Recently Vizio put up a special bulletin on its website stating a number of its 2012 60-inch E601i-A3
Vizio is offering a warranty part replacement on all the units with the bad chip assembly. Vizio will replace a recalled TV that has already lost its picture with a new unit (not a refurbished one as they customarily do) according to its customer service representative. Vizio HDTVs are sold by Amazon, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Target, Costco, BJs and Sam’s Club. All the recall details appear after the break.
Our research indicates the Vizios with the bad chip assembly were made and offered for sale in the 4th quarter of 2012. We checked our local Costco and verified all the E601i-A3 and E701i-A3 now being sold are new production, past the serial numbers of the recalled models.
HD Guru recommends to all readers with one of these HDTVs that fall under the serial numbers below to call the Vizio customer service phone number now. Don’t wait to see if the screen goes black as there is no way to tell if the affected chip assembly will become back ordered in the future.
Best Selling Soundbars and 5.1 Surround Systems
Vizio is also extending the warranty on affected TVs (within the listed serial numbers) from one to two years for this issue. Below is a verbatim copy of its “Special Bulletin”. It is on their website here.
“A limited number of VIZIO’s E-Series 60” and 70” LED Smart TVs (model numbers E601i-A3 and E701i-A3) may experience a loss of video due to premature failure of a chip assembly sourced from a supplier. VIZIO is working with its suppliers, retailers and consumers to resolve the issue as quickly as possible for affected users. As part of its continued dedication to customer satisfaction, VIZIO is proactively communicating with its customers through direct contact with registered owners, through VIZIO’s retailers and through online and social media about the potential issue, what to look for, and how to reach VIZIO’s dedicated support team to receive help.
What is the Nature of the Issue and Affected Range of Products?
In a small percentage of units with serial numbers in the ranges of LFTRNWAN3800001 to LFTRNWAN4805300 for Model E601i-A3 and LFTRNXAN4500001 – LFTRNXAN4702936 for Model E701i-A3, users may experience a loss of video on the display although audio can still be heard. This issue is attributed to a limited batch of chip assemblies from a supplier, in which there is a small percentage chance that the chip assembly prematurely fails; this causes the timing control board to be disabled, which disrupts the video signal to the display. This potential issue appears to occur typically around the first 500 hours of usage or first few months of normal usage and does not present a safety concern.
What is VIZIO’s Response to Action?
VIZIO has promptly notified its customers of the possible issue so that affected users can have their units repaired or replaced free of charge. In addition, VIZIO is also extending its standard one-year limited warranty to two years from the date of purchase for this specific issue to ensure that customers who purchased the E601i-A3 or E701i-A3 can continue to enjoy their TV with full peace of mind.
What Should VIZIO Customers do?
If you have a VIZIO E-Series 60” or 70” TV with a serial number that falls within the ranges of LFTRNWAN3800001 to LFTRNWAN4805300 for Model E601i-A3 and LFTRNXAN4500001 – LFTRNXAN4702936 for Model E701i-A3 and experience a loss of video, please call VIZIO’s Customer Care team toll free at 855-209-4106 or email them at: [email protected] to directly reach our dedicated service team who will assist in resolving your issue as quickly as possible.
VIZIO’s Commitment
Since its founding more than a decade ago, VIZIO has taken pride in its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. Standing behind that commitment, VIZIO is taking prudent measures to reach customers to inform them of this situation and provide expedited support for affected users. With its all-U.S. based award-winning support team, VIZIO remains committed to taking care of its customers.”
Have a question for the HD Guru?
HD GURU|Email
Copyright ©2013 HD Guru Inc. All rights reserved. HDGURU is a registered trademark.
I have the same problem as the rest of you, all the sudden picture goes blue , but has sound, every body is saying it’s a t-con chip or board , can I get those things to fix it or is the 70in tv junk
Mine did the same thing last night and the vizio before that just stopped working after a year and a half. Also had a vizio blu ray player that wouldn’t play blu rays will not get brand again
I have a model M701d-A3 and just last night went to turn TV on and no power to TV. Tried the reset trick by unplugging and holding power button down for 10 seconds and then powering up but no luck. Change outlets that work and still no power. Emailed Vizio but no reply yet. Is it dead? Wasn’t this the model that had a recall?
we have a e600i-b3 that shuts off on its own. vizio will not make good on it and it has been going on for over a year and tv is 3 years old. defect.
I have one of the E701i-a3 model Tv. When you turn it on it goes blue and then black and shuts off. Is this one of the Tv on the extended warranty.
Beth — Sorry, the recall article pertained to certain 2013 Vizio model TVs, so this particular case would no longer be valid. — GT
I have a Vizio modle E65x-C2, two years old which has a back light issue. The bottom 20 % of the screen looks normal and the top 50-80% of the screen is much dimmer, with little or no back light, very hard to view unless room is pitch black. The area of correct back lighting changes day to day. The warranty was only good for one year so Vizio said there was nothing they could do. Is there any recall for back light issues? If no,t please do business elseware. Their TV’s should function for longer than a year.
I have a vizio smart tv and the plug where u screw the cable in just fell off. Its not even a year old and i need to know if this is common or something that can be fixed. Should still be under warranty being i bought it brand new at walmart less than one year ago. Is there anything i can do to fix this problem?
Derek – Contact Vizio immediately. Give them photographic evidence of the defect, a copy of your sales receipt and save a record of your attempt to contact them with the date and evidence you submitted. There have been other complaints listed on this site by other purchasers, indicating there is a problem with the quality of manufacture concerning this connector. You’ll need the saved evidence in case the company delays any support and then tries to claim the product is out of warranty. Good luck. — HD Guru.
I have a vizio tv don’t have warranty on it that I am awear off ,passed down to me as a gift…but out of no we’re it turned off and didn’t won’t turn on..
Model E32-D1
Serial # LTTUUEAS2007588
I have a Vizio model number m701d – A3 serial number LFTROXCQ0400022 that has a powering on issue the TV standby white light in the lower left hand corner we’ll come on when I press power or just leave it the light dies out can you help with this issue or do you know of any product recalls?
70″ vizio Costco extended warranty. Perfect audio, screen black. Called mfr, sent to concierge at Costco, sent to square trade. Purchased 2 yrs 1 month ago. They say sending parts via mail, repairman and it most likely is LED board. If so will replace TV. I’ll repost if I don’t get it resolved as easy as they promised.
Cuz — Good luck.