TCL 43" Model 43S525

[BradW]

Was given this new TV that has backlight but no picture.

- When both T-Con ribbon cables that run down to the driver boards are
connected, I get no picture - just backlight.

- When I remove the left-side ribbon (facing back of TV), no picture.
- When I leave the left-side connected and remove the right-side ribbon cable, I get a good image on the right-side of the screen. Seems to be exactly half the screen.

- I've swapped ribbon cables and there's no change so I know the ribbon are good. I've inspected the T-Con and driver board and don't see any obvious burnt or missing components. (not that I expected to)

QUESTION: Is it more likely that the problem is with the T-Con board or the driver board? OR, is it anyone's guess?

Any suggestions on further troubleshooting? Do I start looking for shorts, etc.?

[neilc6]

Re: TCL 43" Model 43S525

Backlight but no video tcon is first suspect and boards are usually fairly inexpensive. You can try connecting one side at a time between tcon and panel. If one side is good, you have a fault in the panel on the bad side.

[BradW]

Re: TCL 43" Model 43S525

I did try that.
If I disconnect left side cable (from T-Con to driver board), I get a good picture on right side of screen.

If I connect only the right side, I get nothing on any part of the screen, just backlights.

Does this mean bad panel or something on the driver board?

[neilc6]

Re: TCL 43" Model 43S525

If you get a good image on one side, it means the tcon is good and there is a fault on the bad side. You can try blocking some pins from the tcon on the bad side with the tape cutoff method.

https://techhometravel.com/repair-of...lines-on-a-tv/

Sorry only scanned your original post. Assumed you didnt test one side at a time. You should have posted pics of the screen.

[BradW]

Re: TCL 43" Model 43S525

I'll post pictures of the screen in the next day or two and also try the crazy tape cutoff method. Learned a lot watching those videos in the link you sent. Thanks.

[vinceroger69]

Re: TCL 43" Model 43S525

On the bad side of the lcd panel board check for any shorted smd capacitors i have seen a few sets with bad smds causing this issue

[nomoresonys]

Re: TCL 43" Model 43S525

on the bad side of the lcd panel board check for any shorted smd capacitors i have seen a few sets with bad smds causing this issue

+1

[BradW]

Re: TCL 43" Model 43S525

If you get a good image on one side, it means the tcon is good and there is a fault on the bad side. You can try blocking some pins from the tcon on the bad side with the tape cutoff method.

https://techhometravel.com/repair-of...lines-on-a-tv/

Sorry only scanned your original post. Assumed you didn't test one side at a time. You should have posted pics of the screen.

neilc6, I watched some videos and did the tape cutoff method and narrowed it down to one clock signal line. Once I taped off just that one line (like doing micro-surgery), the TV looks perfect.
Thanks a million. I never would have known about that method.

[neilc6]

Re: TCL 43" Model 43S525

The other issue you may encounter with Roku TVs is the default backlight settings will burn them out so you should turn it down.

https://techhometravel.com/turn-down...l-in-roku-tvs/

[BradW]

Re: TCL 43" Model 43S525

Yes, I tell everyone the same. Most TV repairs you see on youtube are backlight issues.

This TV went to my nephew and the first thing he said was that he hates a bright TV so he turn backlight/brightness down low.

[ReeceyBurger123]

Re: TCL 43" Model 43S525

Brilliant work nice one

[Joetiii]

Re: TCL 43" Model 43S525

Ok so the tape method worked for me though I have some questions. Right now I have 8 or 9 pins covered and the screen looks as it did before it went blue. No horizontal lines that I can see. Should I go through and try to eliminate pins one by one? Or can I leave as is?

How long does this fix last?

What am I missing on screen with all the 8 pins covered?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts on this.

[nomoresonys]

Re: TCL 43" Model 43S525

check the video that says 4k tv fixed in the link in post #4.