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Vizio TV Black Screen of Death (Try THIS Fix First!)

September 1, 2022 by Chris Godwin

Do you also have the Vizio TV black screen of death issue? This issue can be caused by several circumstances, including loose connections, a screen mute, an active sleep timer, or a software error.

To resolve this, you will need to go through many troubleshooting procedures.

Vizio is an American corporation primarily known for its televisions.

Television sets are the company’s principal product category, with models ranging from Full HD TVs to HDR TVs, Smart TVs, and OLED TVs, to mention a few.

Aside from televisions, the company also sells a variety of soundbar types.

Contents

Vizio TV Black Screen of Death

If your Vizio TV is stuck on the black screen of death, you must reset it. Unplug your television and wait 60 seconds. Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds while the TV is unplugged. After 60 seconds, reconnect your Vizio TV, and it should operate.

Sometimes the above solution does not solve the problem. In that instance, the issue is usually one of hardware.

However, before troubleshooting the hardware, you should try a few more practical and simple troubleshooting techniques.

Unplug Vizio TV from the wall

Cause– This helps to drain any remaining power in the TV and allows it to soft reset itself. It is not the same as simply turning the remote on and off!

Solution – While this may appear a simple solution, removing your Vizio TV from the wall socket (power cycling) is the most typical technique to resolve the black screen of death.

The goal here is to wait the entire 60 seconds. Please be patient and wait a minute before plugging it back in.

Find and hold the power button on your Vizio TV for 30 seconds while it is unplugged. Check that you’re holding the power button on your TV, not the remote!

This helps to drain any remaining power in the TV and allows it to soft reset itself. This is not the same as simply turning the remote on and off!

When you plug the TV back in after 60 seconds, it should power back up without issue.

Unplug Vizio TV from the wall

While this remedy should work in 90% of circumstances, the other 10% may be more difficult. If your Vizio TV still displays the black screen of death, try the solutions listed below.

Check all the HDMI Connection

Cause- We inspect the wires to ensure that the device plugs are secure, the outlets are operational, and no fuses have blown.

Solution – Check that the cords connecting to your Vizio TV are tight and secure. HDMI cables, power cables, and even audio cables are included.

If you have a defective HDMI connection connecting your Vizio TV to a multimedia device, you will likely get the black screen of death. Use a new HDMI cable to see if this solves your Vizio TV’s black screen problem.

Even after attempting various HDMI cables, you may still experience the black screen of death. If your TV has another HDMI port, connect the HDMI cables to that port instead, as the problem could be caused by the HDMI port you are now using.

If you have anything connected to your TV via HDMI, double-check the connections! That entails disconnecting them and then securely plugging them back in.

As the popularity of HDMI streaming devices such as Roku and Firestick grows, an increasing number of Vizio TV owners are reporting the black screen of death.

And it’s frequently due to a faulty HDMI connection. There are several types of bad HDMI connections:

Check all the HDMI Connection

  • Loose HDMI connection
  • Faulty HDMI port
  • Bad HDMI cable

If you’ve established that the connection is secure, double-check that you’re on the correct Input channel as well.

To do so, locate the HDMI port on the back of your television. There should be a label or some writing on your TV above the HDMI connector identifying which HDMI port number it is.

Take note of that number (HDMI “2” in the preceding example).

Then, using your Vizio TV remote (NOT your Roku or Firestick remote, if you’re using them), press the SOURCE button (or INPUT). You’ll probably have to toggle this several times before discovering the correct television input.

I’d try connecting to a separate HDMI port if the connection is secure and you’re on the correct input.

Vizio TVs frequently include several ports, sometimes as many as four! Try a different port and see if you can get the image back.

If it doesn’t work, the last option is to change the HDMI cable you’re using and see if that helps.

Check the power Source

You must ensure that the Vizio TV receives adequate power from its power supply.

If the TV’s power cord is linked to a power strip, unplug it from the power strip and connect the power wire directly to the power outlet.

Attempt to use the Vizio TV remote’s Menu button. If the menu does not appear after pushing the menu button, there may be a problem with the power supply.

A faulty or frayed power cord will cause your Vizio TV to display a black screen.

Check if the Vizio power light turns on after connecting it directly to the power outlet. Wait for the TV to turn on by pressing the power button. It could be due to a power board problem if it does not turn on.

The power supply board of the television may need to be changed. Because replacing power supply boards necessitates using specialized tools, you should have this done at a service center.

An issue with the Vizio TV backlight

Cause- You can determine the specific cause of the issue and whether your LCD TV’s power supply needs to be repaired by testing it.

Solution – If your Vizio TV is turned on (the power indicator is green and you hear audio), but there is no picture on the screen, it is most likely due to a malfunctioning LED power strip on the backlight.

To troubleshoot the problem, turn on the TV and shine a flashlight (the flashlight on your phone would also work) close to the TV’s screen. I recommend shutting off all lights to make it easier to view.

If the screen is operational, you will see a very dim image on the television.

Check to see if the TV responds to commands with the remote. I recommend you test the volume and input keys on the remote.

You may have to move the light around to discover the location of the TV’s user interface on the screen. You’ll almost certainly see a faint visual if you hear auditory cues.

If you shine a flashlight on the screen and see a dim image, and the remote controls the TV, that’s good news. It signifies that the TV’s T-CON and mainboard are both operational.

In that instance, the issue is most likely with the LED backlights on the TV.

Replacing Vizio LED Backlight Strips

Cause- There are several causes of backlight problems, including water and drop damage. TVs produce images that are presented on screens by allowing a filtered light system at the back of the display to do its work.

Make that the replacement LED has the same specifications as the defective one before replacing the damaged one.

Solution – TV backlights are made up of strips of LED lights. If one of the lights in the strip fails, the entire strip fails.

It is simpler to replace the full strip than to repair a single faulty LED bulb. Backlight LED strips for your specific TV model can be ordered online.

Replacing the LED backlight strips is a pain because there are numerous screws to remove, and all of the bezels must be disassembled.

You will also need to remove the glass panel, which is delicate and costly to replace.

In other words, if you’re acquainted with disassembling TVs, I’d solely propose replacing LED backlight strips.

If you don’t want to do the project yourself, you could hire a Vizio technician or a TV repair shop to fix it for you; however, this would be more expensive.

Replacing Vizio LED Backlight Strips

Depending on how many strips you need, replacing the LED backlight strips will typically cost between $100 and $200. Most TVs feature 9 to 12 LED backlight strips; however, some have more, depending on size.

Replacing your TV’s LED backlight strips is a hazardous project, but it could solve the black screen of death and save you hundreds of dollars in official repairs.

Replacing the T-CON Board

Cause- A little board called the Dynex T-Con Board is typically put on LCD HDTVs. It regulates the logic signal used to drive the TV gate and source, often known as the “Control Board.”

Solution

If you don’t see any image, even with a light shining directly into the screen, your Vizio TV’s T-CON board is most likely faulty.

The TV T-CON board is in charge of producing the image on the screen.

While it may appear difficult at first, replacing the T-CON board on television is a rather simple DIY undertaking.

Replacement T-CON boards can be found by searching for your TV’s model number on internet markets such as eBay or Amazon. T-CON boards are not expensive, typically costing less than $100.

Fortunately, replacing a TV’s T-CON board is significantly simpler than replacing the LED backlights. Simply remove the TV’s rear panel, disconnect the ribbon wires on the T-CON board, remove the screws, pop it out, and replace it in the same area.

Replacing T-CON Board For Vizio TV

It simply takes a couple of minutes. Normally, the panel is connected using four screws and two to three ribbon cables.

Do a Flashlight Test

If you hear sound from your Vizio TV but see no image, it signifies that either the display panel has failed or one of the screen components has been broken internally. So, to get into the true problem, you should now use the flashlight test by following the procedures below.

  • Make sure you have a bright flashlight and that it is turned on.
  • Then, try putting yourself about two inches away from your TV screen and shining the light on it.

Check If the backlight is broken

  • This is how you can use a flashlight to see a picture on the screen. [If this occurs, it indicates that the inverter board in the TV has failed.]

In that case, simply disregard the previous solutions and call Vizio or your local TV repair professional for more assistance.

Check Power and Connectivity

Cause- To ensure that there is no power cut and all the cables are connected nicely.

Solution – It’s also conceivable that there’s a problem with your Vizio TV’s power and connectivity. Check for any loose connections with the power wire or the power outlet. You can also hard reset your Vizio TV by following the steps below:

  • Unplug the power cord and turn off the Vizio TV.
  • Then, for around 30 seconds, press and hold the TV’s Power button.
  • Release the power button and reconnect the television.
  • If you’re attempting to test the picture from a device, such as a cable box, try a different device. If this fails, try accessing the television’s settings menu.

Replace the Power Board

Cause- To avoid overheating of the power board.

Solution – You should also attempt replacing the power board, which can be problematic for some users depending on the model number. However, it is also advised to do so if other options do not work for you. Make sure to follow the instructions below.

  • To protect the TV screen, use a soft cloth or towel.
  • Then, depending on the size/type of screws on the Vizio TV, you’ll need a screwdriver.
  • Then, purchase a container to store all of the screws you’ve removed, so they don’t go missing.
  • Turn the TV upside down on a flat table and place some cushion under it for further protection.
  • Now, use the screwdriver to remove all of the rear screws.
  • Locate all of the fuses on the Vizio TV and replace any that have blown.
  • Make a point of locating and removing any damaged or exposed power wires.
  • Then simply unscrew the screws holding the power board and remove the old board.
  • Replace the old board in the same location and reconnect all of the wires and cables.
  • Tighten the screws again, then replace the television’s rear cover and tighten the screws again.
  • Finally, connect the TV to a power source and see if that resolves the problem.

Vizio TV support

If you’ve done all of the above troubleshooting procedures and your Vizio TV is still turning on by itself, you should contact the Vizio TV support team immediately.

You can call them at 1-844-254-8087.

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. CST

Saturday and Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. CST

(The shortest wait times are Monday through Friday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST.)

You can also contact them via text message or live agent chat.

Vizio TV warranty

If you just cannot solve the Vizio TV black screen of death, you should check to see if you have a current warranty on your TV.

After you describe the problem and Vizio determines whether or not it is covered under warranty, they will either repair or replace your TV.

They even provide in-home services if your warranty covers this. It’s worth a try!

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes the Vizio TV black screen problem?

This could be due to an active screen mute function, a sleep timer that has been engaged, loose connections, or a software problem.

Why does my Vizio TV keep turning on and off repeatedly?

This is most likely due to a faulty power cord. Check that the power cord is securely connected to the electrical outlet. If it is and the problem persists, you must contact Vizio customer service for assistance.

How to fix Vizio TV’s failure to show pictures?

If you’re having this problem, try unplugging the TV for a minute and then plugging it back in. If the problem persists, consider doing a factory reset.

How do I reboot my Vizio Tv?

Remove the power cord from the outlet and,

Hold down the power button for at least 5-10 seconds.

After that, reconnect the power cord to the socket and switch on the television.

Finally, determine whether or not the black screen of death remains.

Why does my Vizio TV keep turning off after an update?

If you’re having this problem, try unplugging the TV for a minute and then plugging it back in. If the problem persists, consider doing a factory reset.

Conclusion

So, these are the approaches you can use to resolve the black screen problem. If you do decide to change the parts yourself, it is advisable to have a helping hand that is knowledgeable about it.

In addition, make use of the repair guides available on YouTube. Check the model to see if that part needs to be changed.

Also, if your TV is still under warranty, return it to the service center rather than attempting to open it yourself. If you do, you may lose your warranty immediately, and the service center may charge you extra for the repairs.

Tagged With: Vizio TV Black Screen, Vizio TV Black Screen of Death, Vizio TV Black Screen of Death issue, Vizio TV Black Screen problem

About Chris Godwin

Chris Godwin is a tech enthusiast who loves writing about all things tech, from TVs and Androids to the latest gadgets and gizmos. He has a passion for all things techy and loves to share his knowledge with others. When he’s not writing, you can find Chris tinkering with his latest gadget or catching up on the latest tech news.

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Author

Chris Godwin is a tech enthusiast who loves writing about all things tech, from TVs and Androids to the latest gadgets and gizmos. He has a passion for all things techy and loves to share his knowledge with others. When he’s not writing, you can find Chris tinkering with his latest gadget or catching up on the latest tech news.

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