Vizio E550VL screen fades

[jhardluck]

I'm having a issue with a Vizio E550VL. Wondering if I could get some advice? I'm trying to decide what needs to be replaced. I'm thinking the back light inverter or main board. When the TV is on the display is hard to see. It is dark especially towards the center. You can barely see the writing in the center. If I go to the menu and reset the TV to factory settings it displays perfect on the whole screen for a few minutes then, slowly starts to fade and darken. Any advice would be great. I am new to this sight and hope it is ok to to post on this thread. I have an old CRT in my house so, it would be great if I can get this TV working correctly. Thank you for any help. When I can I will open the back and take pictures.

[jhardluck]

Re: Vizio E550VL screen fades

This is a TC-P50S1. 7 blinking red lights, if I disconnect the SC board I get 6 blinking lights. If instead I disconnect the board on the opposite side(can't remember what it is called) I still get 7 blinking lights. I also tried disconnecting the upper and lower boards connected to the SC board but, this did not make a difference so, I believe the SC board is my problem. It has the glued on heat sinks so, I can't see if anything is blown. Everything visible looks fine. I can't seem to find a price under $130 for a board. Any suggestions where to get cheap parts?

[truep]

Re: Vizio E550VL screen fades

Put them each in their own thread! the Vizio is an LCD, the other is a plasma. they are totally different.

[Caleb]

Re: Vizio E550VL screen fades

Your Vizio sounds like the main board, if it was trouble in the inverters the reset wouldn't do any good. Its too bad you are all the way on the other side of the country Ive been looking for a screen for an E550VL.

[jhardluck]

Re: Vizio E550VL screen fades

Here are some photos of the boards.

[jhardluck]

Re: Vizio E550VL screen fades

Caleb, when you say main board which one are you talking about. I put pictures of the boards in the visio above.

[budm]

Re: Vizio E550VL screen fades

The one in the first pictures in post 5, it has the audio/video/tuner functions on it.

[Ltank]

Re: Vizio E550VL screen fades

The fact that the menu works fine then fades seems to prove the inverters and back lighting are working. I agree that it is the main board but without the schematic if front of me I am unable to tell you what to test on the main board itself.

[Caleb]

Re: Vizio E550VL screen fades

You could try freeze spray on different portions of the main board to see if you could get it to come back from the fade. It sounds as if it might be heat related as it gradually fades away. You can use canned air held upside down for freeze spray. Also have you tried all the inputs? and are they all the same?

[jhardluck]

Re: Vizio E550VL screen fades

Tried multiple inputs with the same results. I will try some canned air and let you know.

[jettboat]

Re: Vizio E550VL screen fades

I repaired one of these it was the main board, I started with reflow of the two ic under the large heat sinks. the tv was fine for 3-4 hrs then messed up again , turned it off then it would repeat, replaced it & it was good to go.