Panasonic CT36HX40 keeps blowing PS fuse.

Chuck Cintron · Guest

Hi...I've dabbled in digital electronics as a hobby but not much experience with analog. I just need some guidance as to how I should go about trying to fix this problem, or at least how to talk to the service tech about it:

Our 5 year old 36" Panasonic glass HDTV (CT36HX40) is regularly blowing the small 6.3A fuse that I find right behind the power cord panel, in back. When we found the set 'dead' one day, I replaced the fuse (with a 6A fuse...only one I could find locally) and was happy when the set seemed to work fine.

Now, after about a week, the set is dead again. I'm sure that fuse must have blown again.

So, what about the system could be allowing it to run fine for a few days, then blow the fuse? Should I attempt to troubleshoot, or call in a pro right off the bat? I'm thinking that either a rectifier diode into PS is marginal, or something else is overdrawing the PS, causing it to blow the safety fuse.

Should I just try to put the right 6.3A fuse in, instead of the 6A I bought?

Any thoughts? This darn set weighs 230 pounds, so I can't exactly lug it down to my workbench...

Thanks,
Chuck

minnie · Joined: 18 Aug 2005 Posts: 2880 Location: Hell

The 6.3 amp fuse you're replacing is a fast blow. You need to replace it with a 6.3 slow blow.

Frank · Guest

Guest · Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 2:42 am Post subject:

Thanks. I'll try to get the 6.3A fuse, but I think something is up with this set...why would the fuse have blown in the first place anyway.

Um, minnie, why would I replace a fast fuse with a slow-blow?

-Chuck

minnie · Joined: 18 Aug 2005 Posts: 2880 Location: Hell

When power is applied the degaussing circuit fires. In this set, the suggested fix is resolder the degaussing thermistor/replay. It tends to pull at times just a little more than the 6.3 amp fast blow can handle. I've replaced the fast blow with a slow blow in over 30 sets and never been back. You're not compromising the integrity of the circuit by putting a slow blow in just putting in a fuse that is a little more 'tolerable.'

Chuck Cintron · Guest

Ah, thanks for clarifying that, minnie. I took your advice and dropped in a 6.3A slo-blow today...so far so good.

I don't need to worry about the thermistor now, right? Enough headroom with the new fuse now, correct?

minnie · Joined: 18 Aug 2005 Posts: 2880 Location: Hell

I usually don't bother. Run with the slow blow and post back if blows.