TV Won't Turn On? Troubleshooting Guide Before Calling for Repair

Few things are more frustrating than settling in to watch your favorite show only to find your TV won’t turn on. Before you assume the worst, there are several troubleshooting steps worth trying. Many “dead” TVs have simple solutions that don’t require professional repair.

Check the Obvious First

It sounds basic, but start with the fundamentals:

Power source verification:

• Is the TV plugged in securely at both the wall and the TV?
• Try a different outlet - the one you’re using might be controlled by a switch
• If using a power strip, is it turned on and working?
• Test the outlet with something you know works, like a lamp

Remote control issues:

• Try the power button directly on the TV, not just the remote
• Replace the batteries in your remote - weak batteries often seem completely dead
• Make sure nothing is blocking the IR sensor on the TV

The Standby Light Tells a Story

Look for the small LED light on your TV (usually red, orange, or white):

No light at all:

• This usually indicates no power is reaching the TV
• Check your power connections again
• The power cord itself may be damaged
• Could indicate a blown internal fuse or failed power supply

Light is on but TV won’t respond:

• The TV is receiving power but not turning on
• Try unplugging the TV for 60 seconds, then plug it back in
• This “power cycle” can reset internal components
• If the light blinks when you press power but nothing happens, there may be an internal issue

Light blinks in a pattern:

• Many TVs use blink codes to indicate specific problems
• Count the blinks and check your TV’s manual or search online for your model
• Common patterns indicate backlight failure, main board issues, or power supply problems

Soft Reset Your TV

Modern TVs are essentially computers, and sometimes they need a reboot:

1. Unplug the TV from the wall (not just the power strip)
2. Press and hold the power button on the TV itself for 30 seconds
3. Wait at least 60 seconds
4. Plug the TV back in
5. Try turning it on

This drains residual power and can resolve software glitches that prevent the TV from starting properly.

Check for External Input Issues

Sometimes the TV is on but displaying a black screen:

• Press the “Input” or “Source” button and cycle through inputs
• Your TV might be set to an input with nothing connected
• Try pressing the “Home” button if your TV has smart features
• Some TVs have a “blank screen” mode that can be accidentally activated

Power Surge Damage

If your TV stopped working after a storm or power outage:

• Power surges can damage the internal power supply
• Even with a surge protector, severe surges can get through
• Check if other electronics on the same circuit are working
• This type of damage typically requires professional repair

When It’s Time for Professional Help

Bring your TV to a repair shop if:

• You’ve tried all the above steps with no success
• You hear clicking or buzzing sounds when trying to turn it on
• You smell burning or see any smoke
• The screen briefly flashes then goes dark
• You notice any physical damage to the screen or casing

What We Can Fix

At our shop, we commonly repair:

• Power supply failures - The most common TV problem, often repairable
• Backlight issues - When you can barely see the picture with a flashlight
• Main board problems - When the TV won’t respond to any commands
• Capacitor failures - Those bulging or leaking capacitors inside

We provide free diagnosis on all TVs. We’ll tell you exactly what’s wrong and give you a clear estimate before any work begins. If it’s not worth fixing, we’ll tell you honestly - we’d rather earn your trust than make a quick repair on a TV that should be replaced.

Prevention Tips

To avoid future TV problems:

• Use a quality surge protector
• Ensure adequate ventilation around your TV
• Don’t block the vents with decorations or in an enclosed cabinet
• Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity
• Turn off the TV properly rather than just cutting power

Have a TV that won’t turn on? Bring it in for a free diagnosis and we’ll figure out what’s going on.