Insignia 4K TV backlight repair

[@airbornegi2]

Thank you! Thought I was about to throw out my TV. This video guided me through a backlight repair. Here's to another 5 years with this TV.

[@fordtechchris]

Mine just lost one strip. I'm tempted to try this repair. It looks within my skill level, thank you.

[@just1smothie]

Thank you. My TV went during the night. I turned it off last night, this morning it didn't go on. It a bit too much for me to replace. I have the same exact tv and got confirmation from the company on what the issue is.

[@warwickdennis4114]

Thank You, I thought it was going to be a major project, but you made it look easy

[@erinwt904]

We tried this with a similar-seeming Insignia TV but had trouble getting it apart to get to the LED strips. There are some steps here that are probably obvious if you've done them before but stumped us on our first try (like how to get the ribbon connectors loose... didn't figure out the proper way until we were putting it back together again to take to recycle at Best Buy, having broken so many plastic clips and pulled loose so much tape it won't really go back together right).

[@pnwtim503]

Thanks for the video, was useful in having an idea of how to tackle this. Swapped out my backlights successfully today. Hardest part was separating the LCD from the rest of the tv cause mine was held in by these brittle cheap clips instead of screws

[@solomonmori702]

Thank you for this! Your video helped me save an otherwise completely fine tv my neighbors threw out

[@MrPhinesse06]

Thanks for this!! I just got a black shadow at the top of my Insignia Roku and this vid gave me confidence that I might be able to save my TV!!!

[@PolyBius8659]

My issue is that the tvs backlights are just super dim to the point you can barely see it in the dark. Not only that but it flickers every 3 seconds. Have you came across any problems like that?

[@DustinRogersinMO]

It’s likely the same issue, one of the LEDs on one or more of the LED strips is failing

[@PolyBius8659]

@@DustinRogersinMO figured

[@macknumber9]

I picked up a TV on the curb...when I plug it in it flickers and the red light flickers too...does this sound like a backlight issue?

[@claws61821]

Had the second to last strip on mine (same model) flicker out last week so I did this myself. Noticed while I was putting it back together that one of the kapton ribbon cables was peeling away from one of the two boards at the bottom of the LCD (inverter boards, maybe?), and stuck it back on with electrical tape as a temporary fix. Had to disconnect the two ribbons from the small middle board at both ends to get everything apart safely. Now I'm getting no video, just two tone white bisected vertically in the center. Do you have any insights for me?

[@amandafaughn6592]

This is really helpful and makes a repair seem much less intimidating. Thank you! I was going to try it until I saw the sottering. I ain’t got that, but still, this is good to know!

[@DustinRogersinMO]

If you replace the entire strip of LEDs there’s no soldering required and usually much cheaper than replacing the whole TV

[@amandafaughn6592]

@@DustinRogersinMO oh for real? Even to take the tv apart and everything?

[@DustinRogersinMO]

@@amandafaughn6592 all electrical connections use some type of quick connector.

[@amandafaughn6592]

@@DustinRogersinMO Forgive me, what is a quick connector? Is that just like plug-and-play style? Also, if it doesn’t need soldering how come it looked like you were doing that in the video? (Sorry, I am not knowledgeable about this stuff at all, but I’d like to be!) *Nevermind, I’m mad dumb. I just realized that’s just the light from your drill -__- forgive me

[@DustinRogersinMO]

@@amandafaughn6592 yes, just plug and play. @6:26 I’m using a battery powered screw driver to install the screws that hold the strips to the back of the TV. No soldering was done on this repair.

[@Nandeezyy]

I have a 50” led f30 insignia. Can anyone tell me which strips I need is my best bet opening it first and looking at the strips and ordering similar ones?

[@jameswerner612]

How do you hopk up the power on new LED’s? Just tie the wires in?

[@DustinRogersinMO]

If you’re buying replacement strips, they’re plug-n-play. Just disconnect and reconnect

[@seacoast6351]

So I have a Samsung led tv that just flashes from a left strip as long as it’s plugged in. Do you happen to know what that could be? It’s fairly new.

[@luisroque1974]

insignia NS-65D550NA15 where online can I buy the led strips for tia TV. THANKS

[@luisroque1974]

insignia NS-65D550NA15 I NEED REPLACEMENT THE LED STRIPS ,, WHERE I CAN BUY ONLINE FOR THIS MODEL THANKS

[@GEORGIABOY23]

How do I know how many strips I need? My screen is black but I see with flash light.

[@DustinRogersinMO]

For the amount of work it takes to get the TV apart, I’d recommend replacing all of the strips

[@fanfictionnarrator1762]

nice man! im not sure what size tv ive got. im hoping i can figure it out and give this a shot. how much were the strips you bought?

[@DustinRogersinMO]

@@fanfictionnarrator1762 they’re usually $30-60 for the set, depending on the size of TV. This particular video doesn’t show exact steps of how to get the tv apart because every TV comes apart a little differently, so take your time and look things over well as you go.

[@Drevils4]

Is there any glue holding the screen down ??? Ive seen some videos and no one says ut does then people go try and they break there screen because there is glue

[@DustinRogersinMO]

@@Drevils4 I’ve had about 10-15 various brands apart to replace backlights and none have used adhesive to hold the screen in

[@Drevils4]

Search insignia element led backlight replacement and read all the comments. Crazyyy

[@connorforsdike261]

Hello Dustin. My tv when I first power it on the backlights flicker super quick. Do you think it could be another issue other than just the backlights ?

[@DustinRogersinMO]

It’s likely the backlights.

[@guycarlos]

Great video, I have an insignia tv which is about 6 yo, the backlight started doing some kind of flashing, image is fine but it flashes every 4 or 5 secs, do you know if this will be the same solution for it?

[@DustinRogersinMO]

There’s a good possibility, but it could also be an issue with the LED driver (power supply), although that is a much less common issue.

[@nishanthmohan]

Thank you Dustin for the view. I have the same Insignia TV (model NS-43DR620NA18). It was dim for last week and is full black now. Can I use your affiliate link to buy the LED stripes for this model OR is it for a different TV ? Please let me know. Thank you again.

[@20DOk]

Did you need a soder for this ? Can I just screw the LEDs in Model -N8-65DF71ONA21

[@DustinRogersinMO]

Every TV I’ve repaired has been plug-n-play if you’re buying new strips.

[@richdixon]

I thought this TV had serial LED strips, not parallel, so if one goes out everything down the line goes out. My TV of this model number has no LEDs working but I can see the menus with the flashlight method.

[@DustinRogersinMO]

I was really surprised that mine had parallel strips. It’s the first and only TV that I’ve seen with parallel.

[@adriannano-thomas1184]

So I just purchased a new tv so thate all well and good, but my old tv just died i believe. I mean it's only 3 years old I had the insignia 4k, fire tv. Now it dimmed and blinks on and off. Would that be something worth fixing so I dont have to get rid of the tv if i really dont have to. I mean it works fine, going through all the menus and all that but i just cant see it.

[@DustinRogersinMO]

Typically if it’s a backlight issue, even the menus will dim the same as the rest of the screen or not be visible at all. If your menus are normal brightness, but the “picture” is dark, I’d suspect a main board issue, since it’s displaying the menus good, but not the picture. You may also try testing other inputs, switch HDMI ports, or plug a DVD/Blu-ray or something into the hdmi to test if those function properly.

[@adriannano-thomas1184]

@@DustinRogersinMO yeah I have tried my systems I have it hooked up to or even youtube or Netflix that are downloaded to the tv. It's all dip and periodically goes black for a second then comes back dimmed. Tried settings, made sure the tv was up to date an all that. Well I'll just stick with the tv that is in it's way. Thankyou!

[@artstar101]

I have this tv INSIGNIA NS-50DF711SE21 50 inch. What strips do I need to order?

[@DustinRogersinMO]

I recommend searching on shopJimmy.com

[@artstar101]

Thank you!

[@JasonFroehlich13]

Just want to make sure...there was no soldering involved, right?

[@DustinRogersinMO]

Correct. No soldering involved

[@jamesb1660]

Do you have a video of how are you disconnected the ribbon cables

[@DustinRogersinMO]

There’s a little black flap that you have to pivot up. Then you should be able to slide the ribbons out. I have a couple other TV repair videos which may show this. I don’t recall if I had the camera close enough in any of those vids. kzbin.info/aero/PLErZsJkFjXgwpxUJtUJ_ky9AOQWa8pqg2

[@markgonzalez1887]

I was able to fix the LED's but when I put it back together I think I messed something else up. Now showing lines across half of the tv. Any idea what could be causing this?

[@DustinRogersinMO]

Horizontal lines usually indicate on issue with the panel itself. This could be due to physical damage or an issue with the small ribbon tabs on the edges of the LCD panel. Typically there’s no way to fix

[@DustinRogersinMO]

Vertical lines can potentially be a bad connection to the timing control (t-con) board. Sometimes just removing and reinstalling the large ribbon cables will solve it.

[@submittedbymail]

Why do they all go out at once. Its usually a power supply in most LEDs. Are tvs different?

[@DustinRogersinMO]

Most of them are wired in series. So all 60+ LEDs if one goes out they all go out.

[@Smile-zy3pz]

Hi, how do I know the mpn of the leds? So I can purchase the correct ones

[@DustinRogersinMO]

I typically search for the TV model number on shopJimmy.com they have a good cross reference of the MPNs. You can order directly from them if they have them in stock or search online using the MPN

[@treasurerox]

how do you know what size led strip to buy for your tv size?

[@DustinRogersinMO]

The led strips are make model specific to each TV

[@francorisso123]

I have very poor images can see Insignia on the screen and something else but for 10 seconds then turns off could be the lights, I like your video was educational I will like to see a listing of the tools you have used on this repair t.u and I got one with blue screen no sound 😀

[@DustinRogersinMO]

Basic tools. Usually a #0 and #1 Phillips screwdriver is about all you need to get one apart. Sometimes a small pry tool

[@voodoomistris]

If our entire light assembly went out at once, like flash bam black screen of death… is it still likely a strip issue or a power to the strips issue?? Pls help!

[@DustinRogersinMO]

Likely a backlight issue. Most TV’s have multiple strips that are wired in series, so if an individual LED on any one strip goes out, they all go out. This insignia was the first I’d seen where each strip was powered individually.

[@voodoomistris]

@@DustinRogersinMO thank you so much for replying so fast! And since there’s no way to really test them, replacing the entire assembly is the best way to go? We did the flashlight test, so I guess tomorrow we’ll take it down and get the exact model number because I assume you gotta get a replacement make/model specific? Thanks again! Will subscribe!

[@DustinRogersinMO]

@@voodoomistris yes, strips are make/model specific. I’ve had good luck ordering from shopJimmy.com. If they don’t have them in stock, you can usually cross reference specific strip part numbers and find what you need on eBay.

[@cassandradelafuente1544]

Where do I get these strips?

[@DustinRogersinMO]

I got mine from ShopJimmy.com

[@tang21249]

Can I get the link to the site to buy the strips

[@DustinRogersinMO]

There's a link in the description

[@fauzankhan5500]

hello there Dustin! I have questions about that Macbook firmware video.

[@DustinRogersinMO]

What's up?

[@fauzankhan5500]

​@@DustinRogersinMO Hello there appreciate your approaching sir! I have 3 macbooks in which 2 have no hard drive N another not functioning. The one functions but shows question folder, I checked EFI Lock by pressing option key -- Its shows as Internet recovery,. So my question is if shows such thing is it locked ?

[@JP201217]

@@fauzankhan5500 the one with the question mark might be a bad hard drive ribbon cable. My friend had the same issue on his 2012 MacBook Pro, he was going to toss it because it kept showing the screen of the folder icon with a question mark. I asked to look at it and found the ribbon cable was at fault. The cool thing was after I fixed his MacBook he told me that I can have it. My very first Mac in my life and I still have it till this day.

[@cbreezy1322]

Do i have to have something on one of these boards unplugged before I flip the TV and try to remove the bezel and check the LEDs? Only thing I currently have unplugged are the 2 ribbons from the t con board to the bottom and 2 small plugs to the front sensor and side panel buttons. I unplugged the speakers. Couldn't remove. Seem to be sitting on a plastic peg or stand and I didn't want to break it so I'll see if removing the bezel they'll come off attached to that. I have a 65 inch insignia fundamental tv. My devices are smart enough. 😁

[@DustinRogersinMO]

Every TV I’ve had apart is constructed a bit different. Most of them, the plastic bezel is purely decorative and only holds the speakers/remote sensor. Once you get it off, there will likely be an additional metal frame with a bunch of tiny screws that hold the LCD in place.

[@cbreezy1322]

@@DustinRogersinMO i just took the metal bezel off and then the plastic one individual pieces. I loosened the ribbon boards on the bottom. I guess I'll put painter's tape on to hold them down. I'm doing all of this on a king sized bed because I don't have a work table or anything else this big for a 65 inch. I was just really curious if something had to be unplug on the other side before I tried to test the LEDs. Also is there really concern moving a 65 inch screen off or should I order the suction things?

[@DustinRogersinMO]

@@cbreezy1322 the ribbon cables should be the only thing connecting the LCD panel. I usually drape the driver boards over and tape them to the face of the LCD just so they don’t snag on things.

[@cbreezy1322]

@@DustinRogersinMO is the screen so delicate that I can't move it about the tv that's on the same bed?

[@DustinRogersinMO]

@@cbreezy1322 they are pretty delicate. I typically use large suction cups to pick them up, but I have cracked one before. I’ve seen others pick them up by working their fingers/arms under the screen like a forklift. A panel this large will sag enough to crack if not supported evenly enough.

[@JohnSmithh644]

What's the flashlight test

[@DustinRogersinMO]

Turn the TV on where are you know there will be a picture. Typically hitting the menu button. Should always display something on the screen no matter what input you have selected. Then you shine a flashlight directly into the screen to see if you can make out that picture. You may have to move the flashlight side to side or at an angle. If you can make out the picture, it means that the back light has failed. If you were unable to see any image, it usually indicates some other issue with a main board or timing control board or something.

[@the_chris-tea]

Thank you so much for this! Glad to know I can fix my TV 😃

[@tk543]

Your video was very helpful. Unfortunately, I cracked my screen in the process. FML

[@DustinRogersinMO]

Oh no. They are fragile.

[@madetohelpyou]

Be careful folks. This video leaves out alot of things that may cost you to waste $$. I advise u to DO NOT BUY strips until u have successfully taken apart the tv. I destroyed my old one as this video left out way too much that could've saved me $ and time. Good day

[@DustinRogersinMO]

Sorry you broke your TV while trying to disassemble, but even with every step demonstrated in a video, it doesn’t guarantee that you won’t break it during disassembly. At 2:20 I warn about breaking the panel which renders the TV useless.

[@luisroque1974]

insignia NS-65D550NA15 I need buy led Strips for this Tv Model Please,, I need replacement urgent

[@DustinRogersinMO]

I typically order from ShopJimmy.com

[@luisroque1974]

@@DustinRogersinMO Thanks

[@KS-se7ir]

Thank you

[@melissabowannie5248]

Your video was just too fast. I need to know how to remove those 2 ribbon things. How did you just pop them off?? Mine aren't easily popping off. My TV is the exact kind you are repairing

[@DustinRogersinMO]

Depending on the connector style there’s either a little flap on top of the cable that you flip up, or there’s a different color tab on each side of the cable that you slide out to release the cable

[@jessewoolard1607]

Why couldn't you use a set of led strips that cost $10 for 15ft as a replacement

[@DustinRogersinMO]

You could, technically, but you wouldn’t have very uniform backlighting. Most LEDs have a very narrow light spread. The LeD strips in TVs have lenses that spread the light more in all directions. Also, $10 led strips are usually powered by a 5V source. TV backlights are usually powered by a 60-90v source, so you wouldn’t be able to power the $10 set directly off the TV power supply. You also wouldn’t have any control of the brightness/dimming of the $10 LEDs. For the time required for disassembly, the risk of cracking the fragile LCD panel, it’s worth peace of mind to pay the money for the proper led strips.

[@jessewoolard1607]

@@DustinRogersinMO tvs power source in most tvs are power inverters. Tgis converts 110v to 12v. Now if I purchased an led strip from the top manufacturer "samsung" a 30ft roll would be plenty of light, plus I would leave the white reflection paper. Drill a hole in the rear of the tv and run to a usb wall plug or plug on the tv itself. In theory it should work and be a cheaper fix. Thanks for the reply. Let me know what you think.

[@DustinRogersinMO]

@@jessewoolard1607of the 15+ backlights I’ve repaired, zero of them were powered by 12v. Sure the board has a 12v rail that powers some things on the main logic board, but the PS board probably isn’t designed to power additional 12V devices. Some TVs have a separate LED driver circuit and some are integrated into the PS board. The LED drivers are what is pushing the 60-90v. These backlight strips are configured in series, so you have to have that amount of voltage to push through all the LED chips on a strip. The LED strips I think you’re referring to are configured in parallel so that the strips can be trimmed to nearly any length and be powered up from either end or even in the middle of the strip. To me it wouldn’t be worth it. The most expensive set of backlight LED strips I’ve purchased were $89, but they were for a 75” LG that I accidentally cracked the LCD on while removing it. Most sets are in the $30-50 range. I just searched eBay for a 12v led strip and the first result was for a 20’ spool, which cost $57. Just buying those strips and then trying to get them to work would cost more than buying to correct replacement strips on most 50” and smaller TVs. If you’re looking for a cheap backlight repair, look at my Hitachi backlight repair video. It was the very first one I did and it cost me less than $10…but it was a fairly short lived repair because a different LED burnt out after a couple months. I eventually just bought a whole set of new strips.

[@jessewoolard1607]

@@DustinRogersinMO im getting the tv for free. Im going to try it anyway. I have 60ft rolls i paid $30 for. Ill keep you posted. May even post a video.

[@DustinRogersinMO]

@@jessewoolard1607 please do. I’d be curious how it turns out

[@itsnayman35]

Bro thank you

[@jasonbutz954]

INSIGNIA!!

[@jrb21594]

Is anyone in Los Angeles and willing do this for pay on my tv?

[@dariensimon3998]

You talk toooo much but all in all great work thanks hopefully this is the problem with my tv.

[@ken7165]

Interesting video but that’s waaaay too much work and hassle. Just buy another tv especially if you have to order the strips online and wait for days for them to be delivered.

[@DustinRogersinMO]

I usually only repair TVs that I’ve gotten for free. Often I’ll sell them for a profit.

[@scottcieslak796]

Great video. You should offer crypto donations :)

[@Godzilladad]

Someone is selling a tv for $20 just needs backlight. What tools do I need to fix the tv?

[@DustinRogersinMO]

Typically the bare minimum is a Phillips screwdriver and a nice big flat surface to work on. Other things that are nice to have depending on the model of TV and how the bezel is held on etc is a thin flat pry tool (putty knife), some plastic spudgers, and a hair dryer (to soften the glue holding the LED strips to the TV), some large suction cups to lift the LCD panel off.

[@Godzilladad]

@@DustinRogersinMO thank you

[@Drevils4]

Is there any glue holding the screen down ??? Ive seen some videos and no one says ut does then people go try and they break there screen because there is glue