Discussions

[TheBoy]

So my TCL TV has been in recovery mode for a month now and I just replaced the main board, which apparently solves the issue, but no luck. How is this possible? How can something like this not be a reason for complete recall of TVs? My family has owned 20+ TVs in my life and have never experienced anything like this. This is an absolute disgrace and a massive red flag to never buy a TCL ROKU TV!

[AvsGunnar]

@TheBoy 

Have you tried using the procedure demonstrated by Cliff Wilkes in his Youtube video?  Users here have reported success getting out of Recovery Mode with it. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb0WsncH4K4)

A revised, second alternative method video by Cliff is located here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1InbuOHZDI)

Essentially, the steps illustrated in first method...

1. Perform a Factory Reset. (press and hold reset for 15-30 seconds).

2. When TV powers up again, unplug the power cord from wall.

3. While again pressing and holding the Reset button, plug the power cable back into wall.  Keep holding the Reset button in until the Power light flashes on the TV. (normally on front, underside middle).  When the Power light flashes, let go of the Reset button.

4. If successful, the TV should now boot to the normal startup/setup screen. (language setup screen)

----

The second method is a combination of holding the reset button and the Power button until you get a solid Power light.

[TheBoy]

Yes, and it didn’t work.

[AvsGunnar]

@TheBoy 

Unfortunately, everything I have seen involves repeating the Reset procedure. (multiple times).

I do know replacing the Board was mentioned by some to fix the issue, but that will only likely help if due to a hardware error.  Since other users have experienced the Recovery Mode loop and the Reset usually resolves issue, it may just be a software or firmware issue.

Not really many components to these TVs, so the Board is simply replaced as a catch-all.  If still trying to fix this TV, would probably just swap out the I/O and power boards as well to eliminate those as contributing culprits. (Normally, can get the Main, I/O, and power boards as a set, so not sure how much $ you are out currently for your Main Board and whether you consider it worth fixing).

Sometimes not worth the hassle for some, and if past any warranty period, purchasing a new TV may be better option.  Personally, I own only one RokuTV (Insignia), and would not purchase another integrated RokuTV.  I much prefer the simplicity and flexibility of using a seperate Roku streaming device connected to a standard TV. (or even a smart TV with a different OS).  That way, the streaming device can be upgraded and the whole TV system isn't down when an issue arises.

[TheBoy]

I returned that main board and ordered another off eBay that worked. Guess the first was just defective. The one that worked apparently came from a new TV that was damaged during shipping. This seems to be the fix for the problem, just have to keep looking for a main board that isn’t also defective.

TCL IS A JOKE

[TheBoy]

Just wanted to add that the first main board was from a same model TV but a 75" whereas mine was a 65" so the # on the mainboard were slightly different. Not sure if that was the reason, it was probably just defective. Either way, I would recommend finding one with the exact same part # like the second one I ordered.

The part costs about $50 USD so it is a cheap fix, and once you open the back of the TV it takes less than 10 minutes to remove and replace it. Very easy.