How to Repair a Burned Resistor on a DirecTV TiVo Motherboard

The TiVo's case must be opened to access the motherboard.

Electronic components within an enclosed circuit --- such as a satellite dish receiver or DVR --- are designed to be used for many years. However, these components are not indestructible. If a resistor within such a circuit is subjected to excess heat, water or high voltage, the resistor can become damaged or destroyed. If a resistor in your DirecTV TiVo has become damaged, it can be replaced by removing the old resistor and substituting a new resistor for the damaged one.

Things You'll Need

• DirecTV TiVo
• Screwdriver
• Soldering iron
• Electronic solder
• Small wire cutters
• Replacement resistor

Instructions

1. Loosen the case screws on the DirecTV TiVo and open the receiver case. Locate the burnt-out resistor on the receiver motherboard.

2. 

   Cut the metal leads off the resistor body.

   Cut the wire leads off the burnt-out resistor and remove the resistor body from the circuit board.

3. Place the tip of the soldering iron on the base of one of the cut resistor leads until the solder around the lead melts. Pull the cut resistor lead free from the circuit board.

4. Place the tip of the soldering iron on the base of the remaining cut resistor leads until the solder around the lead melts. Pull the cut resistor lead free from the circuit board.

5. Place the leads from the replacement resistor into the holes where the burnt-out resistor formerly was. Push the resistor leads through the holes until the resistor body is approximately 1/8 inch above the motherboard. Solder the first resistor lead to the metal ring around the first hole. Solder the second resistor lead to the metal ring around the second hole.

6. Trim the resistor leads from under the motherboard so that the resistor does not make contact with any other electrical connections. Replace the receiver case, and reinstall the case screws. Tighten the screws to close the case completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Replace the burnt-out resistor with an equal value resistor. If the markings on the burnt-out resistor are obscured, or it is not clear what the resistance value of the burnt-out resistor is, do not attempt the repair.

• Opening the case on an electronic device may void its warranty. Check with the manufacturer before opening the case of a DirecTV TiVo.

References

• The Electronics Club: Resistors
• Everyday Practical Electronics Web Portal: The Basic Soldering Guide
• Electronix Express: Better Soldering