You don’t need to throw away your Vizio TV because it won’t turn on. This is a common issue that troubles a lot of Vizio TV. Fortunately, the issue isn’t often as bad as it sounds in most cases, and can by applying the troubleshooting steps we’re going to show you.
Vizio TV Won’t Turn On: How to Fix It
1. Power Cycle your TV
1. Turn off your TV using the remote or the physical power button on the side of the TV.
2. Remove the power cord from the outlet.
3. Hold the power button on the TV (not the remote) for 10 to 15 seconds while it’s unplugged. This drains any residual power stored in the TV’s capacitors.
4. Allow the TV to sit unplugged for about 2 minutes to ensure all power is drained.
5. Reconnect the power cord to the outlet.
6. Use the power button on the TV to turn it back on.
2. Power Cycle your Vizio TV Remote
1. Open the battery compartment and take out the batteries.2. If the batteries are old or depleted, replace them with new ones.
3. Hold down the power button on the remote for 5–10 seconds to discharge any remaining electricity in the circuitry.
4. Place fresh batteries back into the remote, ensuring proper alignment of positive (+) and negative (-) terminals.
5. Point the remote at your Vizio TV and check if it now works properly
3. Confirm That the Power Cord Is Firmly Connected to the TV
One of the simplest yet most overlooked steps in troubleshooting a Vizio TV that won’t turn on is confirming that the power cord is securely connected. A loose or improperly seated connection can prevent your TV from receiving power, leading to unresponsiveness. Over time, vibrations or movement can loosen the connection between the power cord and the TV. Additionally, a poorly connected cord may interrupt the flow of electricity. Do this:
1. Disconnect the power cord from both the TV and the electrical outlet.
2. Look for any visible damage, such as fraying or bent prongs. If damaged, replace it with a compatible cord.
3. Plug the cord firmly into the power input on the back of your Vizio TV. Some models have detachable cords; ensure it’s seated snugly.
4. Plug the other end directly into a wall outlet (avoid surge protectors initially, as they can sometimes cause power fluctuations).
5. If your TV still doesn’t turn on, test the outlet by plugging in another device to confirm it’s working. Sometimes the issue could be from the power outlet
Make Sure Your TV Is on the Correct Input Source
Image Source: Vizio TV
You need to make sure that your Vizio TV is set to the correct input source. If for instance, you have an external device plugged to the HDMI-1 port of your TV but the TV is set to HDM-2, the TV won’t display a black screen, making it look like it’s turned off. Do the to ensure your input source is correct:
1. Locate the INPUT button on your Vizio remote, typically found in the top left corner.
2. Press the INPUT button to open the Input menu on the screen.
3. Use the arrow buttons (Up and Down) to select the desired input (e.g., HDMI-1, HDMI-2).
3. Press OK to confirm your selection.
4. Use the Physical Button on the TV: If you don’t have the remote or prefer not to use it, you can change the input using a button on the back of your TV.
Image Source: Vizio TV
5. This button is usually located in the bottom right corner and cycles through input sources when pressed.
6. Rename Inputs for Clarity: To make it easier to identify inputs, you can rename them using the TV’s menu:
Image Source: Vizio TV
- Press the MENU button on your remote.
- Navigate to Devices and select the input you want to rename.
- Use the on-screen keyboard to enter a new name.
- Press OK to save the changes.
Inspect for Surge Damage
Lightning storms or electrical grid fluctuations can cause power surges that can severely damage your Vizio TV’s internal components. If your TV won;t turn on after a power surge, it’s necessary to inspect your TV component.
How to Inspect for Surge Damages
1. Visual Inspection:
- Exterior Check: Look for signs of physical damage, such as burn marks or discoloration on the exterior.
- Interior Inspection: If you feel comfortable opening your TV (be cautious of static electricity and internal components), inspect for signs of burning or charring on the circuit boards.
2. Power Supply Check:
- Standby Light: If the TV’s standby light is not turning on, it could indicate a problem with the power supply board, which is often affected by surges.
- Fuse Check: Locate and inspect the fuse on the power supply board. A blown fuse can be a clear indicator of surge damage1.
3. Component Inspection:
- Capacitors and Resistors: Look for swollen or burnt capacitors, which are common signs of power surge damage.
- Connectors: Check all connectors for signs of burning or melting.
How to Inspect for Hardware Issues
If your TV won’t turn on after applying all the solutions above, it’s possible that you have a hardware issue. Although we do not advise you to try to fix a hardware issue by yourself (except if you are technical) you can try to diagnose the hardware issue to make things easier for your technician to fix the issue.
1. Exterior Check: Look for any visible signs of damage on the exterior, such as cracks or burn marks.
2. Interior Inspection: If you feel comfortable opening your TV (be cautious of static electricity and internal components), inspect for signs of burning or charring on circuit boards.
3. Standby Light: If the TV’s standby light is not turning on, it could indicate a problem with the power supply board.
4. Voltage Checks: Use a multimeter to check voltages on the mainboard and power supply board if you have experience with electronics. Ensure that the voltages match the specifications listed on the board.
5. Backlight Issues: If the backlight is not turning on, it might be due to a failure in the backlight circuit or the mainboard not sending the correct signal.
6. Display Panel: Check for any physical damage to the screen itself, such as cracks or discoloration.
7. Cable and Connector Inspection:
- HDMI and Other Cables: Ensure all external cables are securely connected and not damaged.
- Internal Connectors: If you have access, verify that internal connectors are properly seated.
What to Do If You Find Hardware Issues
1. Take the TV to a certified TV technician for repairs
2. If the damage is extensive or you’re unsure about repairs, contact Vizio for assistance. However, note that physical damage is typically not covered under warranty.
