You press the power button. Click. Nothing happens. Maybe another click. Still nothing on screen. If your TV is making a clicking sound but won’t turn on, you’re likely hearing the internal relay trying to engage - and failing. This is a common symptom, especially in brands like Samsung, Sony, LG, and Vizio.
While many assume it’s a dead power board, the reality is more specific: that click often means the power board is still working, but another part is preventing the TV from starting up - usually the main board, backlight strips, or the panel itself. In this guide, we’ll help you break it down and explain why TVpartsToday recommends starting with the main board for this issue.
🔊 What the “Clicking” Really Means
That “click” you’re hearing is the sound of a relay switch on the power board attempting to send power to the rest of the TV. It’s not generally a sign that the power board is dead - it’s a sign it’s doing its job, but something after it in the power chain is either:
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shorted,
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drawing too much power,
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or failing to respond.
✅ Translation: The power board is trying, but the main board or another component is refusing to cooperate.
🔍 What’s Most Likely Failing?
Based on thousands of DIY repairs and technician reports, here’s what typically causes the problem:
🟠 1. Faulty Main Board (Most Common)
The main board acts as the brain of your TV. If it has a short or control failure, it can prevent the TV from booting, even though the power board is working fine. This is especially true in Samsung and RCA TVs with repeated relay clicks.
🟠 2. Shorted LED Backlights
If the LED strips behind your screen have failed, they can draw too much current or cause the TV to shut down as a protective measure. This can trigger repeated relay cycling.
🟠 3. Power Supply Board (Rare)
If the LED strips behind your screen are still functioning properly and supplying the correct voltage, plus you have already replaced the main board and ruled it out as a source of the issue as well, THEN we can take a look at the power supply board. While this is a rare occurrence, it is still recommended to replace the power supply before determining that the issue is truly the panel (see below).
🟠 4. Failed Panel (Least Common)
A dead panel can sometimes trigger the same symptoms, but this is rarer - and often identifiable by testing other boards first. Panels are not cost effective to repair/replace, so if this is the issue, it is time for a new TV unfortunately.
🎯 TVpartsToday Tip:
Start with the main board replacement. It’s usually the most direct fix and far easier to replace than screen or backlight components.
🔧 How to Test Your Way to the Right Repair
✅ Step-by-Step:
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Unplug your TV and remove the back panel.
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Inspect the boards visually. Any burns, corrosion, or leaking components? Take note.
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Plug in the TV and listen. Do you hear the clicking again?
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Unplug the main board from the power board, then plug the TV back in.
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If the clicking stops: Your main board is bad.
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If the clicking continues: Consider the backlights or screen next.
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📌 You can also use a multimeter to test voltages, but even without tools, this unplug method is one of the easiest diagnostic tricks in the book.
🔁 Why Start With the Main Board?
Here’s why TVpartsToday strongly recommends trying the main board before the power board for this symptom:
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✅ The power board is powering on (it’s clicking, after all).
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✅ The main board is responsible for processing the "power on" signal.
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✅ Main board failures are far more common than relay damage.
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✅ In many TVs, the IR sensor, HDMI ports, and Wi-Fi are part of or tied into the main board.
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✅ A new main board often resolves click-related startup failure instantly.
TVpartsToday Tip:
Always replace using your part number, not just the TV model. Model numbers often span multiple board versions - only a correct part match guarantees success.
🛠️ How to Replace the Main Board
Main board replacement is easier than you think:
🧰 You’ll Need:
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Phillips screwdriver
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Anti-static strap (optional but recommended)
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New main board (matched by part number)
🔄 Steps:
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Unplug the TV.
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Locate the main board - it’s the board with most of the HDMI, AV, or tuner ports.
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Unplug all ribbon cables and connectors carefully.
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Unscrew and remove the board.
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Replace with a matching board. Reconnect all cables.
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Power on and test. The clicking should stop, and the TV should begin startup!
🛍️ Where to Get the Right Main Board
Get fast-shipping, correctly-labeled, tested main boards from TVpartsToday, where we:
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✅ Verify compatibility by part number
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✅ Stock boards for Samsung, Sony, LG, Vizio & more
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✅ Include 30-day warranties
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✅ Offer tech support for matching and installation, free of charge
🧠 Final Thoughts
That clicking sound isn’t a death sentence - it’s a clue. And in most cases, it means your power board is fine. The real culprit? A faulty main board. Replace it first, and in many cases, your TV will be back up and running in minutes.
If it doesn’t solve it, then (and only then) consider replacing the backlight strips or power supply board. We never recommend replacing the panel.
💬 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.