Easy fix to a TV repair problem?

Question

I have a nice 30" Mitsubishi television set (old @13 years) that has a problem which I think should easily be fixable.

The television has a vertical hold problem at cold to normal temperatures which goes away at warmer temperatures.

It seems like there might be a loose connection problem exacerbated by lower temperatures (shrinkage) that goes away when the set warms up (and expands).

I was wondering if anyone might have an idea of what might be wrong that I might be able to adjust myself, rather than paying ~$200 to fix or throw it away?

Any help would be appreciated

Answer 1

You may think it is "nice" but it is still out of date and your theory of a loose connection is probably faulty.

What you are describing is probably a component which is drifting as the temperature is changing and without test equipment, a schematic, and TV troubleshooting knowledge, you have zero change of being able to fix anything.

Answer 2

A 13 year old tv is not worth fixing, its time to upgrade to a nice 16x9 HDTV.

Answer 3

>I was wondering if anyone might have an idea of what might be wrong

Could be a loose connection but I agree with the EE guy, it's probably some component related to the vertical hold circuit that's failing.

Does wacking the side of the TV effect the problem? If not, it's unlikely to be a loose connection.

>I think should easily be fixable

Based on what?

>that I might be able to adjust myself, rather than paying ~$200 to fix

Do you know enough about electronics that you wouldn't electrocute yourself?  If it were my TV I'd use a mirror, a plastic rod,  and some cold spray stuff to try to find the location of a problem. But then, I know something about electronics. Don't  expect to find new circuit boards for a 13 year old TV.

>or throw it away?

How long does it have to be on to stabilize? (Would a incandescent  light bulb fit in the case as a pre-heater?)

Ask your self, what would the TV sell for on craigs list if it were working properly?  Used CRT TV are real cheap these days.

Answer 4

Well, in spite of most answerers, you could try this.  Your problem appears to be in the Vertical Deflection section of your TV.  There is generally a pictorial diagram pasted on the inside back cover of the TV which should tell you where this section will be.  When the TV is at it's operating temperature and you detect no problems, get a can of Zero Mist (Radio Shack) and start spraying some components in the Vertical Deflection section and see if you can duplicate the problem.  For $6.95 a can, it could help if you try.  I have found many thermal problems with TV using this method.  What the heck, give it a try.  Be cautious and careful around the High voltages present in this section.

Answer 5

Ok then here is something concrete for you !  I remember these TVs of that era and Mitsubishi was a very good set indeed ! . The fault that you describe became a common fault , now I am not psychic but if I ask you if the set has a group of four controls in a recess on the front of the Tv ? if so the controls were ( not in order )

Brightness

Contrast

Colour

Vertical hold

Ok how am I doing ?

Since I can't hear your reply so I will continue , these four controls were mounted on one small bracket . Now any of these controls used to go faulty , for the technical the wiper used to develop leakage to the carbon track so altering the resistance , obvious faults were pic rolling ( vert hold ) or pic going pale ( contrast ) or colour fading to B/W !!.

Now for the fix If you are determined you can remove the faulty control and repair it , if you want the easy way then just replace the control .

Well for what all that is worth I will wish you all the best with it !.

Cheers Pete