So your TV stopped working and you're ready to roll up your sleeves and fix it yourself - we love to see it! đź’Ş
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.Â
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.
âś… The Fix:
Take time to diagnose the symptoms first. For example:
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No image but sound? Try the T-Con board.
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Power light on but no startup? Try the main board.
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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.
âś… 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.
đźź© 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.
âś… The Fix:
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Wear anti-static gloves or use a wrist strap
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Work on a clean, non-carpeted surface
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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.
âś… The Fix:
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Look for burn marks, swollen capacitors, or corrosion on the old board.
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Check that the new board matches in layout and connector orientation.
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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.
âś… 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:
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No picture
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Flickering screen
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Unresponsive buttons
âś… The Fix:
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Double-check all connections after reassembly
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Make sure ribbon cables are fully inserted and locked into their clips
đźź© 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.
âś… 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.
âś… The Fix:
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Take photos at every step of disassembly
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Keep screws in labeled containers or cups
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Match every plug and ribbon to its original position before closing the TV
🟨 TVpartsToday Tip:
Always double check your work before powering up!
đź’¬ 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. 🧑🔧
đź’¬ 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?
đź“ž Call us at 930-212-1975 or browse our inventory online.
🛠️ DIY-friendly parts, fast shipping, and expert support – only at TVpartsToday.