TV backlight repair cost ranges from $60 to $350.
| TV BRAND | COST |
| SAMSUNG | $75 – $130 |
| HISENSE | $100 – $350 |
| JVC | $100 – $200 |
| MI | $100 – $200 |
| SONY | $60 – $120 |
| VIZIO | $75 – $200 |
| PANASONIC | $100 – $200 |
| INSIGNIA | $50 – $200 |
| PHILLIPS | $60 – $125 |
| SHARP | $100 – $200 |
| TOSHIBA | $60 – $125 |
| TCL | $100 – $200 |
Most technicians are well-versed in TV backlight repairs. This is because TV backlights fail all the time. Consumers prefer repairs to replacements because repairs are cheaper. Technicians typically charge $100 – $120. That includes the cost of the replacement parts and the labor fees.
You can lower the cost significantly by performing the repairs yourself. This will limit your expenses to the cost of the replacement LEDS and strips. TV warranties usually cover the backlights.
You can also get a warranty for a replacement backlight strip. Read the terms and conditions carefully to determine whether the warranty covers the total cost of repairs or only a percentage. The terms and conditions will also tell you whether the warranty recommends repairs or a replacement.
If the warranty covers the cost, replacements are preferable because you can’t trust a repaired backlight strip to stand the test of time. At the very least, it won’t last as long as a new backlight strip.
Keep the repair costs and the warranty’s terms and conditions in mind when selecting a TV brand. Some brands are cheaper to fix than others. Additionally, some brands offer more favorable warranty conditions than others.
Factors Influencing The Price Of TV Backlight Repair Services
Why are TV backlight repairs expensive in some situations but cheap in others? The following variables tend to influence the repair costs consumers encounter:
1). The Type of Technician or Repair Shop
Who repairs your TV’s backlight whenever it fails? Do you consult a local technician or prioritize your brand’s authorized service center? The authorized service center is typically more expensive. They employ licensed technicians with considerable experience and training.
Your invoice will reflect those credentials. Ordinary technicians are cheaper. However, they are also riskier. An expert at the service center knows the ins and outs of your TV. Their training has prepared them for every eventuality they may encounter.
A local inexperienced technician may do more harm than good in the long run. Most consumers are willing to take the risk because they can’t afford an authorized service center’s hefty fees. It is worth noting that service centers are more likely to charge by the hour.
2). The Type of Backlight
The backlight type has a direct impact on the cost. For instance, Home Guide has noticed that individual LEDs cost $2.50. On the other hand, consumers typically pay $20 – $25 for a CCFL strip. If you decide to switch from CCFL to LED, an LED strip will cost you $12 – $30.
The brand matters. The more expensive the TV brand, the more expensive the individual components inside the TV. You don’t have to buy branded replacement parts from an authorized service center.
The market has plenty of inexpensive alternatives from third-party suppliers. However, you may void your warranty by adding unauthorized parts to your TV.
3). The Type Of Repairs
When a backlight fails, technicians have multiple repair options. The option they choose determines the cost. For instance:
- The technician can replace every strip with a dead LED. This approach is quick and easy. The strip comes with a warranty, which gives consumers peace of mind. The warranty will subsidize the cost of repairs if the strip fails earlier than expected.
- The technician can remove the diffuser lens to replace each individual LED that fails. This option may take longer than replacing the entire strip, especially if multiple LEDs have failed. The technician’s labor fees may skyrocket unexpectedly. Don’t expect a warranty for the repairs.
- Some technicians will cut a light from a second-hand strip. They will remove the faulty LED before gluing the second-hand LED in its place. This means soldering the connections between the new light and the rest of the strip. This method is messy, dangerous, and not worth the trouble. You can’t trust the repairs to hold. However, they are cheap.
4). The Severity Of The Damage
What went wrong? You may replace the backlight strip when the inverter is at fault. If the old one has failed to power the backlight strips, a repair shop can install a new one for $40. What if the power supply board has failed?
Repairs may cost as much as $230, and that’s just for the parts. The repair shop may lower your quotation if they trace the problem to a bad capacitor. However, the technician will encourage you to replace the entire board.
5). Can You Repair The Backlight Yourself?
You can lower your expenses significantly by fixing the backlight yourself. However, most consumers don’t have the technical skills or knowledge to disassemble a TV, let alone repair the backlight.
As you now know, some backlights fail because of bad circuit boards and inverters. Do you have the tools to test and rule out every other component? Do you know the readings to look for when you connect a backlight strip to a multimeter?
Has the warranty expired? Disassembling the TV will void an active warranty. You should only repair a defective backlight yourself when no other option is available.
Is It More Affordable To Repair A TV Backlight Or Replace The TV?
It is definitely more cost-effective to repair a backlight. A TV costs hundreds, possibly even thousands of dollars. On the other hand, you can get individual LEDs for less than $3. No technician would encourage you to replace the TV because the backlights have failed.
It would make more sense to get a new backlight strip. The only exception is an ancient TV. Modern TVs have an estimated lifespan of seven years. However, with proper care and maintenance, you can keep your TV in use for ten or more years.
But eventually, the device will reach the end of its lifespan. Once that happens, the backlights will only be one of several failed components. In such situations, you should repair the backlight.
A new backlight would be a waste of money. Fix the old strips. Extend their lifespan. Keep them running until you can afford to buy a new TV. But if the TV has a few more years left under its belt, replace the backlight. Nothing can justify replacing the TV because the backlight failed.
Are There Any Warranties Or Guarantees With TV Backlight Repair Services?
Authorized service centers offer warranties and guarantees. However, they have limitations. For instance, they won’t cover intentional damage.
In fact, you will void the warranty if you take steps that deliberately destroy the backlight. Unauthorized repair shops are not obligated to guarantee the results of their repairs.
However, many offer warranties to attract customers. Some homeowners won’t hire a technician unless their services include warranties and guarantees. You can also buy a protection plan that covers intentional and unintentional damage. Read the terms and conditions carefully to better understand the limitations of the warranty.