My plasma is about 1 1/2 years old. Worked fine till now. I turned it off by the switch on monitor and turned it back on before red blinking light stopped blinking. Would not power up, so unplugged, waited a few minutes, plugged back in, red light came on, pressed input/on, worked fine except when I turned it off, red light won't come on and input/on does not work. Did this several times and sometimes it would power on, sometimes not. Now it won't power on (red light). Anyone have this happen or know something else to try? I appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

if you do see the red light blinking, try to count the number of blinks as it is helpful in the troubleshooting process

The red light won't come on, the last time I had a solid red light, but when I went to power on got the green blinking six times pause blink six times, etc. But no picture. Now red light won't light so no standby. I can't find any archive material about this. Thanks.

I'll update as the repair moves forward in case anyone runs into a similar problem with their Pioneer.

Spoke to a local Pioneer authorized repair guy. After describing the problem to him over the phone, he emailed Pioneer tech dept. and has ordered the following parts in hopes of being able to repair on the first trip to my house. He ordered a power supply, digital video assembly, and an RGB (?).

This is about $1300. in parts (just have to purchase the parts that get used), labor will be $250. Luckily I purchased from Dell with a Am Ex so I'm covered since I'm into my second year. Am Ex has been very helpful and is giving me the option to pay for repairs and get reimbursed or wait and process claim first. Second option will take 2 weeks to process, plus I'm not sure if these parts will actually solve the problem. So will go with first one.

The plasma will occasionally power up (red light comes on) and picture is fine. But most of the times I try-nothing.

Your model does not appear one of the ones listed, but it seems Pioneer is having trouble with some power supplies. They are replacing them for free on a number of models. Perhaps you can contact them and see if you qualify.

Check out pioneerelectronics.com and hunt around for it in the plasma section.

Thanks chillin23.

I spoke to Pioneer and the service person said my model is not affected. Makes me wonder because the PRO 1000HD was listed and I thought they were pretty much the same as the 503CMX. He said the power supply is more heavy duty in the industrial than consumer. I wonder what the extra money buys, other than the frame.

Came accross this thread today and I have a similiar problem with my 433cmx. The 1 year extended warrantee from Dell/Electrograph expired exactly 31 days ago. After powering off and unplugging, I turn it back on and get the red stanby light. Push to turn on light turns green, blinks and fades away with no power on. Tried this process 5 or 6 times with the same results. (BTW, when the problem started there was a pop) Anyone have any other ideas? A slew of these were bought around here about 2 years ago. I wonder if this will start to come up frequently. I'll contact Pio of course and let everyone know what happens. The symptoms are exactly the same as stated on the website regarding the consumer models.

ok, for anyone else who has this problem here's how it went. Called the 800 # on the consumer website where all the covered models are listed. Finally got thru and was transferred to the industrial division, as my 433cmx is an industrial model. Clicked thru a few service buttons to technical support. Got a tech pretty quickly. I described my problem and he said it was indeed the power supply and that they would cover it for this model. He asked my name, address, phone #, date of purchase, authorized dealer purchased from and serial number. I had all but the serial number and he said no problem. He then assigned me a case # and gave me the number the local authorized dealer I should call and give the authorization #. I called the local guy. They were not familiar with my model but if Pio said if Pio is covering it then fine with them. I do need the serial number for them so they can order the proper part. I'll follow up as work progresses. At the moment very happy with Pioneers response. KOA, you might want to try industrial tech support.

Thank you repoman, you are right.

I had my plasma fixed yesterday and it was the power supply. I did pay for labor but the part was free. After reading repoman's post I called Pioneer again and confirmed it is a repair covered (parts and labor), even if the plasma is out of warranty. I called the tech who fixed the plasma and he is refunding the labor charges back to me and getting a case number from Pioneer. I think Am Ex would have checked before covering to make sure there were no hidden warranty or policies concerning any repairs. I'm glad this got settled now.

The actual repair is quite simple. The plasma is laid glass down and the back is unscrewed, that exposes the power supply board (8" X 10" board in the middle), unscrew and disconnect the board and install new one. Put the back on and that's it. Maybe 15 min. since I kept talking to the tech.

I'm surprised Pioneer gave me the wrong info the first time, since when I called the second time everyone knew about the power supply problem.

There should be an easy way to search out this problem since it sounds like there is a good chance of people running into this in the future.

Just to let Pioneer plasma owner know there are known problems with the power supply board. If your plasma develops powering on or off problems it might be associated with the power supply. Pioneer will replace the board for free (parts and labor) even if you plasma is OUT OF WARRANTY!
If you have problems with your plasma call the (800) 421-1625 and have your serial number and date of purchase and they will assign a case number and have an authorize tech fix it.

Hopefully this post will make it easier to find when doing a search.

Any specific Pioneers panels? Elites?

Thanks.

From what I understand, it's all Pioneer plasmas, including the Elites. They all use the same power supply boards. These boards have been updated three times. You can tell what upgrade you have by the number of colored dots on the back of your plasma. Mine had two dots, after mine was replaced the tech put an orange third dot to show which board it now has.

The boards either work or don't work with no harm to the rest of the unit or any degrading of the PQ. Pioneer does have a list on their website of certain units, but there are more that are covered that are not listed. My 503CMX for example. So I don't think you need to do anything until the plasma gives you trouble. It's the "out of warranty" part that will be of most interest I think.

When I ran into my problem, I searched and couldn't find any posts about it, so just wanted to make sure people can find the info in the future.

My info is basically from the tech who fixed my plasma and customer service at Pioneer.

Thanks again KOA.:)

If you look in the pioneer site it lists the affected models.
Consumer Plasma Models (12 listed):

PDP-505HD
PDP-503PU
PDP-5030HD
PDP-5031HD
PDP-433PU
PDP-4300
PDP-4310
PDP-4330HD
PRO-800HD
PRO-800HDI
PRO-1000HD
PRO-1000HDI

Hopefully, you're not on the list!
Good luck,
Max

Here's the whole notice:

Important: Free Power Supply Replacement for Certain Pioneer Plasmas

Pioneer is continuing to offer a free, in-home power supply replacement for certain of its second and third generation plasma models listed below for consumers who experience a problem with the original power supply. If a consumer model is not listed below, no power supply replacement is needed and no further action needs to be taken.

If you own or use a plasma listed below, please call our toll free hotline at 1-800-421-1404 to arrange a time to have your plasma's power supply upgraded in your home at no charge.

Consumer Plasma Models (12 listed):

PDP-505HD
PDP-503PU
PDP-5030HD
PDP-5031HD
PDP-433PU
PDP-4300
PDP-4310
PDP-4330HD
PRO-800HD
PRO-800HDI
PRO-1000HD
PRO-1000HDI
The issue with the power supply in the plasmas listed above does not pose any health or safety risk. Pioneer has received reports that the power supply in the affected models may fail. In some cases, a loud popping sound can be heard when a power supply fails. After the power supply fails, the plasma is no longer operable.

We apologize for any inconvenience, and we thank you for your cooperation.

Originally posted by MaxCanes
Here's the whole notice:

Important: Free Power Supply Replacement for Certain Pioneer Plasmas

Pioneer is continuing to offer a free, in-home power supply replacement for certain of its second and third generation plasma models listed below for consumers who experience a problem with the original power supply. If a consumer model is not listed below, no power supply replacement is needed and no further action needs to be taken.

If you own or use a plasma listed below, please call our toll free hotline at 1-800-421-1404 to arrange a time to have your plasma's power supply upgraded in your home at no charge.

Consumer Plasma Models (12 listed):

PDP-505HD
PDP-503PU
PDP-5030HD
PDP-5031HD
PDP-433PU
PDP-4300
PDP-4310
PDP-4330HD
PRO-800HD
PRO-800HDI
PRO-1000HD
PRO-1000HDI
The issue with the power supply in the plasmas listed above does not pose any health or safety risk. Pioneer has received reports that the power supply in the affected models may fail. In some cases, a loud popping sound can be heard when a power supply fails. After the power supply fails, the plasma is no longer operable.

We apologize for any inconvenience, and we thank you for your cooperation.

Just so you understand what I went through. I called and was told my 503CMX was not on the list and was not covered. I even argued that my 503 is almost identical to the Pro 1000 HD, no dice, I was not part of it. I made arrangements with authorized repair tech locally. When the tech got here he told me the part was covered, but not the labor or freight on the part. I paid $322. for repairs ($60. was freight on part since the old part needs to be returned). It wasn't till repoman posted in my other thread that Pioneer was covering his plasma out of warranty that I called back Pioneer and was told that in fact my plasma was cover for parts and labor and freight. The repair man is crediting back my charge card and getting paid by Pioneer.

Just trying to make sure everyone knows to pursue any problems with power issues with ANY model Pioneer plasma because chances are it's the power supply board and it is COVERED.

Just as this thread is valid for the 433-cmx
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=5305214#post5305214

the industrial model 503CMX is also listed by pioneer as a model for power supply upgrade. I called that number and was transferred to the profession/business product service area. I was given a case number and called the local repair center which is ordering the part! Good thing I read this thread. My 503CMX hasn't blown up (yet)!
Regards
mark

http://pioneerelectronics.com/pna/article/0,,2076_3143_173403415,00.html

I just posted on the "My 433cmx blew up" thread that I had a power supply problem back in January 05. If you searched "Pioneer power supply" on crawler (slowest) it would have come up. Just so you know to try crawler.

Thanks

Originally posted by KOA
Thank you repoman, you are right.

I had my plasma fixed yesterday and it was the power supply. I did pay for labor but the part was free. After reading repoman's post I called Pioneer again and confirmed it is a repair covered (parts and labor), even if the plasma is out of warranty. I called the tech who fixed the plasma and he is refunding the labor charges back to me and getting a case number from Pioneer. I think Am Ex would have checked before covering to make sure there were no hidden warranty or policies concerning any repairs. I'm glad this got settled now.

The actual repair is quite simple. The plasma is laid glass down and the back is unscrewed, that exposes the power supply board (8" X 10" board in the middle), unscrew and disconnect the board and install new one. Put the back on and that's it. Maybe 15 min. since I kept talking to the tech.

I'm surprised Pioneer gave me the wrong info the first time, since when I called the second time everyone knew about the power supply problem.

There should be an easy way to search out this problem since it sounds like there is a good chance of people running into this in the future.


Yep, I got the case number from Pioneer industrial plasma technical support and the local repair center is ordering the power supply! Everyone with a 503CMX should get ahold of Pioneer industrial products technical support before their power supplies blow or before pioneer no longer offers free parts/labor!

Wow....now the question is if I get the power supply fixed with the plasma start buzzing? It has never ever buzzed but I thought that was a PSU problem. I would hate to exchange a working quiet power supply for a new age buzzing supply. This is 2.5 years old with narry a glitch.

I am in the same situation with a Pro1000HD (4 years old) , a PDP505 (my first plasma purchased in 1999 recently sold to a friend), and a 503CMX (2.5 years old) at work

all 3 are still going strong, now I see this service bulletin

I called Pioneer and got a ticket number for the Pro1000: was given the name of a local TV service center to call with serial number & date of purchase: they will order the PS and arrange installation (I have not called yet because I cannot locate the paperwork)

All 3 displays are out of warranty and are working just fine : I wonder if it is worth it to have all this work done or

"don't fix what is not broken"?

sticky thread for a few days

Mark, thanks.

My PRO1000HD is fine as well. Should I go for the replacement psu? What are you going to do?

When I did my power supply in January the repair tech said you don't need to replace the supply if it's working. It either works or doesn't. Doesn't do any harm either way. If you do it while your display is working, there will be less down time with the scheduling and parts delivery.

IMPORTANT: REMEMBER TO WRITE DOWN YOUR USER MENU SETTINGS BEFORE SERVICE SINCE THEY WILL RESET TO FACTORY DEFAULTS WHEN POWER SUPPLY IS REPLACED. It will save you a little time later.

for now I think I will hold off

Let's assume I get a new PS installed in the Pro1000 and a short time later the plasma fails for whatever reason: because it was already out of warranty, I will not be covered and might wonder if pulling it down from the wall and doing all that work somehow caused some other problem

I may get issue numbers for all 3 since I did not see any time limit on the PS replacement notice, just in case, and see what happens

Should we call the number listed here (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/article/0,,2076_3143_173403415,00.html)? Or is there a better number for industrial technical support?

this thread will be merged with sticky thread

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5305247#post5305247

I just had mine's changed today and no more poping sound from the power supply... It took less then 15 minutes for the tech to do it.. He told me he was changing these every week...

KOA
which settings do you need to save? My 503cmx has been professionally calibrated which settings i assume would not change.

Originally posted by rmf
KOA
which settings do you need to save? My 503cmx has been professionally calibrated which settings i assume would not change.

All the users settings go back to factory defaults. The tint, color, contrast, auto off, etc. I'm not sure about the calibrated settings, I would think they would remain the same. If you don't have access to the pro menus and the plasma is still working, have the tech show them to you and write the numbers down first.

Remember that all the inputs need to be reset.

If someone here could be kind enough to post there settings for the 503cmx... Thanks I really appreciate it...

My settings are the following, yours might need to be a bit different.
Contrast -11
Bright +2
Color -9
Tint +9
Sharp -7
Auto Power Off ON
Color Temp Middle
Digital NR Low
Clamp Position Auto
Power Control Mode 1

Hope that helps.

You may want to check out this site at c/net.
c/net news.com

Pioneer replaces plasmaTV power supplies.


Lists all the models affected.

Says consumers

Well, after being away all weekend, I was greeted Sunday night to a lovely "pop". The call to Pioneer was painless, and the tech I spoke to said it was unnecessary to speak to the industrial department for my 433cmx. The only holdup is that there is not a local service tech listed for my area. Does anybody know if Pioneer will travel to fix my display or will they require me to take it to a distant repair facility?

I don't know if they will travel or not. You might be able to talk them into talking you through the repair over the phone. If you are handy with a screwdriver you could do it. It's more work taking it off the wall than replacing the part. Just so you know, you lay it glass face down and unscrew the back panel, the power supply is the unit right in the middle, unscrew it and unplug it, and replace with new one. That's it. They will probably require the tech unfortunately.

Come to think of it, the tech who fixed mine mentioned he travels to the other islands for repairs, so maybe there is a chance.

Thanks, I'll try to get them to let me do it myself if they won't travel. No way do I want to lug this thing around. The repair sounds very simple, and I don't think I would have any problems. We'll see, I should hear from Pioneer today.

Well, I got the call, and I couldn't talk them into letting me do the replacement. Since there isn't a local service tech, it must be shipped to Atlanta. A shipping case will be coming via Watson Shipping/Freight, and I guess the driver and I will load the display. I spoke to the actual tech that will be working on my display, and he assured me that all will be ok and that there is not any kind of backlog. My baby's going on a road trip.

locating the Serial Number

If you do opt for the replacement power supply, you will need to give Pioneer the serial number of the unit

It is easy to find without removing the display from the mount:

it can be found underneath the left corner of the frame (on the bottom )

edit: well at least you can find it on the 503: I looked at my HD1000 and don't see it: the frame may be hiding it !

The number listed on the website is correct.

You will need your serial number, model number and whether there is an "orange dot" sticky on the back of your TV (if it is there, the factory already upgraded your unit to the new power supply.)

I had some literature with my 503 that was written in Japanese, but had the serial #, so check through all the papers that came with your plasma.

So what's the consensus on replacing the power supply even though you haven't had a problem as of yet? I have the 503 CMX and I hesitate to do anything that might end up causing me other problems further down the road. (I'm leaning toward Marks opinion that you "don't fix what is not broken") but would like to know what everyone else thinks.

I'd hate to think that if I don't do something now, I might get stuck with having to purchase a new PS sometime in the future, only because I didn't act now and Pioneer withdraws their "free replacement offer" when I need it.

Is it possible to call Pioneer and get an authorization number but hold off on calling a service center until the PS actually goes out? If I called the service center could they order the part and hold on to it for me until I need it installed?

:confused: :confused: :confused: Oh what to do!!! what to do!! (sigh)

The tech that fixed mine said you don't need to replace the PS if it's working. It either works or doesn't. I don't see any disadvantage to replacing it though, Pioneer found PS were failing, found out how to improve them, and are switching them out for free. It's not going to mess up your plasma to replace it early IMO. The main advantage to replacing it before it goes out is the scheduling of repair. If you have a service tech locally he can do it in 15 mins. They only order the part after they get authorization. Mine took about a week. On the other hand if you have to ship it to them, I might be inclined to wait. BTW your old PS goes back to Pioneer where it is upgraded and tested and sent back out. Maybe you will get my old one! Good luck.

I own a 25 month old 433cmx that works fine but i gave pioner a call this morning after reading this thread .They gave me the local pioneer service company and i gave them a call.the technician knew all about the ps problem and asked me to check the back of my plasma for a blue circular sticker which signifies the power source board has already been changed.Mine had a yellow and white sticker as well as a blue so the technician said i was all set and if i had a problem to call pioneer.He said halfway through the panel assembly work they switched out the boards.Mine had a build date of nov. 2002.I have no idea if this blue sticker appears on 503 models that are okay.Keep in mind this blue sticker thing was told to me by my local Pioneer service center and not the pioneer company themselves but im going with the explanation and hoping for the best.

If you have the latest upgraded PS you should have an orange sticker, at least on the 503cmx it's that color.

Maybe the 433 had a blue coded sticker-I hope.

I took a picture of my 433 before I sent it off on Friday. I'll check tonight to see what color(s) it has. Hopefully, it hasn't already been upgraded. :(

Mattg3

I've 433 and spoke with Pioneer. They told me to look for an orange sticker on the back. No orange sticker than you are likely to have a potentially defective PS. Although, You may want to contact PIO directly to confirm.

Thanks,I dont know why my local pioneer service center said to look for a blue sticker?I will give Pioneer another call and let them know about this blue sticker thing i was told since I have that but not an orange one.Ashridharani,do you have the 433cmx which i have?since you are from Ma. also are you dealing with the video workbench in beverly Ma.As your service center?They are the ones who told me about having a blue sticker that would show the power supply was okay. thanks

Hi,

Can anyone tell me about where on the back of the 503 the orange sticker should be? Mine is on the wall so I will have to look for the sticker with a mirror on a stick.

tia

Lew

Well I called back pioneer and was connected to the consumer division and in fact it is the orange sticker that means you dont need a power board replacement.they are contacting my local service center which claimed a blue dot on the back signified the plasma was fine.Pioneer was great about this but my service center would end up with a lot of dead plasmas with the blue dot information they are going by.

Originally posted by lewlew
Hi,

Can anyone tell me about where on the back of the 503 the orange sticker should be? Mine is on the wall so I will have to look for the sticker with a mirror on a stick.

tia

Lew

You might not be able to see it on the wall. The tech put one one the back and one on the frame so it's easy to see. I got mine from Dell in May of 2003 and it did not have the orange sticker. Pioneer should be able to tell you with the serial number info.

Originally posted by lewlew
Hi,

Can anyone tell me about where on the back of the 503 the orange sticker should be? Mine is on the wall so I will have to look for the sticker with a mirror on a stick.

tia

Lew

I believe the sticker(s) are to the inside of where the mounting brackets go on the back. More to left side if you are facing the back. It'll be pretty tricky to get a mirror up there.

So far I haven't read any comments that address my original post above.
Could I please get some feedback? It sure would help me make a decision.

Thanks

OTHguy,Im in the same boat as you with a 25 month old perfectly running 433cmx.I got spooked by this thread and gave Pioneer a call and they said i should have the board replaced.I believe somewhere in this thread someone said if the power supply blows you could end up needing to replace the whole unit.hopefully the patr will be available soon to my service center and the replacement will not screw up my plasma since its out of warranty.I didnt want to face a blown board months down the road when this free repair offer goes away.

Originally posted by OTHguy
So what's the consensus on replacing the power supply even though you haven't had a problem as of yet? I have the 503 CMX and I hesitate to do anything that might end up causing me other problems further down the road. (I'm leaning toward Marks opinion that you "don't fix what is not broken") but would like to know what everyone else thinks.

I'd hate to think that if I don't do something now, I might get stuck with having to purchase a new PS sometime in the future, only because I didn't act now and Pioneer withdraws their "free replacement offer" when I need it.

Is it possible to call Pioneer and get an authorization number but hold off on calling a service center until the PS actually goes out? If I called the service center could they order the part and hold on to it for me until I need it installed?

:confused: :confused: :confused: Oh what to do!!! what to do!! (sigh)

The only part I didn't respond to is about calling Pioneer and the service center. You'll have to ask Pioneer that question. My tech said they have to pay for the part up front and only get reimbursed when Pioneer gets the old one back so I doubt the service center will want to hold the part till you are ready for it. Hope that helps.

Originally posted by mattg3
Thanks,I don't know why my local pioneer service center said to look for a blue sticker?I will give Pioneer another call and let them know about this blue sticker thing i was told since I have that but not an orange one.Ashridharani,do you have the 433cmx which i have?since you are from Ma. also are you dealing with the video workbench in beverly Ma.As your service center?They are the ones who told me about having a blue sticker that would show the power supply was okay. thanks

Sorry Mattg3 for the delayed response. Did not get a chance to check the forum recently. Looks like you already got the answer from Pioneer. They gave me a name of the shop in Norwood called The Service Bench...sounds awfully similar to your shop name, different town. I've not called them yet as I'm, like yourself, debating if I need to switch PS if it is working fine.

I have one on order to be replaced when it comes into the service center.I figure this time the problems on pioneer but if i wait I may end up paying for the failure myself.

Well, my 433cmx is due back from Atlanta on Thursday, 4/14/05. I sent it out on 4/1/05. So two weeks total to ship the thing off, but "my tech" was on vacation last week. I was also mistakenly billed for the freight to Atlanta by Watkins Motor Lines. That was a scary bill...$916.39 :eek:
Other than that, everything has been smooth sailing. Correspondence with Pioneer and Watkins Motor Lines has been great. The guy from Watkins helped me load the display in its special case, and they always call about four days in advance to schedule a pickup/dropoff. They've also offered to call my work 30 minutes before arrival as well. Hopefully, nobody else will have to go this route, but if so, it was as painless as could be so far.

Brian

Originally posted by mattg3
I have one on order to be replaced when it comes into the service center.I figure this time the problems on pioneer but if i wait I may end up paying for the failure myself.

Matt,

Did they say how long before the part comes in?

No but its been over a week.I will post when the work is done

Well after two weeks, I got my baby back yesterday from Pioneer, and all is well. Two quick observations though: I still have no orange sticker, and my user settings were still there.

The part came in on 4-14 and they are coming to install it this morning.I hope to return home to a plasma that runs as good as it did before and has all my settings intact.In all it took10 days from my calling Pioneer to the installation of the part.If anything is different in the plasma i will post.

Well here's a perk of sending my 433 directly Pioneer. Upon further review, it looks as if they did some color adjustments (but my settings are still the same), and they corrected for overscan in the wide mode on SD material. That's something I've been putting off forever.

My settings remain the same with no corrections to anything.The plasma was not tipped over but repaired in the upright position on the small feet.The only thing different is a softer click sound when you turn the set on but it sounds the same as before when you shut it off.

Thanks Matt and Elspankdog for the feed back. I went ahead and made the call to replace. The person is coming in on Monday.

I have both the 533cmx and 433cmx. At 26 months the power supply went out on the 433cmx and it damaged several other components when it went out. Pioneer paid for the power supply and I paid $500 for the other components. Whether the two were related I don't know. When I heard about the fact that the power supply could be a problem on several cmx's I called Pioneer and gave them the serial number on the 533cmx and they said it should be replaced. They first ask me to see if there was an orange dot next to the serial number on the back of the plasma before they checked the serial number. They gave me the name of a repair center and a replacement order number. I called the service center they order the part and a week later they came to the house and replaced it. Once the plasma was laying flat it took about 10 minutes to replace the power supply board and none of my settings changed. My advice is if Pioneer tells you to replace the board do it!

this thread may be 'unsticky'd' soon:

a link to this thread has been added in the FAQ top post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=1322692#post1322692 )

according to a email I got from Pioneer, ( i registered online when i got my 503), the warranty for the power supply has been extended to December 31st, 2007.
My question is, what if I have them change the power supply and something goes wrong with the new supply, is there any warranty for the new supply.
My unit will be 2 years old in August, but I am a service tech for a different business and also agree, dont fix what aint broke,

Ok, it has been awhile since I've been in this forum, and am just now seeing this thread. It might be a stretch, but has anyone heard if the Hitachi CMP-5000WXU is in the same boat as the CMX's, since it is basically OEM'd from Pioneer. Don't want my baby to pop on me!

bakem

thread unstuck: there is a link to it in FAQ

fwiw: I am not having the upgrade done for reasons given earlier:

plus my Pro1000 was bought on the Eric arranged powerbuy and I never got a receipt and I cannot see the serial number without removing it from the wall (because of the Urichi frame!)

still say don't fix what is not broken :)

Well, that was fairly painless. Wolf Service, (Vancouver,WA) replaced my board monday afternoon.

fwiw: Replacing the board was only slightly more difficult than undoing and redoing the connections to all five inputs. The board is held in place with a few screws and is attached by 5 or 6 or more connectors of varying sizes that came off and went back on to the new board with ease.

I could have done this myself.

Except for removing all those screws from the back this was easier and simpler than installing the video card on day one. There was a bit of blind faith involved in seating the video card.

I was suprised to see how clean the inside was after hanging on the wall over 2 years. There was minimal dust on the inside, but there was some around the bottom vent holes. Looking at the fan blades suggested they have never run. There wasn't a speck of anything on the leading edges. With 3 cats the fans should have been clogged.

Being cautious, I saved the box and pallet the 503 came in. It turns out the serial number and colored dots are on the box. ( green, gray, & blue on mine) The serial number was also on the buff colored (in Japanese) warranty card.

Usually I would agree with the "don't fix what isn't broke" proverb, but considering how simple and really non-invasive(no soldering) the change was and at "MY" convenience I did it anyway.:D

Lew

Well I am glad that I found this thread....

Yesterday my wife powered up the 503cmx. and POP!!!! Big electrical flash, and now I have a blinking red stauts light (5 flashes).

I have to wait anothe 30 minutes until Pioneer opens...
I really do hope this is all covered, even though now I have damage to the unit :(

What has anyone's experience been like getting this repaired, AFTER it has blown. I wish I had kept up reading this formum, I could have avoided this problem...

Right now, I don't care how long it takes to fix... I just want it fixed, with out breaking the bank or replacing the unit (out of my pocket).

Don't worry. It will be fixed. It took two weeks to fix mine, and that included shipping it from Texas to Atlanta and back. It should go quicker if there is a local tech who can work on it at your home.

:) Called them, and they said **all** should be covered... I am so happy.

And all it is costing me is another day off (at least I got to use a sick day today).... There is a local tech center (about 10 miles away). I will know more tomorrow.

Gotta love the NET and the forums....

Pioneer was pretty cool about it, no fuss, no muss... They gave me a case number and the phone number for the local tech center... :)

I just had my power supply upgraded last week. Note to those in the San Diego region: verify that the technician is careful with your display and actually upgrades the power supply! You'll hear a different power-up sound (softer).

When the tech came by to replace mine, he was so rough with the cables that he pulled one out by accident. He couldn't figure out the problem, and so had to take my 503cmx back to the shop. Once he had it fixed, he brought it back with the old power supply (I could hear it), but claimed it was the new one. I insisted he open it to prove it was new, but he refused. I had to call the owner of the company to ask him to come down and verify the power supply version. Long story short, the old power supply was still installed! Suffice to say, I was unhappy, and had him REINSTALL the new power supply.

Dave.

Copen: "... Long story short, the old power supply was still installed! Suffice to say, I was unhappy, and had him REINSTALL the new power supply. "

Oooh.. that's an ugly picture.

Not to be inflammatory, but was the technician fired ?

I have no idea what happened to the technician. The owner of the company was none too pleased that he installed the wrong power supply and then refused to check it for me. I've notified Pioneer of the incident.

The important thing to keep in mind is to watch the technician carefully. If he makes mistakes, you want to be there to ensure it gets fixed properly.

... but don't let that keep you from getting the power supply upgrade. :)

Dave.

I want to thank the contributors to this site for the information that I gleaned here regarding the Power supply issue with certain Pioneer PDP models.

Last week there was a loud snap as the power supply on my 503CMX which I installed back in 9/2002 died. I researched the issue on this forum and learned of the class action and judgment against Pioneer regarding the power supply.

I contacted Pioneer Service and they could not have been nicer. They took my information, assigned me a case number and referred me to a local authorized service provider. The repair shop ordered the part and within 3 days the panel was up and running again.

The power supply interchange took less than 10 min. The most difficult part of the ordeal was getting the panel off of the wall.

The unit has over 9200 hrs. on it with no “burn in” or ghosting and no discernable loss of brightness.

Thanks again for the information and thank you Pioneer for stepping up to the plate.
By the way, Pioneer will cover all replacement costs for the power supply through the end of 2007.

Haven't posted in a while, but found this thread today after having my 433CMX "Pop" this morning. I've had mine for over 3 years and have to say my heart skipped a beat when it blew. Called Pio and then a certified repair place and will have a new power supply next Teusday. Big sigh of relief;)

Big Bump!!!!!

bump

Last bump!!

BUMP

Yep, mine blew out this morning. Sounded like a firecracker going off when I turned it on and then it had the red blinking standby light (5 fast blinks). Thank goodness for this forum and the information posted here. If this is true that it is covered until 2007 then I'm glad it went now instead of later.

For those of you who are under the impression that if it ain broke don't fix it... I suggest you do it now because mine was fine for 3 and a half years. Luckily there is a local service rep within 10 minutes of my house. I'll let you know how things go with the repair. I'm a PC tech so I might just get the part and put it in myself if they'll let me.

Duncan
Greensboro, NC

I have a Sharp pz-43mr2u, which is the same as the pioneer PDP-4330HD. My power supply seems to have blown this morning. Any idea if Sharp or Pioneer is replacing power supplies in this model? It has Sharp's name on it, but it is made by Pioneer for Sharp. Thanks for any help.

jdwannam, did you get your plasma repaired for free? My 503 popped after 3 years. Just emailed Pioneer service.

J

BUMP

Yep, mine blew out this morning. Sounded like a firecracker going off when I turned it on and then it had the red blinking standby light (5 fast blinks). Thank goodness for this forum and the information posted here. If this is true that it is covered until 2007 then I'm glad it went now instead of later.

For those of you who are under the impression that if it ain broke don't fix it... I suggest you do it now because mine was fine for 3 and a half years. Luckily there is a local service rep within 10 minutes of my house. I'll let you know how things go with the repair. I'm a PC tech so I might just get the part and put it in myself if they'll let me.

Duncan
Greensboro, NC

f/u to my previous post. Got my failed power supply replaced under warranty only took 9 days, not too bad. Guys from Electromania in Milwaukee (Pioneer service rep) promptly replaced the dead board. Plasma works great! Very relieved that I didn't end up paying $1000 for part and service.

J

I got the same problem.Could you update how everything went?


Yesterday my wife powered up the 503cmx. and POP!!!! Big electrical flash, and now I have a blinking red stauts light (5 flashes).

I have to wait anothe 30 minutes until Pioneer opens...
I really do hope this is all covered, even though now I have damage to the unit :(

What has anyone's experience been like getting this repaired, AFTER it has blown. I wish I had kept up reading this formum, I could have avoided this problem...

Right now, I don't care how long it takes to fix... I just want it fixed, with out breaking the bank or replacing the unit (out of my pocket).[/QUOTE]

I had the exact same problem and I just contacted Pioneer Customer Support (the # is on here somewhere in previous posts) and they should direct you to the right place. They sent someone out to my house in less than 7 days. I had to help the guy lift it off the wall and lay it on a blanket and put it back after it was fixed. It took him about 15 minutes to replace the entire power supply module and I even gave him a $20.00 tip I was so happy. Hopefully Pioneer will still honor their extended warranty policy as per court order

Good Luck

P.S. This is a great unit by the way! :)

I called the customer service ,they said that my serial number doesn't qualify for the recall.Is that true?I thought that all 503s are subject to that.But now who knows.I'm gonna try to call them again on Monday.HAs anybody been rejected yet?

I'd suggest that you do a search on this forum (or google it) for the exact court ruling. I don't believe it was limited to certain serial number but rather your purchase date or the registration date of your warranty.

Complete settlement terms can be found here:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v3/pg/top/cat/article/0,,2076_310069579_173403415,00.html


---

On an unrelated note, does anyone remember how to access to hidden service menu on the 503CMX? I thought it was hold down the "display" button on the remote and then power-on the unit directly (not from the remote) and hit "menu". However, that doesn't seem to work.

Thanks!

look at this: I think it is the 3rd gen model at bottom of page

http://www.bruzziforum.com/vbf/showthread.php?t=41

Hmm.. I tired that but it didn't seem to work. Thanks though.

Tonight my plasma pdp433 also made a loud bang and after that the only thing it does is a red blinking led 5 times. I wrote an e-mail to the support department of pioneer NL and hope that they reply soon. Thanks to this forum i think to know wat the problem is and hope pioneer will also repair my tv for free

My Plasma PDP-5030HD won't power up green light will come on for about 10 seconds then blinks slow but steady no apparent pattern is that the power source failing? The plasma is about 3 years old

Keep calling Pioneer untill you get a case number.It took me several tries but was worh it cause got it repaired for free.But if you're not persistant they won't do it.

The service company that does the onside repairs in the Netherlands repaired my plasma for free it took about 20 minutes (and 1 week waiting). I purchased my pioneer pdp433 may 2003

Complete settlement terms can be found here:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v3/pg/top/cat/article/0,,2076_310069579_173403415,00.html


---

On an unrelated note, does anyone remember how to access to hidden service menu on the 503CMX? I thought it was hold down the "display" button on the remote and then power-on the unit directly (not from the remote) and hit "menu". However, that doesn't seem to work.

Thanks!
1. Turn off power
2. Hit menu
3. Turn power back on
4. Voila!

I have had the 433cmx for the past 4.5 years with no problems. I wonder if I should just leave it alone or get the power module replaced.

I've got to ask again. Does anyone know if Hitachi is doing the same with the CMP-5000WXU (OEM'd 503CMX)? Mine just popped, and I've got the standby light blinking 5 times. Hitachi wasn't very helpful, and the service companies they gave me to call aren't open at the moment.

Hoping I don't have to pay for a replacement power supply. :(

Thanks,
bakem

If you have the option of getting a replacement, do it before it damages something else.

I have a PDP5030HD that blew several weeks ago. The power supply was replaced and it still didn't work. They had another board sent out and replaced, that didn't work. Next they will send a new power supply, thinking maybe the replacement was defective.

The original power supply definitely blew but looks like it might have taken out something else. It takes a week or longer to get new parts and the tech back out. It's really turned in to a nightmare. We'll see what happens next week with the 2nd power supply, but I'm beginning to worry that this will go on for months. Trying one board after the other until they find the problem. You would think they would be able to trace down which component was the problem.

Just as a follow up: The power supply took out 2 more boards when it blew. Pioneer wouldn't pay for those so I had around a grand into it for parts and labor. They did pay parts and labor for the power supply replacement. At least it was cheaper than replacing the Plasma.

So if you have the option of having them replace the power supply before it blows, it's well worth doing it lest it cost you more replacing extra boards.

Does any have the best calibration.did'nt write them down before it blew.thx

bump

But my serial no. is covered !! :D

Will cover in-home parts and labor... wow!

The plasma was purchased from Dell almost six years ago, and Pioneer is standing behind their product.

I found the service manual online which gave me the flashing red light code on page 120:

SM Here (http://www.pioneerbg.com/pdp503/ARP3150_PDP-503MXE.pdf)

I'm glad it's covered but deep inside it would have been a good excuse to upgrade to 1080p, HDMI input, 65"... but will just have to wait...:p

Cheers!
Doc Rings

:( Hi guys First time here on the website.
How much i can read all pioneer plasmas got same problem Power Supply. I got my 42" may 2006 and now only thing that i can see is the green light that says TV and Click Sound on the back of my plasma.
i open the plasma and start listening for the sound and the sound is coming from one of the relays on the power supply board...
Some people say that this is still cover under the lifetime warranty on the power supply and some say that i will pay lot of money to get this thing fix..

ANY CLUE>>>:(:(

Hey 503 Guys,

Maybe you can help me here. about 6 months ago I had a banded bright top center (foreheads) colorless area show up after viewing for long periods.

Had a warranty tech show up.....claimed it was power supply....long and short, warranty co called me and said they would pay me 1200 or replace power supply. It didnt look like that to me.

I didnt think the problem was bad and took the cash and its returning with a vengeance.

Any ideas what it could be? It is only in that area and it looks like a bright spot on foreheads...I know that sounds crazy but thats what it is...........

Paul

Bump

Any ideas? I would really like to move the display into Bedroom with no issues.

Paul

:( Hi guys First time here on the website.
How much i can read all pioneer plasmas got same problem Power Supply. I got my 42" may 2006 and now only thing that i can see is the green light that says TV and Click Sound on the back of my plasma.
i open the plasma and start listening for the sound and the sound is coming from one of the relays on the power supply board...
Some people say that this is still cover under the lifetime warranty on the power supply and some say that i will pay lot of money to get this thing fix..

ANY CLUE>>>:(:(

GOOD NEWS . I Found Power supply on ebay and i take it. when arive i installed and now the tv work like a baby.....

So if u got green light on bottom of the tv u know what the problem is... POWER SUPPLY>>

GOOD NEWS . I Found Power supply on ebay and i take it. when arive i installed and now the tv work like a baby.....

So if u got green light on bottom of the tv u know what the problem is... POWER SUPPLY>>

Good news! Thank you for adding to the knowledge base on this topic!

Cheers,
Doc

Has any one atempted to repair the board?

I just had a power supply blow out (sounded like a loud balloon pop), and now I've got the flashing red lights.

I called Pioneer but they said that they stopped doing the free power supply replacements in December, 2007. I am trying to figure out if I should pursue this further. i checked for power supplies on Ebay and found them for around $400. That seems like too much to spend as an experiment. I'd be happy to pay $200 or so - does anybody have a good way to buy such replacement parts?

Thanks,

Tim

I just had a power supply blow out (sounded like a loud balloon pop), and now I've got the flashing red lights.

I called Pioneer but they said that they stopped doing the free power supply replacements in December, 2007. I am trying to figure out if I should pursue this further. i checked for power supplies on Ebay and found them for around $400. That seems like too much to spend as an experiment. I'd be happy to pay $200 or so - does anybody have a good way to buy such replacement parts?

Thanks,

Tim


I may have a solution. Please check your pm box for specifics.

Pioneer replaced my power supply under warranty just one year ago... April 2008. It was part of a class-action lawsuit, and I don't know if it had a termination date for settlement. I definitely got mine replaced, even after the date you were quoted. I would call again, and get a different operator!

I may have a solution. Please check your pm box for specifics.
Hey Maximus I have the same problem with my 503

i have a pdp-503pu the led lights up green and backlight comes on for a second and then shuts off. the led then turns red and flashes. if control box isn't plugged in it flashes 5 times. but if control box is plugged in it flashes 2 times. can anyone help me???? called pioneer they said my serial number is not covered under power supply replacement.... i'm trying to figure this thing out before i rush out to order a power supply.
thanks for any help i can get.....

Just checking,

I received the new PCB for my 503CMX from a 3rd party parts store, and the markings all say AXY1059 (the old PCB's part number) except for a small sticker on the back that says AXX1064. Does anyone else have a PCB they can check to see if its the same? The board works fine, just a little concerning.

Thanks in advance!

I also just called and was told my PDP434PU is not covered. Also, the rep told me the replacement stopped in 12/07! Guess I have no choice but get a better LCD from Sony.

How much were you quoted for repair? Even if it cost $500, it's a FANTASTIC plasma picture with composite inputs.

Granted, you may want HDMI hookups... but maybe this would still be a nice repaired monitor for a bedroom?

I hate to see these wonderful monitors just go to a landfill...

Recycle, repair, reuse!

Maybe you can offer it on eBay for local pickup for $75? Someone with some electronics expertise will pick it up... I know I would if I could!

Hey 503 Guys,

Maybe you can help me here. about 6 months ago I had a banded bright top center (foreheads) colorless area show up after viewing for long periods.

Had a warranty tech show up.....claimed it was power supply....long and short, warranty co called me and said they would pay me 1200 or replace power supply. It didnt look like that to me.

I didnt think the problem was bad and took the cash and its returning with a vengeance.

Any ideas what it could be? It is only in that area and it looks like a bright spot on foreheads...I know that sounds crazy but thats what it is...........

Paul


Have you found a solution to your problem ? I have the same problem

Just checking,

I received the new PCB for my 503CMX from a 3rd party parts store, and the markings all say AXY1059 (the old PCB's part number) except for a small sticker on the back that says AXX1064. Does anyone else have a PCB they can check to see if its the same? The board works fine, just a little concerning.

Thanks in advance!

@dc2blue - where did you buy your replacement part? I need to find a replacement.

Thanks in advance!

Wish I saw this thread a few years ago. My 503cmx just "Popped" last night.
I called pioneer today and was told "no more free power supply's"

I think I'm going to replace this myself after reading a few of the posts in here. If I bring it to a service center and pay for parts and labor, I would be better of buying a new one.
And it won't be a pioneer again.

My 503 CMX is blinking red five times, was working fine for a long time now but does anyone know what 5 blinks means? Calling Pioneer now to identify part number that's needed.