How to Repair A Flat Lining Television
A television that flat lines is one where the screen pulls down from the top, up from the bottom and finally results in a thin line in the middle of the screen. This is a normal problem, and one that is not terribly difficult to repair with the right tools.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Soldering iron (25 watts)
- Q-tips
- Rubbing alcohol
- Small knife or razor
Instructions
-
-
1
Unplug the television. This sounds like a simple step, but it really is the most important -- as all electronics can be very dangerous to repair while they are charged with electricity.
-
2
Note the make and model number on the back of the set, needed in the event you have to order parts.
-
-
3
Remove the back cover with a Phillips head screwdriver.
-
4
Discharge the picture tube, commonly called the "CRT," by cutting one clip off each of the two wires -- four clips in all -- and scrapping a quarter-inch plastic off each wire.
-
5
Grab one wire and one clip, and twist the exposed end of the wire into the resistor and fuse it together. Repeat with the other wire and clip, and resistor.
-
6
Attach one end of the resistor clip to the "silver colored braided wire" that goes around the CRT, to act as an "anti-static” ground wire. Connect the other end of your "resistor clip" to your flathead screwdriver.
-
7
Hold the plastic end of the screwdriver and slip the metal end of the screwdriver under the clip to discharge the CRT.
-
8
Check the vertical section, and if it’s not clearly marked "Vert," then check for a metal heat-sink that holds a small intergraded circuit chip. This chip should have anywhere from seven to eight pins keeping it in place, as well as a small screw connecting it to the TV’s heat-sink.
-
9
Unscrew the main circuit board and remove it.
-
10
Detach the IC from the heat-sink and remove it as well, then clean the contacts on the board with cotton swabs that have been moistened in rubbing alcohol. Scrape the pins on the IC with a small knife or razor.
-
11
Place the IC back in the set and solder the pins.
-
12
Return the main circuit board and all other components to their original positions.
-
13
Plug in the set and turn it on. Screw on the back cover using your Phillips head screwdriver.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If your screen is still flat lining after using the steps in this article, you likely will need to replace the IC chip. You can order a new IC chip, online or in TV repair shops, by using the make and model number mentioned in Step 2.
I cant stress this enough. Do this only if you have the confidence that you can do this. The writer of this article holds no responsibility for injury or death. Some electronics knowledge would be helpful. Television circuits can be dangerous and cause serious injury and even death. Unplug the set and discharge the CRT (see instructions) before working, and discharge the CRT again after every test.
Resources
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
