If you have a Samsung LCD TV and are experiencing a growing number of startup issues with it or weird sounds, this post is for you.
Many users on AVSForums have reported experiencing delayed starts, “clicking” sounds, and eventually having the Samsung TVs stop being able to power on. This apparently is being caused by faulty capacitors on the power supply board. These issues stretch across numerous models of LCD panels and seems to be caused by the use of bad capacitors during manufacturing.
The most evident symptom is a “clicking” noise after powering on the TV, which is the sound of the power supply relay cycling on and off. At first the TV clicks 1-3 times before the unit finally comes on, but over time the evident “clicking” takes longer, and then one day the unit fails to power on at all.
Most of the sets started experiencing these issues after the manufactures warranty had expired, leaving some to either pay for the repair, or trash the set. However, some crafty users over at AVSForums figured out the specs for the faulty capacitors, and have had success at soldering them off, and new ones on. But since the numbers of angry TV owners have been growing, Samsung has kindly stepped up and started offering a “one time in home repair” to the owners that qualify.
About 4 weeks ago my Samsung LNT-5271F started the dreadful clicking of impending death. I was already aware of the issue because of the members in the “owners thread“ for my TV on AVS, I quickly gave Samsung a call. I was lucky enough to qualify as having a set manufactured during the problematic time period, and a tech was scheduled to come. The repair was super quick, it only took 10 minutes to swap the board out and get the unit powered on. As you can see in the pictures below, the capacitors are bulging and leaking.
I want to thank Samsung for stepping up and repairing these units.
You can call Samsung at: 1-800-Samsung (1-800-726-7864)
And a big thanks to the community at AVS because I wouldn’t even know about the warrantied issue! And if you own any TV/receiver/home theater device, do yourself a favor and subscribe to the thread for your respective model.
It looks like the class-action lawsuit against Samsung for these failing TVs was settled and you may be able to get a reimbursement from them. More info here.
EDIT: If you have success could you please leave the model number of your TV to share with others 
Samsung’s customer service is the all time worst. No help whatsoever.
My husband and I got a HP-T4234 TV for our wedding in December 2007. The TV has worked just fine and all of the sudden it a few days ago, it would intermittently shut off, then repeatedly make a clicking noise for about five minutes, then turn on again. The clicking time has increased, and now the TV will not power on, and will click for so long, we just have to unplug it. Same problem tons of people are having.
So, I did an online chat, and after being advised to try a new power outlet and unplugging the tv for a while, had no luck or improvements whatsoever.
Next step. I filed an online service request, which gave me the final conclusion that Samsung has no authorized service center in Hawaii, and even better, I just now received an online service request confirmation email, in which I am expected to somehow pack up and ship this 42″ TV to New Jersey. Totally unacceptable and ridiculous that that is what Samsung would expect for me to do.
Frustrated.
07/07 HL-s5679w bought—2700.00
01/09— -died— clicking problems TV wont turn on .
My story is like all of yours out of warrentee was told ‘no problems with tv..model #…
Called a few more times ,Joined the class action suit ,Found the vidio on how to repair tv compacitors on u-tube . ,took tv apart ..didnt know what i was doing ,Stuck the parts out of site .and
continued to dust …(mother got sick, the fight was put on hold ),
07/11 continued the fight …samsung said the same , I TOLD THE REP , WE ARE
GOING TO KEEP FIGHTING,IM CALLING THE BETTER BUISNESS DEPT . THE FRAUD DEPT , EVERY CEO ( I said a few names , , PRESEDENT– SANG JIN PARK,.. PRESEDENT- K CHO .) THREW IN A FEW F… WORDS ,..she said she
was not going to be talked to like that,…I SAID HOWS IT FEEL THAT IS EXACTALLY WHAT SAMSUNG HAS DONE TO US..she hung up ..
I am so upset again….my family went into hiding,
(The next day I started planning the next round !!! (,,thinking ,Kara give it up ,throw the tv away ,your going to give yourself cancer,)
I got a phone call .asking me how my conversation with Samsung was yesterday ?
SHE EXTENDED MY WARRENTEE ,SAID SAMSUNG REPAIR WOULD BE CONTACTING ME ASAP. We want to GET THIS RESOLVED..SHE SAID SHE COULD SEE EVER CALL I MADE . FROM 1/09 .AND TOLD ME TO HAVE A GREAT DAY. I was in shock…I almost passed out !!!!
\(uh ohh !!! I called my husband asked him how long it would take him to put the tv back together..)
07/06/ 2011 SAMSUNG REPLACED THE ENTIRE BOARD, i ASKED HIM WHY
THIS HAPPENED ,? HE SAID THE COMPACITORS WERE NOT STRONG ENOUGH
AND THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM …on the new board
TV LIVES ,DON’T GIVE UP …. I CANT BELIEVE I WON ….AFTER 2 1/2 YEARS
OF FRUSTRATION….
THIS # MIGHT HELP YOU SKIP THE BS ..(..1-800 522 7341 ( her name is EVETT-)– EXT.10531 )
THANKS TO ALL FOR HELPING ME WIN …
Thank you so much for providing this contact information for Samsung. I had been trying to solve things through their online chat and they had absolutely no clue about the one-time free repair for this issue. I got fed up and very frustrated so I continued my research on this issue which led me to all of these comments. I called the number you provided, trying to get ahold of Evett, but with no success. I eventually was talking with an ALICIA and she asked what my issue was so she could try to help me. Within 10 minutes she had verified that they woiuld indeed honor the one-time repair for the faulty capacitors. They just require you to agree that if the technician does not find that the issue is faulty capacitors, then you have to pay for the appointment and also for any repairs they do, if you choose to have them done. Supposedly the local repair company will call me in 1-2 business days to schedule the appointment. Fingers are crossed that everything goes as smoothly as that call did with Samsung. For anybody else having this issue, here is the number I called and the extension for the agent I spoke with:
1-800-522-7341 press 7 right when the recording begins, then dial extension 80902 for ALICIA. She was very nice to speak with.
Good luck!
yahooooooo ….. YAHOOOOOOOO………… I AM SO HAPPY !!!!!!!!!!
1-800-522-7341 PRESS 7 ……PASS IT ON ..
DONT GIVE UP !!!!
To all the samsung tv owners with the bad capacitors. I called Samsung @1-800-726-7864 on Aug.9 2011 to report my problem with the tv just clicking for a couple times the first time to 10-15 times before it cut on. Occasionally it would cut off and turn right back on. Each day it would click a little longer before it would cut on. I gave my model # LNT4061FX1XAA and they told me I could get the one time fix. They took all my info. and said a authorized samsung dealer would call me in 2 days. They called and set up an appt. for the following day on 8-11-11. The repairman came and took the back off the tv and say the bulging capacitors. ( total of 5 ) He replaced them in about 20 minutes (could have done it quicker if me and husband wasn’t talking to him) . Everything works fine. Just a piece of advice. The repair guy told us that you should not let the clicking go on for day after day hoping the tv will come on. That is the cause of some peoples motherboard going out. That is why Samsung is hesitate to replace all because some people damaged their motherboard from letting it click toooooo long. My tv is fine now and I didn’t have to pay not one cent. Everything worked out for me but my mother is having problems with them covering hers. That’s ok because I am getting ready to call Samsung right now and get hers covered. Good Luck and keep calling and tell them you want your one time free repair.
Purchased our Samsung on 05/09/2009 also as of 09-08-2011 our 52 inch LCD tv experiencing clicking on and off sounds until it finally stopped working!My husband Called Samsung a few times got no where… Finally did some research and I called them, spoke with Jamese who was very helpful and explained that I WAS UNDER THE BLANKET OF A ONE TIME FIX!!! They took all my info as well and instructed me that a service repairmen would contact me in 1-2 business days. I am waiting for that call as I just hung up with them.
I was told that if your Tv was Manufactured from June 2008 and above they would honor a ONE TIME FIX!! Good luck and be persistent is all I can say!
Hi there – was your TV still under warranty? I’ve had 3 unsuccessful calls with their very rude customer service, and they’ve basically shut me down, saying they won’t do anything for me. It’s clearly the same issue every second person with a Samsung has.
Thanks,
Steve
They have model numbers for TVs which fall under capacitor issues and mine was purchased in Fall 2008 which I’m waiting on them to call me tomorrow to confirm the appointment time for this Thursday. It may also depend if they have local repair people in your area which can come out to replace the capacitors… or they may tell you to ship it to them which is a pain. Be very nice and calm while you’re on the phone with them is all I can say if you want them to be helpful. Try the number I did below and preferably have a female call for you
they may have more pity for the caller being female.
Call 1800-726-7864 and tell them how you came across the 1 time free repair for the capacitors going out with clicking etc. online and this is the reason for your call. They’ll then ask you for the serial No., model code and version number on the side of the TV so have that ready first not to waste their time.
Actually I take that back, they won’t be coming to repair my TV in Dallas,TX because they want to charge a $100 trip fee for coming out if it’s something other than the capacitor??? I told them I’ve seen the online boards saying it has to be the capacitor issue when it’s just clicking, and the TV still comes on after 6-7 clicks so it shouldn’t be anything else except the capacitor, but they said in case it’s not they need me to approve the trip fee before hand on the phone and if I didn’t ask how much the trip fee was they’d probably make up something saying it was more than just the capacitor and charge me $100 when normally Dallas trip fees are $40-60 with repair companies. The name of the company in Carrollton, TX charging $100 for a trip fee is NISI which would not only cover their drive but also labor and parts so in actuality it’s not really a FREE REPAIR, so I told them I’ll just call another repair company locally for half that price and hung up.
Now I’m definitely gonna look up that lawsuit against Samsung online and join it if I can, cause that is really annoying!
It appears they just pick and choose who they will help and who they will not help, Like every other or every third person etc. . I called Samsung back in October2011 and was set up for repair by a contractor of Samsung’s choosing,but when the contractor called to set up a repair appointment the only response I got about who would pay for the repair was that I would owe the contractor a $99.00 diagnostic fee and possibly more for the repair. Knowing that I could fix the problem myself I ordered a IP BOARD/POWERPCB for a total of $153.57 less a core refund of $50.00… Net cost $103.57. Once everything was fixed and I had been refunded my $50.00 core deposit for the old Power PCB I again called Samsung to see if I could get reimbursment for my loss and when I explained everything that had happened to what Samsung calls their “Executive Level Customer Service”all I was told is “I wish you hadn’t done that, we can’t help you now”. I guess the only recourse for many of us is the class action lawsuit which is very easy to sign up for with the Abbington Cole Law Firm in Tulsa OK.( just sign up on the company website) Best wishes to all in getting your problems resolved.
hello kara, so they changed the mother board?
Dont give up !
Kara, please don’t be upset when your television begins to have the problem again because the motherboard is corrupted. Samsung DOES NOT help with this issue. Some repairmen will tell you that the two bad capacitors corrupt the data stored in the mother board and that it can be repaired by simply downloading a data fix. Not so….so please, enjoy the fact that you got this company, who refuses to do anything for anyone intially, to do step one of the repair in defective components. Please keep it in the back of your mind that your motherboard can fail soon. Don’t replace it until it craps out on you….then join the class action lawsuit. This is NOT an honest company. Think of your frustration through those initial contacts….imagine how many customers they have done this to and then join the law suit. Its the only thing they understand…very angry consumers.
Can you give me class action law suit info if you hAve it?? Thanks
ginapriceless@comcast.net
I guess sumsung has figured out it is a defect. I was going to fix mine for a couple hundred at a shop when I deicided to go to the web and came on this site and others. I called samsung and they are doing the one time free fix.
However, on utube there are several vidio’s on fixing it yourself by first timers amateurs at repair. It seems quite simple with a screwdriver and about $3 for parts and $10 for a soldering iron at radio shack. I am taking the free fix, then doing it myself if it happens again.
Hello did you repair a TV? or a similar? I have a TV samsung50L7HX projector type and the bulb does not light, I think they are the capacitors did you change them yourself? Let me know. e mail: manricomo@hotmail.com
Like you, I have also accepted the one time free fix for my Samsung 40″. Dont Samsung replace the power supply, rather than just the capacitors? Little worried about that. If it goes again, I shall also be doing it myself, seems straight forward enough looking at YouTube.
Thanks everyone for their helpful replies. I called samsung today and got a hassle free one time repair. My TV started acting funny about a week ago. Under their new rules they will do the repair free of charge 3 years and 3 months after the date of manufacture. My TV was made May 2008. It is now August 2011 and we just made it under the line.
I hope this post helps anyone else with this issue.
Thank you all!
Samantha,
Glad to hear you made the cut-off. Today, before throwing the tv out I decided to check internet and see if people were having the same problem as me, I called and missed the date. What a joke! Eight days past their self-imposed deadline, they know the part is defective but have decided that they are only going to fix some of them and everyone else is out of luck. Wont buy Samdung again.
Actually I’m not sure why they told you there was a deadline back in Sept. 2011 because I just called today 1/7/12 and they’re setting me up with a repair appointment this week. I purchased my 52″ back in Fall 2008. Try calling 1800-726-7864 and ask for the Free 1 time courtesy repair after mentioning your TV clicking issue.
I have model LN-T4071F and it clicks and takes forever to start up. Called 1-800-SAMSUNG and they offered a free home repair to replace the capacitors if that was the trouble. BUT if not would charge me a service charge. I paid over $1100 for it and is only THREE YEARS OLD. Not sure if SAMSUNG is reliable as it was in the past. Had an older picture tube type that lasted for 15 years. They said they would contact WITHIN 48 HOURS TO SCHEDULE A REPAIR.
8Called Samsung customer service about model on s4051d. Told that they would do nothing about the capacitor problem other than recommend a service provider an hours drive away. Samsung’s web site offered to answer my tech question if I agreed to pay $39.00 for the answer. They have to be kidding. Will avoid their tv’s in the future!
My Samsung LN-T4661F
Called 1800 SAMSUNG
Reached technician immediately. Explained the clicking problem. Thanks to all those who called in before me, with no bargaining or begging, a technician will be scheduling a free visit to my house and charge nothing to replace the capacitors, -regular repair cost if it is something other than capacitors.
Samsung really came through for me.
Samsung technician came today, found 3 bad capacitors, replaced them and was gone in 10 minutes. TV works fine with no clicking. Good job SAMSUNG!
Funny to read Rebekah’s replay. We also bought our Samsung HPT4254X in December of 2007. We are having the exact problem that is described on this website. We have yet to contact Samsung but it’s almost a relief that it’s common.
I have an LNT4042H and was told that my model was included in the one time repair. However, I provided my serial number and was told that it missed the time period by one month. Basically next level customer service told me I was screwed. I will never buy another Samsung product and encourage others to be very careful when considering a Samsung purchase.
I have the same model (LNT4042H), and received the same unsatisfactory answer that I “missed the time period for the free repair.” When asked for a more detailed explanation, they told me that the free repair was being offered only to those whose issue was called in within 36-39 months after the product’s purchase date. It’s unfortunate that an organization can knowingly go to market with faulty products and provide customer service that’s just as unsatisfactory, and still remain a prospering business. Samsung just lost [another] customer, forever.
(repost – I meant to leave this as a reply for Caleb, and can’t delete my previous comment.)
Wait – Purchase date or date of manufacture? If it’s purchase date, I have a valid beef with Samsung, because my TV sat on the shelf for 16 months before I bought it. They have given me the runaround *twice* about this.
And before it’s mentioned: yes, I have signed up for the Class Action suit, and I’m on the FB page.
Can I please have the class action lawsuit info?
Thanks ginapriceless@comcast.net
LN-T4761F, manufactured late February 2008, purchased in April 2008. I called Samsung on Tuesday and described the problem. They said I was covered if it was the capacitor problem, and they had a local tech out Wednesday. He pulled the back off and it was indeed the capacitors. The tech removed the old ones and soldered new ones to the power supply board. Took about 20-30 minutes total, and after that the set fired right up. The thing is 2 years out of warranty so I really do consider this to be fantastic customer service.
LN-T4671F, sorry for that and for spamming the comments.
As a final note, I was willing to pay for repair if needed, its been a great set and repair is a lot cheaper than a new TV. Still great that they covered it.
Having the same problem with our samsung. What number did you call to get a tech out to fix?
If your unit takes too long to turn on , clicks on and off most of the time is a Capacitor issue. DONT use the TV anymore and unplug it to avoid further damage. Hope this tips help! Jireh TV Repair……….email address is jirehtv@yahoo.com 510-314-3535 Phone. God Bless
I was experiencing the same problems with my samsung LCD tv and was about to call for repair, but after reading some of the posts, i decided to call 1 800- samsung and ask to see if samsung was repairing tvs with this problem. Customer rep told me that samsung would provide a one time repair for the capacitor problem. a service repair was scheduled.
thanks samsung.
I had the clicking problem with my Samsung 52″ a year ago. The tech came and charged me $165 to fix it, after he originally said it would be over $200. I thought I was getting a “deal”, despite the fact that I had spent nearly 2 grand for the TV only 2 years before. The TV did the same thing and wouldn’t turn on this week, only a year later. I called Samsung again and they sent a tech out who replaced the capacitor AGAIN but for free this time and said it was one-time free, since I paid before. The sad part is that the last capacitor should have been free and this new one may only last a year. I am happy Samsung finally stepped up, I believe due to being threatened by a class action suit. But I am wary about the lifespan of this new capacitor. They are simply covering themselves. My next TV will not be a Samsung but unfortunately I hear all brands are suspect…the flat screen technology is frought with issues. My Samsung started showing signs of panel failure after less than 2 years (vertical black lines on left of screen)…so I know it’s failing. The tech pointed it out last year and said when it fails I would need to buy a new TV.
I had the same clicking problem with my Samsung 52″ television and after researching this problem on the net thought I would have no problem getting a courtesy fix from Samsung.They have fixed thousands of these sets for free,but much to my surprise I was told that Samsung would schedule a local contractor to come to my home and that I would be responsible for payment of any and all repairs. Maybe its because I used to be a loyal Samsung customer and own (3) three of their televisions. I can hardly wait for the other (2) two to fail,but at least thanks to the wealth of information on this problem I can now fix it myself. And, I just have to say it.I WILL NEVER EVER BUY ANOTHER SAMSUNG PRODUCT!!!! Hello Sony,Hello Panasonic, Hello LC, Hello anyone but samsung.
Bought a LNT4661FX in Jan 2008. TV started to show the power on problem a couple of weeks ago. Researched the web to find out I’m not the only one having this problem. Not sure if my TV will be covered for the “one-time fix” and also the quality of the repair parts. I decided to try fix it myself according to the solution posted on web. I ordered 4 Panasonic 1000uF 25V 105C capacitors from Mouser.com (digi-key is currently out of order until July). It turns out I only need two. My TV is back to normal after the capacitor replacement.
Even though Samsung offers one-time fix for some models, they should do a recall for all models having “bad” capacitors in my opinion.
My LN-T4042H started developing the problem in the last week or so. Works just fine when it’s on, but takes an increasing number of clicks to turn on. I called up and they confirmed that it’s eligible for the free repair. Manufacture date was June 2007. Thanks for the info everyone! Will post again if there are any problems getting the repair completed.
Fixed! Repair was fast and easy, except when the technician burned himself on his soldering iron.
hello, for anyone with this samsung plasma or lcd clicking problem i can help you, as a tv engineer i repair this problem all the time and offer a repair service where you can send me your faulty power supply which i normally repair the same day its received and then send it back 1st class recorded, prices for repair start at £45.00 including return postage, for more details you can email or take a look at my website.
http://www.andyselectronicstuff.co.uk
pesworkshop@yahoo.co.uk
Called Samsung customer service and within 2 days they had a service technician out to replace the capacitors.
The TV is out of warantee but they have a recall to have this fixed. I was skeptical but can confidently tell you they will fix it since they know about the incorrect install of 10 Volt capacitors on a 12 Volt board.
I have model LNT4042H. I called (800)-SAMSUNG, gave the customer service rep the serial number, and they said my TV is eligible for one free repair as long as the issue is related to the capacitors. Still waiting to receive an email from them about how to schedule the repair (they said it has to be an in-home repair) but hopefully this work out for me. I’ll probably still switch to Sony for my next TV regardless.
Samsung scheduled the repair for me with a local TV repair shop. from the time I called to the time my TV was fixed was 3 days.
Its great to have the TV start up again
They scheduled for a guy to come out 2 days after I called them (they were even ready to come the next day if i was available). 2 guys came and it took them about 20 minutes to take the tv apart, replace the capacitors, and put the tv back together. tv pretty much turns on instantly now compared to how long it took before. I would say thanks to Samsung, but I would have been really thankful if they used the correct capacitors in the first place.
My husband called Samsung and they said they would NOT fix our TV and it cost $300. I will never buy a Samsung AGAIN. SCREW YOU SAMSUNG.
Just called Samsung on this exact issue. I was told my model, LNT5265FX/XAA was not eligible for any “free” repair. Thanks a lot, Samsung, for cutting corners and screwing people who work hard for their money, then purchase a $2000+ TV thinking that it will last at least 5 years. I got 2 years out of the TV before it started this issue. Guess I am going to have to fix it myself.
I have an Samsung crt WS32Z409TQX that always had a clicking sound. I never took that has a problem, I thought that was normal in the tv. Now a few days the tv starts to turning off by it self, i searched and i found a lot of people with that problem on LCD´s , but now i dont if i should try to fix it myself our sending to samsung, because there no tutorials about CRT´S and i heard that is dangerous to open one.
Same problem. Just so you know, Samsung will only replace if it happens within a 2 year time frame from warranty expiration. Mine happened a week too late so I am stuck dealing with it myself. This is not a big issue for me, however the fact that this was never recalled or customers were never made aware of the inadequate parts in the first place is what upsets me about the whole situation.
We are having the same problem- very frustrating on such an expensive tv. Our tv is just over 2 years old and not under warranty. When I first called Samsung, they said it is not covered. I called back later and talked to someone else, and she miraculously did a little research and said it was covered under the ‘one time’ repair of the capacitors. Unfortunately, nobody can come for a week to fix it. Hoping that will take care of the problem.
I agree with those that said they are happy for the free repair but disappointed that they didn’t notify customers when they realized there was a problem
Samsung came this morning and fixed our TV. It was faulty capacitors- they replaced the entire motherboard. It took about 20 minutes and it is good as new. No cost to us.
If you call and they won’t cover it, call back and talk to someone else. Keep calling until someone agrees to fix it. This is a Samsung issue and they know it. They now get the capacitors from a different manufacturer because of all the problems they were having.
Just called the Samsung 1-800 number for clicking sounds on my LNT5265F and the rep said they would perform the one-time repair for free (if it is, in fact the capacitor). I just mentioned right away that the capacitor was failing and the TV was producing a clicking sound before finally turning on. Just waiting for their “field rep” to call within 1-2 business days to schedule the repair. Keeping fingers crossed that it is the capacitor, otherwise they’re gonna charge me for the visit!!
NEVER BUY SAMSUNG AGAIN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have the same capacitor problem, called Samsung, I was told that because I bought my TV 3 year and 4 months ago, I cannot have one time free repair, they only cover 3 years.
NOBODY buys a $2000 TV and expects it only last 3 years, since so many people with same problem, clearly it’s Samsung’s fault, why can they just recall and fix all problematic TVs?
Well, I guess I will never buy Samsung again and tell all my family members and friends to stay away from Samsung.
and I will research about class action law suit, if anyone has info , please post here.
Persistence is the key. I called Samsung the first time and the Cust. Serv rep told me my TV was out of warranty and I would have to pay to get it repaired. I waited about 30 minutes and called back. This time I informed them I had done some research and discovered that this has been a big problem and several places I saw online people were getting one time free fixes from Samsung due to low grade capacitors being installed when the TV was made. I also expressed that the TV was only 3 years old and this was unacceptable especially since the amount of money I paid for the TV. I was transferred to a different department and after some research, my TV DID qualify for the one time free fix from Samsung. I’m currently waiting for a TV Service Rep to get a hold of me and set up a repair date!! Don’t give up the first time, keep on them and you should get a fix.
I, too, am having this problem on my LN-T4065F. I called Samsung today, and they are refusing to fix my model. First they brushed me off with an ‘out of warranty, sorry’ and turfed me to a local repair company. When I attempted to call the local repair company, the number that Samsung gave me was wrong. I looked up the company on Google, and when I called their main number, they’d told me I’d reached wrong division, and that they’d send me to the right place for personal televisions.. and guess where they sent me? Samsung support. I am not even kidding.
I inquired about the repair that is being made for others, and was told specifically that my model/production date was not covered under this one-time free repair, and that I should call the local repair company again. I guess when I do that, I will end up at Samsung repair AGAIN. *sigh* I just want to know how much it’s going to cost before I end up chucking the thing in the garbage. I have another Samsung TV and have never had a problem with it, and it’s *older* than my LN-T4065!! It’s garbage that Samsung won’t cover the capacitor repair on this model when it is *clearly* a widespread problem.
hey …. mine is the same model number and I got the same bull crap response from samsung…. “out of warranty” BS
oh well…I am going to have a friend fix it….screw samsung!
Just called Samsung about my LNT 5265 FX and was told it was not one of the models covered.Odd all the people having the capacitor problem with the same model as me and yet Samsung says this model doesn’t have that problem. My mom actually bought this same model after seeing mine and she had the same problem after about 2 years and paid to get the capacitors replaced and it works fine now.Yet this model doesn’t have a problem!!! Don’t know what to do now since they deny there is a problem.
I just spoke with samsung and was informed that my television is not included in the ‘fixable time frame’ My model is an LNT4065FX/XXA according to the serial number the set was manufactured in 2007 and they only cover the problem if it occurs within 36 months. “it’s out of warranty” the CSR told me….such crap….I also informed her that I was aware of the capacitor issue and asked her to please make sure my set wasn’t included. She again stated it was out of warranty and no matter how many times I called they would not cover the cost of the repairs. NOT HAPPY!!
If anyone has suggestions please let me know. Thanks
typical samsuck response. google the samsung capacitor repair kit. order it, solder the components required onto the board, you will know which ones because the tops will bulge. its not too tough. half hour fix.
If I knew anything about soldering, I might. But I don’t, and I don’t know that I’d want to take the risk.
My television was manufactured 16 months before I bought it, not quite but nearly half of the time they are claiming to cover (36 months, as the previous poster stated). What a waste.
hi, if anyone needs help fixing their power supply i offer a repair service where you can send me your power supply and i will repair and test it, all capacitors are upgraded and repairs are guaranteed, its a fix price repair and will cost £45.00 including uk 1st class recorded postage, so if your not good with a soldering iron or cant afford to get someone out to fix it i can help. have a look on my website for more info.
thanks
andy
Hi. I have just replaced 4 bad 1000uF 10 V caps with 4 new 1000 uF 16 V (TV model Samsung LE40R86WD). It is still clicking. I can turn the TV on after pushing the power botton 30-50 times, picture and funtions are fine when started up. Do you have any suggestions of what the problem is?
I just called Sumsung and they said my TV does not qualify for free repair.
They lady on the line said the free repair are only those models from April 2008.
My TV model: LNT5271FX
@John call again. They lied to you. I have the exact same model. Mine would have qualified for repairs had it not failed before Samsung started recognizing their problem. My brother in law with the same TV also had his fail a couple months after mine. I fixed his too.
Samsung lost a lot of customers when they screwed me over with this known problem. I will NEVER buy another Samsung product and I will make sure I let everyone who asks know just how they screwed me over.
***Update****
Guys, I ordered the two capacitors from amazon. My TV is working again.
The clicking has stopped and it turns on without clicking.
I ordered two of these:
http://www.amazon.com/2200uf-Capacitor-105c-Radial-Leads/dp/B0044JL9T4
I would not replace with these capacitors. They are 10 volt and the board is 12 volt. It will work for a while, but you will have the same heating and expansion problems you did before that burn out the capacitors..
My TV model: LN26A450C1D. Purchased in December 2008. My tv failed to power on this morning. After googling, found that many others are having same problem. I pulled the cover off and found that indeed there was a blown capacitor. It was obvious the capacitor had blown due to the top bulging out. Called Samsung…my tv did qualify for a free one-time repair on the condition that if they found the problem was something other than a capacitor I would have to pay for the repair. No problem with that, but I would have to send the tv to them and they would not pay for shipping. So much for “free” repair. I’m going to fix it myself.
My LN3ZA330JID just quit working a few days ago. After searching the internet, I find this is not an isolated problem. My tv is less than 3 yrs old but has only been used about 1/3 of that time. Samsung tells me that I have to ship it to them for the free repair but if it is not the capacitor I will have to pay $120 +.Since I am not young, I simply cannot physically prepare to ship a 32″ tv to them. They would not agree to anyone coming to the house to fix it. No more Samsung for me!
I have a Samsung model LNt4671FX/XAA that I bought about three years ago. It started showing the clicking noise when turning on about a month ago. A friend of mine told me it was a well known problem, the same thing happened to him and he got it fixed by Samsung for free. So I called Samsung to get it fixed. This is what happened:
I call their customer support number and reported the problem. I told them my friend had told me that I was entitled to a free repair as he was. The lady I spoke to told me she needed to see the receipt to verify if ‘my model was covered by the free repair policy’. I told her I did not keep the receipt after three years and I was sure the TV was out of warranty, however since this was a well known manufacturer’s problem because Samsung was using under specs capacitors I felt I was entitled to the free repair. After 10 minutes back and forth the conversation had almost turned into a screaming match with the lady denying Samsung had any responsibility. Then I asked to speak to the supervisor. The supervisor was not helpful either, but he gave me the phone number of the ‘Executive Customer Relations Department’. I called the executive department and a very nice lady told me I was indeed right and that if the problem turned out to be the capacitors, I wouldn’t be charged. No receipt needed. She referred the matter to a third party contractor and they called me next day to make the appointment. The third party contractor made the appointment and asked for a credit card. They said if the technician determined it was the capacitor they wouldn’t charge me; if the problem was something else they would charge me for the technician visit and give me a quote for the repair. If I chose to do the repair the visit would be credited towards the repair. The technician came today and when he opened the TV we both could see the bulging capacitors (not leaking yet). He told me they were 25 volts capacitors when they had to be 35 volts. He replaced them and the TV is working fine. No charge.
What I disliked of the whole experience was that they had me go through a stressful and long conversation with the first person in customer service. They do have a policy of fixing it for free, but they don’t make it easy for you. Maybe they are hoping if they make it difficult people will give up? Frankly, it is really bad business ethics. I don’t think I’ll be buying SAMSUNG again.
This is the number of the ‘Executive Department’ 1-800-522-7341. The agent that I spoke to in the executive department is agent # 85170. IF you call customer service and they try to deny responsibility insist on talking to the executive department or call them directly.
I am posting this same message in every board I find over the internet. I hope it helps other people.
I think these TV’s show these signs after 3 years. Mine is also 3 years old and now clicking with nothing on the screen.
Is this Samsung Model # LNT4061FX/XAA covered?
Thank you!
II just called them and mine is covered. The first lady picked up at samsung customer service and said it’s not covered. I called again and the second lady said it is covered. A technician will call to schedule an appoinment to come to my house.
I have a 4032H that started having the same problem a couple weeks ago. We were dealing with it for the most part until it decided not to come on at all. I called Samsung to report it last week and all they did was provide me with a service technician in my area, which is 40 minutes away since I live in a rural area. I did some looking online and found a ton of sites describing the problem with the capcitors and I took the back off today and lo and behold, CM832 and 833 capacitors were bulged and leaking. I called Samsung again and the service rep told me that I had missed the deadline and that they had taken my 2007 model off the list for free repairs in January. I asked why that was – if it is a faulty model, they should fix it. I also told her that was very convenient for them. She transferred me to a next level tech and he said that they would fix it for free and a technicial would call in 1-2 days. So, being persistent pays off and I should be a happy camper in a few days.
Linds, I wish you would watch my You Tube video about the Samsung Power On Power Off Issue, my You Tube ID is nvdwarriorLTC. You have possibly only hit the tip of the iceberg with the capacitors. Additionally, your motherboard may be bad, as was mine. Review the video for more info on the great chase with Samsung and then join the class action lawsuit out of Tulsa Oklahoma. We have all been had by this Samsung issue!
My first call to the main support # for samsung, got right through, gave them my model # and found out that it is outside the normal manufacturer’s warranty but is covered for one time repair . Model # LN46A30P1FXZA bought at circuit city in Sept 2008. As long as the problem is the capacitor I will not be charged according to the rep I spoke to, just had to agree that if the service engineer gets there and it is not the capacitors I will pay for the service call and the repairs. Will let you know if I have any issues.
Amanda, please be careful. Their technician may or may not find defective capacitors. Most time they do and they stop right there. They will charge you $300.00 if it ends up being your touch panel or your motherboard. Please watch my video on You Tube and think about the class action lawsuit? I am out $480 total and I will not stop until they admit they have defective merchandise on the streets. They know darn well they have problems out there. Don’t give in…
I have a Samsung LN-T4061F. It had power on clicking problem, and figured I had the same problem everyone else had with the Capacitors after seeing this site. I called 1800SAMSUNG and the rep told me that my TV not only wasn’t under warranty (3 plus years) but my model number wasn’t on the problems list. I told her that i did some research, and know that i’m having the same capacitor problem everyone else is, so my TV should be on the list. So she then brought up that my warranty expired earlier this year to which i responded that if i was having the same problem as every other Samsung TV sold around the same time based on Samsung’s manufacturing Defects, then why should I be held responsible? So she asked “Well, what do you want us to do sir?” I told her I wanted my TV fixed at their cost, she transferred me to another person in customer service, who then set me up with an appointment to get my tv fixed for free if it truly was the capacitors, but i’d have to pay if it wasn’t. A week ago a repair person came out, and fixed my capacitor problem, and at no cost to me. Don’t back down, even when you’re outside your warranty period, and aren’t on the list.
We had the same capacitor problem that so many other people seem to have had. I phoned Samsung only to be told that my model number was not one which had a recall notice and so, while they were very apologetic, there was nothing they could do for me. I asked to speak to a manager and was put through to an ‘executive care representative’ who was initially quite unhelpful – more or less repeating what I had already been told – but after several repetitions on my part she finally told me that she would authorize a repair man to examine the television and, if it turned out to be a problem with the capacitor(s), there would be no charge for the repair.
A very nice repair man came today and my television now switches on immediately with no nasty clicking noises.
Perseverance is the key.
How sad that Samsung tries to avoid their responsibilities.
Just called SAMSUNG regarding issue of clicking and TV will not come one. I was first told that my tv was past the warranty (LNT4071F) the rep left the phone for a few minutes and then told me I was eligible for the 1 time fxed if the capicitors were the problem. Thank you so much for providing this information. When the TV works it has the best picture and I was planning on purchasing a new TV today (not a Samsung)
i have a samsung tv pn50a550sifx2c that when i plug in the power it just make this clicking noise for a few sec and stop. when you try to turn on the power it would not turn on so i call the number and they told me that this model is not cover and that its not a lcd therefore its not cover. talked to the sup. said the same thing and he provide me with the number that they can fix my tv. i think they are just a bull of u know what.
samsung suck assssss……..
I have the same problem with my samsung tv (LNT5265F) . When i called samsung they told me the repair for my model would not be covered. I still had them submit a repair request to the repair company and when the rep from the company called me he assured me that the repair will be free as long as its the capacitor issue. He called samsung himself to get authorization and called me back to confirm. Repair guy is coming in two days. Some of samsung reps might not know all the details about this issue to even if they tell you that you’re not covered it makes sense to have them forward repair request to the actual repair company, they might be able to help you out; you can always cancel your appointment if they won’t do it for free.
My Samsung worked fine for almost 3 yrs. Then last week it stopped wanting to click on. After several tries it would come on. I thought it was the remote batteries, stupid me. Finally a couple of days later it would not turn on at all, the red light lit up showing power, but it would not come on, not even manually. I tried rebooting the cable box, checking all connections, pushing every button i could find, nothing. I resorted that I would be buying a new tv and did so. Then when I asked my neighbor to borrow her husband to come install she suggested I call Samsung and see if they would fix it, as she had done so with other companies for the kids toys. I called Samsungs 18007267864. I got a nice guy who asked me if I did all the above and said yep. He then gave me a transaction number and transferred me to another girl who told me they would do a one time fix for free, but I had to ship it to them and I also had to give her a credit card to hold…Hmm, not liking that part. An open line of credit floating around out there, I dont think so. Anyway, she said if it turned out not to be the capacitors, which I suspected it was since everyone online says it is, then i would have to pay for them to fix whatever is really wrong with it. She did say they would pay the return ship. I decided to pass on the offer of the of the free fix mostly due to having to hand out my credit card number, and how the heck do you ship a 32 inch tv without it getting damaged? I then decided to check with a local tv repair shop, that just so happened to be a Samsung authorized dealer. I told him the issue, said it would be about 150-300 dollars to fix depending on the number of capacitors needing replaced. I also mentioned that Samsung said they would repair it one time for free, but I had to ship it. He then said just call them up and say you have a authorized Samsung dealer who can fix it if they will just issue you a 400 number. So I did, and guess what, I got the nicest girl on the phone and she did just that in a matter of a few minutes. I gave her my original transaction number from the first call, and she sent a fax to the repair shop and gave me a 400 and a 500 number, which she states is a new system they are switching over to. Anyway, i am getting the capacitors replaced this time, and even if it just lasts another 3 yrs, i will feel I got my moneys worth out of the tv by then. I thank Samsung for doing the right thing. My model number is LN32A330J1DXZA, good luck, its worth a try.
My tv is clicking. I called and they told me it is not covered. I guess spending 2 grand on a Samsung, to last on a few years, was a huge waste of money. They will not get another cent from me. So long Samsung, I guess you make enough money to lose customers, good for you!
I have a 4-year-old LNS model with the same problem that is not covered. I will not be throwing good money after bad to get it fixed.
What size and model number is it? my 52 inch LN550 they did.
All I can say is be persistent. Spent about 2 hours on the phone just last night with this very issue with about a total of two weeks trying to trouble shoot with Samsung Live Chat. I went through 3 customer service reps before I got what I wanted. I have an in home repair set up for Thursday afternoon to have my capacitors replaced and the service call for free. This was after they continually told me my model did not qualify. And yes my TV just turned 3 years old which appears to be about the time frame of everyone else’s issues. Guess they got tired of me and finally gave in. Can only imagine the history and comments linked to my particular model/serial number. Good Luck !!!!
To add to this….the service repair came on Thursday as promised and took my TV to their repair shop. I thought according to the email correspondence with Samsung it was going to be an in home repair…but I can live without my TV for a few days
) The service tech verified with yet another set of numbers on the side of the TV close to where the on/off light is that my TV indeed was one with capacitor problems. He assured me that the replacement parts would be of a different batch etc. and quote “when I bring your TV back next week you won’t see me again”. Now obviously he’s an authorized Samsung representative and won’t say anything against them, but I hope he’s right. I spent way too much money on a TV for it to only work for about 2 1/2 years.
Yes,the same that happened to many people on the stupid flat screen Samsung TVs happened to me,I call to the Samsung Company,they said that will send somebody to fix it “for Free”,but only if were the capacitors, if this was not the problem then I should pay for the visit of this person $100 ,I did accept this ,but the problem was that this technician was making his own appointmens every time,he saids I’ll be there at 12pm and then calling changing the day and the time,this happened two times,then he saids “Oh! I’ll try to be there in the morning before I go to work” ,yes NOT A SERIOUS people or not even a company,then I ended fixing the TV myself, it was so easy THANK YOU TO ALL THE PEOPLE THAT POST THEIR VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE specially to bill352 , rcaulder ,Stealthfader.
And I really feel that my next TV or appliance won’t be a Samsung,I encourage all people to make a statement not buying any Samsung product,this company it’s being working to get this.
I have the same prob with my 2.5 yrs old LE46A656A1F. Click click click and then no clicks… just flashing red light and no screen output.
Called samsung and was told by 2 operators that my model is not on the known capacitor problem list. Tried giving them the s/no and that didnt help.
they told me to call my local authorised Sammy repair company – called them and they wanted £108 JUST for an engineer inspection. rediculous.
So I called back again and eventually I spoke to a really helpful girl who has arranged for free engineer inspection/repair. She must have been in a different dept as she was on the ball and really helpful. I got put through to her by mistake as I chose the wrong option and had to be put through by a different dept.
Hope this helps others with the same problem.
I just want to say a huge “thank you” to everyone who posted here. Without these wonderful comments, I would have never known about the clicking that seems to be so common with Samsung TV’s. After 2 frustrating phone calls to 1-800-SAMSUNG, I was so angry, our TV isn’t even 4 years old! But after reading this, I called the number listed in the comments and got a nice person who checked and SURE ENOUGH my TV qualified for the capacitor repair. My TV Model is HP-T4234. Thanks again! Now here’s hoping the service tech says it’s the capacitors!
I have a 42″ LCD that we bought in 2008. I don’t recall clicking noises, but the other symptoms mentioned in this thread–taking a long time to come on and shuting off or losing picture–were the same.
I ordered a Samsung LCD / Plasma TV Capacitor Repair Kit from Amazon for $9.99. It came with 9 capacitors. 2 are 2200uf, 10V; 1 is 220uf, 35V; 6 are 1000uf, 25V. It also comes with instructions and links to youtube videos. Since I have already received the parts, I think I will see about doing the repair myself–just because I hate to go through the pain of talking to customer service departments…
The repair kit is listed as MDZ-SRK# Samsung Capacitor Repair Kit.
After drinking several glasses of single malt scotch, I’m thinking that I will ignore the safety portion of the instructions since it is always good to leave the television plugged in while working inside of it. I think I’ll sit in a puddle of water too….
All kidding aside, I’ll post the results when I’m done.
Good info here–thanks to all.
Received a call from the authorized Samsung repair that my TV was fixed and they would be returning it tomorrow afternoon. He did verify that it was indeed a capacitor problem. My model number is LN40A530P1FXZA. Despite it being out of warranty….Samsung did come through. Moral to the story….don’t give up with customer service even when they tell you it’s not covered. Good luck Jim on your do it yourself repairs…..I raise my glass to you!!
Let’s try this again–first reply didn’t work.
I found that none of the capacitors showed any signs of damage–no bulging or oozing. I decided to replace all of the 10V capacitors anyhow. In the end, I replaced 4 with 25V capacitors. Television came right on and has been on for about 4 hours now.
I have a Samsung 40LD550A tv that recently developed issues powering on–definitely seems like a capacitor issue. I tried filling out the product support form on the Samsung website, but the request won’t go through. I will try calling instead. Thanks for the info!
lynn, get ready for the Samsung run a round. Its beyond funny these days as I read more and more folks being run in circles to have a known defect repaired by Samsung at no cost. Remember, that it may be more than the capacitors and they will ONLY pay for the capacitor repair. Anything beyond that $300.00. I had the Geek Squad replace the motherboard because Samsung would do nothing to help me. So, be aware of their delay tactics and be persistent as hell. Don’t stop calling. I am not sure what state you live in, but contact your Attorney Generals Office and they will help you negotiate with Samsung. Samsung has been sending out gift cards in some states. And please, joing the class action lawsuit being pulled together in Tulsa Ok by the Abington Law firm. Watch my video on you tube. Search for Samsung power on power off problems with my you tube name of nvdwarrior LTC. Good luck.
Have a LNT4066 model, purchased November 2007. In early 2011, the clicking problem and delayed power-on began. It finally occurred to me last week, as the problem was getting worse and I was pricing new TV sets, to do some online research. I found out about the Samsung free repair and called them yesterday. They gave me no hassle whatsoever and scheduled an appointment with a local repair shop.
I read all of the comments above and called Samsung last week to fix what sounded like a capacitor issue with my TV. Sure enough-it was! Samsung paid for the total cost. I am thrilled my tv is up and working again.
Thank you to everyone who posted comments above and provided samsung contact info.
The television is still working. No issues. In the end, I did not have to call Samsung or deal with some customer service individual in India…
Replacing the capacitors is really easy–only took about 20 minutes to replace all 4 10V capacitors.
Good luck!
Dear Jim: I believe the purpose of this forum is to help people in understanding what options there are when dealing with the irresponsible company like Samsung who knowingly sold an inferior product. After reading the posts you would be able to understand how to fix the faulty capacitors yourself or to keep hounding Samsung until they give in and send a repairman.
How does this have anything to do with dealing with the customer service in India? Please keep your insensitive comments off the forum. I’ll call and speak to a martian with a foot growing out of his head, speaking in a language I don’t understand, and LOVE IT if he can get my Samsung fixed for no charge or trouble to me. The location of the customer service IS NOT THE ISSUE but the policy that they are told to uphold is the problem. NO I’M NOT AN INDIAN.
The option I presented–repairing the television all by yourself–must not have been an option favorable to you. Meanwhile, you would like to blame a corporation that made a simple mistake by placing 10V capacitors where 121V or higher ones should have been.
The price difference between 10V vs 12 or 25V capacitors is nil. Therefore, Samsung did this on purpose because they really wanted to have to play this drama out as their name is dragged through the mud all over the world (not just in India). As you can see from many of the comments here, Samsung will fix your television for nothing–you just need to speak to a competent customer service person. Otherwise, as you will also see on this forum, you can easily repair the television yourself for next to nothing (cost and time).
Personally, I don’t care who you may be pissed off at, but being the insensitive person that I am, (and given the fact that I have read all the information I need as well as shared my thoughts on one easy course of action), I think I should ban myself from this forum.
Good luck to everyone else–be it through dealing with customer service at Samsung or doing the repair yourself.
Bye.
Jim, I think you missed the point here. After paying almost 2 grand for a Samsung TV and that little capacitor issue pops up…you don’t see who is really getting screwed here? People who pay big bucks for this kind of product should be pissed at Samsung because of the run-a-round they do give you. It isn’t that we CAN replace the damn capacitors…we should not have to, not at the price you pay. Samsung is beginning to respond to customer complaints much quicker now, but only because of the anger and action taken by those who have been treated like idiots. You personally, in spite of your ability to repair the set, should join the class action lawsuit, just because Samsung did this knowingly, to save a buck.
for those who have a plasma tv pn50a550sifxzc and making the clicking noise and dont turn on like the led or lcd tv it does have the same problem like the rest of every samsung. just like how i did call in and they say this model does not cover so i took the back off and check all the capcitor all looks fine no bulging or any defect of any kind. check three of the fuse works find. so little of electronic tech knowlege i know, lucky i have a ohm meter and use it to check all the capacitor all the little works fine except the two big one 450v, 350uf and one 450v,22uf so to make sure i brought to the electronic store to ask if that the case. sure enough they dont know what they are talking either they told me to bring the set in and get the tv repair to check it out they didnt think that those capicitor is the problem due to the fact that its to big to cause a problem if any the little one would go first. so as im confuse and didnt know what to do so i just go ahead and bought the capacitor anyway and its not cheap the two big one is $23 each and the little one is $7 cnd and the total came up to $55 bucks. so when i came home i took one of the big one out and put the new one in and i re-test all three of the capacitor and they all works and so i was confuse why they all works now that i just replace only one cap. so i put the board back into its place and test it by plug the power in. sure enough no clickin and the tv is on.
therefore the capacitor when its on the board when you check them if one is not workin the close by or the one that in relay with does not work also. i got lucky when i pull out the first one sure enough was the fault one, now my tv is been working for two days now thanks to u tube and those who post their problem on here. it help me fine my problem and fix it.
to fine which cap. is defect by use an ohm meter it should give u some sort of a reading. if it doesnt those are the one that at fault and it doesnt mean you have to replace them all it could be only one that is not workin but which one to make sure replace them all, if you lucky like me you might replace one and all will works ahhah. so to conclude these the samsung sucks shit……….
Ouch! Those are expensive capacitors. If you check on ebay, you can usually get them cheaper if you buy from China. It takes a while to get them, but you can save quite a bit.
OMGooodnesss! I was told the TV was out of warrenty and they couldnt help me. I called back the number-pressed 7 and the gentleman actually looked up my TV and it was in fact one of the models with the faulty capacitors! They told me I was in fact able to have the free repair! I made an appointment for an in home repair! Thank you to all who spent months and days getting to this result.
Well Thank God for you all and the information you have provided for all of us which relieved my stress (a bit) I have owned my tv for only 3 years (magic number it appears) my TV also clicked itself into the abyss. Model LN52A540P2F X2A. My experience was as many.. first I was told that my model was “not” one of those which has been approved. Then I found this list of other consumers on this link with the same problem as me and that made me feel better to a degree… I called back and was told that my tv would have the warranty extended.. a one time fix (if the problem was a capacitor problem). Well the nice young man dressed in Samsung gear showed.. and replaced 2 capacitors and off he went.. and my television is working again with no cost to me. Good Luck to all and I must say it was a good experience after being approved. The first call was not good customer service in my opinion… but after that it was just fine.
hi all mine has just started with the evil clicking without powering up. can i ring the 1_800 num even though im in the uk? thanks
Same story. Woke up Sunday morning, hit the power button on the remote on my LN46a650 (3-4 years old) and click, click, click until I unplugged it from the wall. Did a google search on Samsung tv repair and found this site half way down the page. Called 1-800-samsung and told them I dont believe everything I read online, but it sounds like I am experiencing the same capacitor problem that apparently a lot of other people are also dealing with.Was told “Your TV model is not known to have this issue, it’s well out of warranty. You are not eligible for the one time fix. Would you like the number to an authorized service center?” Then I tried the other phone number some other people on this site had some success with…”Closed, call back during normal business hours”. Went TV shopping. Not ready to plop down another 2 grand on the newest and greatest I spent Sunday evening reading a book. Monday a.m. I called the before mentioned number (800)522-7341 with little hope of any satisfaction, BUT after a couple minutes on hold they said that they would offer a 1 time repair and, assuming it is the capacitors they would cover it completely. I agreed and they had a technician out the next day. 15 minutes and a couple capacitors later and I’m once again lounging in my lazy-boy. Thank you so much to The Buzz Media and to all of those before me who did their homework and shared their expierences on this site.
Jeremy, don’t sit comfy for too long. They ONLY replaced the capacitors. They did not touch your motherboard. There is a connection between turning the set on and off with bad capacitors with the result of a motherboard failure. Join the class action lawsuit in Tulsa Oklahoma. Check out my You Tube video on the Samsung Power on Power off issue under my nvdwarriorLTC you tube name. There is a lot more to know and I have included some info on You Tube. This is going on everywhere and Samsung is just beginning to respond but only when pressured. They should be upfront and take care of an inferior product. Oh, what they didn’t tell you was if they opened your set and did not find bad capacitors they would have charged you $300 to troubleshoot plus parts. This is not an honest company. Join the lawsuit please.
i feel lucky our 46″ has lasted for 4 yr.s an it is used a lot 24/7
) always bought samsung but now ….. no more
started the clicking then all of a sudden smoking , took it apart
sm. comp. look ok but the 2 large ones look bad , they are
450wv an i read not to touch these or you could die! so has anyone replaced
these an still alive LOL
husb. just went out an bought a sony. but complaint boards say they all have
problems…..:(( oh the goods old days are gone when things lasted 20-50 yr.s
samsung take care of the problem or fork out % refunds
READ HERE! I just went through this today. My Samsung LN46A650A1FXZA just simply decided not to work today and was just clicking as if it wanted to go on but never went on. DONT LET IT KEEP CLICKING, IT WILL FRY YOUR MOTHERBOARD AND WILL MAKE MATTERS WORSE FOR YOU. Simply unplug it and get it serviced. I called Samsung to see what the issue was, of course they gave me the runaround and told me mine was not within the 3 year and 3 month period for the one-time free repair. They then directed me to a local service company expecting me to foot the repair. I looked online to see if this is a common problem and fortunatly, it was common issue amongst a wide range of samsungs models starting from 2007 onward. I also found out online that they used undersized capacitors (10V on a 12V) during production, so this is an issue just waiting to happen for ALL Samsung LCD TV’s. The rating of the installed capacitor could only handle about 3 years of use before it fails (and convieniently out of warranty). After arming myself with all this knowledge, I called Samsung back and bitched about how I spent over $3000 on a TV that barely made it to three years and furthermore reiterated that they knew about the problem ahead of time and didn’t issue a recall! They responded by saying that they weren’t aware that my particular model had the issue. They then directed me to “Executive Customer Relations” to make their executive decision on whether they were going to repair it or not. They told me they would repair it as long as it was the capacitors. BE FOREWARNED, even if they fix the capacitors, your motherboard may be fried due to the faulty capacitors. They still made me pay the $70 evaluation fee for someone to come to your house to diagnose, but they would fix it for free one-time, but I guess that’s better than buying a new TV at the moment. If my motherboard has issues because of all this I will not be letting them off the hook as SAMSUNG would like. You can replace the capacitors yourself (about $5 or $10 a piece) or just replace the power supply board instead of having to screw around with soldering (about $70 for part, $300 to install). The motherboard I found online is about $70 as well, but with labor about $400. I hope this helps, and if there is a class action lawsuit, let me know – I feel I should be refunded my money for any cost associated to repairs.
Mine was fixed totally with no cost to me. The Samsung authorized repair service did not do the repair in my home….but instead picked up my TV on a Thursday afternoon, took it to their shop and returned it the following Tuesday. My closest repair service was about 100 miles away, so that explains the several days of being without a TV. Did not cost me a dime out of pocket….the repair service got a pre-authorized work order from Samsung and every time there was a communication email between them, my personal email was copied so I could see everything that took place. At this point I’m very happy with the outcome….we will see how long this repair lasts. FYI, as the repair man was leaving….he said that I would not be seeing him again on any repairs on this TV….he was confident the capacitor repair would be the last.
The repairman said the same thing to me that the new capacitors will last long..this was back in dec.2010. now sept 2011, the tv won’t start, clicking proceed. Called samsung, this time they won’t cover the cost. such a headache with this tv.
Wait – Purchase date or date of manufacture? If it’s purchase date, I have a valid beef with Samsung, because my TV sat on the shelf for 16 months before I bought it.
Hello –
OK I called 1-800 Samsung and was told NOPE – sorry, good luck next time… you’d be covered if still under warranty… so I called 1-800-522-7341 and spoke with them and they told me I was covered… and set me up with a repair company.
So she said that it had to be 36-39 months post purchase and an LCD manufactured in 2008.
Hope this helps – Thanks to this board.
I too called 1-800 Samsung and was told NOPE that the TV was out of warranty. so I called 1-800-522-7341 because of this board and the lady at EXT. 85146 let me know that she would send someone out to fix the capacitors if that was the problem. Otherwise I had to pay for the repair. The serviceman is supposed to contact me today.
IF IT HELPS my TV was purchased Black Friday (Nov 2007) so I was not under the 2008 date. They knew this but I mention they knew of the problem and she said yes we do. We will cover that specific problem.
Hope this helps – Thanks to this board I should save $400 in the repairs.
DEar sir, I have a SP 50L7HX projector tv. The problem started some time ago and the bulb is got a little burn in the middle. I rang a samsung shop and they told me to change the bulb and I did. The TV had a few trial but after it started and went like that for two weeks. One night the TV was going and going to sleep I turn it dawn. But the next day. nothing and now I am trying but nothing at all. So they told to change the ballast, I did but nothing. One step before, I put the old lamp and when it did not want to start and the TV started. But after that nothing. When the TV was going `i could hear a cliking sound in the of it. Can you tell me what could be the problem? thank you manrico mosti.
email: manricomo@hotmail.com
I had the same capacitor problem so many others have had. On Friday September 2nd, I started with 1-800-SAMSUNG and was told I was out of luck. I said it seems to be a capacitor problem and kindly asked for the one time free repair. I was then transferred to Jennifer with executive escalations. I didn’t have my original purchase receipt, so Jennifer said after I provided it, the issue could be looked into further. I was able to have the store I purchased the TV from reprint my original receipt, and on Labor Day, Monday, September 5th, I faxed and emailed my receipt to the number and email address Jennifer provided. Jennifer stated to call back 24 hours after faxing. I didn’t end up calling back until Friday, September 9th. It was confirmed that my document was received and had been attached to my transaction number. I was told that I would be contacted by a repair company and that if the issue was with the capacitors, there would be no charge. The repair company contacted me Monday, September 12th and fixed the TV the same day. It was indeed the capacitors. Good Luck to everyone else!
The contact number Jennifer gave me for executive escalations was 1-800-522-7341.
My TV model is: LNT4071FX/XAA and I purchased it in April 2008.
In hind site….on future purchases, online registration takes care of all the extra work that you had to go thru. Am glad that you stuck with it…..making Samsung stand behind the repair. Mine was also repaired after being on the phone for almost two hours to get to the correct person
)
I have same problems with my 46in samsung tv like most people here. The tv click on and off, it gets worse everyday. The samsung did replace the motherboard the first time for a better one and for free of charge. but after 9 months, the clicking starts again. Did it occurs to anyone here? If the new motherboard is no good, then there’s something wrong with the tv.
@Kate the clicking usually indicates a problem with the power supply. Motherboards sometimes will go bad at the same time because of the bad power supply. You should try getting the TV fixed again. This time they should fix the power supply.
Thanks Al. The repairman actually replaced the whole boards where bad capacitors are. He said it will last long time with new board. Disappointed, it didn’t last long, about 9 months. Now i have to call repairman with my own expense because samsung won’t cover bad capacitors second time.
I agree with Al…it sounds like a capacitor problem that so many of us have experienced. Several have indicated that getting the capacitor problem repaired as soon as you notice the problem….hopefully and I say hopefully will not lead to motherboard issues. Good luck.
Yep … those capacitors continue to blow and Samsung has now clearly put its head in the sand. The failure is so wide-spread that they have chosen no longer to fix the design flaw. At this point it’s fairly clear that Samsung engineering did not test this units for the length of time required to demonstrate this failure. The part may or may not have been made by Samsung, but the final product was. It failed and now the customer is left holding the bag.
My LN46A650 was made in May 2008 and failed September 12 2011. Samsung put a 39 month time-limit from manufacturing or 36 month time-limit from purchase on their extended warranty. How arbitrary! If you have this product, it will fail and it’s going to fail for the same reason – those under-rated capacitors. I was told by Rashaud at 1-800-522-7341 that my unit was depreciated and that’s why Samsung doesn’t want to repair it. Hahahaha! It’s hard to argue with stupidity. My 50″ Hitachi was purchased in 1994. It still works today and has never had a repair. Btw, the cost of repair is about $9 for capacitors and $165 for labor.
This problem is really about engineering and customer service. The units were not thoroughly tested before they were pushed out to stores. I’m sure Samsung Corporate is now considerably embarrassed about all of this. What ashamed though – to push their quality assurance testing off on their customers.
Samsung has without doubt admitted guilt. Now it needs its president to get its head out of the sand, protect its brand image, and order its employees to treat all of its customers who purchased these unit fairly by fixing them.
If in fact your dates are correct relating to the “extended warranty” you speak of….my TV was past the 36 month purchase period and Samsung repaired my capacitors at no charge. Took me several hours on the phone with customer service to get the job done, but they did finally agree to replace them. As far as their customer service is concerned….they have totally dropped the ball on this one. Samsung seriously needs to review their policies and get with the program.
Vinnie,
I had the exact same thing happen to me last week and Samsung refused the repair stating the 39 month rule. Purchased in July 2008 but TV was made May 2008. I have three other older flat panels that work without flaw. The inconsistent way Samdung has handled this is just further proof that they are clueless. Left message at extension listed in earlier post with promise of return call in 24hrs. 5 business days later no call. I will not buy their productsd anymore and am considering fixing myself. Caps cost about $1 each and videos all over Youtube. I just purchased a Zenith 50″ plasma for $522 and cant see spending money on a motherboard if the Cap fix doesnt work.
Goodluck,
Shaun
I have the same “clicking” problem on my Samsung LCD TV so I called 1-800-522-7341.
However, my TV model was not qualified and it was manufactured in 2007, which was not qualified for the free repair according their policy. I purchased it on April, 2008 but it was not qualified? Here is my model number, LNT4669FX/XAA.
Is there anyone who has the same TV and got a free repair for the clicking problem?
I have the same model and was declined a one-time free free repair as well. Samsung acknowledged the problem but said based on the model number and serial number, my television is not affected, even though it is obviously affected.
BE CAREFUL!!! I had the same capacitor problem on my 3 year old TV. I called Samung and they told me the repair would be free of charge since this was a manufacturer’s defect. They called a repair man for me and set up an in-home service call. Once the repair man was in my home with the TV opened up, he said there was no note on the claim that this would be covered by Samsung. We paid the $207 fee hoping that Samsung would reimburse us for this misunderstanding. NOPE! Samsung then told me that they would not cover any out of warranty repair and they would not reimburse the money. Unbelievable.
I will never buy Samsung again. If someone knows of a current class action lawsuit, please post info. I have not been able to find anything online.
That’s interesting. Samsung also set up my repair with an authorized repair service and I could track thru email notices their communication with the ticket numbers of the covered repair. Sorry it didn’t work for you…..if you still have record of communications, etc. I personally would continue to try to get them to pay for it. In hind site…almost sounds like a shady repair service, IMO.
I also purchased a LNT 4669F X/XXA and about ten days ago heard the clicking. It took about eight clicks to power on. I called 1-800-SAMSUNG and was informed that I would not get a free fix because I purchased the set on May 1 2008 and it was past the 36 month limit. I was incensed because after reading this board I knew they were at fault and other people were getting thier repairs past the cutoff. I called back later hoping I would get better results but the woman said that they just recieved a memo from corporate to completely abolish the free fix. This was on friday Sept 11.
Samsung replaced the capacitors on my LNT4661F under warranty last week. The set is over 3 1/2 yr old, yet the representative at “1-800-522-7341 press 7 right when the recording begins” had no issue with covering it under the extended one-time-fix capacitor warranty. It seems that this phone number is some type of priority “executive support” line. The representative was expecting me to have a reference number to provide at the beginning of the call, but it was not an issue when I did not have one. The tech was in and out of my house within maybe 20 minutes – he removed/replaced the caps, not the entire power supply board. Time of initial call to time of repair completion was one week. Could have happened faster had my schedule allowed.
Thanks to everyone on this forum. Samsung finally repaired my TV (LN46A550P3FXZA) today. It was a 5 minute job for the techician and it is indeed a capacitor issue. My TV was 3 1/2 year old. I called up both the 1800-SAM-SUNG and the 1-800-522-7341 (executive support) numbers and none of them agreed to provide a free one time repair since my TV was out of warranty. As advised on this forum, I called the executive support for 6 to 7 times and they finally agreed. They would send a technician and if the damage is due to capacitor, they will replace it for free but otherwise they will charge $60 for the visit. It was a capacitor issue, now fixed and my TV is running fine. I would have spent hundreds on the repair if I had not visited this forum. Thank you everyone.
Look like Samsung has disabled the 1-800-522-7341 number. There is only a recording referring to the 1 800 Samsung and no response to the 7.
I have called the main line several times and have tried to escalate but with no good effect.
I have an LNT4061 manufactured in March 2008, and apparently they will only cover this model for manufacture dates between June and November 2008.
I too have an LN46A650 with the clicking/start-up problem. My set was manufactured in April, 2008 and I bought it in June, 2008. It worked perfectly until this week, when the clicking/start-up problem started. At first, it took just 3 or 4 minutes to power on fully, annoying but acceptable. With each successive start, however, the delay in powering up lengthened.
Yesterday, when the start-up delay reached 12 minutes, I called 1-800-SAMSUNG. They suggested I disconnect the power cord for 30 seconds and see if that solves the problem, never mentioning that this might be a common problem among Samsung customers. Lo and behold, after I did that, the TV powered up instantly! I had a nagging suspicion, though, that it powered up fine because it had just been on at normal operating temperature, and a cold start (perhaps requiring more power) might cause the problem to reappear. Sure enough, the next time I turned on the TV hours later, it took a full 40 minutes — and lots of clicking noises — to start up normally.
So I called Samsung back. They gave me a service order number, and told me to expect a call in 1 to 2 days to arrange for an in-home repair. In the meantime, however, I went on-line and discovered all these posts and info on exactly the problem I was experiencing, including the free one-time fix. So I called Samsung for a third time. They referred me to an escalation team, who in turn talked to some sort of keep-the-customer-happy team (my words, not theirs), and they agreed to give me the free one-time fix, provided it was the failing capacitor problem and nothing else. They faxed an amended service order to the repair company to stipulate the free fix. That all happened yesterday evening.
This morning, Friday, I called the repair company to see if they could get a technician over to my home today. Unfortunately, they can’t until Monday.
… which raises a new question. After the last 40-minute start-up delay yesterday, I was afraid my TV wouldn’t turn on at all the next time, so I left it on all night, and it’s still on. I’ve read in these posts about the clicking issue causing greater problems with the motherboard, but I’m assuming that’s only at start-up and continuing to operate the TV normally after it powers up OK won’t make things worse. Am I right about that? If anyone has any experience or knowledge about that, I would appreciate some advice.
Right now, I’m planning on leaving my TV on all weekend. I live in Denver, and I’m a Denver Broncos fan. I am hoping to watch the Broncos play on Sunday on my LN46A650 in the comfort of my home! When I told the repair company of my plan to leave the TV on 24/7, all they said was “use your best judgement”.
I just want to say how much I appreciate all the comments everyone has left on this forum. I am not typically a blogger/poster/forum participant, but this whole experience has given me a spiritual awakening! On-line communication is so cool. Even 10 years ago, would any of us have been able to share our common concerns like this and see how pervasive this single problem is? Keep up the good work, all of you!
After the repair company comes out, I’ll write an update. Thanks again.
Had This problem start about 2 days ago model HP-T4234 or HPT4234X/XAA where the tv turns off and starts clicking then turns on again with increasing length of time each time and I just cleaned the back a little with an air compressor and still same problem. Called the 1800Samsung because the other number on here 1-800-522-7341 but there’s just a prerecorded message telling me to call the other number. So I called and first I had a Brittney pick up she sounded kind of ghetto and told me my model didnt qualify for repair and she told me to call a local repairman in the yellowpages. I then called again and got a Marie who was a sassy African American woman who kept arguing with me and telling me the free one time fix expired two months ago and my warranty expired in 08 and I told her that there were many people with this problem and I shouldn’t have to pay out of my pocket for their problem. And she told me that it was samsungs policy and that my tv didnt qualify and told me to call a local repairman. I then thanked her and hung up. Any advice guys? It seems slot of you have gotten the repair but it’s expired and they get me with the same argument.
This is the answer I just got as well, sadly. It seems they (unbeknownst to many of us who weren’t having issues yet) offered free repairs for 36 months after the build date (or purchase date) of your TV.
My 52A550 started acting up a few weeks ago, not powering on right away, requiring me to attempt to power it on again. I assumed it was the batteries in my remote, so I replaced them.
Then today, the TV just clicks non-stop if it is plugged in, and does not power on.
Called Samsung, was told it was out of warranty. Came online and found this site, and others, filled with complaints. Called Samsung back, told them it was a recall issue and they put me on hold.
He came back a few moments later, and asked for my purchase date. When I gave it, I was told I was out of the recall time period, and that was that.
It seems that if you were LUCKY and your TV didn’t break down within the first 36 months, then you’re UNlucky because they won’t fix it.
So, I guess that shows us … TVs are expected to only last 36 months.
Listen guys, you are giving up way to easy. Demand to talk to the executive level customer service people. Tell them you are aware of the thousands of other samsung customers being given the fix…YES THE FIX…and then hope your motherboards are not fried from having turned it on and off too much with failed capacitors. DO NOT ACCEPT this crap about being passed a date. And finally, if I can say it with mylast gasp of air, JOIN THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT in order to stop this company from essentially treating us all like idiots. Complain to your attorney generals office for consumer protection. It worked here in Massachusetts and New Jersey. Don’t just lie down…swing back and swing back hard. visit my You Tube video on the Samsung power or power off defect under my nvdwarrior05 user ID…more info onthe lawsuit there. Step up to the plate folks..we all got screwed on this one.
Hi Greg. Found your Youtube video, it was informative, thanks.
I called Samsung back, twice now, since I posted last. Both times they stonewalled me, first saying there was no capacitor issue, then after putting me on hold, coming back to tell me there WAS an issue, but my model is not one of the affected ones. I told them I’d happily email them a photo of my blown capacitors, but they refused.
I asked to talk to the Executive Service Group, and was put on hold for 15 minutes, then transferred to another CSR rep who claimed to be a supervisor. He instantly stonewalled me again (“your unit is not on the list, and even if it was it is out of the 36 month period for repairs”).
I let him know that a previous rep had already admitted my unit WAS on the list, and that I would get a repair if I came up with my receipt. … to which, the supervisor apologized that I was “misinformed” by his coworker.
Politely but firmly pushed some more, and got nothing back. Asked to speak with the Executive Service Group again, and was told he would NOT do that, that they were not taking calls about this issue, and he couldn’t understand why I was trying to push a dead issue.
Then he gave me the address for the Samsung offices in New Jersey if I wanted to mail them a complaint.
They’re holding fast on this one, doesn’t matter how many times I call, how polite I am, or how factual I am. Each time I correct them for being wrong (there is no such issue; no one has gotten free repairs; this was only good during the warranty period; etc) they just come up with some new B.S. line and refuse to even transfer me anywhere.
J, it kills me everytime I hear of another person being given the great Samsung run-a-round. There must be a ton of people out there who they have drawn the line on. This is what the class action lawsuit is all about and I really hope you climb on board. I dont think any of us will receive a monetary settlement worth anything close to what we paid for these sea anchors. You did not mention the state you live in, however, I can’t stress enough how important it is to contact your attorney generals’ office, and hopefully your state has a consumer protection division like Massachusetts. These guys started sending letter to Samsung on my behalf and wham, four $50 gift certificates arrive. No, that didn’t fix my set…the Geek Squad did and I am still upset at the unequal treatment to have joined the class action lawsuit. If they absolutely refuse to work on your set, document the conversations and dates and join the lawsuit. If the television is important to you, invite the Geek Squad in for the repair. Yes, it will cost you money upfront…but having a working television is better than losing the entire investment you made. Where I think we, the consumers are failing is in making enough noise to have Samsung start to listen. They are putting all their marbles into the class action lawsuit. Samsung has probably said ‘enough’ lets cut our losses and since it will take years for this to iron itself out in court, we will get away with electronic murder! J, please, go to your attorney general, it does not cost you one penny to do that, its their job! protecting the consumer against fraud. If you look up the definition of fraud in the dictionary, there is a jpeg photo of a Samsung HDTV!
I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Am I eligible to join the US class action lawsuit against Samsung? In about 30 months, I had the capacitor board replaced twice. I know I’m due for the next change within in the next 4 months or so. I am not at all happy about paying more than $2,000 for a a 46″ LCD that’s ready to die on me. My CRT TV lasted 10 years without a single issue.
Does anyone know what the options are for the ‘nice’ Canadians when we get screwed?
This is so frustrating. I won’t go into great detail about my Samsung TV issues other than to say that I’m having similar issues as others that have posted here. I first called Samsung about 10 days ago. They told me my model TV was not covered, but they could send out a technician. The technician called me and told me what the cost would be to just come out and look at the TV ($50). When I told him that I have read online about many Samsung customers being given a one time out of warranty repair for this issue, he knew about this and asked me if I specifically stated to Samsung that it sounds like a capacitor issue. So, I called Samsung back and mentioned this. Still nothing. Asked to speak to a Supervisor and pretty much got the same response described by J.
It’s too bad, because if Samsung would have just said when I first called “We know about this issue, we want to help you. We will send out a technician free of charge to diagnose the issue and if it is a capcitor issue we will fix it free of charge”, they probably would have had a customer for life. Instead, I don’t think I will be purchasing any Samsung products in the future. I’m sure this is the case with many other people who are currently experiencing this issue. They think they are saving money by denying people this one time fix, but in the long run it will end up costing them customers and revenue.
This is a follow-up to my post of 9/23/11 regarding the repair of my LN46A650. Here’s what happened when the repair man came over, in case any of these details are helpful to anyone in pursuing a remedy with Samsung:
It took less than a half hour to complete the fix, and that’s with me asking a lot of questions (based on this forum) and taking a lot of pictures. The repair guy never even turned on the TV to verify the problem. Without testing which if any of the capacitors were defective, he replaced all 4 of them. It appeared that 2 of the 4 were defective (with popped-up tops) but he said that external appearance is not proof-positive of defects. The capacitors he replaced were on the power board — two 25-volt capacitors in positions CM851 and CM852 and two 16-volt in positions CM854 and CM855. He replaced them with IDENTICAL CAPACITORS SUPPLIED BY SAMSUNG.
He was aware of all the problems people were having with these failures. And he has been replacing capacitors for several years, but he has not had a single case where the new capacitors failed again. He also confirmed that repeating the on-off cycle with the failing capacitors may damage the mother board, but if the TV is kept on, without restarting, no further damage will occur.
At this point, since I am one of the lucky ones for whom Samsung has agreed to give the free one-time fix, I don’t think there is a basis for me joining the class-action suit, barring any future problems. Either way, it’s unlikely I’ll be buying another Samsung product.
Spoke with a rep at Samsung today. told my TV is BEFORE the AUG 2008
problem BUT if I fax my receipt and transaction number to 864 881 0525 they
will see if they can do something for me. I am out of warranty apparently.
I will see if I can find the receipt two years
later and see what if anything they can do.
But as I told the rep YOUR warranty is NOT valid because it was issued under the pretense
that I was buying a properly built TV which your company has acknowledged to
customers has a manufacturing flaw. At which point she got testy and wouldn’t respond.
Now they want the customers to eat the cost of their manufacturing flaw. $2000 for a TV
that lasted 2 years. I will NEVER purchase another Samsung product again.
I just called 1-800-samsung and explained my problem with the TV clicking on and off before powering up and how it keeps taking longer for the TV to come on. This has been happening for about 2 weeks. THe lady that answered took my info (model and serial numbers) and then told me I was eligible for a one time repair. I was prepared for a fight but they didnt give me one. But I am upset that I bought this TV (LN52A650A1F) for $2000+ 3 years ago and it is already having problems. they said the tech will call in 1-2 days to come fix tv. I’ll wait and see what happens. I’m scared to turn off the tv in fear that it wont come back on.
Renard, turn the set off and keep it off until they replace the capacitors. The latest info on the web says, that ‘WE’ the ignorant consumer are causing the mother boards to fail because we continue to power on/power off the defective power supply capacitors! My motherboard was toast….so, join the class action lawsuit before Samsung blames you for the inferior capacitors that they installed in your television to begin with. Look up Abington Cole on the web…join the class action lawsuit. You are one of thousands who have been given an inferior product and will probably be blamed for destroying your motherboard because you didn’t turn it off! See my video on you tube under nvdwarrior05 titled Samsung power on power off problems.
The only thing I would disagree with in Greg Miller’s comment is the necessity to keep the TV off until the capacitors are replaced. As I was advised, and reported in my last post, the stress on the motherboard is created in powering your TV on, not in keeping it on once it’s working OK. I left my TV on for 4 days before I was able to get it repaired, apparently with no additional damage to the set.
I’m having the same issue with a 40 in Samsung tv LNT4061FX/XAA bought three years ago now with clicking issues before it comes on. However, a while ago I decided to leave the tv running and never turn it off infear it will not come back on, so two days ago I was running late for work and hit the wrong button and the tv started clicking and for the past two days its been clicking. So finally I unplug the tv and called 1-800 samsung and the representative advised me that a service tech will call within 1-2 business days. The good news is that it is covered for one free fix. Does anyone know if we have to pay for the tech to come to your house.
I’m hoping that nothing else happens after the tech fixes this issue. I love samsung products!!!!!!
Cheryl. Somewhere during all of the words the customer service rep was throwing at you during your phone call to Samsung were words something like this….’as long as the technician finds the bad capacitors to be the problem they will be replaced for free. If the technician does NOT find the typical swollen capacitors on our power supply, then you may be responsible for a $300.00 service charge. Before you ask, YES, there are other reasons beyond the capacitors that this can happen to stand very close to the repairman. Chances are he will replace two bad capacitors that Samsung knows are bad and undersized for your power supply board. If its your motherboard, that will cost you another $220. Watch my video on You Tube….under Samsung Power on Power off problems under nvdwarriorLTC. Also, even if they fix you television, join the class action lawsuit I refer to in my video. This company sold these sets knowing the capacitors were undersized. Can you imagine spending this much money on a television that only lasts three years? Join the lawsuit.Please.
My TV has been clicking for months and showed pink spots on occasion. When the pink spots showed up I would power off, then on and the spots would always disappear.
I put up with this as the TV was bought over 4 years ago and out of warranty. By accident a financial article linked me to this site.
I called Samsung and they said my set was covered. Tech came yesterday and replaced 3 capacitors on the power supply. He then did a test that showed all the colours and said all was good.
However when asked about the power rating of the new capacitors, he said it was the same and that these capacitors were to replace poor quality capacitors used in the initial build. This would imply that it is not a design issue but faulty components. Would those who know more agree? Furthermore he said other TV mfg. were having similar problems as well?!
Thanks to all who posted here. I contacted the 800 Samsung number today and spoke with a technician who sounded African American. I began by telling her I was calling about the capacitor recall. I made sure to speak nicely. She took all my information, provided me with a transaction number, and immediately forwarded me to the personal service advocate (PSA). The PSA, who also sounded African American, had great customer service. She verified all my info and gave me a service order number. A service tech should be contacting me in 1-2 business days. The question of when my TV was manufactured never came up in neither of the conversations (we purchased our 52″ LCD in Dec 07). I really like Samsung products so I hope this works out. I will update my post after the repair technician comes out.
Well i just called samsung and apparently my tv does not fall with in the production date so i have to take it to a service center and prob pay a couple hundred bucks to fix it. It’s def dissapointing because my tv is doing the same exact thing as everyone elses tv is, so my experience wasn’t that great, they atleast gave me the numbers for the nearest service centers in my area so I can take it there but I really didn’t want to have to that. So for everyone else out there goodluck and I hope your tv’s fall within range because this is def below the belt.
Mine didn’t fall within all the specific parameters that Samsung tried to use as an excuse either….but I never gave up in making contact and pleading my case. Whether I finally got thru to the right person or they got tired of having to listen and deal with me….I don’t know. My one time repair was made at no cost to me by an authorized Samsung TV repair facility.
I probably should have made a better argument, but I was so p#@%ssed I just said a couple expletives and hung up the phone.
Guys, I’m sorry about the spam that has been slipping through; hopefully a few changes to the comment-vetting should curtail it.
Riyad, this is a very helpful forum and you are doing a great job. I think you have solved the spam issue…nice work!
Greg, I am glad to hear it. As the site was getting more and more popular it attracts real humans as well as spam bots. I was spending a half our every day manually erasing all those stupid spam posts, but unfortunately I know it was triggering email notifications to all you guys.
So far so good
Okay. I stand corrected. Turns out that my TV did not fall into the 36-39 month time frame and I was financially responsible for repairing it. It was only after I asked Samsung that I found out because I did not want to be caught by surprise when the repairman got there. I disputed with a personal service advocate supervisor and he volunteered to patch me through to the Executive department (must be something standard they’re doing now). Those people were no help either. They would not budge. The only comfort out of this is that the repairman told me it is not just Samsung that is having the capacitor issue. He said that because TVs are basically computers now, they’re all experiencing the same issues. Oh well – it is what it is.
I have Model: LN52A750R1FXZA and Samsung refused to acknowledge any issues with this model. although now the tv does not turn on at all. any solutions?
Its making my fingers sore to type this stuff over and over. First, contact your State’s Attorney Generals Office and ask for their assistance. Samsung is intentionally blowing you off. They know this is a massive problem and they are just waiting for the dust to settle on the class action lawsuit. Your Attorney General’s Office may be good for $200 in gift certificates. It worked IN massachusetts and New Jersey. Finally, don’t roll over and die on this issue. Join the class action lawsuit against Samsung being filed by Abington Cole Lawfirm in Tulsa OK. Do a google search and select the class action lawsuit button. This will allow you to complete a form and join the lawsuit. There are a lot of consumers who are just beginning to experience this Samsung capacitor defect. Much like Toyota, Samsung has assumed that we are stupid and will not pursue. Think about how much you paid for your television and 3 years is NOT a reasonable length of time for an item of this expense to last. ONE LAST TIME. SAMSUNG KNEW THEY WERE INSTALLING UNDERSIZED CAPACITORS. Don’t give up.
Is the issue undersized capacitors or poor quality capacitors. The TV tech who came to repair my TV used the same power rated capacitors. He mentioned that inferior capacitors were used and the replacement was same power rating but better quality.
In my case, previously reported, it was poor quality capacitors, not undersized. The tech replaced my capacitors with ones that were not only identical in rating (two 16V and two 25V, all 1000 microfarad) but they were also made by Samsung. The TV works fine, though it’s only been 2 weeks since the repair.
Mine was repaired 9 days ago and is fine. When you say “also made by Samsung” do you mean that the original capacitors were made by Samsung as well?
I’m under the impression that the original capacitors were not made by Samsung.
Good question, and I don’t know the answer for sure. Here’s what I do know:
Four capacitors were replaced with new ones that were marked “Samsung”. I kept the old ones, and they had the following markings: Two do not have “popped tops” which might mean that they would still function OK. They are 16V 1000uF, marked “NXB” on one side, and “Sam Young (M) 105 degrees C” on the other. The other two have popped tops and are 25V 1000uF. On each of these is marked on one side the letters “WM”, “105 degrees C (M)”, and a logo in very small print that includes “SAM” and some other indistinguishable letters; on the other side is marked “W1A PET”.
Somehow, I have a feeling my problems with these capacitors are not over. If there are issues in years to come, at least I haver the photos I took of the repair tech doing his work so I can do it again myself if necessary, at minimal cost.
thx everyone for their help. LNT4661F from Nov 2007 started clicking last week. took about a minute to startup. called 1800 samsung. they said repair is free if capacitor problem found and need to send proof of purchase. repairman just left after replacing capacitors (2). all is fine for now.
mh, i have the same model number as you – LNT4661 and i just got off the phone with samsung and they said my model doesn’t fall into the free repair category. when did you have yours repaired?
dnavster, I have the same TV set as yours which I purchased in June 2007 and it was covered.
dnavster, i reported the problem and had it repaired this month (oct 2011).
I bought my LNT4661FX in December 2007, but they would not honor the free replacement. Melissa, the rep, said it did not fall within the 36 month since manufacture or 39 month since purchase window. She also bizarrely calculated the date of purchase as November 2008. Did you sweet talk your way past the rep or what?
Thank you so much for all the posts – 7 calls and persistence and my problem was fixed and Samsung agreed to pay for it!
Do not give up – keep calling – use key words like – extend my warranty, need a 400 number (authorization for repair), be nice and just keep refusing to give up
I mentioned these posts and Samsung does not want bad press!
Thanks to everyone here!
I have a 40″ Samsung LCD TV model number LN40A550P3F. A about a week or so ago, the TV took 5-10 minutes to turn on after it tried over and over again to do so with a clicking sound. Today, it didn’t come on after an hour, so I shut it down and went to the Samsung web site.
I went through the live chat and after about 20 minutes with a Samsung agent, they agreed to a one-time fix to replaced the failed capacitors.
It wasn’t a problem for me, even though I was armed with all kinds of information from the internet on 1000s who have had the same problem with various different models.
It was easy to get them to agree to fix it for free, though it might take weeks.
I did get through and had the repair done for free. It required going through the first level of service rep to the Escalation department, then the Executive layer, and then to the Floor Lead of the Executive call center. Only he seemed to have the ability to say “yes” when everyone else was trying to stonewall me. In any case, the repair was scheduled for the next day and the Samsung tech replaced the 3 small 10 volt capacitors with 3 25 volt ones. He also didn’t have a record in the ticket that Samsung agreed to pay for the repair, but did not give me much fuss when I told him I had gotten them to agree. He just kind of shrugged and muttered, “We’ll see what happens.” An afternoon on the phone with unhelpful reps, but otherwise I’m no worse for wear and have a working TV again.
I have a Samsung LNT4042 TV that is doing the “click”. From the first time I turned it on, it would click 3 times before coming on, then it was fine.
Recently, it started taking 4, then 5 click. Now, it can take 5 minutes before powering up. After reading these posts, I called to get my “one time” fix. Samsung tells me that the LNX series is not affected by the capacitor problem and that they won’t fix it.
I have not given up, but their customer service reps, while polite, refuse to do anything more.
Well my LN52A550 had the clicking issue a year ago. I got the free 1 time fix from Samsung, but now it is back and I need ANOTHER fix. This is barely 1 year later and the same problem is back. Samsung told me I have to pay out of pocket for this, since they only do a 1 time fix. That is great. The 1 time fix lasted a year, and now I have to do it again. Doesn’t seem like a FIX to me, but a bandaid. Very unhappy, will not buy another Samsung TV.
Ryan, this is disturbing news. I questioned what was the cause (defective capacitors or bad design) and it was bad capacitors, then they didn’t replace them with better quality ones. If it was bad design (ie. you replaced with same rated capacitors) I’m surprised they couldn’t figure it out.
Looks like we’ll have to wait and see if your issue is an anomaly or a foreshadow of things to come for the rest of us.
Follow up….called Samsung local service center today to make an appointment…left 2 messages….never heard back. Maybe tomorrow.
TV has been on now 3 days….I can’t turn it off, the damn thing won’t go back on!
I just changes capacitors on my 52″ TV. Samsung refused to help when I called them.
The job is easy and took me all of 10 mins after I took off the power supply board.
I had 25V capacitors but I put in 35V just to be sure they don’t blow again. 1009 uF capacitance.
i have a 50″ samsung plasma tv , it stared the on /off clicking the other nite , checked the capacitors they all look ok , what else can i look for or do as far as fixing this tv , it is still being paid for at best buy
I have model no: LN52A530P1f. I just call the number at the top, got to talk to someone right away, that right there is impressive anymore. He was very nice…we went through the steps – unplug – reset the board- then said it probably didn’t matter because it was warm. Automatically told me about the one time fix. read the disclaimer, took my address, put me on hold a couple minutes, and bamm a repair tech to be issued in 2-3 days. I will let you guys know how it works out. Thanks for this post it really is a lifesaver considering the mother board could go out!!!
Repair people called today already and will be here tomarrow at 2pm. We will see how it goes but as for Samsung they have kept up their end of the bargain. Hope the repair guys are honest since they are not from our area. Will keep u posted.
Its been 3 weeks and still working although I found out after they were here as I was at work that they only repaired 2 “bad capacitor” If I had been here they would have fixed all of them be sure of that. Now I guess I wait and see if the other ones go out.
I have a LNT4665F 46″. I have the same clicking problem. I called Samsung and they told me that since I bought my tv three years ago it is out of warranty and they can’t help me.
I am having Best Buy’s Geek Squad come in tomorrow morning to look at it (even though I told them what the problem was). I was afraid to try to fix this myself since I spent over $1500. I want to make sure it is done right.
I will NEVER buy a Samsung again!
I signed up for the class action suit! Thanks for the info Greg!
Ms Twizz, a lot of us paid out a very large sum of money for a product we were told was ‘The Best’. Well, it might have been the best when it was hot off of the production line, however, the intentional installation of these inexpensive capacitors is starting to ruin a lot of us. I am an electronic bumblefinger and I would never try to replace the capacitors. I almost burned my house down installing a simple dimmer switch, however, why should any of us have to deal with a repair of this nature when you consider the money we paid. What Samsung is doing to all of us, even those fortuante enough to pass muster and received the repair, is disgusting. This company learned nothing from the Toyota debacle and if we are lucky, the class action lawsuit may at least give us some personal satisfaction. Ms Twizz (and I know that can’t be your real name I understand why you are in a ‘tizzy’! Samsung needs to understand the issue of unequal treatment over the same production issue regardless of the warranty paper they hide behind. Geek squad will fix your television and you will be able to enjoy, once again, that beautiful picture. That being said…none of us will know for how long. I have given that set to my daughter and have purchased a brand new LG LCD Television. Never again will a Samsung product cross my doorstoop. By the way, my repaired 46 inch LCD has now been operating properly for seven months since the capacitors and motherboard was replaced. Samsung blames ME, the consumer, for burning out the motherboard because I kept trying to use the set while it was clicking and because the off and on issue continued. Never again…a dishonorable company this Samsung. Thanks for signing up for the class action lawsuit. Its the only tool we have at our disposal that will heal our hearts.
I agree with you Greg! The company did not handle this problem correctly and it’s the bad pr is going to hurt them in the end!
I just called Samsung again as a “hail mary” to see what they would say and they said they would fix it!! WTF??? I wanted to ask theym why now? when they said no to me twice? but I didn’t want to jinx it! So I am now calling Best Buy to cancel them.
Yeah!
(This redeems Samsung a little bit, but I would still never buy one again)!
Ms Twizz, congrats, you won the lottery for which no one understands the rules! I really believe that Samsung has their Customer Service Reps evaluate and track all of the service calls. I believe that each time we called to obtain the repair, the CSR evaluates the temperment and the likelyhood that there is trouble brewing, so they pretend to kick it upstairs to the Executive Level CSR who approves the quick fix! It is a terrible shell game they are playing. That you get the quick fix makes you momentarily forget the anger and frustration you felt just days ago! In my case, I used my Attorney Generals consumer protection division and that got me four $50 gift certificates! How far will this deception go. Please monitor the repair and ask them exactly which capacitors they are going to replace and let us know. Anywhere from two to five will be replaced. They should replace any capacitors on the power supply board that have swollen caps. I hope you listened carefully to their disclaimer..the one where they tell you there is a $300 service charge if it is NOT the capacitors. In my case, that was the motherboard. In your case, feel better, the capacitors will be the quick fix. You just don’t know for how long. Make sure they are putting in a higher voltage capacitor. Most of the repair people are pretty honest, after all, its only contract work they do for Samsung, they really are not Samsung employees. And please, please, please continue with your classaction lawsuit membership. Hey, maybe they are reading in on this blog and give out repairs to folks who threaten to sue! Happy Halloween to us all I guess. I am happy for you Ms Twizz….I am glad that they recognized your plight or maybe you sound a lot tougher on the phone than you think…hee hee. Thats a joke! Good luck. Keep us posted.
Just got off the phone with 1800-samsung. There was 0 issues with getting the free repair. I was nice and just told them the issue and they read the disclaimer. If its not that issues you will get charged all that. I have the repair scheduled for this Thursday. We will see how it goes. My model is a LN46A550 about 3.5 years old. Just started clicking 2 days ago.
I tried to schedule service through the Samsung website to get my one-time fix. When the technician took the TV apart, he looked at the power board and seemed unsure of what to say.
I asked him if the problem was the Know Capacitor Issue. As soon as he realized that I knew about it, he was very forthcoming and said that it was. He said my set was the classic example of the problem. He showed me how swollen all 5 capacitors were, and replaced them.
I tried calling Samsung back, using the number posted above. ((..1-800 522 7341 ( her name is EVETT-)– EXT.10531 ) but it no longer works. Now you just get a recording telling you to call 1-800-SAMSUNG. I called that and spoke to a very nice customer service rep, who immediately put me through to “an executive customer service specialist”.
This executive belongs in Bad Bosses. He was curt, rude, and completely unhelpful. He just kept reporting the same line “Your set does not qualify”
I will never buy Samsung again, based on this type of service. I just stopped an order at work for 35 Samsung Galaxay Tablets because I don’t want to deal with them.
I am going to the press, the BBB and the State Consumer Affairs office.
I have four TVs in my home. Samsung LCD TV just bought it for two years. Sony and RCA more that ten years. SOYO about three years. The only problem I have is Samsung. Other that the TV. I also have Samsung range and two samsung LCD monitors. The range also give me problem, one Samsung monitor 18 months already dead. I ‘m very disappointed with Samsung. I will not buy any Samsung appliances
Samsung is ridiculous.
I have an LN32A550 from 2008. My TV qualified for the one time free capacitor repair, but since it was under 40″ I was told I would have to ship it to their repair center to get it done. So in essence, I would have to pay money out of my pocket to ship a heavy television set and potentially wait several weeks for it to come back to me. Unacceptable. For a problem that is no different from any other large set and the repair is the same. And I live in California where there are at least 3 authorized Samsung repair centers within a 15 mile radius. I was told the under 40″ thing was a new policy.
Sounds like Samsung doesn’t think I spent enough money for them (MSRP was like $600 back in 2008 BTW) to send a tech out to repair my set even though this issue is rampant and entirely their fault (poor engineering/design).
Thanks to everyone here for the tip about requesting to speak to a manager/supervisor when you call in for the repair service. The lower level reps can only go by policy, but the supervisor was eager to help because I was pissed off.
In the end, I was told the repair tech couldn’t come to my residence because it is only a 32″, but that I could bring it in to their office about 10 miles away to get the repair done. Better than nothing. I’m bringing it in tomorrow. I will see how it goes.
But basically, they are not willing to go the extra mile to fix this unless you force the issue.
Thank you everyone who commented. I did as instructed above. The Samsung operators were very polite and set up a free one time repair immediately. Within 4 working days our 2008 Samsung 40″ LNT4061FX/XAA is starting first time,every time.Hats off to all those who pushed Samsung to take responsibility and to the apparently improved custom service department of Samsung. They were terrific.
OK here is a good one for the group. I just received a message on my You Tube Video dealing with the Samsung power on power off issue. Apparently, Samsung is beginning to offer a pro-rated refund. One gentleman was told to return the last six inches of his power cord along with the serial number of his Samsung television that he had to peel off and stick to a piece of bond paper. In approximately 10 days, he received $540 or about 30 percent of the value of the television he purchased. I ask, what about the other $1000 he probably paid for his Samsung television with the undersized capacitors? This is the type of underhanded dealing that class action lawsuits are made for. Remember, Samsung sent me $400 in Best Buy gift cards after my Attorney Generals Office in Massachusetts sent them a letter on my behalf. Join the law suit folks…Samsung owes everyone of us more than 30 percent of a non-working, poorly made television. Visit my You Tube video “Samsung Power on Power off problem” and join the fight for restitution!
Here’s my experience with this issue:
Model: LN52A550 (LN52A550P3FXZA)
Version: SQ01
On a Monday morning, my tv started making a clicking noise. That evening I called Samsung support from the number in this article. There was no wait and they set me up right away to get everything fixed. On Wednesday they called me to schedule an appointment and they had an opening on Thursday. On Thursday, a Samsung technician showed up (not a local repair shop).
The Samsung technician was in and out within 15 minutes. It was like he performed this fix 100 times before. The speed at which he removed the screws from the back of my TV was akin to a nascar pit crew removing the wheels. He then set up a soldering station right on my floor and fixed the issue (he did not replace the board entirely as others have stated).
TV works fine now but I am worried that since he did not replace the board, other capacitors could bulge or issues could arise in the future. Time will tell.
Thanks,
In process of setting up a appointment for capacitor replacement. ONE TIME – FOR FREE!! and i thought I would need to pay something like $200 since my warranty expired or attempt to do it myself using the youtube video.
much appreciated it.
I have a 52″ samsung lcd LN52A550P3D we purchased in 2007 in 2010 it started clicking after reading online how samsung used cheap caps to cut cost I disassembled the back of the TV quickly removed the power supply board. I used an electric screw driver. I had for several years serviced computer monitors in the 90′s after getting out of electronics tech school, so this wasn’t that difficult but I was surprised how easy it was to take this apart. Not much in there a few boards and a giant LCD screen with some CFL back lights. I made a shopping list of all the electrolytic caps some of the larger ones were bulging with leaking electrolyte out of them and went to FRY’s Electronics. They had all of them I upped the voltage by 20% where I could do to size and what Frys had. Total cost of the repair $15 and about 2 hours including shopping haven’t had an issue until a few weeks ago it started to power cycle 10-20 times before turning on. I had it plugged into a power strip so I moved it to the wall this morning and it seemed to have resolved that issue but it was warmed up so tomorrow ill know for sure. If you are a little handy you can fix this your self just read up on electrolytic caps they are polarized if you reverse them they will pop like a fire cracker. Everything you need to know to repair this problem your self is right on the internet. Don’t bother with Samsung those tv guys will charge you $300 which $250 will be pure profit for them.
why would u have to pay anything w/samsung? they offered me a free one-time repair.
Jimmy, If you review some of the other postings going back over time you will find that Samsung does NOT treat everyone equally when it comes to this undersized capacitor failure issue. If you listen to their service reps VERY CAREFULLY you will, in the three pages of disclaimer they read to you, hear the words or something like this..”should the technician not find swollen or leaking capacitors in your set then you will be responsible for a $200 service charge’ In my case, they state $300. That is why I went to the Geek Squad after their free capacitor replacement resulted in the television continuing to cycle on and off. Remember, it is Samsungs position that we consumers caused the mother board to become corrupted by continuing to try to use the television, turning it on and off. So yes, Kelly is very wise to watch out for the sting of the viper. They will charge you for a repair other than the capacitors. So, once again I say, we should not have had to repair any of the televisions if they had been made properly, with the correct voltaged capacitors. Samsung still continues to support their product because of a bad business decision on their part. Everyone should joing the class action lawsuit by Abington Cole out of Tulsa Oklahoma. This is simply a case of the large corporation insulting our intelligence by treating us like idiots. Please, I don’t want to hear the word ‘warranty’ anymore. When Samsung produced an inferior product with a known undersized capacitor failure…they should do the repairs regardless of the warranty.
Thanks for the detailed explanation, Greg. I am going to write a letter to our California Attorney Generals Office for Consumer Affairs too as you did, and cc Samsuck! Alittle pressure will make them think twice about a charge when the technician comes to fix it this week.
This is really ridiculous seeing all these complaints for the same issue. My parents had a Zenith TV that lasted 15 years. I paid over $2,000 for my 40″ and have had it just over 2 years. I’ll be damned if I am going to pay anything for this service call. Its sat on the wall safely and has not had a single issue until the clicking began a couple weeks ago.
I also added my name to the class action lawsuit Abington Cole lawfirm in Tulsa Oklahoma.
Jimmy I could not agree with you more. I had an RCA television in my living room for close to 17 years and I got rid of it only because of the Samsung….a terrible mistake! One more thing to watch for, I understand that Samsungs latest tactic is to offer you a pro-rated rebate on the television. You cut the cord and mail it and the serial number from inside the set (a sticker!) and in ten days you might receive a check for 30 percent of the value of your set. This is a clear case that Samsungs bean counters know the pressure is mounting and that a class action lawsuit could be damaging to their bottom line. You live in one of the most aggressive consumer protection states in the US. I hope your Attorney General can at least get you the gift certificates I received. I will not stop until Samsung admits their poor and unequal treatment to the consumer! Thanks for signing up, the more of us that hop on board, the louder the noise will be for Samsung to cover up.
Greg & Jimmy,
Looks like my issue wasn’t the power strip ill have to take another look which will require more work to find out what is going on. My suspicions is one of the IC’s has burned out on the power supply board but it could be anything. I might even try to find a power supply board and just replace it depends on the cost. In the 90′s the caps lasted years in fact most of the monitors I serviced had bad solder joints before the caps went bad. In the early 2000′s the Chinese had copied some electrolytic caps but they didn’t copy it correctly which lead to several thousands of caps to bulge and blow out. IBM had a recall on some of there tower desktops. When I contacted Samsung the first time when I had the clicking noise they said there was nothing they could do. Now I wouldn’t even bother calling them the hassle isn’t worth it. I will say the picture is good better then my newer Philips TV.
After reading this article, I called Samsung. My TV won’t power up right away– I get the clicking sound, and it has gotten worse (up to 10-15 minutes to power up). I explained the situation, and mentioned that I thought this was a “known issue with these TVs.” They were very helpful on the phone and told me that although my TV is no longer under warranty, they will provided a “one time repair” to replace the capacitor (if the issue is NOT related to the capacitor, they will charge me). So, it was EASY and they will be coming out in a few days. THANKS to this article, I may get my TV fixed for free!
Call today!! 1-800-SAMSUNG
Yes I had the fix too…ONE TIME for free…then it broke AGAIN a year later and I had to pay $137 out of pocket. The cheap SOBs the first time replaced just the 2 capacitors that popped and left the others there, then this time those other 2 popped. Bastards left the bad ones knowing they would pop down the road. This new guy said he felt bad so he replaced the entire board instead for me. Still SHADY.
Ryan,
Doesn’t surprise me most TV repair companies get paid under $50-100 per repair. The faster and cheaper they can do the repair the less of a loss they take. When I did this kind of work on older CRT computer monitors if it took longer then an hour we usually just gave a replacement monitor and used that one for parts. We had so many monitors in stock that it was easier when the problem was intermittent that was the norm.
Repair guy came out today and fixed my TV in about 15 minutes. When I asked him about this problem, he kept responding with “I’m just the repair guy with parts.” Then later it slipped out that he fixes about two TVs a day with this same issue, and that there was a bulletin sent out to repair shops about this issue. So, even if Samsung is not being responsive (but they should be!), call a repair shop and ask if they can fix it for you (and presumably bill Samsung).
Good luck!
I called samsung Friday because TV would just click, not turn on. It took about 3 calls over the weekend, but today tech came out and replaced 4 bad capacitors. The first rep said she never heard of a capacitor issue. the next day i called and told them the issue is all over the internet. Right away i was told it would get a one time fix and they set up a service visit. TV turns on right away every time now!. TV was purchased in July 2007. no extra warranty. model LNT4042H 40 inch flat LCD. Samsung did good! We do have 2 other Smsungs, and I let them know that. Call, be nice and let them know, you know , about the bad capacitors. Good luck
Finally got my 46″ 650 series (2008) repaired yesterday after six weeks of trying to get Samsung to respond. Took four calls and a complaint letter to Samsung Pres to get approval for repair, then four more calls and three different repair companies to finally get someone to the house. Installed repaired board with two caps replaced with 16 volt caps. Doubt I’ll be shopping for Samsung products anytime soon.
The repair person representing Samsung will be by to fix my tv tomorrow.
a LN-T4069F 40″ I purchased at Best Buy in April 2009
I will post the experience tomorrow once they complete the job.
BTW a class action law suit has been filed in New York, Florida, and Oklahoma by Abington Law Firm in Tulsa Oklahoma. They are in process of expanding to California as well.
Get your name on the list as a plantiff. Quality products at the prices$$$ we paid for our TV’s should have a realistic lifespan free of mechanical flaws far beyond the batch Samsung put out in the last 3 to 5 years. They need to be accountable and act in good honest faith.
http://www.abingtonlaw.com/Samsung-HDTV-class-action.html
Repairman just left after replacing 6 capacitors which were blown. That was my ON ETIME FREE. He is not a samsunk employee rather subcontractor. He indicates that SAMSUNG has kept him out of the loop as to why this ever happened in the first place and for so many tvs. He said he was only here to deal directly with the capacitor diagnosis and replacement and was not here to evaluate anything else that may possibly have contributed to the power issue to begin with.
Although he assured me that the capacitor problem “should not” reappear OR have additional/other issues resulting from the defective parts. I am not going to buy this assessment until I get past 2014(5 years of use). If they were incompetent or just simply trying to cut corners in their production of these tv’s, either is reason to look at their competitors products in the future.
I’ll let you all know whether I have gotten past the 1st anniversary without another problem. Ciao
ps. don’t 4get to jump on aboard with the class action suit
http://www.abingtonlaw.com/Samsung-HDTV-class-action.html
To be honest, samsung were ok with me, they agreed to do a free repair and organised collection the following day, tv is 3 years old and out of warranty.
However the repair center, had the tv a week and said it wasn’t the capacitors and wanted to charge me £170 to fit a new power supply board, which samsung agreed to supply free as good will, i refused and my tv was returned.
I immediately opened it up to check the caps. , one had clearly blown, the others have raised tops, took photos and sent to samsung with complaint regarding their service center, stating they either didn’t even open the tv to inspect it, or they were deliberately ripping me off.
I await samsungs reply.
Just spent 40 minutes on the phone with customer service (my third call in three days) re: my Samsung LNS4041 HDTV. I was denied for the free repair customer service because my TV was built in 2007. I demanded to speak to a supervisor. The “escalated” my account three times. I finally reached the “executive” escalation level where I was told that my TV was built in 2006! When I asked about the difference in information, I was told that the executive level had better info than the customer service level. In any regard, since my TV is displaying the EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS as the HUNDREDS of others on this blog, it is obvious that the clickiing and ulitmate power failure problem is much greater than the so-called “bad batch of capicators” used in 2008. Samsung evidently has a systemic manufacturing problem and their products cannot be trusted. I now join the legion of people who WILL NEVER BY A SAMSUNG PRODUCT AGAIN!
That is the exact conversation that I had with them. When the repairman that they sent came to fix it, he said that it was a classic case. I called Samsuck back and told them this. They still refuse to admit that it is their problem. $130 down the drain.
I had the same experience. I was told the TV was manufactured in 2007 and Samsung has determined that LNS4041 DX/XAA does not suffer from the problem.
I escalated and talked to a supervisor who reiterated whatever was told by the earlier rep. I offered a compromise. Told him to send over a samsung tech for reapir – if it’s the same issue, Samsung would pay else, I will pay for the visit and the repair. I was refused. Reason – Samsung has determined my TV doesn’t have the issue.
Wrote to officeofpresident at sea dot samsung dotcom.
I am planning to drag them to small claims court if I there isn’t a favorable resolution.
Update: Writing to the president seemed to work. I got a call back from Samsung the next day morning.
They agreed to send the tech for ‘one time courtesy visit’ to fix the capacitor issue with the caveat that I will pay for the repair if the issue turns out to be something else.
No doubt, the issue was with the capacitors; tech replaced the popped 10V caps with 25V ones and TV works fine once again.
It didn’t have to be so hard. They should just repair all their LCD TVs.
Thank you posting the info. Worked like a charm!! The tec was in and out in 20 mins. Tec said the service would have cost $280.00 but was covered by Samsung. Thanks again for the info.
Dave and Dennis and anyone else enjoying the wonderful life with Samsung. Please understand that your recent interaction with Samsung occurred because they initially produced your television with low voltage capacitors. Any production company can make a mistake, however, it is the manner in which Samsung has dealt with us, the consumer, in making this issue less painful. What most of us fear right now is that the repair was made only to some of those capacitors. If the tec did not replace them all…then its only a matter of time. Samsung should have bitten the bullet on this one. Please join the class action law suit with Abington Cole from Tulsa OK and help send a message to all companies that treat their customers with such disrespect. None of us should have had to pay for these repairs….the defect, the undervoltaged capacitors…that was a bad business decision by Samsung. They should understand the effect of their poor decision when it comes to the consumer, particularly during these economic times.
Simple Facts:
Model No. LN-T4671F
Purchased: 12/2007
The ‘clicking sound started about eight weeks ago, taking up to a minute to bring the up the display.
A tech savvy friend (with the same model, but no problem yet) found this post and passed it along.
Contacted Samsung about 10 days ago, the representative confirmed the unit was covered by the ‘one-time’ warranty repair, and a service call was scheduled, no problems.
Repairs were conducted on-site, by TK Electronics Limited of Renton, WA in about 15 minutes.
Kudos to Samsung for standing behind their products well after the typical warranty.
Mitch K. You obviously have not been following this Samsung issue very well. You just gave a Kudo to a company that is treating its customers like lemmings. Treatment, by the way, that is not equal regardless of the warranty. You might be happy that your dilemma was taken care of for the moment, but don’t hold your breath too long. Did that tech replace all of the undervoltaged capacitors in your set or ONLY the bulging one he found? Kudo’s? I don’t think so. This company you praise intentionally allowed a product to be sold with insufficient engineering built in. This company you think is great has knowingly been selling these sets with those capacitors and then denyed thousands of people a repair. I don’t know what you paid for your television but the $1800 I spent should have brought me more than two years of service. No Kudo’s here MItch K only a very large donkey call. For everyone else who was duped by Samsung, our last stand is the class action lawsuit and hopefully spreading the word that this company failed to stand behind its product and knowlingly stood behind their bad business decision.
They took care of mine within 24 hours. I’m more than satisfied. You may be right about the rest, but as long as they fix it when I call them, it’s an amazing leap forward from what I’ve experienced with Sony or Verizon’s customer service.
The first think you need to do is get your documentation in order before making any calls. They will ask you for.
Your model code: LN46A550P3FXZA
Serial Number
Version
This info on my 46″ is located on the right rear edge in that order. It’s important to get that info correct, so take care writing it down.
In my case, my TV when turned on would cycle right back off. It now takes about twenty times to finally stay on. Seems like the cooler in the house the longer it takes.
Google is your friend. That’s how I found this site with news of Samsung offering a free in house repair. Be warned. If it’s not the infamous capacitor problem you will be charged for the TV repair. You must agree to possible charges or the buck stops there. I understand that. I do recognize the symptoms my TV is experiencing and feel confident they’re offer will fix the TV.
The number to call is: 1-800-726-7864 or 1-800-SAMSUNG There was another 1-800 number mentioned but it’s a recording and refers to those two above then hangs up.
The CSR was extremely friendly and understanding and the service call was scheduled less that two weeks from todays call. GREAT. You will recieve the CSR’s name, her direct phone number and extention. She will schedule your service call and issue you a service order number. The TV repair will call to verify the order.
Now that you’ve heard my story, get your pad ad pen, gather your information and give Samsung support a call. I’ll post a follow up after the repair to let everyone know how it went. My next TV will be another Samsung.
If your going to buy a new TV. I’ll take that piece of crap off your hands. I drive there and get it. I’ll drop $10 worth of caps in it and whistle while I do it. Yeah I’d unload that junk of a TV off on someone plus the Youtube link to fix it themselves. Come on.. It’s Christmas and you’ll be helping some Asian make a paycheck by buying some cheap offbrand. I bet you did your research before you bought that TV and saw how great it was. Now you trash the name. Even though I’m having problems with mine as well. It’s still a DYNAMITE of a TV. Your milage may vary.
Robert. After reading your two recent messages I would have to say that you are two different people. The first Robert MUST be a Samsung Consumer Service Representative trying to stem the avalanche that is developing within the consumer class action lawsuit. Robert number one, the advice you offer in the first part of your message appears to be sincere, however, why are so many consumers being given the run around? Why three levels of customer service which offer three different answers when we ask to have our defective televisions repaired? Why hasn’t Samsung just admitted to the defective capacitors and repaired them without the run around? Why didn’t Samsung inform the consumer of the problem when they knew it existed? Its just a bad business decision and the movement by consumers to seek justice is growing on a daily basis as these 2-3 year old televisions have capacitor failure. Robert Number two, your comment concerning the purchase of another brand is ignorant. I myself DID a great deal of research into purchasing my Samsung 46 inch LCD television. At the time, Consumers Digest rated it as one of the very best LCD’s onthe market. Of course, history will show that the defective/undersized capacitors were an unknown at that time. Robert Number 2 we have all paid out a very large sum of money hoping for a quality, well made LCD television. We are angry because this company decieved us and continues to play games with the consumer. The message from Robert #1 is a perfect example of an attempt to sooth the angry beast. It won’t work fellahs. The american consumer is too educated to fall for this. Remember, Fool me once shame on you, Fool me twice shame on ME. Never again will a Samsung product pass by doorstoop.
What is the information for the lawsuit? I am having MAJOR problems with my Samsung clicking and not powering on. RIDICULOUS
Ashanta. The name of the law firm that is processing the law suit is Abington Cole Lawfirm out of Tulsa Oklahoma. You can google them online or visit my You Tube video titled ‘Samsung Power on Power off Defect’ or search my You Tube userID nvdwarriorLTC. The actual website is listed there for you. As I understand it, they were going to initiate the lawsuite in California but might be filing in multiple states that have strong consumer protection laws. It is very easy to join the lawsuit and I recommend it. Though some may recommend that you just replace the undervoltaged capacitors yourself for little money, you might cause more damage if you are not electronically oriented. Watch my video on You Tube. I think joining the lawsuit is the best way to let Samsung know that we are angry out here for a defect that they knew exists and they continue to treat us unfairly after paying a lot of money for these televisions. Some good folks here on this site have offered good ways to repair the televisions, even using local television technicians. We still need to join the class action lawsuit to make a point. We are not idiots, we deserve better treatment and a television that delivers service for more than 2-3 years before failure.
“About 6 months ago” when this power clicking problem began with my TV, I called Samsung’s technical support department to troubleshoot the issue. After running through a number of checks over the phone, I was told that it was likely due to “faulty capacitors”. Since my Highly Rated and reviewed 2 year old $2,000+ 40″ LCD was no longer under warranty, Samsung advised me repair would cost me approximately $200 and I would need to box it up and deliver it to an authorized repair facility at my expense.
I decided to hold off the repair until I could afford it around the holidays. About a month ago, the issue became more critical when the TV would not power on for about 15 minutes. I browsed online for some final research before PACKING UP the tv for repair$. To my surprise, I saw a barrage of complaints similar to mine.
I called up Samsung last month to schedule this repair$… gave the customer service representative my serial# and vital information. To my surprise, they told me this time.. I was entitled to a FREE one-time inhome repair!!!!!!! A couple weeks ago they came by and replaced 6 blown capacitors at no cost to me assuring me this issue was resolved!!
Although, I still “love” the Samsung brand , I have to at least ask myself the questions; Why did Samsung decide to change their policy on my specific tv to allow for a free repair? In 6 months what changed? I bought my parents a Sony 40″ Bravia brand and its lasted them 8 years with not one signal issue.
My TV works fine for now…. My gutt feeling is that it will continue to.
@Greg Miller. No I’m not a rep but I like my TV. You probably did too till this capacitor problem popped up. The rep scheduled a repairman to come fix it. I talked to the guy over the phone and he was obviously phishing for more repair work. I called SS back and they sent me to another repairman. I looked up his customer comments and he was a crook. So I said what the hell. I’ll fix it myself. Went to Radio Shack and bought two $1.79 capacitors and some solder wickup. I got out my digital camera and documented the tear down, the fix, and the results. Works fine.With the pictures at the beginning of this thread it was quite easy to fix and don’t have to sue anyone. If I own the TV for another five years and all I spent was a little over three dollars I’ll be extremely happy with my TV. Your milage may vary. It took a total of 45 minutes to repair it and stopped for coffee.. I may start another thread showing just how easy it it. No pets or friends where harmed in the repair of this TV. Greg, first I don’t have a hard on for Samsung. I actually had an extented warrenty bought thru Circuit City.. Good luck finding them. My way was less hassle, and fixed it myself. I’m watching ESPN on that $3+ simple fix and smiling. I will admit, Samsung has some bridges to mend and fix a bunch of TV’s. My problem, I don’t trust the repair people, so i DID IT MYSELF. Good luck with your quest.
Thank You for posting this as i am having this exact problem with my Samsung LN52A530P1F just got off the phone with Samsung 1 hour ago. They told me i would be contacted within 2 days by the Tech center. 5 Minutes ago i was contacted by the tech center and they are sending a Tech out in 1.5-2 hours and should be fixed today as i was eligible for the ‘One Time Free Fix’. Now it’s time to wait and find out if it was worth it. =)
I had the same problem with my 40″ model No. LNT4061FX/XAA. It clicked for a good 2.5 minutes before it would power on. I called 800-Samsung and they sent a tech out for a free repair, and she replaced the capacitors. Seemed to be fine at first, but about 10-15 minutes after the tech left, the screen went black. No matter what we do, we can’t get any video, or even get the TV menu to come up, but the sound works fine. All video is kaput.
We took the tv back down off the wall and noticed that the cabinet was loose in one corner. Looking further, we saw that two of the cabinet screws were missing.
We called Samsung back and they refuse to do anything further for us. This is the last Samsung i will ever buy.
I suggest that you get the repair tech back on the phone and voice your complaint with them. Everything but the capacitor issue worked fine until they changed them out. The repair service should be held responsible….missing screws etc. is their issue not necessarily Samsung’s. I would make them stand behind their repair.
I did talk to them. They refuse to believe their tech could have done anything wrong, and say that even if the screws are missing, that would not make the picture go out
@Doug. When I had my 46″ apart, mine problem was the infamous capacitors. Here’s bit of advice for you or future victims of Samsung. Het the name of the people who are suppose to come repair your set and research them on the net and read up on any complaints or praise for them. After reading about the people that was suppose to show up here, I never called them simply because of “trust”. Find a friend who knows how to use a solding iron. Now your issue with the screws are valid. Those screws may have been missing from the very beginning. I noticed on mine when I went to reassemble. Three would not tighten on the sides. I removed the cover and found the plastic broken that holds the screw in. I did however find some similar screws slightly longer that would go deep enought to secure the cover. Just don’t go too long or it could possibly crack the front casing. I replaced three. Two on one side and one on the other. I noticed on the the board inside there are fuses in there. It could be there is a blown fuse keeping your TV from comming on. Find someone like a Ham Radio operator that knows the difference between a capacitor and a resistor. It could save you a bunch a money without switching insurance. Then again, follow Greg’s advise and wait three or four years to get your TV fixed. MAYBE.
I’m not certain where you are getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time studying much more or figuring out more. Thanks for fantastic information I used to be looking for this info for my mission.
I have a 46″ Samsung TV (LNT4661FX/XAA) and was having the issues you described. It would turn on and off several times and then when it finally started I would have pink dots all over the screen. Recently it was getting so bad it would take up to 10 minutes to start after I turned it on and was having to turn it back off & on to get rid of the pink dots. I bought this around 5/2007 and the warranty was long gone. I was starting to think that it would die soon and I would need to buy a new one when I saw this article. I called the Samsung number listed above and explained the problem I was having and that I thought it was the capacitor issue. They took my information and the TV Model and serial number and then transferred me to the service department to schedule an appointment. I got a call later from a local TV repair place and they scheduled the repair for the next day. He arrived the next day and showed me the damaged capacitors and instead of replacing the board only replaced the damaged capacitors. He noted that Samsung is not advertising this and only addressing it if you call. He said this is only for certain models made between 2007 and 2009. The newer TV’s have a different power supply.
First of all, thanks to all who have posted messages here regarding the samsung problem. Three years and 4 months ago I purchased a 40″ Samsung TV model LN-T4069F. Two weeks ago it started clicking before turning on. I googled the problem and found this site amongst others and found out that this was a common issue. But this site encouraged me to call Samsung; which I did. I told the service rep of my problem and that I was aware of the capacitor problem. She took my information, model # and serial #, and put me on hold for a couple of minutes. When she came back on, she told me that I qualified for the one time fix. But, I had to agree to pay for any repairs if it was not the capacitor problem, which I did. She scheduled the home repair for two days later. The tech support person called the next day to confirm the repair date and showed up the next day to perform the repair. The tech mentioned that there are clicking problems that have nothing to do with the capacitors. I thought here we go, I’m going to get hit with a repair bill. But the tech put a testing meter on and determined that there was a capacitor issue. He then replace the whole power distribution circuit board. It took him 12 to 15 minutes. And I was not charged anything for the service call.
Thanks again and good luck with your samsung.
I have a Model LN-T4071F which has the clicking and slow start up problem. I called the Samsung number and spoke to a customer service person who could hardly speak English. She said the Model is coverered and would be fixed and she would call back to schedule a repair date. That was TWO DAYS ago ad I have heard nothing yet. Ask to speak to an AMERICAN call center person.
Tried again and spoke with a customer service rep Courtney and she set up a repair date with their service dept. They called the next day and and came and replaced the bad power supply which had BAD CAPACITORS. It took about 25 minutes including the paper work and it was FREE1
Samsung 56″ DLP
Model HL-85687WX/XAA
Purchased winter 2007/2008
Before purchasing my first big screen TV I did ALOT of research online, viewing TV’s in the retailers stores and wanted to make sure that I was spending my hard earned money on a TV set that would function perfectly for many years. After 4 years I am greatly disappointed and frustrated.
A couple of months ago my Samsung TV was slow to power on. One Saturday morning I turned it on and picture went from ok to gradually darkening then no picture at all but had sound for few minutes until it shut off with lights flashing on control panel. It then started power cycling on its own so many times that i unplugged it. TV stayed unplugged for few weeks while I researched (googled) issue online. Believed the lamp needed replacement. Found replacement bulb (the housing with bulb – whole assembly), ordered and installed the lamp assembly. The TV worked great for first two days then power cycling issue started again. If TV does come on it only lasts a few minutes before turning off and power cycling starts.
I have checked to make sure the power cord is plugged in correctly, checked to make sure the lamp door is screwed in all the way, removed the lamp door and reseated the lamp housing assembly a couple of times and ensuring the lamp door is screwed in tight.
I started googling the power cycling issue and found so many posts from other angry, dissatisfied and frustrated Samsung customers. This forum in particular was of great interest to me.
What I am unsure of is if my particular Samsung TV is affected by the capacitor issue. Does anyone know how I can confirm if the HL-S5687W model has the capacitor issue? I am unsure of which board to look at inside the TV for the capacitors to see if they are cracked, bulging and/or leaking.
I am a single mom with limited income and need to fix this TV in the cheapest manner possible. I know TV is out of warranty but if this is the capacitor issue I will contact Samsung and start the process. I paid over $2000 for this TV and it should have lasted more than 4 years. If the Samsung route completely fails I will buy replacement capacitors and look for local repair to replace them as I am not savvy enough to do the solder job myself.
Thanks in advance for any advice on this matter.
The simplest way to find out if your tv’s power problem is related to the capacitor issue is to contact Samsung! Have your information ready when you call:
1. Model Code
2. Serial Number
3. Version
* All of this information should be found on a label on the back of your tv set. Mine was on the side “furthest” from all of the input connectors.
Samsung did NOT ask me for a mode of payment in my case since evidently my tv was on their LIST for qualifying models with this issue. Make sure your’s qualifies for this FREE one time repair!!!!!!
Because you describe a POWER issue, I think you are on the right track. JUST EXPLAIN THIS ISSUE IN DETAIL to the representative. I am in the same boat as you financially… and had i NOT read this blog, I might have NOT made the call to find out my tv was covered for this free repair! IT WORKS GREAT SO FAR!!
Called, took 5 minutes, setup a technician to come out. Wow, customer service. I have to thank the people who kept pressing Samsung to acknowledge this issue. Thanks to your efforts, my service call was the best experience with customer service I’ve ever had.
Samsung support will not acknowledge my issue. I, too, have a capacitor issue, but I was told that because I was out of warranty, there would be no action. They were very rude to me on the phone and failed to contact me at a pre-arranged time. Their customer service is appalling. I will never buy another Samsung TV product again. I think we should all ban together to share our frustrations about their service and product via social media such as Facebook. Perhaps if there were thousands of followers, they might take notice and commit to building better calibre products in future.
Steve
I experienced the “click of death” on 1/5/12 and TV would not power on whatsoever (it would just click repeatedly, and continue to do so until unplugged, afterwhich it would still click for 10 seconds before stopping). After researching this issue on the web I happened upon this page (thanks to original authors and all who provided additional comments). I called Samsung at 1-800-samsung (726-7864) and spoke to “Jay”. My discussion with him took about 5 minutes. I described the symptom (click of death) and that I understood that I should qualify for a free in home service call to replace the capacitors. Here are details:
• Based upon my model number (LN46A650A1F) and serial number, Jay indicated that I qualify for the 1-time, in-home repair of the known capacitor issue. Samsung will take my information and transfer it to a local service center who will contact me by phone to set up the repair appointment within 24-48 hrs.
• CAVEAT: Jay indicated that Samsung repairs ONLY the capacitor issue for free. If there are other repairs that are necessary for the TV, I am responsible for the service call charges and any/all other labor/equipment charges to repair the TV (other than the capacitors).
I was contacted by the local service center within a couple of hours and they set up the in home repair appointment for 1/10/12 (today). The service tech contacted me about 30 minutes before he arrived and did the repair in about 20 minutes. He removed the back of the TV, showed me the 4 failed capacitors on the power board and replaced the entire power board with a new one (that contained the correctly rated capacitors). He indicated that he had been doing these repairs for 4 years and had never had a return service call once the board was replaced.
He reassembled the TV, plugged everything back in and tested it. TV was back in action within 25 minutes or less.
Thanks again to all who contributed here. I am extremely satisfied with getting this repair done on a nearly 4 year old TV for free.
You said they had to replace the whole power board and they didn’t charge extra for that? I thought only the capacitor replacement was free?
I was told that any other part replacements would cost extra as well as a trip fee to replace anything else of $100 by my local repair place samsung works with.
@Ann, a smart repair shop will have spare boards with replaced capacitors all ready to go. So when they make a house call they can save time by just swapping out the boards. They can can replace the capacitors back at their shop. So if the repairman swaps out the power supply board it should still be covered under the Samsung one time fix offer.
If Samsung offers you the fix with the condition of you paying the house visit fee if it is not a capacitor issue, take it. If you have the clicking and delay in turning on, then you can be sure it is a capacitor issue. This is a well documented problem for a long time now. Even if Samsung wouldn’t admit it till recently. They screwed over many customers, like me, and lost most of those customers for life.
Hi all, just a quick note to anyone who has goggled this problem and are from the uk. Ive had my samsung for over 6 years and to my surprise i rang the samsung helpline and they agreed to send out a repair man. they did however say if it turns out to be not a capacitor problem then i would have to pay. Repair man came the next day all fixed!! no charge
After more than a year they finally are sending someone out to fix the capicitors. Tomorrow. I still have an issue though the tv has vertical colored lines when you turn it on after it warms up you turn it off and the lines go away they won’t fix that. I had this tv since 2007 it was only good for about 2 years. 2009 the lines started 2010 the clicking.
Glad they are fixing it but I don’t think I will buy another.
Yeah mine started showing the vertical colored lines and with static right before the clicking started, and it has to be turned on and off to get a regular screen and it’s just 3yrs old. paid $1100 for this 52″ LCD Samsung from Circuit City before they went out of business. People should boycott Samsung TVs altogether or maybe even get this worldwide scam on the news or radio somehow to warn new buyers… people don’t need to be throwing their money out the window in this day with a bad economy etc. they want to get quality for their hard earned money!
That is exactly how Samdung is screwing their customers twice. They make you feel guilty for asking them to repair their screw up. When they finally agree to fix it, they also won’t take responsibility for other damage caused by their faulty power supply. More likely than not the vertical lines were caused by the power supply problem that caused the clicking and delayed turn, but they don’t want to accept responsibility. They want to blame the consumer.
Well Samsung came to fix the capaicitor issue today. Good new it turns on without all the clicking. One minor issue i now have no picture at all. Contacted Samsung Got Sorry out of warranty we are not responsible for other parts that failed. So long story short I a TV that at least worked this morming after the repairman came all i have is a $1600 Radio.
Asked to speak with the manager, Got the run around for a while so I said I will see you in court. With that they said the Executive Service Dept will contact me within 48 hours.
Tell your friends do not buy a Samsung.
Well after manymany phone calls they finally gave me a brand new TV just before superbowl. You really have to keep calling them. They will tell you that you will receive a call within 48 hours but you will not receive one. Start with the chat for the first call to get it on record then use the 800. You will get a better response. Be persistent.
my model # is LN40A500TIF C. I called samsung and they told me i don’t qualify for a one time free fix because this model is not known to have any issues…or call backs….it’s like uh all samsung products use the same capacitors so why is only one model being fixed?? Then i find out they were sued and lost that is why that one particular model is being fixed. So lame. I’m now trying to fix this on my own…extended warranty (3 full years) expired 1 month ago….
My Samsung LN52A650A1FXZC LCD TV also showed up the same “clicking” problem last week.
After reading this forum, I called 1-800-Samsung yesterday afternoon (a Sunday afternoon!!). The service rep. said that they can give me a one-time free repair if the problem was related to the capacitors. If not, the repair guy will charge me for $100 dollars. Since I brought the TV in summer 2008 for ~$3,000 and warranty period is way over, it is worth a try and therefore I agreed.
This morning the repair guy called me and arranged to fix it. At 12:10pm he arrived and in less than 30 minutes, he completed the repairment ! He showed me the two replaced capactitors and now my TV is up and running!
Let’s see how long the replaced capactitors can last! I still believe that a $3,000 TV should last much longer than 3.5 years!!
Well, my experience with Samsung this time is good (i.e., call them on a Sunday afternoon and they fix in less than 24 hours). However, I will be reluctant to buy any Samsung products in future. I worry that if this “capactitor” issue (or other technical issues) may exist in other Samsung’s products as well !
I have an LN46A650 manufactured in Aug 2008. It won’t turn on, it just clicks on and off. I called the Samsung 800 number in Jan 2011 and they agreed to do the one time repair. I didn’t have to hassle them at all. If you have this problem it is worth a phone call!
I have a Samsung LN40530P1F that I purchased in December 2008. Recently, it started cycling on and of when I tried to turn it on. It would cycle 3-7 times and then finally turn on.
I did a quick search and found this site. Thank you to all that posted.
On Monday, January 16, 2012, I called 1-800-Samsung and reached Omar. After 10 minutes of going through giving my name, address, model number, and serial number, I was put on hold. After a brief wait, Omar took me off of hold and told me that my model did not qualify for the “One-time fix”.
I was pissed, but managed to wait approximate 20 minutes and called back. I was greeted by Tyesha. Again, she asked for all my information. I only gave her my model number and asked if I qualified for the “one-time fix”. She put me on hold and came back and said that my model number did indeed qualify. I never told her what the problem was ever. I simply referred to the “one-time fix”.
I was transferred to another customer service rep who gave me a claim number and she set up my repair. I was given her direct contact information in case I needed to call back.
My appointment was yesterday, January 18th. I was given a window between 12 and 4 for my appt. I received a call at 12:04, and told they would be at my house in 20 minutes. He showed up in 15 minutes. Upon entering my house, he turned on my TV and said, “OK.”
He unplugged everything, turned the unit around and did the repair in blazing fast speed.
The total repair took less than 15 minutes. He was gone before I could reach in my wallet for a tip. This guy was awesome.
They went a long way to restore my allegiance to their brand.
Again, a huge thanks to Chris Hunkele, and everyone who contributed here.
hi there this happen to me as with my tv about a month ago then it started working on its own again and i was hapy about it then i happened again 2 days ago now while i had read about this issue in forums i decided to look up what i needed and ran into this specific one where you guys mentioned the one time repair thing
so i logged on the site to check the info for my tv and saw the live chat window clicked on it they asked the model and serial asked about the problem and i told them about the clicking told me to hold and scheduled a repair day for me 2 days later now and repair man came and fixed it in like 15 mins took the board out and repacled the capacitors
don’t know if i got lucky cause i had no problems with them but i tried the chat and i figured i let ppl here know since thanks to you guys i have my tv back.
thanks all for the info and like i said try the chat i was really ready to fight with them over it but i had no issues at all over it hope that helps others
My LNT4665F — purchased in April 2008 — just started clicking.
I called 1-800-SAMSUNG, describe the problem, and they immediately agreed to send someone out to replace the capacitors. I didn’t even have to ask for it. Appointment scheduled for the end of the week.
WOW! Thank goodness for this forum! Model #LNT5264FX. Started showing signs of the power cycle issue a couple of months ago. Started with 2-3 clicks and by last night it took 23 times before the unit finally powered up. I searched the web and found this extremely helpful forum. I just got off the phone with Samsung (they were efficient and pleasant to deal with). They are providing me with a one time courtesy repair, provided the issue is with the capacitors. Tech is scheduled to arrive in only 3 days! Awesome forum! THANKS!
Update: Got a call this morning from a Samsung field engineer asking if he could swing by a day earlier to fix the issue. I told him to come on over! He was here within a couple of hours, helped me get the set off the wall, unplugged all the connections, and made the repair in 10 minutes. He then helped me get everything back in place! Well done Samsung!
Repair man came out today. He put in a new power supply without even bothering to check the old one. The whole process took 15 minutes and he even volunteered to help me remount the TV on the wall.
Samsung definitely made things right on this product defect.
My 46 inch LCD experienced the same clicking at startup 2 weeks ago. The TV would always come on, but after several clicks. Thankfully we found this site and called Samsung on Monday. Customer service rep was very polite, we were told that the TV qualified for the free one-time replacement of the capacitors, if it was determined that they were the problem. We set up the technician to come out on Thursday. Got a call from Service Company on Tuesday that they could come one day earlier, so set it up. Repair technician just left the house after a 20 minute replacement of all the capacitors, after finding 3 that had gone bad (domed tops). Total time from first call to repair – 3 days.
All in all a very good experience, and the problem is fixed! For Free!
i am SOOOOO glad you posted this information. i contacted Samsung through the number given, and have a free repair scheduled. i just hope it’s repaired before Superbowl Sunday.
but if not…. at least the repair is free. and my budget is seriously tight. if it’s not the capacitor — i’m …………..
if anyone is calling for the repair, have your Model #, Serial #, and Version# available.
Thanks to everyone who posted comments and suggestions. However, consider yourself lucky if you actually had the repair done! For everyone’s information the 40″ model #LNS4051DX is not on Samsung’s list for the extended warranty. Our tv began having the same ‘clicking’ problem a few weeks ago and now will not power on. Symptoms are exactly as others have posted for other models yet Samsung says that for the 40″ model it’s ‘normal wear and tear’. I was also told today by the Samsung rep I spoke with that Samsung corporate is beginning to come down hard on future repairs on this issue for any model. I was given the corporate email address to register a complaint, which I plan to do. That address is officeofthepresident@sea.samsung.com
The free repair is to remedy the fact that they put faulty capacitors in many of their TVs, and they specifically know which TVs have the faulty capacitors. I don’t see why you think they should repair your TV when it doesn’t have the faulty capacitors.
Having watched the repairman replace my TV’s power supply, it’s a really simple process. You could buy a new power supply for a little under $100 and make the repair yourself. It of course sucks that you have to eat $100, but that’s a lot less than paying a repairman or buying a new TV.
Seth, can you tell me where I can buy a power supply for my 40 inch
I just finished a live chat session with customer service for my LN52A650A1FXZA. I had no issues at all getting a service request to fix my LCD TV. The caveat was the standard:
“If your unit exhibits any of the following symptoms; does not turn on, repeatedly turns on and off with a clicking sound, takes a long time to turn on, or clicks on and off with no picture, Samsung will provide a onetime, free of charge, courtesy repair to replace the capacitors only. If the service center determines the issue is not related to the capacitors, you will be responsible for the service center’s trip charge and the cost of any repairs performed. Do you consent to these conditions?”
I will post again once the issue is taken care of. My faith has been restored!
Thanks to this Forum my model LN46A650A1FXZA which was just over 3 years old is now back in operation. I called the 800 Samung # and reported that it started producing a clicking sound before powering up over the last few weeks, taking longer each time until it finally just would not power up at all. They scheduled an on-site tech to come out the same week. Though there were definite communication issues between Samsung and their regional company used for scheduling, the tech finally showed up on the 2nd date that was agreed to. They both stated I would get a call from the tech to finalize the specific time as well as just before he was heading to my location. Never got a call, he just showed up within the agreed 2 hour time window.
I had the TV already laying on the coffee table so it only took him all of 20 minutes to take the back off, remove the circuit board, desolder the blown capacitors and replace them with new ones. All for no cost. I have to hand it to Samsung for stepping up and taking ownership of such a defect and making it right, even years after the warranty expired. Watching the work being done, I believe I could have replaced them myself for sure once I acquired the appropriate replacement capacitors.
Model: LN46A650A1F
I just started having this problem today and I called Samsung and they had me try the touch panel buttons on the TV (power & menu) as well as remote power button (I humored him), which did nothing and finally he agreed that it looks like the capacitor issue and told me that they are offering a 1 time in home repair for that. However, unlike what I’ve seen other people writing, they did not schedule anything and told me that another department will be calling me in another day or two to schedule the appointment. I guess I’ll have to be happy with the fact that they will at least fix it for free, even if it’s not a quick turnaround.
For those of you who are worried about a 36 month window. My TV was manufactured in 10/2007. I just called today 2/20/2012 and the TV will be reparied for free.
Lnt5265f mfd 1/2008 called today with same issue as seems to be every Samsung TV owner. They said someone will contact me to set appt. Yada yada yada. Hopefully everything goes well, but after only 4yrs of moderate use this is unacceptable. Will never buy anymore Samsung products.
Hi There,
I have recently started having the same problem with my Samsung PS42Q97HD. I was wondering how i go about getting it repaired free from Samsung in UK? Or how much would it cost to repair the capacitors?
Please help.
Kind Regards
Paul
Heads up guys, looks like Samsung class-action over massive failures has resulted in a ruling you guys might be able to get reimbursements from:
http://www.dailytech.com/Samsung+to+Pay+Millions+to+Settle+Lawsuits+Over+Mass+LCD+TV+Failures/article24065.htm
Wow, thanks so much for this info! My Samsung model #LN52A550P3F has been doing the clicking thing for a few days now, but would eventually turn on. This morning it clicked for 3 straight hours, non-stop not turning on anymore at all. We purchased our TV in Feb of 2010! So ya, 2 years ago exactly! After reading all of your comments I looked at the back of my TV and noticed that it was manufactured in June of 2008, so apparently the TV we bought off the shelf for nearly $2000, had been a faulty 2008 model which had been sitting on the shelf for 2 years. I called the number you provided, and they said they will do a one-time repair, IF and only IF it is indeed the capacitors. So I am patiently waiting for the phone call from a local repair man. I am thoroughly disgusted at the un-godly amount we paid for this TV, and the fact that it broke so quickly. I am nervous about it happening again after repair, as I have read has actually happened to some of you a year or so after repairs. Some of my children use our old TVs that range in age from 15-20 years old, and we’ve never had a problem with them in their entire duration. I’m thinking companies need to at the very least, drastically lower the prices of these things if their lifespan is only 2-3 years. That’s just asinine.
Thank you ALL!
Like many of you, I had called Samsung and was told that our model of tv wasn’t covered for cycling on and off forever. After pulling up the capacitor settlement information and checking the model #I saw that -indeed it WAS. I called back again armed with this information and a copy of the settlement in front of me and -lo and behold- will have a repair person here next week for the “one time free repair”. This is my second one and I just dumped the first one…it went after 8 months and wasn’t under warranty. No one I spoke with at that time knew about this problem. When it happened again I really started to look. Too bad I have no record of the first purchase. TRY AGAIN everyone who has previously been frustrated by samsung!!!
Good news. Samsung has decided to settle their class action suit. See http://www.samsung.com/us/capacitorsettlement/ .
About a year after purchasing our Samsung LN-T5265F, we would occasionally experience a long delay before the set would power. Additionally, we’ve heard clicking/switching which has since then subsided. The problems has been intermittently on/off over the years since we’ve owned the set to present.
Doing a searching online revealed this forum. I rang Samsung 800-SAMSUNG and they stated that our TV model along with several other models qualify under a class action settlement (http://www.samsung.com/us/capacitorsettlement/) for a free one time repair to replace the faulty capacitors and power supply (if damaged by the faulty capacitors) or be reimbursed for repairs prior to the settlement’s dates noted.
The Samsung representative provided us a service transaction ID# today and stated that a local authorized Samsung tech will contact us to schedule an appointment to come out and replace the capacitors and/or power supply sometime this week.
Back on Feb 8 I posted that I contacted Samsung and was told my 40 ” model LNS4051DX/XAA was not eligible for the one time fix. Fortunately I didn’t trash the set. After reading about the capacitor settlement on this blog I contacted Samsung again (3rd time) and low-and-behold the set is now eligible for the repair and a repair date is set up. So be persistent with Samsung. If you previously called and received a negative response, try again and don’t trash the set! It seems a lot has changed in the last couple weeks now that the settlement agreement has been announced. Thanks to everyone on this blog for all your good advice.
WARNING: Even with Samsung agreeing to cover more models under the capacitor settlement agreement this doesn’t mean your going to get the tv fixed free. I just had an authorized Samsung repairman at my house and he replaced the capacitors within 10 minutes, plugged in the tv and attempted a power up. Same problem, still clicking and not turning on. He told me the main board (not the power supply board) is blown and there would be an additional $150 cost for the board and no guarantees. I didn’t authorize a replacement board as I believe this is Samsungs issue and it should be covered. The new replacement LG tv is already in place! Samsung you lost another customer over a problem you caused and refuse to take full responsibility for.
My TV was manufactured in Jan 2009. As a result they will not cover the repairs to my TV. As a result I will try to fix the TV myself. I have nothing to lose. But I will never by another Samsung. They were so smug when telling me that I’m out of luck. Samsung is a terrible company!
Samsung did send someone out within days of my call for service after reading this blog. To their credit they handled the situation in a Very professional manner (maybe I’m not use to getting results) they came when they said fixed the problem and left. Good enough for me. Customer service was excellent nothing over the top but they resolved the problem. Not to sure if I will continue to buy their products but their CS might have me reconsider.