Need some Help with VIZIO VP50 HDTV20A

[jglongest]

Hello all, I am a complete newbie so be nice. Here is the situation:

Ok so I bought this television for cheap IMO from a friend ($100). I figured since I'm good with programming and computers I could tackle fixing this Television set.

Symptoms: TV Powers on picture and everything is great but powers off and makes a clicking noise after about 5 - 10 minutes.

Model: VIZIO VP50 HDTV20A
on the Plasma panel it reads Samsung PDP Module Model: S50HW-YD02
The main power supply is LJ44-00132B

I do not really know where to start but I figured before ordering a power supply (which I think is the issue since it makes a clicking noise and powers off after a couple of minutes) I figured I would ask for help on here and possibly get some expert advice.

I went out and bought a multimeter but I really only know how to test continuity so if you say test this, I won't understand.

Any help would be more than appreciated. I will post pictures if necessary.

[tom66]

Re: Need some Help with VIZIO VP50 HDTV20A

A very common issue on these Samsung based plasma TVs is cold solder joints on the main power transistors. Switching off after 5/10 minutes is a good clue. Pictures & we can help more.

[jglongest]

Re: Need some Help with VIZIO VP50 HDTV20A

Here are the images. Thanks for your quick response!

[tom66]

Re: Need some Help with VIZIO VP50 HDTV20A

OK, so this is your PSU board.
https://www.badcaps.net/forum/attach...1&d=1361314355

Do you have a hairdryer? Or other portable heating appliance?

Get the TV running, then immediately begin heating the PSU. Does the TV shut off?

[jglongest]

Re: Need some Help with VIZIO VP50 HDTV20A

No, but I can get one, or buy a heatgun either one.

[tom66]

Re: Need some Help with VIZIO VP50 HDTV20A

If you don't have one we can dive in straight away looking for cold solder joints.

[jglongest]

Re: Need some Help with VIZIO VP50 HDTV20A

Tom, I borrowed heatgun from neighbor. After 5 minutes same thing. It makes a couple of clicking noises after it powers off and that small board under the main power board flickers green lights? I'm going to try and capture a video.

[tom66]

Re: Need some Help with VIZIO VP50 HDTV20A

OK, I'm not sure but I think you may still have cold joints. Can you remove the PSU board and take some clear photos? Unplug the TV for 5 minutes before doing this.

[jglongest]

Re: Need some Help with VIZIO VP50 HDTV20A

Update: After it powered off last, I powered it back on and it's been on for a little over 15 minutes. Maybe this fixed it. I'm going to run and get dinner, if this does fix it. Isn't there a better way to reflow the board. Like actually taking it off?

[tom66]

Re: Need some Help with VIZIO VP50 HDTV20A

Rule 1 of troubleshooting: A problem that goes away by itself is just as capable of coming back by itself.
A hairdryer is not an attempt to reflow the board. It is an attempt to diagnose it as the actual fault...

[jglongest]

Re: Need some Help with VIZIO VP50 HDTV20A

Just got back from dinner. It's been on almost 2 hours now. I understand this is a temporary fix? So do I have to get another power supply board in order for this to be a permanent fix.

[tom66]

Re: Need some Help with VIZIO VP50 HDTV20A

No. You can locate the cold joints and repair them with just a soldering iron. First take out PSU & take pictures of bottom. Unplug TV, wait 5 mins first.

[jglongest]

Re: Need some Help with VIZIO VP50 HDTV20A

Ya unfortunately. After I power it back on now it cuts off even sooner. say after 2 or 3 minutes I'm waiting 5 minutes and then I will take it off. Do I take pics of the bottom of the board.

[jglongest]

Re: Need some Help with VIZIO VP50 HDTV20A

Okay, here are the pictures from underneath the board. I took pics of each quadrant and a picture of the entire board.

[jglongest]

Re: Need some Help with VIZIO VP50 HDTV20A

I'm scanning the board now but I don't really know what to look for as far as cold solder joints. Let me know if you need larger pictures or if you know where the most common colder solder joint is on this particular board. I really appreciate your help tom66.

[retiredcaps]

Re: Need some Help with VIZIO VP50 HDTV20A

I'm scanning the board now but I don't really know what to look for as far as cold solder joints.

Examples.

https://www.badcaps.net/forum/attach...0&d=1249633213

http://workmanship.nasa.gov/lib/insp...uirements.html

[jglongest]

Re: Need some Help with VIZIO VP50 HDTV20A

I've looked over the board several times. I mean I see places that look dingy but nothing major? Can anyone see any blatant cold solder joints from my picture? Sorry I am a newb when it comes to this kind of stuff. Thanks again.

[tom66]

Re: Need some Help with VIZIO VP50 HDTV20A

Need a clearer picture to see cold joints.

I'd suggest resoldering every joint on any of the components mounted on the heatsinks.

[jglongest]

Re: Need some Help with VIZIO VP50 HDTV20A

So is that where it says clinch? Am I focusing on the large solder points that are the size of the eraser or the small ones where little piece of this metal is poking through?

[jglongest]

Re: Need some Help with VIZIO VP50 HDTV20A

Maybe you can see this image better. Do I apply more solder on the larger points or the small ones? Some of them appear to be touching each other (like bridging) but I'm not sure if they are supposed to do that or not...