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General discussion

Samsung LCD TV LN32A330 power won't turn on

Jan 4, 2010 9:45AM PST

My 1 1/2 year-old LCD TV model LN32A330 won't turn on by direct and
remote today. The red stand-by light is lit, but never blinks and
the TV won't power up. Are there any people who have got same problem?
And what is the solution?

Any inputs and responses are very appreciated.

Acoust

Discussion is locked

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Please top post this with
Apr 13, 2011 7:43AM PDT

Be sure to make your own new post (now be nice) and add your TRANSACTION number so it can be escalated if it can be.

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Help
Apr 13, 2011 12:31PM PDT

Read all the posts here on this subject. I think you might see a good course of action that will not require your shipping the TV anywhere.
Actually, if you can remove the power supply board and send just that, it would not cost much at all. The power supply board is about the size of an ipad, and would easily fit into a flat rate priority mail box.
It takes just a phillips screwdriver to remove the power supply board, but you still have to be knowledgeable enough to do this type of thing. You have to remove the back of the TV, then you will see the power supply board mounted near the middle, just to the left of the board that has all the i/o connectors. The likely problem on the board is a single 2200 uf @10 volt capacitor. If it is bulged out on top, it's probably bad. It's a small little thing, about the size of a 9mm pistol cartridge. If you see any other capacitors on the board that are bulged out, you should replace those also. But ususually I have found the single 2200 uf capacitor to be the problem.

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Solution
Apr 26, 2011 11:01AM PDT

I have the exact same problem as everyone else here. My 32" Samsung LCD just didn't turn on one day. I bought mine in October 2008. I called Samsung and they pretty much gave me a no option scenario...go figure. Well, I did the research online and figured out my problem. It was a blown capacitor. Specifically the 2200uF capacitor. Yes, I had to take the back off my TV and look at the circuit board.

Seeing as I am a 29 year old female, I thought I had no chance in ever fixing this problem. But, I grew confidence as read forums and watched youtube videos. I figured out which capacitor was blown from the pictures and descriptions I got from online. If you haven't researched yet, it is a cylinder shaped piece that is bulging on top. I only saw one that had blown. I looked in RadioShack but could not find the right capacitor. The only place that carried the 2200uF was Fry's Electronics and some independent specialty stores. I bought 2 capacitors at Fry's (just in case I messed up). They were only $3 total!

I took my circuit board to work where I had a soldering iron - which I have never used before. But after seeing the youtube videos, and talking with a few of my friends, I felt I could do a good job. I desoldered the old capacitor out of the circuit board and then soldered in the new one. It took me about 15min total. Trust me, I was nervous. No one else was around because it was 5:30pm on a Friday night. I have never done anything like this before and in no way am I familiar with circuit boards or soldering. But despite my lack of practice, I did a good enough job, because when I put the board back in the TV, it turned on!!

I do have to say, my dad is pretty proud of me! I saved $400-500 and spent only $3. Incredible. So please, at least look at forums and pictures before sending in the TV. If you aren't confident with soldering or at least attempting to solder, ask around; there are plenty of people that will help with such a simple fix.

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Great work, Siamatico.
Apr 27, 2011 4:21AM PDT

Very nicely done. FYI, I have noticed over the years that women are better at soldering than most men!

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Thank you for your story.
Jan 23, 2012 8:41AM PST

I wanted to let you know that your story really encouraged me to try and fix the tv myself. I was a little nervouse, but i figured if another lady out there could do it i could too. Sounds so sad but hey its the truth and now i feel great about it. lol!! Not to mention my dad was pretty damn proud of me too Happy thanks for sharing.

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Oh I need your help!
Feb 9, 2012 8:57AM PST

I had the same prolem with my Samsung LN32B360C5D. Turned it on, red indicator light started flashing and the tv never came on. Talked to a Samsung guy who was stupid and claimed to know nothing about it and then I read some posts on another site. Turns out it is a capacitor problem. The reason you read about some people getting a free fix from Samsung is that there was a recall because of this problem and Samsung was fixing it on a limited basis. They would not publicize the recall, which is why people kept buying the tv's. Samsung also owns Sony (or vice versa), so the same problem happened to my Sony tv, which is why I replaced it with the Samsung! Got all of this info from Best Buy because the Samsung guy suggested I talk to them. Found out the recall has expired, and that's why you're no longer being offered the fix. Another poster is correct that it's not just a Samsung/Sony problem. LG tv's had the same issue.
So, I went out and bought a new tv (Vizio and made sure to get a three-year extended warranty!) after taking the Samsung to a repair guy who said it would cost $200 to fix! Then he asked if he could have it. I of course said no, and brought it home. So now ladies,I need you to tell me again how to fix it!

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Samsung LCD TV LN32A330 power won't turn on
Mar 6, 2011 1:30AM PST

That entire model is faulty - I suspect its an issue with the capacitor - built in China with cheap copper
Samsung will do a free repair but be careful, the cost of shipping the tv both ways is sometimes more than the value of the tv.

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(NT) Built with "cheap copper?" Nonsense!
Apr 27, 2011 3:16PM PDT
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Cheap Copper?
May 22, 2011 8:26AM PDT

There is no copper inside a capacitor, let alone "cheap" copper. I suspect you meant "cheap quality".

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The story is worse than that.
May 22, 2011 8:35AM PDT

If you google BAD CAPS you can get the full story of a stolen formula and the millions of dead Dell desktops and now this.

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Demand satisfaction???
May 22, 2011 8:40AM PDT

Anyone who "demands" service should know you are guaranteed to receive less-than-top-notch service. I've been on that receiving end of demanding customers both with tv repair and with car repair. 99 percent of my customers were polite, understanding, and respectful of the business policies and practices I was obligated to work under. In return, they always got my best service and any little "extras" I was able to provide. They understood we were a team working together to reach a satisfactory outcome.

There is no advantage to anyone denying service or free repairs for a product. General Motors and RCA haven't learned that and it's why, after many years of their business practices, they can't find repeat customers. Most other manufacturers want to help their customers but there is a limit to how much they can give away before the financial strain catches up to that generosity.


If you demand satisfaction, be aware you just might get it. For the rest of us who are appreciative of any help offered by the manufacturer, we might get more than we expected.

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Hi question...
Jun 18, 2011 7:09AM PDT

Yes but did you have to pay to ship the tv to them? or did they send someone to you to fix it? I have a 32" and they want me to ship it to them in new jersey...

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Hi question...
Jun 27, 2011 5:22AM PDT

rockee2003,

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response
Jan 23, 2012 8:00AM PST

It was a blown out capacitator. Instead of paying to ship it to New Jersey or wherever, i studied youtube videos and changed it out myself. I saved hundreds of dollars. Its a shame you would of charged me so much to ship it when its a $5 dollar fix! Shaking my head. I still like samsung but a little disapointed in the service.

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LN40A550 wouldn't turn on - Samsung will fix
Jun 26, 2011 6:47AM PDT

My Samsung wouldn't turn on either (blinky red light but no picture) but the Samsung Service Center said they knew about capacitors being a power source problem. There is a one time, free of charge repair if the problem is the capacitors. They gave me a number to a Service Center in the area without me even asking about it. I'll contact them tomorrow.

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Just do it yourself!
Jul 1, 2011 12:05PM PDT
Don't count on Samsung to admit ANYTHING! I spoke to two different representatives at Samsung Customer Service: Neither acknowledged that this was a common problem, even when I directly asked about problems with capacitors. (I had already done my homework before I called.) In fact, one of the Reps told me that it was DEFINITELY NOT the capacitors based on the fact that there was simply NO powering up of the t.v.!!!!!

I don't have time for dealing with this kind of underhanded business. SO, I took the advice on this thread, as well as others, watched videos about capacitors and how to solder correctly (as these parts involve smaller, more detailed soldering than I had experience with). Found a 2200uF/16V capacitor to replace the suspect capacitor with. My brother helped me to get the t.v. down off of the wall-mount while my husband made a stop at the electronics store.


I was actually HAPPY to find a blown capacitor! I figured I was going down the right path! When my husband arrived with the capacitor, we accomplished the entire "removal and replacement" of the capacitor in 10 minutes. Hung the t.v. back on the wall and I pressed the button and it didn't go on on the first try! But, on the second more affirmative press of the power button, ALAS!!!! Power on! Cable wires connected . . .cable is running fine . . . t.v. is good as new. Well, hopefully! <div>

About an hour of research time. A short trip across town to a "reputable" electronics shop ($2 for capacitor, $5 more for solder wicking and proper gauge wire) = $7.00 cost total!!! (Note: I replaced the 2200 uF/10V capacitor with a 2200 uF/16V capacitor.)


I love this stuff! Thanks to everyone who entered the information that led me to believe it was truly a fix-it-yourself opportunity! Don't be scared, if you're thinking of trying it! It's very easy and very rewarding! (Hmmmmm . . . all the things I can buy with all of the money I saved!)
</div>
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samsung lcd tv
Jul 2, 2011 5:08AM PDT

On Tuesday our almost 3 year old 42 inch Samsung LCD tv would'nt turn on, nothing, no clicking, no blinking red light. I called our local repairman and he wanted $150 just to look at it. (And we would have had to haul it to his shop) I looked on here and saw that other people had the same issue and there was even mention somewhere of a class action suit. I went to the Samsung website, did a live chat with tech support, gave him the serial # and date of purchase (I luckily found the receipt of purchase). Even tho the warranty had run out, he said as others have mentioned on here that Samsung would provide a one-time fix if it was the capacitor at no charge. Called the Support number he gave me, at first she said it wasn't covered, but when I told her the tech guy said it was, she connected me with another customer rep who said yes, that it was covered. (So, be firm when you call) On Friday morning, a technician came to our house, (since our tv is over 40 inches) took a look, and yes, it was the capacitor. He repaired it...free of charge! Thanks to CNet and other commenters for the information that helped get our tv repaired at no cost! And thanks to Samsung for the excellent, efficient customer service. Love this TV, and have always had good luck with Samsung products.

On a funny sidenote...every time someone would say "capacitor" I would always think "flux capacitor" from the Back to the Future movies. : )

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Lucky!
Jul 10, 2011 4:28AM PDT

You lucky, mine is 32" i live in ca and they want me to pay to ship it to new jersey to have it repaired. i think im gonna try it myself. seems easy enough.

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Did you try the retailer?
Aug 1, 2011 4:02AM PDT

Even though I didn't get the extended warranty, Best Buy came out and fixed my TV for me. I had a similar issue in that Samsung demanded I ship it cross country because it was only 32". I guess they figure people with small televisions don't mind being without their TV longer or paying for shipping on in warranty service.

I wouldn't have minded so much if they hadn't refused to pay to shipping. Here's how my story ended up - I think it cost Samsung about $800.

http://forums.cnet.com/7723-13973_102-397222.html?tag=mncol;1f

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tv wont turn on
Jul 31, 2011 11:43PM PDT

My husband and I are having the same problem with ours. It went from taking 5 mins to turn on and now it won't. The light red power light flashes and the little "beep" noise it does to say that it is turning keeps doing the same notes. And it won't turn on. This is load of crap.model ln4oa530p1fxza

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Samsung now pays for shipping for this repair
Dec 31, 2011 1:41AM PST

Have the same problem. Called Samsung and it's the capacitor problem, will do the one time fix for free. It's already out of warranty. But they will be sending me a RMA label and will be picking up the shipping cost to New Jersey. Not sure if this is new or not but if you don't feel like doing the repair yourself, it looks like Samsung will pay for shipping now for 32" TV's.

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LN32A330J1D fixed by replacing just one capacitor
Jan 18, 2012 7:52AM PST

I just wanted to add my thanks for the guidance that was posted here and on other sites. My Samsung 32 inch LCD HDTV stopped working suddenly a few days ago, just no power up, only a red light on the power switch, and no clicking. We had the TV for 3 years and 5 months when it failed. After reading the accounts of people who had eventually gotten a repair authorization from Samsung, I decided not to even call them. I knew that my TV was beyond the 36 months from purchase that Samsung is covering in their hidden extended warranty, and that I would need to spend hours talking to customer service staff and trying to escalate the problem, probably to be told that I was out of luck. I was also not interested in approving payment to a repair person in the case that they found something besides a capacitor that had failed.

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I joined the class action suit
Jan 18, 2012 7:56AM PST

Just another comment. I also searched the Abington Cole law firm Samsung TV class action group and submitted my information. Sorry Samsung, 3 years is just too short of a life for a new TV. Shame on you for installing under voltage components. I'll look at other manufacturers' TVs next time.

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Just a tip.
Jan 18, 2012 8:10AM PST

Be sure you join one that names the maker of the failed component. I've seen a few of these and they are doomed. Your first or second year law student can fill you in why this must be done.

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whoa!
Jan 19, 2012 11:12AM PST

it's quite unfortunate. I bought a similar one from LG almost same time,and it is wonderful. Nevertheless, some people say, to get a good electronics is just a matter of luck. But I don't think so because I have been an LG fan for over some years now, and non of the products have failed me.

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good one there
Jan 19, 2012 11:16AM PST

I really don't know how to help,but have you ever tried other brands like LG? you never can tell.

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Me Too!
Jan 23, 2012 8:10AM PST

Me too, I did the same thing. They wanted to charge me so much to ship it from california to the east coast. I eventually called a local repair guy but he wanted $300 bucks just to come out...Out of desperation and determination I watched you tube videos of how to change a capacitor. and I was able to do it myself. $1.99 for a new capacitor, $7.99 for a saudering kit (i returned it when i was done). a screwdriver and i was in business. I was nervous but i did it and its been working great now.

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I FOUND OUT HOW TO FIX FOR FREE
Apr 19, 2012 7:56AM PDT

HEY GUYS. I HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AS ALL OF YOU. YOU NEED TO CALL 1-800-SAMSUNG. TELL THEM WHATS HAPPENING WITH YOU LCD AND TELL THEM THAT YOU HAD A TECHNICIAN LOOK AT IT AND THAT HE OR SHE SAID THE LCD HAS BAD "CAPACITORS", THEY WILL THEN TRANSFER YOU WHERE U WILL HAVE TO GIVE THE TV'S MODEL NUMBER AND SERIAL NUMBER, THEN WILL DISPATCH A LOCAL REPAIR MAN FOR FREEEEEEEEE. ITS A ONE TIME FIX. ALSO, IF IT TURNS OUT TO BE THE POWERBOARD, THEY WILL ALSO FIX THIS FOR FREE ONE TIME. HOPE THIS HELPS. I KNOW I SPENT ALMOST THREE THOUSAND ON MY LCD OVER A YEAR AGO. NO WAY WAS I GONNA JUST THROW IT OUT.

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Are you sure?
Apr 21, 2012 3:06AM PDT

I called them back in January and they refused to fix it.

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i just had my samsung fixed by samsung,and it broke again
Jun 12, 2012 7:02AM PDT

i just recently had the capacitors changed by samsung and the lcd worked fine for three days, now off all the sudden the screen goes black, u can still here audio, but so video. if i shut the tv off overnight it works again the next day then shortly after it goes black again, has anyone every experienced this.???