Is your TV not turning on after a storm or power surge? You’re not alone! Power surges can cause significant damage to televisions, but fortunately, many issues can be resolved with quick and inexpensive repairs. At TVPartsToday, we have the solutions to help get your TV up and running again. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the symptoms of power surge damage, troubleshooting techniques, how to inspect your TV’s circuit boards for damage, and how to replace damaged components. We’ll also cover preventative measures to protect your TV in the future.
Would you rather watch a video? Check out our helpful YouTube video on Power Surges/Lightning Strikes:
Understanding Power Surge Damage
Before diagnosing your TV, it’s essential to understand how power surges can affect it. A surge can hit your TV in two primary ways:
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Direct Power Surge Through the Power Cord: If your TV is plugged directly into a wall outlet without a surge protector, a sudden voltage spike can damage the power supply board. This can still happen even if you have a surge protector, but it is less likely.
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Secondary Surge Through Connected Devices: If an external device such as a gaming console, Blu-ray player, sound system, or cable box is not plugged into a surge protector, a surge can travel through connected HDMI, USB, or COAX cables, damaging the main board and its ports.
A power surge can affect both the main board and the power supply board, so replacing both components may be necessary. A surge can also damage your backlight strips and your screen, so it is important to use a process of elimination and replace each part one-by-one in order to troubleshoot the issue down to the problematic component. In these instances, it may be necessary to purchase a Parts Kit in order to have all of the circuit boards on hand for the repair process!
Troubleshooting Your TV
Before opening up your TV, follow these steps to diagnose the issue:
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Check for Power Indicators: If the TV has no power at all, inspect the power supply board first. If the standby light is on but the TV is unresponsive, start by inspecting the main board.
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Look for Signs of Damage: Scorch marks or arc damage on ports and circuit boards are indicators of power surge-related failure.
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Perform a Power Reset: Unplug the TV, hold the power button for 60 seconds to release stored energy from capacitors, and then try turning it on again.
Inspecting for Damage
Once you've identified the possible issue, it’s time to inspect your TV’s internals. Here are the key areas to check:
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Power Supply Board: Look for burn marks, blown capacitors, or melted components.
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Main Board: Inspect HDMI ports, USB ports, audio jacks, and COAX connections for damage.
If you find any of these issues, you’ll likely need a replacement part, which you can find at TVPartsToday.
(Power supply with burnt capacitor shown as example of damage possible from a surge)
Replacing a Damaged Circuit Board
Swapping out a faulty circuit board is easier than you might think. Follow these steps:
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Unplug the TV and discharge any remaining power by holding the power button for 60 seconds.
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Remove the Back Panel carefully using a screwdriver.
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Identify and Disconnect the Faulty Board. Take note of wire connections and remove screws securing the board.
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Install the New Board. Secure it with screws, reconnect wires, and ensure all connections are firm.
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Reassemble the TV and test to see if the issue is resolved.
Preventing Future Power Surge Damage
To avoid future power surge damage, follow these preventative measures:
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Use a Surge Protector: Ensure your TV and all connected devices are plugged into a high-quality surge protector.
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Unplug During Storms: If you suspect an electrical storm, unplug your TV and all associated devices, including COAX connections.
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Check Your Surge Protectors Regularly: Surge protectors degrade over time, so replace them periodically to maintain protection.
💬 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.
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