Hitachi 50v715 light engine replacement

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rcprod
Hitachi 50v715 light engine replacement

I contacted Hitachi @ yellow ring on screen. They said take to certified repair. They said light engine was defective. I called Hitachi and was told that since I had no problems for the first 2 years, they could not help in any way. I was willing to pay for labor but now look at worthless 2.5 yr old set. I have some electronic experience. Can I do this myself?

Larry Dillon
It is a difficult thing to do

It is a difficult thing to do unless you have the manual to follow and understand the lingo. Hitachi is paying for the light engine for a lot of folks. Complain more to them and do not stop. Complain to the state attorneys office too! Tell them you are reading all over the net that they are paying for the light engine, as it is a fault of theirs and the repair centers are charging about 3 to 4 hundred bucks for the labor. As you have to pay the labor fee. Good Luck

rcprod
Thanks for responding. I was

Thanks for responding. I was adamant when I spoke to the supervisor @ only having 2.5 years of service from this set. He just said the 1 year warranty had expired and he could not help in any way. I'm not sure how to keep complaining. Do I just keep calling the customer relations office and talk to the supervisor?
I did notice the major complaints came from the 50V500 sets. Are the light engines the same on both sets?

Larry Dillon
All the light engines are

All the light engines are having the same issue. Did you tell the supervisor that you are seeing people reporting all over the net that Hitachi is repairing their TV set if they pay for the labor?

rcprod
Larry, thanks for the help. I

Larry, thanks for the help. I called Hitachi back and got the same answer from a different tech. She agreed that a $3000 set should last longer than 2.5 years but could only offer a link to a web site to purchase a rebuilt light engine. I don't know how reliable these units are (90 days warranty). Is there some class action suit against Hitachi that I could attach this problem? I will contact the state attorney's office Monday @ this. Hitachi customer relations was steadfast on not offering any help. Any more suggestions? Thanks again.

Larry Dillon
The rebuilts are not any good

The rebuilts are not any good, as I have seen these last less then a year and your in the same boat. Good luck!

MOtvGuy
The 700 series engines are

The 700 series engines are not as bad as the 500 series were. They came out with a cleaning kit for techs to actually attempt to tear down the engines and clean off dust that's supposedly causing most of the 700 series issues. Here's my problem with this though, of the LCD type engines I've torn down with colored blobs or misting (Hitachi and Sony), the problem isn't due to dust but instead, colored filters in front of the LCD panels. These filters have been dyed a distinct color (I suppose to filter out certain wavelengths) and the dye itself on the glass pane is burned or blistered. Not too mention, the teardown time on an engine is ridiculous considering it's not a guaranteed fix.

The 700 series engines are much easier to replace than the 500's or the later 800 series though I don't think I'd say it's a job for a novice. The quality of the rebuilds from Hitachi is iffy. You don't really have a choice though as I don't believe the 700 series engines are available new anymore.

rcprod
Thanks a lot guys. I think i

Thanks a lot guys. I think i"ll try to install a rebuilt light engine. It's hard to dispose of a $ 3000 after only 2.5 years. I found a UX23682DR for $425. I did find a new light engine but was $1400. Will a repair manual have any instructions on replacement procedure? Any suggestions? I do have some experience (in the service) working on radios,etc. You guys have been a real help.

MOtvGuy
Here's a quick and easy on

Here's a quick and easy on the V700 series.
Pull off the front lower grill. Remove the screws to remove the plastic panel the Vol/channel buttons are attached to. This piece kinda slides up under the front upper cabinet. Removing that exposes the two screws that hold the front of the engine plate. You can remove those now if you want.

Precede to remove all the screws and take off the back cover. You'll see a large metal plate right in the middle. This not only provides support for the top but also is the attachment point for the rear of the engine plate. Remove all the screws, pull out and set aside.

Remove the 4 screws holding the ballast assy on at the back and also remove the single screw attaching the HV leads to the back of the lamp housing assy. Set aside. There is a plastic shroud piece located on the far right at the bottom of the engine housing. One screw is right towards the back end of the engine, the other is set further into the set. You'll be able to see it looking inwards. This plastic shroud, part of the air ventilation system, must be removed. Remove the 2 screws holding the lamp switch onto the back of the lamp housing and swing it up and out of the way.

Now comes something of the hard part. You'll notice wires running along the top side of the engine. There are approximately 7 plugs, 2 on the right side, 3 across the back and 2 on the left side that have to be unplugged. The wires will have to also be taken out of the relief clips that are mounted across the back and left side of the engine. There is also a single 3 wired plug on the left side (wire colors are yellow/Red and black if I recall) that are for an engine fan. That will have to be unplugged. Once the everything is unplugged and the wires are freed from the clips and out of the way you can begin to snake the engine out of the set. Gently work the thing out. Normally I get the left side out first. If you're meeting resistance at all STOP, you may have a wire harness or bundle snagged. Look for what's holding it up and get it out of the way.

Once you've gotten it out you'll need to take the metal mounting plate off the old engine and transfer it to the new. There are approximately 6-8 screws holding it on. IIRC, the lens shroud also has to be swapped. Look at the old vs the new to see which pieces get transfered. IIRC, there is a temp sensor on the new engine that needs to be plugged in as well. Again, look at the old engine and compare to see where it goes.
Don't forget to put the lamp in.

You're now ready to reinstall. I snake the right side in first. The whole install is a feel type of deal. You REALLY need to pay attention to the wire bundles on the left side of the engine so you don't snag them. It's tough to see in there and this is probably the hardest part of the job. The best way to tell when you've got the engine in correctly is by looking to see if the engine mounting holes at the front line up with the holes in the front cabinet (step 1 above)

If it's line up I normally attach the front screws in to hold the engine, then install all the plugs and re-run the wired bundles through the relief clips. Then proceed to reinstall all the parts you took off. Before turning the set on, make sure the back plate is installed so the engine is sitting right inside the set. You might have to do a little jacking of the top cabinet to get that plate all lined up.

Now, turn on the set and make sure it works. If all is well, proceed to put the back on and front.

BTW, this is all by memory. I don't know how good Hitachi is at showing disassembly of the engine in their manual. I basically learned how to remove the 700 series by trial and error.

Good luck.

rcprod
I think I can handle that.

I think I can handle that. THANKS AGAIN!!

hemmy
my 50v500a was 4 years old

my 50v500a was 4 years old and had just outlived its extended warranty with hitachi. I had experienced the red glow for quite a while but had not done anything about it. I followed up with Hitachi and although it took some serious pleading they eventually covered the full cost of the light engine replacement which was almost $1100 including labour. In my conversaitons with the hitachi rep I stressed how many other people were experiencing the same issue i.e on sites like this one

Bobbil
Hi, I'm so glad to know there

Hi, I'm so glad to know there is help HERE or at least empathy. My 60V500A is 5 years old.W are experiencing the HUGE bluish blob. I started small and has just about covered the entire set. I had a Hitachi service man in and it will cost me 1600 with the engine and 3 new fans I need. I called Hitachi at 800-654-7013 and was told that without the warranty in effect they could "supply no financial help with the problem". We expected upkeep such as the new lamp we just replaced and maybe a fan at times but this part is rediculous. Will continued complaining do any good? I am more than willing to pay labor. HELP!

BugMasters
We noticed a large yellow

We noticed a large yellow ring on our tv the other day.  Found this very helpful forum.  I phoned Hitachi and that hit a dead end.  The guy tells me that if I had been having lots of problems with my set, they'd be more willing to help me.  Since I haven't had any problems so far, they are not willing to help.  So, when you phone them, hopefully you'll have several repair orders in hand - that gets their attention.  My set is 21 months old and it is hard to believe its days are numbered this soon. 

TXPaul
Have the same problem with my

Have the same problem with my 60V710. Had Circuit City come out and verify the light engine problem with an estimate of $2181 to fix it ($99 trip charge, $239 labor, $1676 for light engine, plus tax). Called Hitachi customer relations and was told the same thing that they couldn't help me. I told them about this thread and he said that he couldn't comment on why some others got help and I didn't. He said that only disatisfied customers post stuff on the internet and that most people are having no problems. He recommended I try to find a rebuilt light engine if I want to save money. I don't know what else to do at this point. My TV is 2.5 years old and the yellow blob is getting worse every day.

BugMasters
When I phoned Hitachi the

When I phoned Hitachi the first time they told me that because I haven't had lots of problems with my tv, there were not inclined to help me. If I had reported problems all along, they'd be willing to help. I phoned back later the same day and spoke with another person and they were more than willing to help. They are sending a light engine to the local retailer where I bought my set and they'll install it and I pay for installation. I wish you luck and hope that it won't take you too many calls to get results.

Barb WI
Have a light engine problem

Have a light engine problem with my 50v500. It was replaced 5/08 under extended warranty. That warranty expired. The light engine has gone bad again.

Barb WI
Have a light engine problem

Have a light engine problem with my 50v500. The light engine replaced 5/08 under extended warranty. That warranty expired. The light engine has gone bad again. Blue blob and blue streaking.  Tech people won't stand behind their repair because its over 90 days. Hitachi service says its too old. 5/04 purchase. I told the HIT guy I'd be calling back until they would replace the light engine. He said "Good Luck".   I know it a piece of junk but a very expensive piece of junk that I'd like to get a little more mileage out of before it heads out the door.  Any suggestions?

Rkemper
I'm having the same problem

I'm having the same problem with the 42 inch LCD TV! I decided to look on the internet first before I ordered a $200 replacement bulb. This obviously is a defect in the design and Hitachi should be held liable. There is a class action lawsuit in Dalas Tx that I'm going to look into...

Rkemper
Rkemper said: I'm having the

Rkemper said: I'm having the same problem with the 42 inch LCD TV! I decided to look on the internet first before I ordered a $200 replacement bulb. This obviously is a defect in the design and Hitachi should be held liable. There is a class action lawsuit in Dallas Tx that I'm going to look into...

UPDATE: I rec'd a call from Hitachi Customer Service today. They said they would replace the light engine if I pay for the labor. My questions now are: why should I have to pay for the labor and 2nd, will this solve the problem or will it just happen again?

Larry Dillon
it will happn again I sen

it will happn again I sen this happn just in 11 months or so. after a new engine had been replaced, I understand they(Hitachi) does not use a new light engine but old rebuilt ones fom other sets.

Barb WI
Morning,

Morning,

I spoke with HIT this morning.  Started off by saying my light engine was bad and also that I was aware of the class action suit in Texas.  This service rep was willing to send the light engine. No hassle. Very pleasant. Technical Service has to install.   I called this number 1-800-654-7013 and spoke to Ron. 

I will check with service later today to make sure HIT called and is sending the light engine.  

This was my 7th call to HIT before getting replacement.

Have the serial# and Model number off the back of your TV ready.

I'm  get another year out of this pricy TV for the cost of a service call.

Good Luck to anyone dealing with HIT

 

robinwood
same problem here engine on

same problem here engine on the way
big thread in fixya.com as well
labor $250.00
does anyone know if the light engine comes complete with a new bulb?

Larry Dillon
no tht new ligh engine doe

no tht new ligh engine doe not have a new bulb.

waywoos
thanks for the info.

thanks for the info.
i called hitachi and in less than 5 mins i convinced them that i needed a new color engine. i have yellow cirle and a blue curvy line.
do i have to take it to a installer or can i do this myself. im pretty good with electronics.\
id like to save a few bucks.
i also told them i knew about the lawsuit and the lady was so nice about it.\
was a pleasure with hitachi.

waywoos
waywoos

waywoos
Member thanks for the info.
i called hitachi and in less than 5 mins i convinced them that i needed a new color engine. i have yellow cirle and a blue curvy line.
do i have to take it to a installer or can i do this myself. im pretty good with electronics.\
id like to save a few bucks.
i also told them i knew about the lawsuit and the lady was so nice about it.\
was a pleasure with hitachi.

Bobbil
My hitachi is 4 years old and

My hitachi is 4 years old and they told me they couldn't do anything to help. How do I get them to just send me a new light engine? I would gladly pay for the labor. Any help at all is appreciated.

waywoos
they wont send it to your

they wont send it to your house.they will send it to a local tv repair center of their choice.
it might be because your tv is a bit older.\
mine wasnt even few years old. ask them about the lawsuit and see what the have to say.

Rkemper
My TV is back and fixed.

My TV is back and fixed. Hitachi paid for the new light engine ($1200) and I paid for the labor which was $210. It looks like new again. Hitachi was great and gave me no problems! Let's hope this doesn't happen again.

Larry Dillon
Sorry to say give it 6 to 9

Sorry to say give it 6 to 9 months you will be back in the same boat ost likely. they used a rebuilt light engine so the original reason the old engine went bad is oyt yet sddress. only a bandaide

P MacKinnon
My 50V500 ( over 3 years old)

My 50V500 ( over 3 years old) has a huge red glow and white on picure is now green. Called Hitachi, mentioned online chat we had read . They asked for the serial # and said to call an approved technician to confirm it is light engine and new one will be sent. No arguments. . It should be here next week. The labor should come in around $150.00. I am not happy to read here that rebuilt engines are being sent though. Paid over $4000.00 for this TV. Good luck to all of you and don't give up.

P MacKinnon
My 50V500 ( over 3 years old)

My 50V500 ( over 3 years old) has a huge red glow and white on picure is now green. Called Hitachi, mentioned online chat we had read . They asked for the serial # and said to call an approved technician to confirm it is light engine and new one will be sent. No arguments. . It should be here next week. The labor should come in around $150.00. I am not happy to read here that rebuilt engines are being sent though. Paid over $4000.00 for this TV. Good luck to all of you and don't give up.

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