I do quite a bit of dumpster diving. My current desktop monitor, laptop, and my kids TV were all trash bin finds. I am going to assume you are not computer or tech savvy AT ALL. My first few points apply to flat screen TVs.
Again, not to insult your intellect, but if you're electronic wiz, this post ain't for you.
Say you find a flat screen in an eSalvage bin or in a dumpster. Here are my hard and fast rules:
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If it doesn't have a standard power cord, don't waste your time. If it is without this cord but uses it, no problem. They are cheap and plentiful. Don't break yourself searching for some obscure cord or replacing one that is stuck to the TV.
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Most flat screen tv's last a few years until either the power board or main board go out. Replacing one of those usually fixes your issue. You will see many D and E series Vizios that do this.
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With the model number handy, search the prices of replacing both boards (just in case). Then research the going price of the tv. If the parts price is less than half the price of the TV currently, I would feel it is worthwhile to pursue a repair. Doing this is referred to as a cost-benefit analysis. I use the 50% rule. Most TV's you find will be worth maybe 200-300 new or refurbished. If both boards costs more than half, don't waste your money. Always plan for a worst case scenario.
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If the screen is cracked, don't waste your time. That is the most expensive part of the TV.
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Replacing either board usually requires a simple Phillips screw driver. There are videos to watch on how to troubleshoot why the TV doesn't work properly. Usually it will power to standby but have no screen, or just not turn on at all. Sometimes the back light is broken. You want to rule out, if possible, which board is broke and buy a new one. The better the diagnosis, the cheaper all of this will cost you in the long run.
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Before you order any part, get the exact model number off of the part. Some TV's have multiple possible boards.
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Only get a new remote after you get the thing fixed. New, proper remotes usually are not too expensive.
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In my experience, the majority of TVs I find are D and E series Vizios and older Panasonic, Samsung, Phillips TV's. You can tell that they are older usually by just the weight. Most new TV's are so much lighter than their older counterparts. Most are also 32 or 40 inches. Every so often you find something 40 or bigger. Don't waste time with anything smaller than 32 unless it suits a specific need.
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TVs are usually decent PC monitors. Not all TVs will work though. Sometimes something called a "bad handshake" will make this not work. Especially if you can't see your BIOS screen when booting. That is a handshake issue.
I know that this isn't an end all be all list, but let me stress a few things for those who are like me:
A Broken screen is a no-go. Power cords and remotes are easy peazy finds so don't stress. Do a proper cost benefit analysis of the TVs worth minus what it would cost to replace ALL boards inside of it (usually 3 counting T-Con board) and be patient. Shop around on ebay or shopjimmy for a proper replacement part. If for some reason you get an upside down picture after all of this, I am sorry.
Usually a repair consists of:
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Get yourself a flat sheet and an open area. Have an outlet nearby for testing. Maybe a nice extension cord also.
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Lay the sheet down (open it up, silly) and put the TV down screen first. Don't have the thing plugged in.
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Take off the stand and set those screws aside (magnets and cups for screw sorting)
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Take off the rest of the screws and remove the board. One screw is usually by its lonesome over where the coaxial and RCA connectors are.
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Unhook a few cables and unscrew the broken board, put on the new board. Hook everything back up the way it was. This is simpler than I have stated. Place the back cover back on it. Don't screw anything on yet. Take pictures if it helps. Hell, even a video or an ifixit guide.
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Carefully sit it up, plug it in, and test it. Don't touch anything that might hurt you. If it comes on, at least put the back cover on and then do any further testing.
If you have questions, ask. Google and You-Tube are your friends
Also, since my specialty is PC and laptop repair, if you all want a similar list for that, let me know.
August 06, 2018 at 12:56AM
