So your TV stopped working and you're ready to roll up your sleeves and fix it yourself - we love to see it!
But before you grab a screwdriver or start shopping for parts, let’s talk about the 8 most common mistakes DIYers make during TV repair. At TVpartsToday, we’ve helped thousands of customers troubleshoot their TVs - and we’ve seen these errors time and time again.
Avoiding these mistakes will save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration. Let’s get into it.
Would you rather watch a video on how to get started with your repair instead? Check out our YouTube video below:
1. Replacing the Wrong Board
The Mistake:
Swapping out the main board when the problem is actually with the T-Con. Or replacing the power supply when it’s really a bad backlight.
The Fix:
Take time to diagnose the symptoms first. For example:
- No image but sound? Try the T-Con board.
- Power light on but no startup? Try the main board.
- No power at all? Start with the power supply.
TVpartsToday Tip:
Use a flashlight test to check for a faint image on the screen. This quick trick can help you determine if your backlight is out - and saves you from buying the wrong part!
Need some instruction? We have a Blog for that!
2. Buying Based on TV Model Number Only
The Mistake:
Ordering a replacement board based on the TV model number alone, without verifying the part number.
The Fix:
Always match the part number printed on the board itself, usually on a sticker with a barcode or QR code. Even within the same TV model, manufacturers often use different versions of internal components.
TVpartsToday Tip:
If you're unsure which part to buy, send us a photo of your original board to info@tvpartstoday.com - we’ll help you find an exact match.
3. Handling Boards Without Anti-Static Protection
The Mistake:
Touching circuit boards with bare hands or working on carpeted surfaces - risking electrostatic discharge (ESD) that can silently fry components.
The Fix:
- Wear anti-static gloves or use a wrist strap
- Work on a clean, non-carpeted surface
- Avoid touching metal contacts or chip surfaces
Static damage isn’t a huge worry necessarily, but it is better safe than sorry! Watch the video above for more safety tips!
4. Not Inspecting Boards Before Installing
The Mistake:
Skipping a visual inspection of the old board - or installing a new one without checking for visible damage or connector mismatches.
The Fix:
- Look for burn marks, swollen capacitors, or corrosion on the old board.
- Check that the new board matches in layout and connector orientation.
- Confirm all screws and cable positions are the same.
TVpartsToday Tip:
If a board arrives and looks different, don’t install it until confirming it’s compatible. Contact us if you're unsure - we’ll double-check for you.
5. Forgetting to Disconnect Power Completely
The Mistake:
Unplugging the TV but immediately working on it - not realizing capacitors may still hold a charge.
The Fix:
Always wait at least 5–10 minutes after unplugging before opening the TV. This allows time for capacitors to discharge. Also, you can hold down your TV's power button for 60-120 seconds in order to force a discharge of built up power.
Always remember: Safety first!
6. Leaving Loose Connectors or Ribbons
The Mistake:
Failing to secure ribbon cables or plugs tightly - leading to symptoms like:
- No picture
- Flickering screen
- Unresponsive buttons
The Fix:
- Double-check all connections after reassembly
- Make sure ribbon cables are fully inserted and locked into their clips
TVpartsToday Tip:
Use a flashlight to verify every cable is flush and seated. A loose LVDS or T-Con ribbon is one of the most common causes of image issues after a board swap.
7. Throwing Away the Old Board Too Soon
The Mistake:
Tossing the original board before fully testing the new one - or before confirming the problem is resolved.
The Fix:
Keep the old board until your repair is successful. It may still be functional or useful for comparison, or even eligible for core return credit in some cases.
8. Not Remembering Screw or Plug Placement
The Mistake:
Removing screws and cables without tracking where they go - leading to lost screws, forced cables into the wrong ports, or missing connections during reassembly.
The Fix:
- Take photos at every step of disassembly
- Keep screws in labeled containers or cups
- Match every plug and ribbon to its original position before closing the TV
TVpartsToday Tip:
Always double check your work before powering up!
Final Thoughts
TV repair is rewarding - and often easier than people think - but success starts with knowing what not to do. Whether it’s ordering the wrong part, skipping a diagnosis step, or overlooking a loose cable, these common pitfalls can trip up even confident DIYers.
By following the tips above, you’ll save yourself from costly do-overs and get your TV back up and running fast.
Need Help?
If you’re still unsure about the issue or need to replace a part, reach out to TVpartsToday. We can help you identify the exact cause of the problem and provide the right replacement part!
Would you rather watch a video? Check out our helpful Troubleshooting 101 playlist over on YouTube!
Would you rather chat with a seasoned repair expert? Head on over to our TVRepairHelp subReddit!
Need help finding the right board or part?
Call us at 930-212-1975 or browse our inventory online.
DIY-friendly parts, fast shipping, and expert support – only at TVpartsToday.