Do you notice that your Sony TV is emitting unusual red flashes? Do not panic! If your TV flickers, it's just his way of sending you a message... in his own way.
Our guide will help you learn the language of your Sony TV and understand the red flashes on your screen.
Why is the red light on your Sony TV flashing?
Do you see a flashing red light on your TV? This usually indicates a problem and the frequency of the flashing often indicates the nature of the malfunction. The main reasons could be related to a bad TV connection or, more likely, a problem with the power supply to the TV's internal circuit board.
What to do if your Sony TV flashes red
Perform an electrical reset of your TV
If your Sony TV is flashing red, the first step is to reset the device. The method is very simple:
- Turn off the TV.
- Remove the plug from the socket.
- Leave it off for about 2 minutes.
- Plug the TV back in.
- Turn the TV back on and see if the red flashing continues.
The purpose of this procedure is to eliminate all power, including residual electricity present in the internal circuits, to completely reboot the TV and resolve certain operational issues.
Check the video source
It is possible that your TV's flickering is caused by a problem with the video source. A video source corresponds to a device that sends a video signal to your TV, for example a TV box, game console or Blu-ray player.
First, check that your video source is correctly connected to the TV. Also identify the corresponding connection number, e.g. B. HDMI 1, HDMI 2 or other, then use the remote control to select the correct source.
For example, if your TV decoder is connected to an HDMI 2 socket, make sure you select HDMI 2 source on the TV, otherwise you will not get a picture.
Check the power cord on the back of the TV
If your Sony TV is blinking, it means it has a good power supply. However, this does not guarantee that there will be no problems with the power cord.
Check that the power cord is properly plugged into the power outlet at the back of the TV.
Also check that the cable is properly connected to the wall outlet or extension cord.
Handle the cable gently by pulling on the connector, not the cable itself.
Check that the cable is not bent, cut or exposed. Excessive twisting of the cable can damage the wires in the sheath and cause power problems.
Connect your TV without a splitter or surge protector
While it is useful to use a splitter to connect your Sony TV, set-top box, game console, internet box, etc., it is best to avoid it as much as possible.
First, having too many appliances on the same extension cord or even using multiple extension cords on one outlet can lead to electric shock and electrical fire hazards.
In addition, using a splitter can cause voltage fluctuations in the current, which can damage your TV and explain the red flashing.
When you use a surge protector or surge protector, its purpose is to protect your devices, including your TV, from surges that could damage them. Storms are often responsible for these violent waves, which can sometimes destroy your devices.
However, if your devices are not working properly, your TV may intermittently intermittently be identified by flashing red lights. So try to solve the problem by removing the surge protector.
If your TV has stopped flickering, it probably needs to be replaced.
Inspect the circuit board
Examining your TV's power panel requires some skill, but it's essential to identify some problems with your TV's power supply.
In fact, the power board is made up of capacitors that degrade over time and prevent the TV from being properly powered.
Capacitors are the weak link in voltage maps. If you hear a hissing sound coming from the back of the TV, you already know part of the answer, as this is the main symptom of bad capacitors on the power board.
To access the power panel on your Sony TV:
- Buy gloves and preferably a screwdriver from an electrician.
- Unplug the TV from the wall outlet.
- Make sure the TV's power switch is turned off.
- Open the TV and gently lay it flat on the table to protect the screen.
- Remove all screws on the back of the TV to access the cover. Please note that some screws may be on the side or slightly lower in the TV frame.
- To access the energy panel:
- Always start by taking pictures of the parts you will be working on so that you can refer to them during assembly.
- Disconnect all connectors connected to the power board. The connectors are simply connected.
- Remove all screws securing the power board.
- Remove the power board.
- Check the condition of the capacitor.
Capacitors are large cylindrical resistors with a cross on them. If the cross is skewed, it means that the capacitor is not working. The capacitor may also be slightly swollen or cracked. In any case, it clearly shows that it is unusable.
With the right hardware and the ability to find the exact same model, the capacitors are interchangeable. The power board can also be completely replaced. Depending on the model and location, they can be found for several tens of euros.
Please note that we advise you to err on the side of caution and call customer service if your TV is still under warranty. Attempts to tamper with the device may void the warranty.
Check the backlight of your TV
The backlight of your TV can also be the cause of the problem. The problem with the backlight is easy to spot: the TV screen remains black even though the TV is on. In other words, you have sound but no picture.
special cases
The red light of the Sony TV flashes 8 times
You've counted and that's no less than eight times you've flashed red light on your Sony TV. This is a problem that usually occurs after turning on the TV or rebooting.
This code means that you have a hardware problem with one of the components, especially the audio part.
Usually the motherboard is faulty. A recurring problem, as seen above, is capacitors. Then you need to call the warranty or the mechanic to estimate the need for repair based on the cost of the part.
However, on some Sony models (KDL W7xxB, KDL W8xxB, KDLxxW9xxB, KDxxX8xxxB, KDxxX9xxxB, W70xC and W78xC series) the eightfold flicker can be eliminated by performing an electrical reset as explained in point 1 and through all of the television's video sources. The TV is also being updated.
Finally, if it doesn't work, there's a problem with the power board.
The red light of the Sony TV flashes 6 times
Again, if the TV flickers, start by electrically restarting the TV to rule out the presence of a bug. Simply pull the plug out of the socket for 2 minutes to remove any residual current in the TV components.
If that doesn't solve the problem, assume the source is aConverter fout. It is the component used to convert the electrical voltage to power the panel lights.
Replacement is generally expensive. Contacting customer service or a technician is recommended.
The red light on the Sony TV flashes 5 times
Sony TV blinking five times? This is a sign that the T-CON board is faulty. This is an electronic board that establishes a connection between the main board and the display board. If you don't have any serious knowledge of electronics, you won't bother with this yourself, except maybe to change it completely.
Claim your warranty or call a specialist technician for a repair estimate.
Sony TV flashes red four times
A Sony TV that flashes 4 times, it isError code for a power problem. Try an electrical reset to resolve the issue.
To do this, unplug the TV and wait five minutes before plugging it back in.
If the attempt is unsuccessful, please contact customer service for a warranty claim.
The red light on the Sony TV flashes three times
Three flashes are a sign that aThe capacitor on the power board is faulty. A person with DIY skills and some soldering equipment can get in, provided they replace the same capacitor.
See some lines above or in point 5 to check the power board.
If the warranty is still valid, a TV service is the right solution. Technician required out of warranty. The price depends on the card and is sometimes expensive.
The red light on the Sony TV flashes 2 times
Again, two flashes on a Sony TV indicate a problem with the power board, not the capacitor.
Again, if the device is under warranty, please contact customer service for assistance. You can also replace the card yourself, taking all necessary precautions to avoid electric shock, by using an identical card and soldering iron.
Otherwise, the intervention of an expert is required.
In summary
If the red light on your Sony TV is flashing, your first step is to perform an electrical reset by completely unplugging the TV for two minutes before plugging it back in. If this does not solve the problem, there is probably a problem with the TV power supply. You can see for yourself by looking at the circuit board.
First, check all the connections on your Sony TV, whether it's different video sources, a power outlet or a splitter. Improper connection may cause the TV to malfunction.