Replacing an appliance cord

CowboyAndy · 03-14-2008, 09:26 PM

Okay, I made a post earlier today about my TV crapping out, but got zero response in the home theatre and appliances, so I will try my luck here, seeing as now I am thinking it is an electrical problem.

The tv power will stay on (as in the light stays on) but the tv basiclly shuts off after 5-10 min.

So I started to do some investigating today, to see if there was a loose plug, see if it was hot, smell funny or any kind of sign.

When I turned it sideways to access the power strip, I noticed that somehow the cord was UNDER the tv, pinched.

Sorry, not the greated picture. I am no photogropher...

Could this be what is causing the problem? It looks pinched pretty good.

How can I change the cord to a new one?

jrclen · 03-14-2008, 10:22 PM

Buy a new appliance cord and wire it in. You're right, that cord is pinched pretty good.

Leah Frances · 03-14-2008, 10:27 PM

So, I have no opinion about your pinched cord. But, I had a similar experience with my Sony trinitron.

one day it started behaving the same way you describe; sometimes it would stay on for 2 minutes, sometimes 20. I figured I might have shut the remote in our recliner. But it was accounted for, I even took the batteries out of it.

This intermittent power failure continued for a week until I'd convinced myself that I needed to replace my television (something I couldn't afford at the time). Then it got interesting when the television began randomly turning itself on.

Long story short: DH had more than one Sony remote (more like 4) and one got wedged between some books on a shelf. Hidden from easy view, but with a clear enough line of sight to occasionally turn the tv off.

Hopefully, your problem is similarly cheap to remedy.

Dansbell · 03-14-2008, 10:49 PM

Can you turn the TV back on immediately after it shuts itself off or do you have to wait any amount of time before it will turn back on?

CowboyAndy · 03-14-2008, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dansbell

Can you turn the TV back on immediately after it shuts itself off or do you have to wait any amount of time before it will turn back on?

I can turn it back on imediatly.

There is another remote for it, but it is right on top of the entertainment center. I don't think that is the issue though, as it doesnt tuen completly off... the picture basiclly goes out.

So, how hard is it to wire a new cord? I have never ventured into taking apart a major appliance.

micromind · 03-15-2008, 12:08 AM

I haven't seen this one in quite a while, but a few years ago, a friend had a similar situation.

After EXTENSIVE investigation, including using an oscilloscope connected to an infrared detector circuit (homebuilt) I discovered that fluorescent lights with electronic ballasts were emitting an IR signal just below the TV's remote control 'power off' signal. Occasionally, for whatever reason, the stray signal from the lights would raise slightly, and the TV would see a 'power off' signal.

Once we replaced the ballasts with magnetic ones, the problem disappeared. I don't know who was more surprised, me or my friend.

Rob.

goose134 · 03-15-2008, 12:33 AM

Quote:

After EXTENSIVE investigation, including using an oscilloscope connected to an infrared detector circuit (homebuilt)

Sweet! Man when you bust out with the McGeyver stuff, things just get cooler. Automatically.

CowboyAndy · 03-15-2008, 12:52 AM

Now, something I just thought about...

would the placement of the tv against the wall with the meter on the other side of the wall have any effect on it?

But, the tv has been there for 4 or 5 months and yesterday was the first time we had an issue...

jrclen · 03-15-2008, 10:40 AM

How about putting an ohm meter on the prongs of the cord and wiggling and stretching the cord to see if there is a change. You should get some reading across the cord.

CowboyAndy · 03-15-2008, 10:57 AM

I'll try that today to see if it is on fast the cord.

So, if it is the cord, HOW DO I REPLACE IT??

Pudge565 · 03-15-2008, 11:43 AM

how old is the tv if it is still under warrenty take it to a repair shop that is approved by the manufacturer so as not to void the warrenty other than that i have no clue how to replace it.

J. V. · 03-15-2008, 11:47 AM

If the problem is the cord, the breaker should be tripping, unless it is opening the circuit. Unlikely. Why not replace the cord first? It is the first problem you have found. Then if it keeps up, you can go to the next step.
Try not to complicate what might be an easy fix.

CowboyAndy · 03-15-2008, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pudge565

how old is the tv if it is still under warrenty take it to a repair shop that is approved by the manufacturer so as not to void the warrenty other than that i have no clue how to replace it.

It is 4-5 years old, so no warrenty.

Quote:

Originally Posted by J. V.

If the problem is the cord, the breaker should be tripping, unless it is opening the circuit. Unlikely. Why not replace the cord first? It is the first problem you have found. Then if it keeps up, you can go to the next step.
Try not to complicate what might be an easy fix.

That's what I want to do, but I don't know how!!!

micromind · 03-15-2008, 01:59 PM

You'll need to remove the back of the TV. A bunch of phillips screws (usually), some well hidden.

If it's a CRT (cathode ray tube) type make sure the TV has been unplugged for several hours before you take the back off. Once the back is off, you'll notice a single wire coming from a circuit board, and going to the big glass picture tube somewhere. This wire runs about 1000 volts per inch of screen. Stay away from it, even with power off.

Where the cord goes through the back, there'll be some sort of strain relief. Usually a clamp type thing. There are alot of different styles, you'll just have to figure it out.

The cord likely solders onto a circuit board somewhere, just cut the wires inside the cabinet, and splice the new cord using wirenuts. All flat cords have some way to identify the neutral side, either a white srtipe, or little ribs on one side. Take some time to get the polarity right.

The hardest part will be to get the back cover to fit. And to remember where all the screws went. LOL, but you'll see!

Rob

End Grain · 03-15-2008, 02:22 PM

CowboyAndy, let's say for argument sake that your TV's electrical cord is toast and must be replaced. Make sure the TV cord is unplugged from the wall. Why not then just cut the wire at the pinch and attach a new male plug end onto it, no matter how short the TV wire becomes. Then, use a suitable extension cord to plug it in and see if that solves the problem. If it does, THEN take apart the set and replace the cord - OR - just leave it. Keep it simple.