Introduction: Vizio TV Repair
So my Vizio TV was flashing on & off rapidly every time I switched it on. I would have to give it a smack at the back to get it to stop. I know it's not a good way to get something to work, but it got things working until I had time to repair it. After some Goggleing it was clear it was most probley some capacitor that where damaged. After opening it i found 4 caps on 2 of the circuit boards blown. I replaced them and now it works great.
1. VIZIO Model VW42L HDTV10A
2. Replacment capacitors 470μF
Step 1: Finding the Problem
2. Next I unscrewed all the screw that i could find and removed the stand and back cover.
3. I inspected all the capacitors and found 4 of them were damaged on 2 of the circuit boards on the left and right of the set. You can easily see when they are damaged when the ends are bulged out and/or split open.
4. I unplugged, removed, repaired and replaced one board at a time.
Step 2: Repairing
2. Next I desoldered the old capacitors, cut the mounting silicone with a sharp blade and removed them.
3. After cleaning up the the old solder flunks with an old tooth brush and some WD40. I bent and cut the new capacitor leads to size making sure the polarity was correct.
4. I then soldered them in place and cleaned with WD40 again
5. Then used hot glue to replace the silicon mountings.
6. Finally put the board back and plugged back in.
I put the back cover on and put all the screws back, plugged it all in and it worked great with no problems and is still working now.
29 Comments
7 years ago
My VIZIO HDTV doesn't recognize the network[s] available. The VIZIO tech mentioned a part that might need replacing. Does anyone know what that part might be and where I might get it?
Tim
7 years ago
I have a 42" Vizio model number M420NV perfect picture everything works except the sound! Anyone know what I need to fix my sound or just buy a sound bar?
7 years ago
My speakers are blown what can i do
7 years ago
I replaced all thr capacitors on my tv. Tried it just now and its still flickering.
7 years ago
Thanks I will try it out
7 years ago
Thanks I will try it out
7 years ago
Capacitors hmmm...
7 years ago
My 42 inch vizio just plain lost its picture and sound all at once. When you turn it on the vizio word changes from amber to white then slowly dims slightly and thats it no picture. I removed the back panel and found two bad capacitors i am currently trying to purchase new ones but my symptoms are differnt could i have additional problems?
7 years ago
I replaced the bad capacitors and now I have NOTHING. What did I most likely mess up? I was careful handling the board and soldering and have the polarities right. I double checked the remounting and connections. Any suggestions?
8 years ago
I am here to testify this fix worked for me also. My 7 year old 42" Vizio was rapidly blinking between bright and dim.
Took back cover off. Put the different screws in zip lock baggies to reduce confusion later. Don't waste time uncovering big cover in the middle like i did; it's the 2 covers on each side. noticed the caps were puffy on ends.
Radio Shack is now out of business. Got the 4 35v, 470uF Nichicons caps from Amazon ($14).
Soldered out old caps. wasn't comfortable using WD-40 either to remove flux. Mixed acetone with alcohol. used cotton swab. didn't really work, just left cotton fuzz on sticky flux.
Soldered in new caps. confirm polarity. i didn't have glue gun or silicone. the caps weigh nothing. i figure the solder will hold just fine.
Put 2 side covers and the cover back on.
It's been 6 weeks. TV is working great.
8 years ago on Step 2
Thanks for the Instructable and good comments as well. Only thing I would add is that, even though you should match the same exact micro-farrad value, you can always go to a higher voltage rating on your caps as long as they physically fit on the circuit board. This voltage rating is it's maximum break-down value so a little higher will certainly not hurt and, may in fact, help. Lots of bad caps out there so spend a bit more and get them from reputable places like Jameco or digikey. Never gotten a bad or counterfit part from either one.
8 years ago on Step 2
I don't know if this thread is still open, but I just removed the back of the tv and inspected the boards and I don't see any puffy caps or any obvious signs of a component frying. What next? Mine is a VIZO XVT423SV.
Thanks
8 years ago on Introduction
What is the voltage rating on the replacement capacitors 470μF ?
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
The voltage rating is 35v
8 years ago on Introduction
I have a VIZIO M420NV and it's 'VIZIO' logo light is blinking and it's white. Display is not turning on. Not sure what happened with it.
Could it be the circuit board? I would welcome any recommendations if I should repair it or buy a new one
8 years ago on Introduction
My Vizio GV47L (47 inch) TV works fine except the 2 HDMI ports no longer work. Is there a way to replace the HDMI ports?
8 years ago on Introduction
My Vizio GV47L (47 inch) TV works fine except the 2 HDMI ports no longer work. Is there a way to replace the HDMI ports?
8 years ago on Introduction
Nice tutorial. Takes little bit of work but definitely fixes the issue. For parts that can't be fixed, www.vizpartsdirect.com sells boards if you are unsure or unable to repair the TV yourself.
9 years ago on Introduction
Thanks for the instructions! I just fixed my dad's 42" vizio.
9 years ago on Introduction
Oh yeah. THANKS!