TV only turns on with hairdryer(?)

FARGO

FARGO

FARGO

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5 Aug 2010
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Random one but I have a Samsung PS42A456 plasma TV that I've got a good bit of use out of over the last ~9 years.

However, for the last three months it won't turn on unless I heat the 'innards' through the back panel vents with a hairdryer. When switched on at the wall, the red standby light illuminates momentarily then goes out and the tv is unresponsive - it will only come to life if I go through the above method, every time I power on at the wall.

I've tried different fuses, different power leads and also a factory reset. Aside from leaving it plugged in and turned on at the wall (which I'm reluctant to do) is there anything anyone can recommend? It's done be proud over the years!

I believe it may be an issue with the capacitors being old and swollen - and I don't have the savvy to fix such things if that's the case :(
 
Haha! I found a video of a chap on YouTube using a hairdryer on a much smaller screen and it worked for him :D

I do feel like a wally doing it each time though!
 
Hi all, thanks for the replies. I've just realised how much of a skinflint I come across as! Once it's on, the tv works perfectly and has been set up with HD Basics etc so if there's anything easy I've missed, I'd rather give it ago before looking in to replacements.

It won't turn on from a 'cold' start, as in, having been switched off and then on at the wall. Once it's been hairdryered it can be turned on at the wall and in to standby mode, etc.

There's no reason that the to gets turned off at the wall at night, other than habit tbh. However, as I'm not entirely confident with the condition of the set, I'd rather not leave it plugged in 24/7, as unlikely as it bursting in to flames may be.

£75 per year over nine years has been great value so maybe I should be realistic and just invest in a new set :eek:
 
I've definitely had my monies worth! The annoying thing is that other than the process of turning it on, the set is fantastic and it'd be a shame to get rid if there's a relatively simple remedy.

I'll have the back off over the weekend and see if there's anything clearly amiss :)
 
Thanks for the very detailed explanation. I'll read a bit more around the topic before considering attempting a home fix.
 
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