Not having worked on any TV's since the days of Hybrid tube/transistor sets in the early 70's, I found the opening of My 40" off-brand LCD TV a bit daunting. I knew not what any of the many new components were. I did some research on the net and I could not find a service manual. Youtube does have a myriad of videos most showing simple bulging caps on the power supply. Of course, mine had ZERO caps bulging. The power supply was easy to find by following the power in wires from the cord socket. A quick check of the connectors for fit and I noticed there were some pinouts on the PC board with voltages labeled. I was missing a 5 volt source at one pin. Without a schematic or any other resource, I located a used pull from a broken screen TV off ebay for 37.00 shipped.
Now, If I can get another few years from it I will feel like I used up all I have invested in it. I think I may shop for some resource study aids and learn something more about these since they are so popular. Pick up some duds and flip the parts that are good or fix them to filp as working ones. At least I can pick one up by myself. My old 32" CRT TV was almost 175 lbs.

Great fix, Gary. I think I would have taken one look, headed to Best Buy and maxed out another credit card

Well, I did replace it at first but the curiosity in Me was overwhelming. I just couldn't see it tossed without at least a peek under the hood. Now I have a 46" and the older 40". Before, I didn't have a backup TV. Now, I do. LOL

Heck, I though you were legally required to have a minium of two TV's in your home anyway.

Gary, what was wrong with your tv that made you " look under the hood"? I am contiplating taking the back off of my Element 55inch lcd. The thing takes more than 5 minutes to get a full picture when the house is at 70 degrees, but in the summer, when the windows are open and its closer to 80 degrees or above, the tv comes righ t on . I was thinking its a bad cap.

Mine went dark. Backlight would not come on. Sound was still good and with a bright flashlight, I could see that there were still images on the screen. The Flourescent lamp wasn't lighting. These TV's seem to have a failure mode that shuts down the power supply if a fault is detected. A feedback system so to speak. I don't fully understand them yet but have gained some insight from viewing several YouTube videos. Search "GrantsPassTV" on youtube for a series of informative videos.

Gary, that is not a bad idea - sharping our skills to repair these LCD TVs.

A few weeks ago, I was visiting some relatives at an apartment complex and while driving into the parking lot there was this feller who was carrying a large LCD TV to the Dumpster.
First thought was "hey stop" .... then I came to my senses.

Anyway, I too have an LCD not working -- a Westinghouse 32". I've repaired some computer flat panel monitors that required removing and replacing surface mounted device (SMD) transistor flat packs. Very tedious work and there are unique soldering techniques required. One technique was to just drag your soldering iron over all the pins on a flat pack globbing solder on them, and then use solder wick to clean up. Lots of good videos on YouTube.

Carl

My fat fingers don't want anything to do with those SMD's. Anything other than normal electrolytics or caps or resistors is way too small for my old eyes and hands. If I were you, I'd peek at that 32". Might just be some caps. Google the model # and I bet there are others with same problems and maybe a fix already posted about. Good Luck!!

Gary, what do you think is the issue with my Element 55 inch. If you know of a video, please provide link. Im going to take the back off this weekend to see if there is anything obvious.

I would first look for any "bulging" electrolytics on the power supply board. [Here's where an ESR meter would be nice too(on My list!!)]. If that doesen't find any obvious, try checking for all the right voltages at the connectors at the power supply outputs. Mine were marked with which were 24V,5V, GND, etc. Yours may be too. The board(s) are usually labeled with a sticker and/or have a number made as part of the board. Individual components such as transformers, IC's may be difficult to test w/o a schematic but search board #'s on eBay as there are several sellers. My P/S board also fit different models/brands and actually came out of an RCA and mine is an Apex Digital brand. Don't limit searches to just brands.