How to Repair a Projection TV
Having a professional repair your projection TV can be a stressful and costly process. Many TV repair centers will charge you just for an estimate! If you're looking to save time and money, follow these steps to repair your projection TV.
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Instructions
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Consult your TV's troubleshooting guide. Follow its recommended steps. Most problems can be fixed by troubleshooting.
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Diagnose what's wrong with your TV. There are many TV repair tip websites on the Internet you can consult, like the "Notes on the Troubleshooting and Repair of Television Sets" website (see Resources below). Or, try asking a TV repair question on an online message board like AllExperts.com (see Resources below). You can also find books on troubleshooting projection TV's. Check your local library or bookstore for a book like "Complete Projection TV Troubleshooting and Repair."
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Get your TV's service manual to find a diagram of your TV's circuits. You can get a service manual through a retailer that sells your TV brand or through an online store like tvdiagrams.com (see Resources below).
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Gather the necessary tools. For most projections TVs you'll need a Phillips head and a flathead screwdriver to remove the back shell. You may also need a digital multimeter to test the circuits.
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Know the common problems and fixes for a projection TV. Below are a few common problems that people come across when a projection TV goes on the fritz.
• Blurred, snowy picture: Turn on your projection TV and wiggle the coax cable from your cable box or antenna where it connects to the TV. If the picture fluctuates, you know that you have a loose connection, or that the coax cable is bad.
• Blotches of color on the screen: Caused when your projection TV becomes magnetized. Use a strong magnetic coil and make circular motions around your projection TV screen starting on the upper left corner. Increase the size of the circles you're making until you've covered the entire screen. Slowly move away from the screen; continuing to make circular motions with the magnet. When the magnet loses contact, the color blotches should be gone.
• TV shuts off randomly: It's usually caused by overheating. Remove any heat-emitting objects or anything that may be insulating the TV and causing it to overheat.
• Speaker emits static: Follow the remaining steps to replace a speaker. -
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Unplug your TV's power cord from the electrical outlet and disconnect any peripheral devices like a DVD player or cable box. Place your television screen-down on a soft surface.
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Remove the screws that connect the back shell to the rest of the TV. Then pull the shell up and off the TV carefully. Set it aside.
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Consult your TV's service manual to find the part that you need to replace or repair.
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Place the shell back on the TV once your repairs are finished. Replace each screw to secure the shell to the TV.
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Plug your power cord back into the electrical outlet and test your TV. If your repairs weren't successful, it may be time to consult a professional.
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Tips & Warnings
Work in a spacious, dry and well-ventilated area. This will give you room to work, avoid the possibility of electrocution and help remove any fumes that are created during the repair process.
There are many TV repair guides online. Make sure the guide you use is applicable to your type of TV.
Unless you have at least a basic knowledge of electronics, don't try to repair a TV on your own. You may damage your TV further or injure yourself.
Electrical charges can stay in cords and circuits even after being removed from their power source. Always use rubber gloves to avoid electrocution.
