
That’s it…
Note: Before you purchase a new replacement LED strip, must ensure that it matches the model number, resistor power, and chip capability of the faulty one. Otherwise, it may not function properly.
However, if you want to repair only the faulty LED instead of replacing the entire strip, here’s an excellent DIY guide from Haseeb Electronics.
Step 4: Reassemble the TV
Once you are done replacing the faulty LED strip, reassemble the TV.
Reverse the steps you took to disassemble the TV and make sure everything is connected properly. Then, plug in the TV and turn it on.
If everything works well, then you have successfully repaired your TV backlight.
F.A.Q.s
Q: What is a TV backlight, and why is it important?
Backlight is a set of LEDs or fluorescent tubes that provide illumination to the screen.
It’s essential because it determines the brightness and clarity of the image you see on your TV.
If the backlight malfunctions, your TV’s display quality will be severely compromised.
Q: Can I replace individual LED bulbs in the backlight myself?
Replacing individual LED bulbs is possible, but it’s a delicate task that requires soldering skills and compatible replacement parts.
One mistake can lead to further damage.
Q: Is repairing the backlight cost-effective compared to buying a new TV?
The cost-effectiveness depends on the severity of the issue, the availability of replacement parts, and your own technical skills.
In some cases, repairing the backlight might be more affordable, while in others, investing in a new TV could be a better option.
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.