RCA TV Troubleshooting | 9 Common Problems

Many people have been struggling with their TVs for a while now, and it’s getting worse every day as technology becomes more advanced.

One of the most common problems is an RCA TV that won’t turn on, but it never hurts to take a look at the troubleshooting guide below.

So, this article provides you with all the information you need, from diagnosing your RCA TV problems to troubleshooting and replacing parts.

How to Troubleshoot RCA TV Problems

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RCA TV Troubleshooting techniques require some basic troubleshooting knowledge to be able to repair in a proper way.

We have created a troubleshooting checklist with details on what to test and what actions to take for those who want to troubleshoot their own RCA TV at home.

Check out the list of common problems in RCA TVs.

1. TV Won’t Turn On:

The most common problem is that your TV simply won’t turn on. This can happen for many reasons, like bad capacitors, blown fuses, burned-out bulbs, or any other number of things.

If you’ve tried all the obvious things (like unplugging the TV and replugging it back in, turning the power back on) and it still won’t turn on, it’s time to try some more advanced troubleshooting techniques.

Here are three easy ways to test if your TV has any problems:

Test 1:

If your TV has a remote control, try pressing the buttons on the remote one at a time until the set turns on.

If you don’t have a remote control, use your hand to press the buttons on the front of the set.

Test 2: 

• Unplug the TV from the outlet and remove the two screws holding the power cord to the back of the set.
• Remove the plastic cover plate on the back of the set.
• Attach a multimeter (an inexpensive tool that measures electrical current) to the two black wires that connect to the power source.
• Press the button on the meter that turns it on and off. The red line should show the electrical current flowing to the set when it is plugged into the wall.
• If there is no current, the set is defective.

Test 3: 

Plug the set into an AC source (like a regular outlet) and turn the power on. If the set does not come on, it is defective. If you are still having problems, check out our complete guide on why your RCA TV won’t turn on.

2. RCA TV Has A Hard Time Getting The Picture:

One of the most common problems with RCA TVs is the picture is “jumpy.” This can be caused by many things, like loose or dirty connections, an old or bad tube in the picture tube, or a blown capacitor.

Here’s how to see whether your television has a picture problem.

You can test the set without disturbing the current picture. If the set has no problem with the picture, it will turn on and off instantly when you press the button.

However, if there is a problem with the picture, it will take longer for the set to turn on and off when you press the button. The amount of time it takes the set to turn on and off when you press the button is directly proportional to the quality of the picture on the set.

If the set has a good picture, it should switch on and off quickly. If it takes too long for the set to turn on and off when you press the button, then there is a problem with the set’s picture.

3. Problem with the Cable or Antenna:

Another common problem is that your cable or antenna is not working properly. A bad connection can cause this, an intermittent problem with the cable or antenna, or an over-the-air (OTA) signal problem.

RCA TVs are designed to receive OTA signals. However, if you have an older set, it may not be able to pick up all the channels you are paying for.

If this is the case, you can use an inexpensive signal booster to “upgrade” your old set so it will get all the OTA channels you are paying for.

4. Flickering:

RCA TV problems are common in most households. Whether you have a new TV or an old one, it is always good to know how to troubleshoot your television.

There are different reasons why RCA TVs might flicker. The most frequent ones include the following:

1. A power surge caused by thunderstorms, power surges, lightning strikes
2. Improper connection of cables
3. Loose connection of cables
4. Incorrectly connected HDMI cable
5. Incorrectly connected antenna cable

5. Remote Problem:

This can be caused by a bad IR emitter (the part that sends out the remote control signal) on the remote control or the set. If the problem is in the set, all you have to do is replace the remote control.

If the problem is in the remote control, you may have to get an IR repeater to make the set respond to the remote control.

6. Remove External Devices:

The next issue is an external device (like a VCR or DVD player) connected to the TV’s RCA inputs. This can cause interference with the RCA signal and result in picture and sound problems.

To resolve this problem, remove the external devices from the set.

7. Sound Problems:

Sound is very important when you are watching TV. However, many people are not aware that RCA TVs have two channels dedicated to sound. These are the left and right front channels.

Many times, people mistakenly believe that the sound coming out of their TV is just fine.

But, that is not true. There may be some problems with the sound on your RCA TV. Here are three main issues and solutions for resolving them.

Problem #1:

If you have this problem, it’s most likely due to a faulty connection in the television. You should try to find it and tighten it up.

On the whole, RCA TVs have an average amount of loose connections. However, if you have a really old set or a set that is not well-maintained, you may have more problems than this.

Problem #2:

Another possibility is that the volume is too low on your set.

To check this, you should look at the back of the TV where there is a button that controls the volume. Press that button and see if the sound gets louder. If it does, then the volume is probably too low.

In that case, you should turn up the volume by pressing the same button again.

Problem #3:

The last possibility is the sound system on your TV is malfunctioning. This happens rarely but it can occur if there is a problem with the amplifier, receiver, or speakers.

Then, you will have to get the service technician to fix the problem.

8. Power Problems:

As we all know, electricity has a way of disappearing from our lives. And, unfortunately, that is true even when we are not using it. However, some problems with the power supply can cause RCA TVs to malfunction.

Here are three of the most common ones and how you can fix them.

Problem #1: 

There is an electrical short on the TV. This usually occurs because of a loose connection or corrosion. Try to find the short and fix it. If you do not know how to do this, ask your service technician.

Problem #2: 

The second possibility is the set is getting too hot. If this is the case, the tubes will begin to darken and eventually burn out.

As a result, the picture will get fuzzy, and you will get black lines instead of sharp images. This can be caused by a number of things like a bad power supply, a bad ground connection, or a loose connection.

• The first thing you should do if this is the case is to turn down the heat.
• Then, see if that helps.
• If it does, then you need to check all your connections and make sure they are tight.
• If it does not help, then call your service technician.

Problem #3: 

The third possibility is there is an open circuit in the TV. A faulty connection, corrosion, or a shortage in the wiring might all be to blame here.

Try to find the open circuit and fix it. If you do not know how to do this, ask your service technician since it is a serious issue.

9. Broken Display:

You may have noticed that sometimes when you turn on your new RCA TV, the screen will look fuzzy or “washed out.” Or the colors may seem faded or dull. This is usually not a problem. However, sometimes it can be caused by a loose connection inside the TV.

To check this, you should gently shake the set. If the picture gets sharper, then there is probably a loose connection inside the set. You should tighten up this connection and try again.

RCA TV Black Screen Problem:

RCA TV turns on, but the screen is black? The RCA TV Black Screen problem is definitely one of the most irritating issues you may face. Here are some quick tips to help you fix it!

• The first step in troubleshooting this issue is to unplug your RCA TV, then reset the power strip.
• This will force the television into its factory default settings and remove any interference that might be causing this issue.
• If that does not work, try unplugging your set for 15 minutes and plug it back in again.
• Next, double-check that all of the connections are tight. If they aren’t, you’ll need to tighten them up.
• The last resort is to try a different outlet or power strip.
• If this does not fix the problem, then call your service technician. Do not try repairing it yourself because this may cause more harm than good.

How to Extend the Life of Your RCA TV?

TVs are not meant to last forever. They are fragile, breakable, heavy objects with thin metal frames. And it’s not just the TV with a limited lifespan – so do the components inside it.

How can you extend the life of your RCA TV?

• First, you should use your TV more often. This will help avoid burn-in on the screen caused by prolonged exposure to one color or channel for too long.
• Second, you should use a low-glare screen. The less light that gets into your room when watching TV, the better.
• Finally, use a screen cover for protection on top of your TV screen.

Conclusion:

As you can see, there are many reasons why an RCA TV could stop working. However, with these simple RCA TV troubleshooting tips, you should be able to get your set working like new.

Hopefully, this has given you a few ideas on how to extend the life of your new RCA TV.

And, if you ever need any repair work done on your set, I recommend you hire a professional. They will know exactly what needs to be done, and they will do it right!

Steven Settles

Steven Settles is an ISCET-certified master in appliance repair. He has aced the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam, showcasing his exceptional diagnostic and repair skills. With an in-depth understanding of the latest repair technologies and a keen eye on evolving industry standards, Steven is a go-to expert for any appliance issue.