How to Fix a Transistor

Transistors can be found on most electronic devices.

A transistor is a common component found in many different types of electronics. Each transistor functions as a switch, determining which path the current takes through an electronic device. The purpose of a transistor varies between different devices, but all transistors are vital to the operation of electronics. A faulty transistor can cause a device to cease functioning. The best method way to fix a faulty transistor is to replace it with a new one.

Things You'll Need

• Replacement transistor
• Soldering iron
• Solder
• Solder sponge

Instructions

1. Plug the soldering iron in. It takes a few minutes for the iron to get hot enough for use.

2. Touch the tip of the soldering iron to the solder, holding one of the prongs in place. The solder melts onto the tip of the soldering iron. Wipe the solder off on the solder sponge. Repeat this step for the other two prongs.

3. Remove the faulty transistor. Insert the replacement transistor in the same direction as the original version. Unlike many other electronics components, transistors are not reversible.

4. Touch the end of the soldering iron to the solder. A drop should melt onto the tip.

5. Touch the molten solder to where one of the transistor prongs touches the circuit board. The solder hardens to hold it in place once the soldering iron is removed. Avoid directly touching the circuit board and transistor with the soldering iron. Both of these components can be damaged by the heat of the iron.

6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 for the other two prongs.

Tips & Warnings

• Only use solder that is marked for use with electronics. There are several different kinds of solder, made of different combinations of materials. Some types of solder, such as plumber’s solder, use materials that cause electronics to degrade.

References

• Soldering Guide; How to Solder
• How To Solder: Soldering Tutorial
• REUK: What is a Transistor - Electronics