It's contributors like you who post fix -it videos on KZfaq that help so many people and save the day again. Thanks for this video, your work doing the diagnostics and sharing your resulting fix. First time for me soldering on a circuit board and now I can add that as one more learning experience. Thanks! Amazing that 240 capacitors would cost only $10. I don't know what an electronics shop would have charged for the repair, more than $100 I would think, but it goes to show you that you're paying for the diagnostic labor and not the parts.

You sir just saved me a couple hundred bucks!! Called Vizio and was told to recycle the sound bar and buy a new one. Now after $0.50 for the 470 uf 16v capacitor and thanks to my BTech prof for the basic soldering skills, capacitor has been replaced and my soundbar is alive again! Thank you!!

I got to the affected board by removing the right and center speaker housings. No need to remove the left speaker housing. Saved a little work and time.

Okay my dude , 2 years later you still saving Vizios lol. I stumbled on this video after 3 days shopping around for a new one after mine died last week so decided to give this a shot. First time ever soldering (shit had to buy a new gun after melting my first on the first try ) and after I did this and put it altogether, all I expected was still a dead bar but ALAS the little light was on and the thing works flawlessly. So thank you for saving me $500 on a new one. 🎉🎉🎉🎉

Dude, I want to thank you for the repair. I was ready to take it in to a repair center because I could not find any repair info on this. Then I stumbled on you video, ordered the diode and bam, worked. Thanks again, you saved me

Replaced C21 and C22 with some cheap replacements off Amazon and it works now - thanks for the useful guide! For good measure, after removing the capacitors I hooked them up to an LCR meter. C21 came back measuring 350uF with a dissipation factor of 0.2, and C22 came back measuring 400uF with a dissipation factor of 0.07 (lower is better, for those curious). Not sure if C22 was shot or just a low quality part, but C21 definitely needed replaced. Neither capacitor looked bloated, but they needed removed from the board in order to measure capacitance anyway. Hope this helps others!

I echo all these positive reviews. Great video. Thank you sir, you saved my sound system.

A big thank you for this video! I'm a lady of 60 years and have never even picked up a soldering tool or fixed anything electronic until today. I went to Harbor Freight store and for 10 dollars got solder tool and wire. Your video is very detailed and was so helpful! I truly could NOT have fixed by myself without your great video! ❤️❤️❤️ Also, both C21 and C22 both looked fine and showed no signs for damage so I just changed both of them. So I'm not sure if it was one or the other that was the bad one?

Thanks for the video. My Vizio S4251w-B4 has been turning off for a few years and just recently died. Just something to keep in mind. These are electrolytic capacitors which means they have positive and negative polarity. Remember to put the new one in the same way as the old one. In this case negative is the gray, -, arrow mark toward the edge of the board as seen at 3:06. The shaded side on the board, seen at 4:30, is negative. They can explode if put in backwards.

Hey I just want to thank you man! My Vizio 5.1 system from 2013 wouldn't turn on. I was ready to drop $350 for a new one, but then saw this video. $10 for a capacitor kit on Amazon and 30 mins of my time, and it's working again! C21 capacitor just like yours! Good as new! Thank you so much!!!

Thank you for this video. I just put in a new capacitor at C21. This was my first time working with capacitors and a circuit board. All went exactly as you laid out. After I soldered the capacitor to the circuit board I noticed the capacitor was not sitting tight to the board and it was a bit elevated. I knew my solder connections were good so I just left it. Hopefully that does not affect long term performance. It took me a while to figure our the short wire on the capacitor was the negative and that the negative side on the circuit board had the cross hatching. Thanks again for saving me from buying a new soundbar. Much appreciated.

FIXED MINE!!! THANK YOU!!! Can't believe that a blown out sound bar was caused by a $1 part! I ended up replacing both the C21 and C22 capacitors. Thanks again for a very informative KZfaq Video!!

The capacitor did not have any sign of problems. But I replaced it anyway. AND IT WORKED! THANKS!

I am so amazed. Not only does your article discuss Vizio soundbars, but this is my EXACT model! I bought mine years ago as a "refurbished" item, with only a 90 day warranty. I bought it, essentially 'used' because it was much larger and more powerful than anything else at the time - for my budget. It has been great, but I pushed the volume too much in my home rock concerts. The main bar would cut out, leaving just the sub-woofer and satellite speakers on. I would turn it down 2 notches, turn the power off, the turn it on again. That would bring it back, just a little quieter. The 2 days ago it quit powering on at all. I will have to order the capacitor, but you have given me great hope. Thanks.

Nailed it! I had a 470uf 50V... fixed it and with more headroom!

Great video. Helps to use needle nose pliers to gently pull the old capacitor which gets warm when melting the solder .saved me $$$ and the old Vizio has great sound. I did up voltage from 16 to 25. So far so good. 😊

Thank you for sharing your research which is way above my pay grade. Did as you outlined and worked like a charm. Would have been a shame to recycle at local Best Buy for such a minor repair. Much appreciated!

can't believe it worked. the c-21 capacitor on my board was not bulged at all. ordered few capacitors from amazon. figured i would at least give it a try. my soldering is basic but was able to change out neatly. did not even have to add solder. came out clean and nice. held my breath when i turned it on. works great. thanks for video

Bummer didn’t work for me. I may change C22 as well to see if that’s the culprit. If that doesn’t work I may have a totally different reason why my unit won’t power on. Well it was worth a try anyway. Update: added more solder the the capacitor and bingo the bar fired up. Special thanks to the author of the video. Saved me a bunch of $$$

I went ahead and replaced the other 16V 470uF cap as I saw it could cause problems in different video. Works good as new. Thanks for the video!

Truly appreciate it, was about to throw it away and i just gave it a try and it worked flawlessly. You are the best.

I am on the 5th time it has died. And it’s just too funny that as of yesterday, February 24 it has died once again. Initially I bought a five pack of resistors off Amazon for a couple dollars, I changed one and then I missed placed the pack of resistors. So the second time I had to buy another pack of resistors as well as finding the initial pack, so now I have plenty of your resistors, but the point you make is incredibly valid that there must be something else going on because both of the resistors that I purchased are two separate brands and types with all the same ratings, so obviously something else is creating this problem and it’s getting unbelievably tiresome, I also posted a video really cool to see yours. Thanks. Edit 02-26-22. Just finished pulling it apart, but both the 21, as well as the 22 caps both look fine. I went ahead and replaced the 21 for like the 6th time. WORKS As Advertised!!!!! Damn VIZIO.

Thanks man, shame they tell you to dump it over a ten cent part.. you got mine working again.

Thank you so much, replacing the capacitor brought my sound bar back to life as well - thank you!

So glad I learned of this too. I've had to replace mine twice now over 3 years. Very happy this info is readily available.

You sir are a genius. It worked like a charm!!! It was a last ditch effort before this thing was heading to a dumpster, and just like that, it is alive again. I was a bit concerned when i saw the capacitor was a bit fatter than what I got from amazon, but rating is the same so all good in the end.

Another C21 replacement and repair here... THANK YOU SIR!

One more shout-out saying THANKS! for the great video. Replacing the C1 restored the unit from dead to fully working!

This worked for me, thanks bro! I went with the 470uF 25V capacitor though, not the 470uF 16V capacitor and it's working fine. Your directions were spot on. I've never soldered in my life and purchased one from Amazon and it was simple to do. My SB is back working again!!

Thanks so much for this video! That cap was the exact problem with mine. Saved me so much time dinking around with a a multimeter. Works perfectly now, saved it a trip to the dump.

I didn't have the same exact problem my problem was that it would turn on for only one second and then turn off, then it couldn't ne turned on for quite a while. I replaced the capacitor with a 25volt capacitor and it working just fine Thank You.

Thank you so much! This fixed my problem !!! 🎉

Great tutorial. Like the author, I had also replaced my C21 a few years ago, but the unit went dead again. On examination, C21 was not puffy but one of the 1000 mfd capacitors was. I replaced it, but no joy. So, I replaced C21 again... even though it did not look bad... and everything started working again. BTW, when replacing electrolytic capacitors, be mindful of the polarity, with negative typically indicated by a minus sign and a light colored stripe by the negative wire. Take note of the negative side of the capacitor you are replacing and be certain to install the replacement the same way. I find it helpful to put a small minus sign mark on the top of the circuit board prior to removing the old capacitor, and/or take a photo for reference first. Lastly, I suggest taking a photo of the underside prior to unsoldering the old capacitor, especially if you are not used to soldering. Referencing the photo can help you make sure you have not inadvertently created a nasty solder connection ("bridge") between two adjacent places on the circuit board that should not be connected in this manner.

Thank you for saving me $xxx.xx to replace the Soundbar and a just cheap $5 repair!!! It was the same C21 capacitor.

This was so helpful! I just finished this and mine now works like a boss!!! Thank you!

Thank You!!!! This worked for me and kept my dead sound bar and its factory paired ancillary speakers out of the landfill

Thank you, all is well now>

I took it part checked the capacitors and they were fine put it back to gather and it started working .

Dude thank you so much, you just saved me some money and honestly I love getting the chance to solder some stuff!

Just replaced the capacitor and it works, thank you

I have the similar version of this and I've never had a problem with it but all the sudden the bookshelf speakers don't go on and I did everything but they still won't go on they all the sudden just went off overnight. And help would be appreciated thank you.

I replaced my capacitors last summer, and everything all went well and has been working just fine. We had a massive thunderstorm last night and lost power, and now the soundbar will not power on at all again. I checked the caps, but none of them looked bulged. Would a thunderstorm/power outage cause them to blow again? The soundbar was powered by a power strip, but that was not tripped. I think I have a voltmeter at my workplace, but I don't know how to use it to test if they are bad. EDIT... ordered caps, after I posted this comment. Replaced just the one shown in the video (c21?) And it powered right back on. Saw scrolling through comments most of you have done it multiple times, seems to be no different here. Really like this SB and don't want to upgrade.

I have blown the capacitor again. I really love to push the volume for the rock concert in the living room level. For several times, the main soundbar will go muffled sounding with normal satellite speakers. I turn the power off and then back on. If I find the edge, I can still get it really loud; but I was washing dishes in the kitchen and had it up too high. I have 4 more capacitors, I will replace it again. It's a much better soundbar than most currently made. Part 2: The repair is complete and the soundbar lives again! I have to stop cranking it up to where it blows; my eyesight is worse and my soldering is getting sloppier.

I replaced both capacitors and still not working. Can a whole pack of them just be bad. Purchased 10 pack on Amazon!!! Help please.

My power button lights up but after that nothing, i can connect or change input mode and it doesn’t respond to remote either. Any suggestions would be appreciated, thanks

I believe my sound bar is a little bit newer. However I just opened it and it appears to be almost the same.

THANK YOU! My Vizio soundbar just went out yesterday and I was ready to go out and replace it but I wanted to visit ALL options. I have NEVER soldered in my life but oddly, I was just talking about purchasing a soldering kit as I am also a professional musician and I thought I should have one on hand! Can you recommend a good one for me, a novice? Much appreciation and mad respect from NEW ORLEANS! ^..^

I have the same model sound bar that won't power up so I ordered a new cord that worked for 5 days then died again. Could this be the same issue as well? I was about to order a new sound bar but I'm going to try this first, however I wanted to know how do I tell which side is pos and neg on the board when changing the capacitor.. appreciate the great video

I followed your advice and was able to get my soundbar running. Like you said, I think there is some other inherent issue causing the cap to fail. It must be getting higher voltages at that cap. Thanks.

I have a different vizio soundbar but the same issue. How do i find the capacitor online? C93 is written next to it. Ive been to multiple sites with a pic of it but they say i need more info.

Perfect video!!! Thank you!

What did your sound bar do when the capacitor went out did the power light flash on then turn off?

Did you ever figure out the power supply issue?

I think the issue with it keeps blowing the caps it's a bad resistor. Just repaired mine a few days and if it happens again, I'm going to replace resistors.

My older Vizio soundbar started to leave all the LEDs on or flickering and then no sound. The sound will cut in and out.

Interesting. VIzio must have issues with caps. I have a SB3651-E6 Vizio soundbar that had a bad SMT capacitor. Wasn't electrolytic like this one but mine shorted out completely.

Thank you sir. I’ve had my sound bar for almost eight years now and it just gave out on me. I was able to replace both the C21 and C22 capacitors by watching your video. Is I can return this vizio M series and get my $300 back. For the record, the M series is pretty garbage. About how often have you had to replace your C21 and have you swapped out the C22 also? I figured it’s the same one; I might as well just replace it as well.

It worked for a couple days and now it’s not working again. Do you know where I can find a replacement sound bar for that system?

Loves your work you are great...

@SW Hammond Builds & Reviews so I have the exact same sound bar but when I pulled off the speakers the board does NOT look like yours..... can you pm me about this or 🤷‍♂️

HW are you occasionally turning the speak on and off from a power strip?

This fix recently worked for me. However, there is a high pitched squeal audible(when the soundbar is on and the volume is low or on, it's not very loud). I was thinking this might be the sound of the capacitors? Is it possible this pre emptive of the capacitor giving out? Anyone else notice or have this issue?

Thank you for the video! Worked exactly as advertised but went bad again after just a few days. I’ll repeat the fix at both C21 and C22, but does anyone have another solution that’s a longer term fix? Has anyone tried a different capacitor with more success? Thanks again!

Can I ask how do you learn this stuff? What is this called and what type of schooling do you need? I want to learn how to fix electronics and appliances but don't know where to start. Is this engineering?

I have the vizio 5.1.2 soundbar 36514 and voices sound muffled but backgroud sounds are clear , sub still works . What to you think is the problem and how can i fix it ?

Hello, what is the input power range? It is written 120 Volt Ac but sometimes it ranges between 120 to 240 volt inside the speaker. I m gonna use it in Europe.

before you replaced capacitor did your light come on when you plugged in to the that wall power just wondering found one of these in dumpster when throwing something away it powers on and volume's up and everything didnt find the remote but i tried audio imput in the 3.5 jack and the rca jack no sound im guessing imma have to go in and investigate cant be any tricks on the outside im thinking or like bluetooth has to be shut off to get the other imputs to work anyone knows if so let me know plese

Great information, I have a question my vizzo SB3651 -E6 sound bar went up I had it for almost 3years and it's not comming on meaning no power is that normal? I trouble shoot it still not comming on. If you were to reccomend another sound bar which brand and why would you reccomend it? Also my other sound bar same kind would not come on I called vizzo this was like year ago that person had me press a serious of buttons and my sound bar came right on I tried explaining that to the vizzo people when I called about the vizzo sound bar I mention in the beganning of my comments they told me that it was no such thing of pressing a serious of buttons long story short I got bo help

Great video, however it did not work for me.😢

Hi I think I have that issue with my soundbar but i don't have a tool to remove the part. Do you know where I could take it to have repaired? Sorry I'm not that savvy. I would greatly appreciate your feedback.

Mine just went out. The sound bar runs hot. Do you think it could not getting enough air? I moved mine to different spot and it just went out.

clip the old cap leads and solder to them

@SW Hammond Builds & Reviews - Can you or anyone, help reassure me of how to disconnect one of the (?) ribbon-type wire harness/ connectors? Specifically, @3:03 min/sec mark in video, it's the long white plastic connector all the way stage right (closer to C22 capacitor location on the offending board) there isn't a release mechanism on that, is there? Or just gotta pull hard, straightt out??? Is there a special tool to aid in removing? Any advise, to help ensure I dont attempt to pull a connector that has a release tab or the like. It's on there pretty good. If just a straight pull, should the pressure/fingernails pull fron the left/right 'sides' if oriented looking straight down on the board. Thanks so much for advise!

Every 6-8 months my capacitor blows…..I’m on my third. Easiest way to tell if a capacitor is blown is to check the top of it. It should be perfectly flat. If it’s blown, the top is crowned or slightly cupped upward.

Guessing it was a loose wire.

~ YOU just saved me HUNDREDS of $$$ !!!! ~ I replaced C21 and C22 with these $10 parts from Amazon: [Replacement for 6 pcs Panasonic FM Series Capacitors 25V 470uf Low Impedance] Amazing You have my sincere thanks m8 \m/