Samsung LCD Bulging Capacitor Problem-Many Models

[Sprockster]

I have the model LNT4061FX/XAA 40" bought in 2007. I just started having this problem on 8/12. It has become more frequent in the short time since then.

Here is an image I took of the 'pink/purple snow' effect
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6207/6050930899_9aefd1bd70_o.jpg

This displays on every single input and is for the most part static. I also will sometimes now experience a 30-40 second gap between pressing the power button and the tv displaying anything.

Long story short I called Samsung and described the symptoms and gave the model number. They said I qualified for a free one time replacement of the capacitors if they were indeed the issue. They contacted the local service provider and should be setting up an appointment for me in the next 48 hours.

 

[GrumpyMan]

You are in luck, that's exactly what my looked like when I started this thread, it's the caps. Still works great after the fix though. Don't let them put in crappy caps again though or you'll have the same problem in a couple of years.

 

[mcewena]

I had the slow startup symptoms for several months with the odd bright pixal, then the static would occationally appear, then the picture would strobe on/off. I replaced the caps and it seems to have fixed the first 3 but the picture still strobes on and off (after 2 minutes use or 2-3 hours use). It used to be switching inputs would clear the strobing but not anymore.

Is there a fix for the strobing?

Thanks,

 

[CubanlB]

When the picture strobes do it look like it's just the backlight going in and out or the actual lcd panel losing picture signal.

If it's the backlight you could be losing an inverter that runs the CCFL.

 

[mcewena]

When the picture strobes do it look like it's just the backlight going in and out or the actual lcd panel losing picture signal.

If it's the backlight you could be losing an inverter that runs the CCFL.

I'd guess the former because it happens even before there is a signal source to lose. Is there a replacement part I can buy online?

 

[CubanlB]

My experience with replacing an inverter on a ln-4661fx (that I also recapped) is that the one that is broken might buzz loudly and you can pin point which inverter is bad by turning it on and with the back of the TV off listening to where the buzz is coming from. But it's a good idea to replace both. You can usually find them on ebay. I already had my TV disassembled when I had to order one and the part number is on a sticker on the inverters (there are usually 2) one on each side of the TV.

But don't jump on replacing the inverters on my word only. My Samsung wouldn't even stay on for 10 seconds when the inverter went. There are lots of Youtube videos detailing symptoms and causes of problems on most of the Samsung models.

Or if you want to be happy in the long run, buy a Panasonic

Edit: And please, be careful working on the guts of your TV. Those inverters put out pretty high voltage.

 

[minustime]

Thanks for sharing all this good info. I had bookmarked this page months ago and intended to fix my TV when I had some time. Well, guess what I learned today: Samsung was sued and reached a "proposed Settlement" on this capacitor issue.

"A proposed Settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit involving certain Samsung televisions. In cooperation with the District Court of Oklahoma County, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. is offering a settlement for certain Samsung-branded televisions manufactured prior to December 31, 2008. You may be entitled to receive the benefits of this proposed Class Action Settlement if you purchased, acquired or otherwise owned any of the following Samsung-branded televisions, and the television is experiencing or has experienced the "Covered TV Symptom(s)" as described in the proposed Settlement. The class action lawsuit alleges a defect that may cause the television to experience symptoms such as not turning on, experiencing a delay in turning on, making a clicking sound, cycling on and off, or other similar problems. Samsung denies the allegations in the lawsuit, but has agreed to settle the lawsuit to avoid the costs and uncertainty of continued litigation."

http://www.samsung.com/us/capacitorsettlement/

Yey!

 

[GrumpyMan]

Too little, too late, most people have either gotten rid of those TVs or have fixed them themselves. I don't think a .50 cent check from Samsung would really make me happy about the whole thing since lawyers will be absorbing the rest. I won't be purchasing another one, that's for sure. So what has Samsung won by delaying all of this and making everyone sue them? Lost sales, that's what.
My TV still works great after I replaced the caps by the way. But since I fixed it myself, what receipt can I produce to get my money back? Nothing that's what.

 

[Jimbo]

I don't think a .50 cent check from Samsung would really make me happy about the whole thing since lawyers will be absorbing the rest.

Are you kidding? This thread was a godsend.
I just got off the telephone with Samsung and they are sending out a repairman tomorrow to pull all of my TV's boards and change out the powersupply.
For FREE.

A few days ago the TV started cycling power repeatedly and that is covered by the settlement agreement.

If I had to pay for this myself, I'd have to toss the TV and buy a new one. I figure this complimentary repair saves me a minimum of $500 and maybe as much as the cost of a new TV.
This is way more than a ".50 cent check".

 

[GrumpyMan]

Lol, I was being facetious. I'm glad our lawsuit helped you. You're welcome.

 

[EvilYoda]

No idea if it would've been covered, but we had recently thrown out an old Samsung HLP5067W (or something like that, HLP and 50") DLP. Hadn't worked in over a year now I think...ah well.

Still have a perfectly good (new) bulb if anyone wants that...

 

[Turboedme]

Hey a big Thanks to everyone on this thread. I found a Samsung LNT4053HX/XXA in a pile of trash and thanks to this forum and RadioShack I have a very nice TV that only cost me $8.97 and about 45 minutes of my time. So Thanks again to all of you and the poor dope that threw out a perfectly good TV. I sure do appreciate it.


After thought I should probably add my problem was cycling power. Not anymore though a couple of new capacitors took care of that. Thanks a bunch.

 

[alkemyst]

Hey a big Thanks to everyone on this thread. I found a Samsung LNT4053HX/XXA in a pile of trash and thanks to this forum and RadioShack I have a very nice TV that only cost me $8.97 and about 45 minutes of my time. So Thanks again to all of you and the poor dope that threw out a perfectly good TV. I sure do appreciate it.


After thought I should probably add my problem was cycling power. Not anymore though a couple of new capacitors took care of that. Thanks a bunch.

Man $8.97 is so cheap and only 45 mins. How long did you spend looking for this TV via trash?

 

[Turboedme]

No time spent looking for it. I live in a condo and a cross from my parking spot is a place for bulk trash. When I got home from work one morning it was sitting in that spot. It was just pure dumb luck and an inquiring mind.

 

[EvilYoda]

So jealous.

 

[rsutoratosu]

lol, my parents tv just went, i have not gone over but they said its random black lines all over, tv was only 2 yr old.. hopefully i can get it fix for free

 

[SlickSnake]

Bumped so people posting with this problem might actually see this post.