Buzz
Troubleshooting tips to resolve power issues prior to seeking professional TV repair services
Is your Sony TV unresponsive and failing to power on? Some older Sony TV models, especially Bravia series, may have been adversely affected by a firmware update from Sony, necessitating replacement of the main board or acquisition of a new TV. This guide presents steps to troubleshoot and restore functionality to your TV.
Swiftly Rectify a Sony TV That Fails to Activate
Utilize the Power button on the TV to eliminate remote control issues, and inspect the LED light(s) to verify power supply. Examine the power cord, experiment with different power outlets, and confirm correct input selection. If you possess an older TV afflicted by a faulty firmware update, reach out to Sony for assistance.
Procedures
Utilize the TV's power button in lieu of the remote control.
The remote control may be malfunctioning. If you're unable to power on the TV using the remote, the remote might have a depleted battery or could be faulty altogether. Attempt to switch on the TV by pressing the power button, typically located near the Sony logo. Refer to your TV's manual for precise guidance on its location.
Inspect the LED indicator.
Observe the LED light to determine power status. An illuminated LED indicates that the TV is receiving power, with the color—green, orange, or red—signifying its operational status. Different models may interpret the lights differently, so consult your manual for specific instructions. Alternatively, you can seek assistance from Sony's online support resources: here and here.
Ensure cables are securely connected.
An improperly connected cable may hinder your TV's startup. Ensure that the power cable is firmly plugged into both the wall socket and the back of your TV. If you're using an adapter block, confirm that the cable is securely attached to both ends of the block.
Perform a power cycle on your Sony TV.
A software glitch may prevent the TV from powering on. Disconnect the power cable leading to the wall socket. Once the TV is unplugged, press the Power button on the TV and wait approximately 2 minutes. Pressing the button without power supply drains any residual electricity.
- After 2 minutes, reconnect the power cable and wait 10-20 seconds before pressing the Power button to turn it on again.
Verify the functionality of the outlet.
The outlet may not be receiving power. Test plugging the TV into another outlet to determine if it powers on. Alternatively, try connecting a known working device (such as a lamp) to the current outlet to confirm power supply.
- In some households, a light switch controls the outlet's power supply. Ensure any such switch is turned 'On' to enable TV usage.
- Additionally, attempt plugging the TV directly into the wall outlet to eliminate issues with adapters or surge protectors.
Unplug all external devices.
An issue with a connected device could hinder your TV's startup. To rule out external devices like streaming sticks and set-top boxes as the cause, disconnect everything connected, such as your gaming console or a soundbar.
Switch the input source.
An incorrect input source can give the impression that the TV is not powering on. When using a streaming device or set-top box, ensure you select the input source corresponding to the port it's connected to. Selecting the wrong source may result in a black screen, even if you attempt to use the device's remote or a controller to navigate.
- Press the 'Input' button on your Sony TV remote, typically located in the top left corner opposite the 'Power' button. Continue pressing until you find the correct source for the connected device.
Restore to factory settings (for Android or Google TV).
Initiate a reset to address any potential hindrances to power-up. If your Sony TV remains unresponsive, utilize the buttons (not the remote) to force a factory reset, even if the TV is powered off. The procedure varies depending on the number of buttons your TV possesses:
- Single button: Disconnect the TV, press and hold the Power button, then reconnect the TV. Maintain pressure on the Power button until a white LED light illuminates, then release it. The TV will undergo two factory resets and restarts.
- Three buttons: Unplug the TV, press and hold the Power button, and plug it back in. Continue holding the Power button until a green LED light appears, then release it. The TV will undergo two factory resets and restarts.
- More than three buttons: Disconnect the TV from power, then simultaneously press and hold both the 'Power' and 'Volume Down' buttons while reconnecting the TV to the wall socket. Wait 10-30 seconds for a green LED light, then release the buttons. Subsequently, use your remote to navigate to Home > Settings > Storage & reset > Factory data reset > Erase everything > Yes.
Suggestions
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Some older Sony TVs commonly encounter issues with the power board or main board. If you're confident in your DIY skills, consider replacing your TV's power board or main board instead of opting for a new purchase.
