Sony TV Problems?

Although Sony make good televisions that are inherently very reliable, they still have their (small) share of problems. Some of these potential faults are described here with tips on how to mend them.

I was recently asked to get an integrated circuit for somebody I know who wanted to repair his Sony TV. He'd done a lot of research and knew exactly what he wanted. As it turns out his problem is quite a common one for Sony TVs. One problem is that it takes several attempts to turn the TV on and often it turns itself off. The problem will get worse until it's nearly impossible to watch. The standby light will flash 16 blinks when this happens. See bottom of the page for more tips.

Buy MCZ3001DB plus socket for £12.20 + £1.30 p&p

The problem, on the AE6B chassis at least, is usually an MCZ3001DB chip (Sony part number 670581001). There are three in the average Sony TV, one on the so-called A-Board and 2 on the D-Board. Usually the problem is caused by a faulty one on the D-Board near the two large switching FET's. In this case, replacing this will fix the problem. Some older Sonys use the MCZ3001D chip. The MCZ3001DB is a direct replacement but is newer and supposedly more reliable. The reason for this page is that I was horrified at how much UK companies, especially ones supplying "genuine Sony spares", (these chips are all made by the company Shindengen anyway) charge. Usually around £24 including postage!. In the USA they are a fraction of the price, but the postage for one chip is outrageous. So, what I have done is to do a bit of bulk buying (well, a dozen or so) which means I can offer them for £11.50, plus postage, to anywhere in Europe. I'll also include an free 18-pin IC socket to make future replacement easier, if you're ever unlucky enough to have to change it again.

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