TVs

TV makes a clicking sound but has no picture

A repeating click with no picture usually means the power supply is trying and failing to start up, often called a 'click of death.' This needs professional repair.

Difficulty
Professional only
Time
N/A
DIY cost
N/A
Pro cost
$100–$300

Symptoms

  • Regular clicking sound every few seconds from inside the TV
  • Screen stays completely black
  • Power light may flash or stay off
  • No image even after unplugging and retrying

Likely causes

  • CommonPower supply repeatedly trying to start and shutting down (protection mode)A failing capacitor or component causes the power supply to detect a fault and cut out over and over, creating a clicking relay sound.
  • PossibleShort circuit somewhere in the TV's internal wiringA short can trigger the same protective clicking behavior as a failing power supply.
  • PossibleBacklight driver failure triggering protection modeSome TVs click when the backlight circuit fails and the power supply protects itself from the fault.

What to do

  1. Unplug the TV immediately rather than letting it continue clicking repeatedly.
  2. Wait a few minutes, then plug it back in once to confirm the clicking pattern repeats.
  3. Do not attempt to open the case and probe the power supply yourself; capacitors can hold a dangerous charge.
  4. Check the TV's age and model to get a sense of typical repair costs for this issue.
  5. Contact a TV repair technician who can test and replace the power supply board.
  6. If the TV is older than 6–7 years, compare the repair estimate to buying a new TV.

Tools and parts

TV power supply boardSearch: “TV power supply board replacement for model”

When to call a pro

This is a classic power supply failure ('click of death') that needs a qualified technician; don't keep repeatedly power cycling it.

Safety

Use caution

Unplug the TV and do not open the case yourself; internal capacitors can hold a dangerous electrical charge even when unplugged.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.