Your LG TV turns on and off repeatedly. It’s bothersome and certainly worrisome.

Before panicking, let’s delve into this known problem with LG TVs and the various solutions within your reach.

Why Your LG TV Turns On and Off in a Loop

Apart from software updates, this phenomenon can have various origins: residual electrical charge in the TV, an issue with the “Simplink” (HDMI-CEC) option, malfunctioning of internal software, or a problem with the power cord.

Steps to Fix LG TV Turns On and Off in a Loop

1. Restart Your LG TV

If you notice that your LG TV isn’t working normally, you can solve this problem by restarting it.

For an electrical restart:

  • Turn off your TV.
  • Unplug it from the electrical wall outlet and wait for about 30/40 seconds.
  • Replug your TV and turn it on with your remote control.

This electrical reset will help solve minor malfunctions related to the residual electricity accumulated inside your TV, which may cause various malfunctions.

2. Disable Simplink (HDMI-CEC)

The Simplink feature could cause your TV to malfunction, like disruptions or non-recognition of connected devices. To disable this option, hold the Settings button on your remote control for 5 seconds, then go to All Settings > General > SIMPLINK (HDMI-CEC), and finally choose the Disable option.

3. Check the Power Cord

The sporadic power ons and offs of your LG TV may stem from a power issue.

A problem with the power cord, power strip, or electrical outlet.

First, you need to verify the continuity of the power cord, as a discontinuity could result in unexpected power ons and offs.

Follow the procedure here described to check the continuity of power cords, extensions, or power strips. For this:

  • Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet and with a multimeter, test the continuity of conductivity. Set the multimeter to “continuity test” mode for this.
  • The multimeter will beep if the cable is working correctly.
  • If the multimeter doesn’t emit a sound, it means the cable is cut somewhere and you need to replace it.
  • Repeat the operation with all cables (power strip, extension…) between your TV and the wall outlet.

If the cable doesn’t show any discontinuity and the electrical connection is correct, you should check with the multimeter that it’s not short-circuited:

  • Place the multimeter probes in contact with the power plug pins, if the multimeter beeps, the cord is defective, it needs to be replaced.
  • Perform the same procedure with the extension cord and power strip if needed.

After these tests, if necessary, replace the defective cables, this should solve the power on and off issues.

4. Disable Eco Mode

Your LG TV is equipped with an energy-saving mode that can cause your TV to turn off after a certain period of inactivity.

To disable this mode, go to your LG TV’s settings:

  • Press the button that looks like a gear on your remote control.
  • Select All settings located on the left side of your screen.
  • Go to General.
  • Go to the Energy Saving section.
  • Disable the Auto Off function.

5. Overheating Issues with Your LG TV

It is normal for your LG TV to produce heat while running. However, if you notice unusual overheating, it may indicate a problem.

Here’s how you can troubleshoot:

  • Ensure ventilation grills are clean and unblocked. If not, use a small brush to clean them.
  • Keep the TV away from heat sources such as heaters or fireplaces.
  • Avoid placing your TV near windows, as sunlight can amplify the overheating.
  • Ensure optimal ventilation around your TV.

Remember, overheating can speed up the aging process of your TV and potentially damage it.

6. Update Your LG TV Software

Faulty software can cause disruptions, making regular updates essential. If your TV has not updated automatically, you can manually do it.

Here’s how:

  1. Access the TV settings by clicking the dedicated button on your remote.
  2. Navigate to ‘All settings’.
  3. Go to ‘About this TV’, then choose ‘Check for software update’.

To avoid firmware-related issues, enable automatic software updates.

7. Reset Your LG TV

A reset might solve the issue. You can either perform a power reset (which will clear the TV’s memory without erasing your settings) or a factory reset.

To do a factory reset:

  1. Press the ‘Settings’ button and select ‘All settings’.
  2. Navigate to ‘General’ and ‘System’.
  3. At the bottom of the page, select ‘Reset to initial settings’.
  4. Confirm your choice.

The TV will restart to apply changes.

8. Use Your Warranty

Like all electronics, your LG TV comes with a two-year compliance warranty from the purchase date. If you experience issues such as sudden on-off cycles, you should contact your retailer after trying the previous steps.

LG also provides a manufacturer’s warranty, covering defects in parts and manufacture. If the issue arises from a faulty power cord, a connector on the TV, or an internal component, you can contact LG for repair or replacement.

If the defect is due to a compliance issue, you have the right to repair or replace your TV free of charge by your retailer.

9. Check the Capacitors on the Motherboard

This step and the next one are for electronic experts, TV technicians, or those interested in TV disassembly (out of warranty, of course).

Before proceeding, be aware that self-repairing an in-warranty TV will void the warranty.

If you notice a failure, you can check the capacitors on the electronic board inside your LG TV:

  1. Place your TV screen-side down on a flat surface.
  2. Gently remove the back cover.
  3. The electronic board and the capacitors will be visible.
  4. Check if the capacitors are swollen. If they are, they’re probably faulty and need replacing.

Whether you decide to replace them yourself or hire an expert, it’s crucial to disconnect your TV before any repair to avoid electric shock.

10. Replace the Motherboard

This step is also reserved for TV disassembly experts.

The motherboard is vital for your TV, as it houses various connectors (Scart, HDMI, RCA, antenna, USB ports) and transforms the electrical signal into an image. In case of a failure, pixelation, choppy image, or lack of display, you might need to replace it.

Just like the previous step, remember to switch off and disconnect your TV before starting the repair process.

To summarize, problems with your LG TV turning on and off in a loop can often be resolved by checking various points, from power connections to TV firmware. However, in some rare cases, internal issues might require technical repair. While simple, it’s best to have these repairs carried out by a specialist, especially if your TV is still under warranty. If not, you may try to perform them yourself.