Since I try to get things cheaper or free and repair them I wondered if I could get a cheaper big 4K TV. After posting a search for “broken 4K TV” on craigslist I eventually found someone selling theirs.
The seller was asking for $200 but I offered $150 and he was willing to accept that. Other than the seller’s description of “it won’t turn on”, I didn’t know what was wrong with the TV when I picked it up. I did make sure that the LCD screen was not cracked or damaged, since this is about the only part on a tv you can not fix. And unfortunately, people try to sell cracked screen tvs, so make sure you don’t buy any of them! (unless you need the parts inside)
After I took the back cover off, I noticed a blinking red light on the main board and a clicking sound coming from the power supply. This observation led me quickly to think the problem lies with the main board or the power supply.
Next, I searched online to see if this model has a common problem that others had identified. I didn’t find a common issue but I did find at least one person in a forum who said they found a bad diode and resistor on their power supply.
I checked my power supply and I was shocked to find the exact same to components were bad. The resistor in question even had a hole in it!
I tested the resistor and it measured as an open circuit (ie – no electricity flowing through it). The diode also had a reverse voltage on it, when it should not allow any voltage drop in the wrong direction (think of it as a one way valve with water going backwards.)
The original online post I found also described a fluctuation on the 12v (labeled 12v but really is 19v) line. And again, when I tested my board it had the same issue! A special “Thank You” goes out to everyone who posts helpful information online, and especially want to thank those who posted information about this particular model.
So I next ordered the two parts and soldered them in. Here are links to the resistor and diode:
Resistor (1.8 ohm): https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/71-CRCW1206-1.8-E3
Diode: https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/621-PR1007G-T
These components are small so make sure if you try this repair yourself you have tweezers and a small tip soldering iron. I have some recommendations below.
Recommended soldering iron and tweezers:
If you are interested in more repair products check out my Amazon.com recommended products storefront here. I try to keep this updated with good deals and helpful tools that I find:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/frugalrepair
If you want to watch the whole process of getting the tv and the details of fixing it, check out my youtube video on it:
I have the same make and model tv as the Vizio M65-C1 that you performed the repair on in the YouTube video. I’ve tried to figure out why there is no picture or sound but have no clue. The little white light in the lower corner will illuminate for a few seconds before it starts to flash and then go into a dull state. Also, there is no solid red light (or purple flashing light) illuminating from the board where the USB and other plugs go into. Do you have any idea where the problem could be just from that description I gave you? I really don’t want to throw this tv out. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Hey RJ, I’ve been trying to figure out what is wrong with my m65-c1, also isn’t turning on. However, the p/s is giving me a steady 19v when I tested it. Additionally, the LED that was blinking for you, well, isn’t even on at all for me. Should that be a pretty good indicator that there is a main board issue? My dad said he’d just replace the TV but I don’t want that. I really want to show him that I can use my brain to diagnose the problem and then, god willing, fix it. I’m not really sure where to go from here though. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for all your help so far (from your video I mean 🙂 hehe)! Hope to hear from you, thanks,
Morgan
Do you think you can help me with a slightly different problem on the power board of this same exact TV? Vizio M65-C1. Some of the wires near the top of the board are fried. I can send photos, but will likely need some advice. Anything you can offer would be appreciated.
Sorry, I don’t get to these comments very often. I check Youtube comments more frequently. If the wires are fried, can you solder them back together?