Vizio is a famous TV brand, and like any other TV, it can sometimes experience problems. One problem that Vizio TVs can experience is the black screen of death. Various things can cause the issue, so troubleshooting is essential to determine the root of the problem.
It prevents you from watching your favorite shows or movies, so it’s understandably frustrating. But don’t worry; there are ways to fix it.
This article will show how to fix the Vizio TV black screen of death. We’ll go over some common causes and give you some troubleshooting tips. So, if you’re experiencing this problem, read on to find out how to fix it.
What is the Cause of a Vizio TV Screen Going Black?
Various things can cause your Vizio TV to experience a black screen. It could be a problem with the TV itself or caused by something external, like a power outage. Below are some common causes of the Vizio TV black screen death.
- The power cord is unplugged or loose – It’s easy to forget to check if it is plugged in all the way or has come loose. Be sure to check this first before assuming there is something wrong with the TV.
- The Vizio TV is turned off – If your Vizio TV is turned off, it will appear as a black screen. Be sure to check that the power button on the TV is turned on.
- The power outlet is not working – Check to see if the power outlet the TV is plugged into is working by plugging in another device. The power outlet is most likely the issue if the other device does not work.
- The Vizio TV is in standby mode – Vizio TVs have a standby mode where the screen is black, but the TV is still on. To wake the TV up from standby mode, press the power button on the TV.
- The Vizio TV is overheating – If your Vizio TV is overheating, it will shut itself off to prevent damage. Be sure to keep the TV in a well-ventilated area and free of dust or debris.
Best Ways To Fix The Vizio TV Black Screen of Death
Now that we’ve gone over some common causes let’s look at ways to fix the Vizio TV black screen of death. After you identify the root of the problem, use the corresponding solution below to fix it.
1. Perform A Sound Test
If you’re greeted with a black screen but can still hear audio, the problem is most likely with the display and not the TV itself. Try pressing the volume up or down buttons on your TV remote to rule out this possibility.
If you see a volume indicator on the screen, then it’s likely that the display is working fine, and the problem lies elsewhere.
You should also try plugging in headphones or another set of speakers to see if the sound is coming through those. This will help you determine if the issue is with the TV’s speakers or the audio itself. While at it, check to ensure that your TV’s audio settings are configured correctly.
2. Soft Reset The Vizio TV
A soft reset is often all you need to fix a black screen on your Vizio television. This simple process will power cycle the TV and clear any minor software glitches causing the issue. It is the most trusted method to fix a black screen and other minor problems with your TV.
To soft reset your Vizio TV, follow these steps:
- Press the Menu on your Vizio TV remote.
- Select the System Settings option.
- Scroll down and select the Reset & Admin option.
- A pop message will appear on the screen. Select the Soft Power Cycle option to confirm.
- The TV will turn off and then back on automatically.
- Once it’s turned on, check to see if the black screen issue has been resolved.
3. Disconnect Unnecessary Devices
When the TV is overloaded with too many devices, it can cause the Black Screen of Death. Devices that are not essential to the functioning of the tv should be disconnected. This will help to reduce the chances of the TV screen going black.
This device may include game consoles, DVD players, and other devices that are not necessary for the tv to function.
4. Unmute The TV Screen
The TV screen may go black because it is muted. You can mute the tv by pressing the “mute” button on the remote control. To unmute the tv, press the “unmute” button on the remote control for about 5 seconds.
You can also check to see if the tv is muted by looking for a mute icon on the screen. Depending on your tv model, you use various methods to unmute the tv.
5. Change Your Remote Batteries
It is the least likely reason, but a dead remote control battery can cause the screen to go black. You should change the batteries in your remote control and see if that fixes the problem. Try to replace the batteries with fresh ones to see if that makes a difference.
6. Check Power Connections
Power connection issues often cause the Vizio TV to have a black screen of death. Check to ensure that your TV is properly plugged into an outlet and that the cord is not damaged. You may also want to try plugging the TV into a different outlet to see if that resolves the issue. You need to ensure that you have a good connection to avoid this problem.
7. Do The Flashlight Test
If you suspect the Vizio TV’s backlight is the issue, you can do a quick and easy flashlight test. All you need is a small flashlight.
To do the test, turn off your Vizio and unplug it from the power outlet. Once it’s unplugged, press and holds the TV’s power button for 30 seconds, this will discharge any residual power in the TV.
After 30 seconds, plug your Vizio TV into the power outlet and turn it on. Once it’s on, hold the flashlight close to the screen. If you can view a picture on the screen, the backlight is most likely the issue.
If you can’t see a picture on the screen, then the issue is probably with another component in the TV.
8. Replace The Power Board
If you’ve determined that the backlight is not the issue, the next most likely culprit is the power board. The power board provides power to all of the TV’s components; if it’s not functioning properly, it can cause a black screen. A faulty power board often causes backlight issues, so replacing it should fix the problem.
To replace the power board, you’ll need to open up the TV by removing the back panel. You must remove the screws that hold the power board and disconnect all the wires. After that, you can install the new power board and screw it back in place. Be sure to reconnect all of the cables before powering on the TV.
If replacing the power board doesn’t fix the issue, you may need to replace other components, such as the main board or the screen. In some cases, the entire TV will need to be replaced.
9. Replace Other Components
Some components, such as the main board or inverter board, may also need to be replaced if they are defective. These components are usually located near the power board, so you’ll need to open up the TV and locate them.
Once you’ve located them, you can unplug them and replace them with new ones. The process includes removing screws, so be sure to have a screwdriver handy. If you’re uncomfortable doing this yourself, you can always contact a professional for help.
10. Contact A Professional
This should be your last resort if you’ve already tried all the other methods. You can either look up a TV repair service in your area or contact Vizio’s customer support. With Vizio TVs, you usually have a one-year warranty, so if your TV is still under warranty, you may be able to get it repaired for free.
You’ll likely have to pay for the repair service if your TV is no longer under warranty. Either way, it’s worth getting in touch with a professional to see if they can help you fix your TV’s black screen of death.
Related: Why Does My Vizio TV Keep Freezing
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is My Vizio TV Not Responding?
Sometimes your Vizio TV may not respond to the remote or buttons on the TV itself. There are a few things you can do to troubleshoot this issue. It can display a black screen even though the power indicator is on. There can be several reasons for this.
- Check if the batteries in the remote are dead and replace them.
- Try a different HDMI port on the TV.
- If using an A/V receiver, ensure it is set to the correct input.
- Try a different power outlet.
- Check if there is a loose connection between the TV and the power source.
- Press and hold the power button on the TV for 30 seconds. This will reset the TV and might fix the issue.
Why Does Vizio TV Turned On But No Image Display?
You may have a problem with your power supply, picture tube, or something else. If you have a Vizio TV that turns on but gives you no picture, you can try a few things to fix the problem.
First, check to ensure that your power supply is working properly. If it is, you may have a problem with your picture tube. Unplug your TV from the power supply and plug it back to test it. If you still have no picture, your problem is most likely with the picture tube.
Another possibility is that your TV is not receiving a signal from your cable or satellite provider. If you are using an antenna to receive your television signal, ensure it is properly connected to your TV.
If you have tried all these things and still have no picture, you may need to contact Vizio customer service for further assistance.
Why Does The Vizio TV Screen Won’t Turn On?
If your Vizio TV doesn’t turn on, you should check the power supply first. If the power supply is defective, it may not provide enough power to the TV. You can test this by plugging the TV into a different outlet.
If the TV still doesn’t turn on, the problem is most likely with the TV itself and not the power supply. Next, check the picture tube. If the picture tube is bad, it will need to be replaced. Finally, make sure all connections are secure.
Loose connections can prevent the TV from receiving power. If you’ve checked all these things and the TV still won’t turn on, you may need to contact a qualified technician for further diagnosis and repair.
Is There A Power Reset Button On A Vizio TV?
There is no physical reset button on Vizio TVs. However, you can reset your TV by unplugging it from the power outlet and then plugging it back in. You can also try resetting your TV by pressing the menu button on your remote control and then choosing the reset option.
How Do I Do A Hard Reset On My Vizio TV?
Hard resetting your Vizio TV is a great way to troubleshoot problems with the device. Doing a hard reset will restore the TV to its default factory settings. This can be helpful if you’re experiencing issues with the TV’s performance or want to sell it and need to wipe your personal data from the device.
Here’s how to hard reset your Vizio TV:
- Unplug the TV from its power source.
- Press and hold the TV’s power button for 30 seconds.
- While holding the power button, plug the TV back into its power source.
- Release the power button after the TV turns on.
Your Vizio TV will now be reset to its factory default settings. If you still have issues with the TV, you may need to contact Vizio customer support for further assistance.
What To Do When Vizio TV Screen Goes Black But Sound Still Works?
If your Vizio TV screen goes black, but the sound still works, it could be a problem with the backlight or the power supply. Check the power cord to make sure it’s plugged in properly, and try resetting the TV.
You can also try unplugging it for a few minutes and then plugging it back into the power supply. If none of these solutions work, you may need to contact a TV repair technician.
Conclusion
While your Vizio TV may turn on and the screen goes to a black display, this does not mean the television is turned off. If you’re experiencing this issue, it’s likely due to a problem with the backlight or the power supply.
Try resetting the TV and checking the power cord to ensure it’s plugged in properly. If you still have issues with the TV, you may need to contact Vizio Customer Support for further assistance.
