One moment you’re excited to wind down with your beloved TV program, and the next, you’re gazing at nothing but a blank screen, completely baffled about what’s gone awry.
I’ve witnessed countless people dealing with this precise issue.
From my own grandmother helplessly hitting the remote to a college friend inspecting every inch of his TV, I’ve seen it all. But here’s the silver lining: you usually don’t need a pro to fix this.
Now, let me share some cool, no dismantling needed tricks up the sleeve of experts to solve this problem.
The Clever Fix:
Power cycling the TV – unplug the TV, wait a full 60 seconds, and press and hold the Power button for 30 seconds. Then, plug the TV back in and see if it turns on.
Why is my Toshiba TV not turning on?
There are various reasons why your Toshiba TV is not turning on.
It can be as simple as a wrong setting, system issue, or power source problem. However, it could also spell something as serious as a hardware malfunction.
More often than not, it’s a power-related hiccup caused by faulty power outlets or damaged cables.
Sometimes, a power outage or surge could also be the culprit behind your Toshiba TV not turning on.
The worst-case scenario points to a hardware problem. But you will need an expert option before you can conclude that.
Regardless, some of these are fixable.
Let me tell you a good sign: If there’s a red light on your TV, there is still hope!
Take the red light as a sign that the hardware is still intact.
This indicates that the power loss affected your TV’s functionality, but might not have damaged the hardware.
A bit of simple troubleshooting could do the trick.
See fixes below.
Get to know your Toshiba TV
Technically, everything about your TV is in your user manual.
That’s why it’s always a great idea to refer to it to get a better grip on its workings.
Leafing through it will help you get a hang of your TV’s components, the meaning behind different LED light indicators, and the right solutions for various TV hiccups.
If you’ve misplaced the physical copy of the user manual, don’t worry! You can easily access the digital version on Toshiba’s support page for the digital copy.
Have you tried this?
Before you dive into the fixes, make sure you’ve attempted to turn on the TV using its Power button. Perhaps you’re struggling with a faulty remote, while your TV is completely fine.
If your TV remains off even when using the Power button, proceed to the next section for the fixes.
If it turns on, then the remote is the problem. In that case, concentrate on getting your remote back in action instead.
How to fix my Toshiba TV remote
Start with the basics: replace the batteries and give the buttons a nice clean wipe.
If your remote still refuses to cooperate, it’s time to inspect the IR sensor to determine if your remote is due for a replacement.
Here’s a simple trick: aim the remote at your phone camera and press any button.
No red light in sight? That’s a surefire sign that your remote is beyond repair. Time to hunt for a new one.
How to fix Toshiba TV not turning on
1. Wake the TV from sleep mode
Talking about the TV being in the wrong setting, check if your Toshiba TV is in sleep timer mode.
The sleep timer is a feature that allows your TV to turn off automatically after a predefined period.
If the sleep timer is wrestled into action, your TV might slouch into standby mode and refuse to flick back on.
You can especially determine if your TV is in sleep mode if your TV has the standby light on.
To turn it back on, just press the TV’s power button once – that’s it!
If this is the case for you, then you must rejoice because this means nothing is wrong with your TV.
Just remember to keep a check on your TV’s settings the next time to avoid another black screen scare.
And note down how to deactivate the sleep timer for future reference.
Here’s how to disable the sleep timer:
Once your TV is back on, navigate to Settings > System > More… > Menu Timeout. Set the Menu Timeout to Off.
Ensure that the sleep timer function is properly configured or disabled altogether to keep power interruptions at bay.
2. Power Cycling Your Toshiba TV
If your TV has been tirelessly running for an extended period and hasn’t had the chance to take a breather, power cycling might just do the trick.
I’ve been there myself. Once, my TV simply refused to wake up, no matter how fiercely I pressed the remote’s power button or the TV’s physical power switch.
Little did I know that power cycling can get everything back to normal. Since then, it’s now my go-to fix for any gadget acting up.
And it’s not just me – it’s a universally endorsed troubleshooting method. I can guarantee you’ll find the term “power cycle” in the troubleshooting section of any appliance manual.
Power cycling is the safest way to troubleshoot.
It essentially rejuvenates the system, ironing out any minor hiccups that might be preventing your TV from turning on.
Here’s what you need to do:
Unplug it from the power source, hold down the power button for 15 seconds, and then plug it back in after waiting an additional 2 minutes.
This can also be particularly helpful If your Toshiba TV turns on and then off immediately.
If this didn’t work, your TV might need more than a power refresh.
3. Check the cable
Shuffling furniture or appliances around could unwittingly disconnect the cable from the power outlet.
If you’ve recently given your home a makeover, this could be the culprit.
Pets or kids tripping over the cable could also result in a loose connection.
Make sure all the links between your TV and any external devices are snug and free from damage. Look out for any telltale signs of wear or damage, such as burn marks or deformations.
If the power cable seems questionable, try using a compatible cable from a friend or test the suspicious one with a multimeter.
4. Check the power outlet
Don’t forget to ensure the power outlet is functioning as it should.
Your TV won’t spring to life if the power outlet isn’t supplying enough juice.
Test it by plugging in a different device, like your sound system, into the outlet to see if it powers up.
Also, it’s wise to try plugging your TV into a different outlet to eliminate any electrical issues from the equation.
If your TV lights up in the other outlet, or if your other device doesn’t work with the original outlet, that’s your cue to call in an electrician.
Remember, it’s not safe to tinker with a power outlet yourself. Dodging a professional’s fee isn’t worth risking an electric shock.
Moreover, if power outages or surges are an ongoing hassle, think about investing in a surge protector to shield your TV.
5. Remove external devices
There have been occasions when TV owners noticed that plugging in certain external devices led to their TV refusing to turn on.
While external devices rarely cause such issues, it’s still wise to rule them out as potential culprits.
Streaming gadgets (like Roku or Amazon Fire Stick), gaming consoles, ethernet connections, or any other devices hooked up via HDMI could be causing the problem.
To test this, disconnect all of these devices and try powering on your TV again.
If it lights up, a connected device might’ve been the troublemaker.
If your TV remains off after disconnecting the external devices, then we’ve got more solutions up our sleeve to try.
6. Turn off for few more hours
If, like me, you live in a particularly humid area, the humidity could be playing spoilsport with your TV.
Imagine this: It’s an incredibly hot day, your TV’s been running for several hours, and you decide to crank up the volume for a more immersive experience.
In situations such as this, your TV could easily overheat.
If your TV is hot to the touch or showing any warning signs of high temperatures, it’s likely overheating.
However, even if it doesn’t feel warm, we can’t rule out overheating since TVs are designed to manage heat.
So, regardless of the circumstances, it’s a good idea to let it rest for a bit longer.
If feasible, relocate your TV to a cooler spot with better ventilation. Let it chill for a while before attempting to switch it on again.
7. Factory reset your Toshiba TV
If your TV is not turning on despite all the troubleshooting, then you have nothing to lose if you do a factory reset.
In fact, you will have a fresh start after a factory reset.
This process will return your TV to its original settings, so please keep in mind that you will lose any personal preferences you’ve set up.
There are two ways to perform a factory reset: using the Reset button/pinhole or through the Power/Input button.
Some older Toshiba TV models come equipped with a built-in Reset button.
If your TV has one, it’s worth utilizing.
The button’s location can vary based on the model, so refer to your TV’s user manual for details about its location and usage.
Here’s how to reset using the Reset button/pinhole:
Press the Reset button for 30 seconds while the TV is plugged in.
After 30 seconds, your TV should begin to reboot. If you spot the Toshiba logo post-reset, that’s a promising sign.
Wait for it to fully restart and check if it’s back up and running smoothly.
This is your option if your TV has no Reset button.
Follow these steps:
- Unplug the TV and all external devices.
- Press the Power/Input button for 15 seconds.
- While holding the Power/Input button, plug the TV back in.
- Turn on the TV.
This should have initiated the factory reset.
Check if it works.
8. Contact the professionals
If your Toshiba TV still refuses to come to life, you might be dealing with a hardware issue, such as faulty circuit boards or a problematic backlight.
In such situations, it’s best to call in a professional technician to diagnose and sort out the issue.
Don’t try to solve hardware problems on your own, as this might void your warranty or lead to further damage.
On that note, if your TV is still under warranty, you might want to contact Toshiba support.
Ring them at 1-888-407-0396 or send an email at [email protected]. They are available Monday – Friday 9AM – 9PM EST, Saturday – Sunday 9AM – 6PM EST.
Keep your TV’s model number, serial number, and purchase details handy. This information will help the support team assist you more effectively.
Also, be ready to clearly explain the issue and follow any additional troubleshooting steps they suggest.
9. Bake your TV board (For experts only)
This fix is a more advanced solution, ideal for those who have experience tinkering with TVs.
So if you’re an electronics pro hunting for a more sophisticated solution to a non-responsive Toshiba TV, this one’s for you.
But if you’re new to troubleshooting, I’d recommend sticking to the earlier suggestions for safety’s sake.
This fix is called baking your TV board.
Although it might sound bizarre, several electronic enthusiasts have reported success with this technique.
Few reminders before trying this fix:
- Be cautious while doing this, and make sure to follow the proper safety measures to avoid electrocution.
- Keep track of any screws or components you remove to make reassembly easier later.
- Prepare a tray, aluminum foil, and screwdriver.
- Always keep a close eye during the whole procedure to avoid any damage.
Here’s how to bake your TV board:
- Unplug your TV and remove the back cover.
- Locate the TV board and carefully remove it from the TV.
- Preheat your oven to about 385°F (195°C).
- While the oven is preheating, prepare a tray with aluminum foil to lay your TV board on.
- Once the oven is heated, bake the TV board for 8-10 minutes.
Note: ensure that the board does not touch the oven’s walls or heating element.
- After the baking interval, remove the board from the oven and let it cool down for about an hour.
- After cooling, reconnect the board to your TV and reassemble the back cover.
- Plug your TV back in and try turning it on.
While this method is unusual, it has helped some people with malfunctioning TV boards.
With some luck, this method might spring your Toshiba TV back to life!
The TV is turning on, has sound, but no picture – what to do
There are certainly instances where your TV fails to light up due to a backlight problem. You will observe how your TV stays on black screen even though you can hear the sound clearly.
The best course of action is to do a quick test to see if it’s really a damaged backlight.
To check, turn on your TV, point a flashlight on the TV screen closely, and see if there’s a faint picture.
If there is, then the backlight is damaged and needs replacement.
Wrapping up
Nothing’s more frustrating (and scary) than a TV refusing to turn on. You will think that the TV is slowly giving a goodbye.
But before you conclude that your TV is far from being fixed, it’s best to do some troubleshooting to test if the problem is a minor one.
The quickest and easiest trick is to do a power cycle.
If this doesn’t do the trick, you might want to do these troubleshooting:
- Wake the TV from sleep mode
- Check the cable
- Check the power outlet
- Remove external devices
- Turn off for few more hours
- Factory reset your Toshiba TV
- Contact the professionals
- Bake your TV board (for experts only)
I’m sure one of these solutions will bring your TV back into action.
Remember, your Toshiba TV is an investment, and taking care of it according to the manufacturer’s guidelines will ensure it provides you with the best entertainment experience for years to come.