
Did you know that RCA has been in the electronics industry since 1919?
It’s one of the most trusted and reliable brands in the market.
So, what do you do if your beloved RCA TV suddenly won’t turn on?
Don’t worry…
I can help.
Continue reading to know:
- How to identify hardware issues in your RCA TV.
- The most common reasons why your TV isn’t working properly.
- 7 simple troubleshooting tips for your RCA TV that won’t turn on (+ bonus).
- And so much more…
Why won’t my RCA TV turn on?
Your RCA TV won’t turn on because it doesn’t have power. Aside from that, hardware and firmware problems can keep your device from powering on. When this happens, check if the power cord and source are in good condition. Then, perform a soft or hard reset on your RCA TV if necessary.
RCA TV won’t turn on: 7 fixes
#1: Inspect your remote control
Before you think your RCA TV is broken, you should first eliminate external factors.
Considering this, let’s start with your remote control.
If your RCA TV isn’t turning on when you press the power button…
Then you may have a faulty remote in your hands.
And you know what the most likely reason is? Dead batteries.
So, has it been a while since you last changed your remote’s batteries?
If so, you might be looking at a powerless remote that can’t turn on your RCA TV.
Change out the pair you currently have and check if it’ll work this time around.
If it did, that’s 1 successful fix on our list.
Recommended read: Smart TV Remote Not Working: 8 Causes & Fixes
#2: Refresh the remote’s connection to the TV
There are instances where your remote disconnects from the TV.
This is particularly noticed on remotes that pair with the TV wirelessly.
For no apparent reason, the 2 devices simply disconnect from each other.
Frustrating, right?
When this happens, you may think that your RCA TV isn’t turning on. But when you press the remote, it’s just not working.
But, don’t worry.
All you need to do next is to re-link your remote to your TV again.
Note: The RCA remote control works on different devices.
It can pair with:
So, the pairing process should be specific to your device. Regardless…
Here’s how to program your RCA remote
Step 1: Find the device Code List that came with your device
If you can’t find your copy, you can also find the same list on RCA’s website.
Look for your device’s brand on the list. Take note of the different codes written next to it.
Step 2: Press and hold the TV icon on your remote
Wait for the Power button at the center to light up.
Step 3: Input the first code
While still holding the TV button, input the first code for your brand.
Note: Don’t let go of the TV button throughout this process.
Step 4: Wait to see if the power key lights up
If it does, you’ve entered the right code and connected the remote successfully.
But what if the power button blinks several times?
This means that you entered the wrong code, and pairing is unsuccessful.
With that, repeat the same steps until the device accepts the correct code.
Need more information? Check out this video:
#3: Check your TV’s cords and cables
Now, let’s look at a different scenario.
Let’s say that there’s nothing wrong with your remote control.
It has new batteries, and it’s paired to your TV properly.
But your RCA TV still won’t work…
Another factor that you can look into is your TV’s cords and cables.
Did you happen to move your TV recently?
Or did you shift things around when you were cleaning your living room?
Either way, why does this matter?
Well, it’s possible a cord or cable came loose when you moved your TV.
So your device won’t be getting any power if the cord isn’t seating properly in its socket.
It also won’t have any audio or video if the AV cables are unplugged.
Such instances are easy to miss.
But, they’re also easy to fix.
To ensure every cord and cable is plugged in correctly, I suggest taking them all out.
Then plug them back again 1-by-1 to firmly stick them back in.
While you’re at it, take the time to check on the cable’s condition.
Make sure that none are frayed, cut, or damaged. If there are, then it’s time to replace those with new cables.
#4: Look at the power source
While we’re on the topic of damaged cables, it’s also possible that your RCA TV isn’t turning on because it doesn’t have any power.
But this time, the problem has nothing to do with your RCA TV or RCA remote.
Instead, it’s all about the electrical outlet where your device is plugged in.
So check to see if the outlet has power or none at all.
You can plug in a different device, such as a lamp or a charger.
If these devices also don’t work, then it’s likely that your outlet tripped and died.
When that happens, all you need to do is plug your RCA TV into a different outlet to see if it works.
If it still doesn’t turn on, then you’re likely dealing with a more serious issue. So, let’s move on to the next step, which is to…
#5: Disable the Front Panel Access lock feature
The RCA TV comes with a unique feature known as the Front Panel Access (FPA) lock.
It’s a parental lock feature that prevents access to the TV unless the user has the remote.
Therefore, it can stop children from accessing the device.
So, how will you turn on your TV with the FPA enabled without a remote control?
Don’t worry.
All you need to do is soft reset your TV altogether.
By doing so, you’ll get rid of the parental lock settings. It’ll also revert everything to its normal viewing state.
How?
Simply unplug your device and let it be for 5 to 10 minutes.
After waiting, plug the TV back in and see if you can turn it on without the remote.
If your first attempt is unsuccessful, repeat the first step but leave the TV off overnight.
In rare cases where this trick doesn’t work, you can opt to fully reset your device instead.
A full reset will delete all device settings, including FPA.
To start a full reset on your RCA TV without a remote, follow these steps:
- Locate the physical reset button on your RCA TV.
- Using a small tool, press and hold the reset button for 20 to 30 seconds.
- Wait for the RCA TV logo to appear on the screen.
- Initiate the reset and set up the device once again once the reset is complete.
#6: Examine your TV for backlight issues
LED TVs often deal with backlight problems.
This is particularly true for units that are several years old.
Backlight problems on LED TVs are typically caused by an electrical failure.
When this happens, your TV screen would appear black when turned on.
However, your TV isn’t completely broken.
With that, how can you check your TV for backlight issues?
It’s simple.
All you need to do is point a flashlight close to your LED TV.
Then, check if there you can make out any image on it.
It would only be a faint picture. However, this proves that your LED has backlight issues.
If that’s the case, it’s best to bring it to RCA Support or a service center for quick repair.
#7: Replace damaged capacitors
Capacitors are tiny diodes located in your device’s power board.
When damaged, these capacitors can completely cut the power on your TV.
Therefore, it’s likely why your RCA TV suddenly won’t turn on.
Although it can be intimidating, replacing damaged capacitors is pretty easy.
It requires the bare minimum tools and minimal experience.
To do this, you would need the following materials:
- Pliers
- Solder.
- Screwdriver.
- Soldering iron.
- Replacement capacitors.
With that, here’s a quick guide on how to replace bad capacitors from start to finish.
Step 1: Unmount your TV
Carefully remove your TV from the wall or from its stand. Make sure not to misplace any screw from your TV.
Open the back case of your RCA TV. To do this, lay your TV on a flat surface.
You can place a soft cloth or sheet on the surface to avoid accidentally scratching the screen.
Step 2: Open the back case of your TV
Unscrew everything until you gain access to the TV’s electrical boards.
Then, identify the power board and detach it from the TV.
The power board is the circuit that features the battery-shaped capacitors.
Step 3: Take a look at the power board and find the bad capacitors
Damaged capacitors typically have leaks or a bulging end.
You can also use a multimeter to test each capacitor on the board.
With that, gently remove the damaged components using the pliers and solder.
Then, solder in the replacement capacitors.
Step 4: Put everything back in place
Make sure that every component is screwed in properly.
Lastly, test if your RCA TV would turn on after replacing the damaged capacitors.
#Bonus: Reset your device.

Still not having any luck?
Sometimes, your TV may be dealing with major software or firmware issues.
When this happens, the simplest thing to do is perform a full factory reset.
This process reverts the device to its out-of-the-box condition.
It deletes all installed updates, apps, and software.
Ideally, the reset helps fix any problem on the device.
But since it erases everything on the device, many avoid fully resetting their TVs.
If you’re not afraid to reset your RCA TV, here’s how to do it:
- Go to the Menu.
- Open the Options tab.
- Choose Reset.
Is there a reset button on an RCA TV?
The reset button on an RCA TV is located either on the back or bottom of the unit. It can be a push-button or a pinhole key depending on the model of the TV. You can use the reset button to initiate a full factory reset on your device.