TV won't turn on or has no picture: repair or replace?
⏱ 5 min read · 💲 $20–$120 in boards · Updated 2026-09-27 ·
Power boards, backlights and T-con boards cover most TV failures. Two are cheap; one is tedious. Here's how to tell which one you have.
Symptom guide
| Symptom | Likely part | DIY | Pro cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dead — no standby light | Power supply board | Moderate ($30–$80 board) | $120–$250 |
| Sound but black screen; image visible with flashlight | LED backlight strips | Tedious (full teardown) | $150–$400 |
| Vertical lines, half-screen, colour bands | T-con board or panel | T-con easy ($20–$60); panel = replace TV | $120–$250 / N/A |
| Cracked screen | Panel | No | Usually exceeds TV value |
The replacement math
If a quote exceeds 50% of a comparable new TV, replace. For a 4-year-old 55" set worth $350 new, a $200 backlight repair is borderline; a $120 power-board repair is worth it.
Capacitor warning: power boards hold charge after unplugging. Wait 10 minutes and avoid touching component legs.
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