Cracking when the TV is working: what causes it and what to do

Проблемы и поломки

We understand why the TV cracks during operation, after turning it on and off, and what to do in a given situation (LCD, plasma, kinescope). The occurrence of any extraneous noise during the operation of the TV always causes bewilderment for the user. But this does not always indicate the presence of any malfunction, breakdown. For example, if a TV made by LG or Sony cracks when turned on (during the first 5 to 10 seconds), then this is completely considered the norm. A corresponding memo is even available in the official technical instructions. However, if earlier the crack was completely absent, and over time it even began to intensify, then with a high degree of probability this is precisely a technical breakdown.
Cracking when the TV is working: what causes it and what to do

What you need to know about cod, clicks when the TV is on

It is conditionally possible to distinguish 3 main categories of situations in which the TV cracks and clicks during operation:

  1. Factory marriage . In most cases, it is associated with incorrect installation of the speaker system (speakers that vibrate excessively during sound output) or with incorrect operation of the power supply elements (in particular, chokes).
  2. Violation of the rules of operation . All of them are described in detail in the user manual, which is necessarily supplied with the TV. The most common reasons: next to the TV is a router, a microwave oven, a mobile phone, and other sources of radio interference. Crackling may also occur when the TV is connected to an outlet that is connected to other electrical devices with high current consumption (between 700 and 800 Wh).
  3. Technical breakdown . This is especially true for TVs that are already more than 5 – 7 years old from the date of purchase, while they are actively used (that is, they are turned on daily).

Factory defects appear, as a rule, in the first 3 to 10 days from the date of purchase of the TV. And in these cases, there are no problems with the exchange of equipment. But you also need to check if the user violates the operating rules specified in the manual. Most often it is:

  • The TV is connected to a socket, from which another 2 – 3 devices are powered;
  • the TV is too close to a wall or a radiator (causes overheating).

Typical situations in which the TV may “crack”

There are many reasons why the TV cracks during operation. Extraneous sound can occur both when you turn it on and when the TV is already working or completely turned off (that is, it is switched to “standby mode”):

  1. Cracking when turning on the TV  in most cases is normal and does not indicate any failures or malfunctions. It mainly occurs due to the transfer of the power supply to the mode of increased current consumption. Could this indicate that the TV may soon fail? No.Cracking when the TV is working: what causes it and what to do
  2. Quiet crackling during operation . Indicates a malfunction in the operation of the transformer or a poor fit of the turns of the deflecting system.
  3. Quiet crackling when the TV is turned off , as a rule, indicates a close proximity to radio interference sources. These are either microwave ovens or routers (routers). And it may also indicate an unstable voltage in the electrical network to which the TV is connected. In particular, one of the most common causes is a short-term increase in voltage above 235 – 240 Volts or a frequency mismatch of 50 Hz.

It is also worth mentioning that TVs are technically complex devices. And most of the components in them are made of plastic and metal. During operation, the TV heats up slightly. And from the school course of physics it is known that the bodies expand in this case. Accordingly, this can also be a source of cod. But he is not permanent.
Cracking when the TV is working: what causes it and what to do

Cracking TVs with a kinescope

Although such TVs are no longer produced by most manufacturers, they are still actively used in many families. And for them, crackling when turned on or off is also a normal phenomenon, which indicates a “discharge of the kinescope” (that is, a system is triggered that eliminates static charge). If the image is normal during operation, no graphic artifacts appear, then you should not worry about a possible breakdown. And if the TV set-top box crackles, then this is also conditionally considered the norm. But only if the crackling lasts no more than 10 – 15 seconds after turning it on or off. All other situations can be considered as abnormal, that is, requiring attention from the telemaster. If the crackling is accompanied by various kinds of “artifacts” on the screen, the formation of noise on the image,

It is dangerous to operate the TV in this state! It must be completely de-energized, and then contact the service center.

Cracking when the TV is working: what causes it and what to do
Cracking when the TV is working: what causes it and what to do

When crackling indicates a malfunction

If the crack is similar to the sound of a stun gun, then this indicates an electrical breakdown between the elements of the printed circuit board or power supply. And this already indicates the presence of a serious technical malfunction. It is recommended to completely turn off the power to the TV and contact the service center specialists for help.

IMPORTANT! But trying to disassemble the TV yourself is not worth it. The same power supply has high-capacity capacitors. Their discharge is quite enough to bring irreparable harm to health or even lead to death! And when disassembling, you can easily damage cables, contact pads: subsequent repairs will cost many times more.

Why there is a crack on the TV and what to do when repairs are needed: https://youtu.be/Uov56YpizWg

Why does the TV crackle at night?

This indicates poor contact of the plug that is connected to the outlet, or the presence of damage to the insulation of the power cable, which causes short-term current discharges. And this happens not only at night, it’s just at this time of day that most often they pay attention to the presence of extraneous sounds in the work of equipment.

TV crackles and won’t turn on

Sometimes this is also accompanied by a low-frequency or high-frequency hum. Indicates a malfunction in the operation of the power supply or line scan element. If the hum is accompanied by image or sound artifacts, then this indicates that there is no input voltage filtering mechanism. Eliminated by installing a surge protector or voltage stabilizer.

Cracking when the TV is working: what causes it and what to do
Image artifacts

Speakers crackle

If the speakers on the TV crackle when the sound volume is increased, then this means that their membrane is damaged. This happens with TVs that are more than 5 years old or if the user often sets the sound level to the maximum. You can fix this either by changing the equalizer settings (reducing the bass balance) or by completely replacing the acoustics. A workaround may be to connect external speakers via an RCA port (3.5mm) or via Bluetooth (Smart TV only).

What to do with extraneous sounds during TV operation

Recommended actions if the TV is cracking:

  1. Make sure that the outlet to which the TV is connected has the correct voltage and frequency. In modern technology, universal power supplies are installed. They allow you to power TV voltage in the range from 110 to 220 volts. The frequency must always be 50 Hz.Cracking when the TV is working: what causes it and what to do
  2. Make sure the outlet is fully functional. Cracking may indicate poor contact between the plug and the “landing petals” that are inside the outlet.
  3. Make sure that there is no insulation damage in the power cable. It can also be inconspicuous microcracks at the bend points.
  4. Make sure that crackling occurs in the TV. Extraneous sounds can also be emitted by various TV set-top boxes (DVB2 receiver, DVD player, satellite receiver, external speaker system, and so on).
  5. Remove as far as possible (at least 3 meters) devices that can be potential sources of radio interference. In particular, routers, microwave ovens, GSM repeaters, WiFi signal amplifiers, mobile and cordless phones, wireless gamepads, keyboards, computer mice, and other Bluetooth devices. All of them can cause crackling in the TV speakers, especially in older models (where there is no high-quality acoustic isolation from radio interference).

If all the above tips and recommendations did not bring the desired result, it is recommended to seek help from an authorized service center of the manufacturer. As a rule, his contact details are indicated in the user manual.

In total, crackling during TV operation does not always indicate that it is faulty or that it needs to be taken to a service center for diagnostics. If this occurs only when you turn it on and off, then this is the norm in 99% of cases. When the crackling is constant or accompanied by interference on the screen, this indicates the presence of a technical malfunction.

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