Picture this: it’s been a long day, and you finally settle down on the couch, ready to unwind by catching up on your favorite TV show. However, as you reach for the remote and press the power button, you’re greeted with an unexpected and frustrating situation.
Your television emits a persistent, high-pitched noise, and despite your repeated attempts, it simply refuses to turn on. We’ve all experienced the exasperation of dealing with a malfunctioning electronic device, but fear not!
In the following sections, we’ll explore the most common causes of a TV emitting a high-pitched noise and failing to power on.
From simple technical glitches to more complex hardware issues, we’ll shed light on each possibility and guide you through the steps to troubleshoot and resolve the problem. Remember, it’s always best to exercise caution and consult a professional if you’re uncertain about any repairs involving your television.
Understanding the High-Pitched Noise:
Common reasons behind high-pitched noise: A high-pitched noise emanating from your TV can be attributed to various factors, such as electrical issues, malfunctioning components, or interference. These may include faulty capacitors, a failing power supply board, or problems with the backlight inverter board.
Recognizing the different types of noises: It’s crucial to identify the type of noise your TV is producing, as this can provide valuable clues about the underlying problem. Noises can range from buzzing or humming sounds to hissing or crackling noises. Understanding these distinctions will help in narrowing down the issue. Below is a breakdown of what each sound means:
In normal circumstances, the TV may make some noises. However, the noise is soft and bearable. If the noise is high-pitched, it’s a symptom of an internal problem. Below are the normal noises a TV can make.
Humming
When you switch on the TV, the fan triggers air circulation, which results in humming. It will also produce a humming voice when the air in the filters cools the TV.
Squealing Noises
When transformers and power inductors’ windings and cores become loose, they produce an irritating and squealing noise. You can fix the problem by spray painting the squealing part. If you hear the noise when the TV set is off, then the problem is with the power supply. The problem doesn’t necessarily have to be from the power source. The noise is a sign of shorted components that cause a power surge to your TV.
Clicking
When power flows to the capacitor from the power supply, you’ll hear some clicking noise. The noise starts when you suddenly activate the power when switching on the TV.
Crackling
An electrical charge may cause some components of the TV to expand. When it happens, you may hear some crackling noise. The noise is normal when the crackling is soft. However, if the crackling is high-pitched, it could mean some damage to the power supply or the capacitors.
TV Making High Pitched Noise and Won’t Turn On Causes
TVs have become complex as technology advances. It’s harder for a non-expert to diagnose and fix minor TV problems. However, you can detect some problems with the capacitor or the power supply.
Although you may not do repairs on your own, It helps you take proper action and seek help from the right people. The capacitor and power supply are the main reasons a TV may cause high-pitched noise and won’t turn on. Let’s check how the problems occur.
Faulty Capacitor
TV capacitors are electronic components used in television sets and other electronic devices to store and release electrical energy.
Capacitors are passive components that consist of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material called a dielectric. When a voltage is applied across the plates, the capacitor stores energy in the electric field between them.
Capacitors can degrade over time, especially if they are subjected to high temperatures, voltage fluctuations, or prolonged use. Common issues with capacitors include bulging or leaking electrolyte, which can lead to malfunctioning or failed TV components.
Inspecting and repairing electronics require technical knowledge and skills. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is recommended to seek professional assistance or consult a qualified technician.
Below is a quick guide on how to inspect your TV capacitors:
Note: Before working on any electronic device, ensure it is disconnected from the power source to avoid the risk of electric shock.
- Open the TV: Use the appropriate tools to open the TV casing. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or seek online resources for guidance specific to your TV model.
- Locate the capacitors: Once the TV casing is removed, locate the capacitors on the TV’s power supply board. Capacitors are cylindrical in shape and often have a metal top with markings indicating their values.
- Observe physical signs: Inspect each capacitor visually for signs of physical damage or failure. Look for bulging or domed tops, leakage, electrolyte residue, or any blackened or burnt marks around the capacitor.
- Check for leaking or bulging capacitors: Capacitors with bulging tops or leakage are clear indications of failure. The bulging occurs due to the buildup of internal pressure or electrolyte leakage. If you find any leaking or bulging capacitors, they need to be replaced.
- Measure capacitance (optional): If you have a multimeter with a capacitance measuring function, you can test the capacitance of the suspected capacitors. However, this requires desoldering the capacitor from the circuit, and it may not always be necessary for a basic inspection.
- Replace damaged capacitors: If you find any capacitors with physical damage or signs of failure, it is recommended to replace them. Identify the values and ratings of the damaged capacitors and purchase suitable replacements. When replacing capacitors, ensure you use capacitors with the same or higher voltage rating and capacitance value.
Power Supply
Like other electrical appliances, a TV needs a direct current to operate. However, the sockets have alternating currents. Thus, the TV uses a rectifier circuit to convert alternating current into direct current.
This conversion happens at the relay switch. If the switch is faulty at activation, the TV doesn’t get enough power supply, resulting in high-pitched noise. Below is a step by step guide on how to inspect your television’s power supply:
- Check the power cable: Ensure that the power cable is securely connected to both the TV and the power outlet. If you’re using a power strip or surge protector, make sure it is functioning properly.
- Verify power outlet: Test the power outlet by plugging in a different electronic device to confirm that it is providing power. If the device powers on, the outlet is likely working fine.
- Power button: Press the power button on the TV or the remote control. If there’s no response, proceed to the next steps.
- Check indicator lights: Look for any indicator lights on the TV. If there is no sign of power (e.g., no standby light), it could indicate a power supply issue.
- Power supply board: Open the TV’s back panel carefully, following proper safety precautions. Locate the power supply board, which is usually near where the power cord connects.
- Visual inspection: Inspect the power supply board for any physical damage, such as burnt components, bulging capacitors, or loose connections. If you notice any obvious issues, it’s likely a power supply problem.
- Voltage testing: Use a multimeter to test the voltage outputs of the power supply board. Refer to the TV’s service manual or the manufacturer’s specifications for the expected voltages at different points on the board. If you notice significantly lower or no voltage readings, it could indicate a faulty power supply.
Replacement or repair: If you’ve identified a faulty power supply, you have a few options. You can either replace the power supply board if it’s a separate module or seek professional repair if it’s integrated into the TV’s main board.
Blown Fuse
A TV fuse is a small, protective device located inside a television set that helps to prevent damage to the TV’s components in the event of an electrical surge or malfunction.
A fuse protects a TV set from an unexpected power surge. However, it may blow and interfere with the normal performance of the TV. In some instances, the TV won’t turn on.
You may experience the TV’s black screen of death when it blows.
If your TV is not functioning properly or not turning on at all, it’s possible that the fuse has blown. Replacing a TV fuse can be a bit tricky as it requires some technical knowledge and skill. Here are a few steps you can follow if you suspect a blown fuse in your TV:
- Unplug the TV
- Locate the fuse: The fuse is typically located near the power supply section of the TV, which is often at the back of the unit. You may need to remove the TV’s back cover or access panel to reach the fuse.
- Inspect the fuse: A blown fuse will have a broken filament or a discolored appearance. If you’re unsure, you can use a multimeter to test the continuity of the fuse.
- Replace the fuse: If you have confirmed that the fuse is blown, you’ll need to replace it with an identical fuse. The specifications of the fuse can usually be found in the TV’s user manual or by contacting the manufacturer. It’s essential to use the same type and rating of fuse to ensure proper protection and avoid further damage.
- Reassemble and test: Once you’ve replaced the fuse, reassemble the TV carefully, ensuring that all connections are secure. Plug the TV back into the power source and turn it on to see if it functions properly. If the TV still doesn’t work or the fuse blows again, there may be an underlying issue that requires professional repair.
On TV Making High Pitched Noise and Won’t Turn On
When your TV makes high-pitched noise and won’t turn on, it has a problem with the power supply or the capacitor. However, other reasons may cause high-pitched noise. For instance, the noise may come from the vibration of parts like the coil, choke, deflection yoke, Ferrite beads, or the horizontal flyback transformer. These parts produce noise after long exposure to fluctuating current and inevitable deflecting current.
Other reasons may be third-party components, interference from the loudspeaker, or the position of your TV. However, these reasons do not prevent your TV from turning on.
References:
- https://droidrant.com/ why-is-my-samsung-tv-making-a-high-pitched-noise/
- https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00012291
- https://www.gadgetreview.com/how-to-fix-black-screen-on-tv
Meet Mike O’Connor, (a DIY enthusiast), living in Cincinnati, a city ranked as the noisiest in the USA.
As a work from home dad, I have a first hand experience of how noise can truly affect your well being.
Soundproofing isn’t something that should be taken as a hobby, it should be a skill that every homeowner should be equipped with.
Most of the work documented on this blog comes from purely first hand experience, and the products recommended work as indicated.