I have a Vizio 42in plasma which is probably a year or two old and a vertical red line (about a inch wide) started appearing recently. Can anyone please help.. Thanks.
Spent 3 hours removing all what seemed like 100 freaken screws.
Took out the OEM 038A, caution the factory placed some type of heat transfer silicon clear grease on the back of the board so it will feel like it is glued on. Just be very carefull and gentle when prying it apart.
Be warned, you will need a magnifying glas to check those little resistors. They all checked out, no broken solders.
What I did observe is the grease melted down the back of the board and puddled at the bottom of the board and where the resistors sit.
I used rubbing alcohol to clean it all up but left the reside on the square pads. Cleaned the resistors and used a dry paint brush to dust of any lint.
Placed the component back and after 10 minutes the Vertical Red Line Disappeared.
Turned on the set next morning it was still gone. 10 minutes later it re-appeared for a couple of minutes then went away.
I spoke to a kind gentlemen at Electronica-USA.com, he stated that the 060Q is an upgrade to the defective proned 038A ( 038C is also an upgrade ). A tech in Cali stated the 060Q worked perfectly. He has had zero complaints about the 060Q in the Vizio plus he offers a 90 day return policy. Funny thing is the 060Q was designed for LG and Goldstar Plasmas but for some reason they do not work for them but do work for Vizio's. He even states that on his site.
As I type the red line is still gone and stayed off several hours last night.
I think I am going to pull the trigger and replace the 038A to the 060Q and be done with it.
Oh yeah, I asked him if the 060Q needs to be "flashed" with the Vizio program. He never heard of it requiring it.
He has 038C on order they are couple of bucks cheaper. the 060Q is $224 plus S&H.
I found on ebay for $184 free shipping but waiting for the guy to verify no "flash" requirement.
Hope this helps someone.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
P.S. use a power screwdriver, your wrist will thank you. I put mine on low torque as not to strip the heads.
Update:
Spoke with PartStore.com, rep stated 6871QCH038C (038C) is the superceded replacement for the defective prone OEM 6871QCH038A (038A). They and others offer the 6781QCH060Q (060Q) for $50 - $100 more. I opted for the 038C, but I was concerned about the title of the part which states "HAND INSERT"... PartStore.com rep stated it is in fact a board and there is no soldering needed, just "plug and play". DONE, paid only $120.95 + next day shipping for $29.95.
Since I took the TV apart before, it was a breeze and took about 2 hours, start to finish.
Important note, remember to remove the two 1" square spunge type heat sinks/pads the new board needs those for a proper installation and protection of the certain component.
Also you need two small zip ties to replace the ones you are going to clip off.
Added Bonus, the new board fixed other issues:
1. At times I would get a squeegly red line go across the screen. I thought it was the source (cable) but it is gone now.
2. Screen Shift, when I use the XBox for Games or DVD/HDVD the screen would shift. Very annoying, prior to swap out, recently the screen started to shift watching cable. Now it is no-longer an issue.
I am really pleased with my DIY repair and wanted to share.
The damn Vizio Out of Warranty Service wanted $360 for a service call which included the part for $125 plus they take my bad board for exchange.
6871QCH038C $120.95http://www.partstore.com/Part/LG+Electro... h/6871QCH038C/New.aspx
Over Night Shipping #29.95
DIY FREE 
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THANK YOU ALL FOR THE HELP & HERE IS MY CONTRIBUTION BACK FOR FUTURE
Do-It-Yourselfers
Just letting you guys know that the part
that fixes the red vertical line works!
Partstore.com was great
and it was easy shipping and install as well. I took pictures of the
interior once the back metal panel was removed. Here are some tips on
doing this from what I wrote down for others that will be wanting to fix
the TV themselves.
1.Remove all screws from back of TV panel
(yes even the small tiny ones near the bottom)
2.Remove 4 tiny
screws around the input box area
Lift input box area straight up
vertical and it will unseat from the two plugs under it, then remove
exposed tiny screws
3. Lift the back metal panel off the TV
completely and vacuum dust that has collected on it and lay it some
where that wont be disturbed.
4.Take a picture if possible so
you reference where screws go and posts go.
At this point you'll
freak out for a moment because you can't see the board that you need to
replace; don't worry, it's hidden under the main board that would be
right under the input box that we just removed.
5.Remove back
support metal bar by removing two screws left and right.
6.This
is where you need to be patient and remove the top main board by
disconnecting the plugs and screws that are the grounders.
If
you have made it this far into your project, you can handle it from here
I suppose, as this was my first time without any help or diagrams.
Please take a [picture for re setting the parts back in place so you
don't forget where they came from.On a scale of 1 to 5 (5 Hardest) I
personally would say this is a 2 and only because there are so many
screws, ha ha.
At this site I posted a pic of the inside with helpful tips too
http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/...
PART IS:6871QCH038C
Cost: $120.95 plus what ever you prefer for
shipping
http://www.partstore.com/Part/LG+Electro...
h/6871QCH038C/New.aspx
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SOURCE: vertical red line on my Vizio plasma
If the line is horizontal then it could be a y-drive panel ( depending on from ctr where it is ) whether it is the upper or lower board. Time to let a service company look at it, don't wait, more damage is possible the longer you play it.If it goes vertical ( up & down ) then it could be one of two buffer boards.
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I have the same problem, red line on left side of screen , I'm thinking it may be a bad connection as it comes and goes, but where to start? does anyone know how to fix this?
Same with my 42" Vizio LCD. Started today ONLY 6 DAYS OUT OF WARRANTY!!!! Great, Sams Club won't replace it and Vizio "ESTIMATES" a charge og around $900.00. Well guess what? The tv cost $897.00 so they can stick he Vizio you know where. Do the math. It's cheaper to rent than buy as rental won't cost $90.00 monthly average that you pay before the tv crashes.
I have a 42" Vizio plasma with a blue stripe on the right side of the screen.
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