Resource/Tips on How to Find Failed Components on Plasma TV PCBs

[Robb]

I have a plasma tv that is proving difficult to troubleshoot (turns off after three seconds). Unplugging boards and trying to get the tv to stay powered on is not working. I think I need to try and locate some of the faulty components on one of the boards but I need some pointers on how to go about doing so.

I have a Hitachi P50S602, multimeter, soldering iron, desoldering pump and solder. If anyone knows any pointer, where to begin and/or easy to understand resources on how to approach this issue, I would love to hear about it.

Incidentally, it passes a visual inspection, i.e. no bulging caps, blown fuses or resistors and no real sign of heat damage.

Thanks

[Caleb]

Re: Resource/Tips on How to Find Failed Components on Plasma TV PCBs

The most common failures are the buffers and y sustain. Tom has written a very helpful guide to diagnosing common plasma faults. In order to provide helpful information we would like specific make and model of TV in the thread title and pictures of entire back of TV as well as individual circuit boards.
You should be able to download a service manual HERE
It takes a few seconds for the download to show up

[Robb]

Re: Resource/Tips on How to Find Failed Components on Plasma TV PCBs

Thank you, Celeb. I was unable to diagnose a failure on either the buffers or y sustain (ohm test and separately disconnected buffers and disconnected y sustain). I've read Tom's guide and it is very helpful, but this particular plasma is elluding usual diagnosis so I'm trying to hunt down the failure by testing the individual components (others have indicated Hitachis are difficult to diagnose). I've provided the requested pics, below.

The plasma turns on for three seconds, displaying a pdp maldischarge, then turns off with a five blue led blink error code; according to the service manual, this means 1st possible cause - ADM, ABUS; 2nd possible cause - XSUS, Logic, PSU

Since the usual diagnosing methods do not appear to be working, I was hoping to find a resource on how to troubleshoot the components on the boards, but I appreciate the individualized help...unfortunately, there is very little discussion on the web about this particulr model.

[Robb]

Re: Resource/Tips on How to Find Failed Components on Plasma TV PCBs

I finally found a way to get the blinking light to stop. If I unplug the Logic Board and hit the power button, the TV's LED turns solid red, then, solid blue, then turns off without ever blinking. Does anyone know if that means the Logic Board is defective? When I unplug any other board, the only thing that changes is the number of blinks.

Edit: Tom answered my question...the Logic Board controls the blinking led code, so the lack of blinking light is to be expected. :/