Haunted TCL television

[AMires in TX]

I have an Imagine XLS 17MKE and have owned it for 1 month. We've had 2 trips camping and 2 trips to the dealer for repairs. One thing they have not fixed is the TCL ROKU television will turn itself on every single time we plug in the 30amp cord. Does anyone else have this problem? The service department seems to think it is the television's fault, but both of our repairs so far have been electrical issues with the inverter and the refrigerator.

Allen and Cyndi
Bushland, TX

[howson]

Note that the test below might turn off your refrigerator--so I suggest switching to propane first.

In your Power Distribution Center, turn off the circuit breaker that powers the television.

Wait a moment or two and then turn the circuit breaker back on--does the TV turn on by itself?

[TucsonJim]

First, I'd perform the step that Howard lists above. If the TV does not turn back on after turning the breaker back on, it might be that it is continuing to receive power through the inverter and going into stand-by mode. Note: You can also just try unplugging the television instead of using the breaker.

Next, I'd make sure the television has the latest firmware updates. I'm attaching a TCL/Roku owners manual. See page 60-61 on how to update your firmware.

I'd also check into the power settings, specifically, the Standby Energy Mode. See page 29 of the attached manual.

If problems persist, there is a phone number in the manual to contact TCL for support.

https://content.etilize.com/User-Manual/1028178188.pdf

Note: Since you didn't list the model of the television, the manual may not be exactly correct for your TV.

Jim

[OffToHavasu]

Also look in the settings of the TV. Some electronics have the option to auto power on when power is restored.

[Santa61]

I have an Imagine XLS 17MKE and have owned it for 1 month. We've had 2 trips camping and 2 trips to the dealer for repairs. One thing they have not fixed is the TCL ROKU television will turn itself on every single time we plug in the 30amp cord. Does anyone else have this problem? The service department seems to think it is the television's fault, but both of our repairs so far have been electrical issues with the inverter and the refrigerator.

Allen and Cyndi
Bushland, TX

Allen and Cyndi,

We too have had the same issue with our 2021 337RLS. Every time we power up to a power source the TV comes on. We have resorted to unplugging the TV when we close up the camper and then plug it back in once we are set up. I also have noticed I have to go into the picture settings each time and set the picture brightness to the setting I prefer. The TV automatically resets to the "Store" setting when powered back up.

I have checked through all the settings I can find and have not been able to see anything in regards to auto powering mode. Note: I have updated the firmware and this didn't change anything.

Obviously the TCL Roku TV is a smart TV and it is too smart for me.

Santa61

[howson]

AMires in TX and Santa61

What I find interesting is that GD had a similar problem on the Imagine with a fireplace that beeps every time power is applied, so they installed a switch in line with the outlet. The beeping happens quite often due to load shedding in the 30A trailer. Turning the switch off stops the fireplace nuisance beep. The whole story is detailed here: https://gdrvowners.com/forum/operati...mystery-switch

My point is it would not be hard to install a switched outlet (or a switch in line with the outlet) allowing the user to control when power gets to the TV.

Just a thought...

[TucsonJim]

So something is telling me that there is more to play here.

If I'm reading this correctly, the TV only does this whacky power up when you plug into shore power, and doesn't do it when you plug it into the outlet. If so, there is more going on that meets the eye. I'm thinking is has to do something with an inverter in the system and/or maybe a transfer switch. It sounds almost like the difference between a hard boot on a computer and a soft boot.

howson , I'm not so sure the fireplace issue and the TV issue are the same. On the fireplace, it will still beep whether the fireplace is switched on, plugged into the wall, or plugged into shore power. On the TV, it will only come on when shore power is reconnected. If the TV is just plugged in to the wall outlet, it doesn't come back on.

Jim

[howson]

So something is telling me that there is more to play here.

If I'm reading this correctly, the TV only does this whacky power up when you plug into shore power, and doesn't do it when you plug it into the outlet. If so, there is more going on that meets the eye. I'm thinking is has to do something with an inverter in the system and/or maybe a transfer switch. It sounds almost like the difference between a hard boot on a computer and a soft boot.

howson , I'm not so sure the fireplace issue and the TV issue are the same. On the fireplace, it will still beep whether the fireplace is switched on, plugged into the wall, or plugged into shore power. On the TV, it will only come on when shore power is reconnected. If the TV is just plugged in to the wall outlet, it doesn't come back on.

Jim

Hmmm...I didn't interpret Santa61 's post that way. He said Every time we power up to a power source the TV comes on they have the problem, without qualification.

If the TV doesn't come on when he plugs in to an already powered outlet--well--that would indeed be interesting. The wall switch simply duplicates plugging/unplugging the TV (disconnects from a live source). If I'm understanding what you're suggesting, it is the "surge" associated powering up that is triggering the TV.

I hope the individuals with the problem will expound further on the symptoms, though I doubt there is a "fix" outside of a firmware update from TCL. The OPs might consider calling TCL directly to inquire.

[Santa61]

Hmmm...I didn't interpret Santa61 's post that way. He said Every time we power up to a power source the TV comes on they have the problem, without qualification.

If the TV doesn't come on when he plugs in to an already powered outlet--well--that would indeed be interesting. The wall switch simply duplicates plugging/unplugging the TV (disconnects from a live source). If I'm understanding what you're suggesting, it is the "surge" associated powering up that is triggering the TV.

I hope the individuals with the problem will expound further on the symptoms, though I doubt there is a "fix" outside of a firmware update from TCL. The OPs might consider calling TCL directly to inquire.

Let me give a little more detail which should help to clarify what we are experiencing.

When we plug up to shore power and the TV is left plugged into the wall outlet behind the TV, the TV automatically turns on.
When we plug up to shore power and have the TV unplugged from any power source and then plug the TV into the outlet behind the TV the TV does NOT turn on. In this scenario the TV is turned on by using the remote.

Mystery indeed.

Santa61

[TucsonJim]

Thanks for the clarification. That's the way I was interpreting it. Do you have a volt meter? I'd measure the voltage at the outlet, then disconnect from shore power and measure it again. I'm guessing you have some residual voltage on that outlet when you're not on shore power. And this allows the TV to go into standby mode.

Do you have an inverter and transfer switch?

Jim

[howson]

Santa61 -- thanks for that update.

TucsonJim -- I sure missed the mark on that one! Standby mode makes sense...but where the power is coming from to keep it in standby? That's a head-scratcher as AMires in TX is the thread OP with an Imagine and he has the exact same problem with the Roku.

[AMires in TX]

Ok, so when the TV is plugged into the outlet and I plug my 30amp cord into the travel trailer (TT), the TV comes on by itself. I go into the TT and turn the power off with the remote. When I am plugged into the 30amp source and turn the breaker to the TV off and then back on, the TV does NOT come back on. When I'm plugged into the 30 amp source and the breaker to the TV is on, if I plug the TV into the outlet, the TV does NOT come on. The only time the TV comes on by itself is when I plug the 30amp source into the TT.

HOWEVER, in doing more research, I came across another possibility: In the Imagine XLS 17MKE, the TV is mounted right next to the TT control panel and the Jansen radio. One theory I've been presented with is: When the TT control panel receives power, it gives off a signal that is picked up by the TV and interpreted as the remote requesting the TV to power on. So 10 years law enforcement and 20 years occupational safety, I know NOTHING about TVs or theories behind electricity. But this does sound plausible...??? And if that's the case, it is a design flaw that can't be fixed. ?????

[howson]

...

Jim usually signs on later as he's out west, so can you do a bit more troubleshooting? If there's anything below that is unclear please stop and ask before proceeding!

I'll be working on my camper (putting the coroplast back up) so any further response from me may be delayed. Hopefully Jim signs on soon.

TROUBLESHOOTING TO ISOLATE THE ISSUE
1) Disconnect all of the cables behind the TV (connected to the TV!) except for the TCL's power cord (leave the AC power cord plugged in). Then go through the routine of unplugging from shore power (as if you were leaving) and then reconnecting. Give it a good 30 seconds between removing power and re-establishing power so any transient power is dissipated. Does the TV still turn on by itself? If the TV does NOT turn on stop troubleshooting and post the results.

2) If the TV DID power on in step 1 (with all the cables disconnected) remove shore power again. Using the trailer's battery disconnect, remove 12v power from the interior of the camper. On the Power Distribution Panel there should be a circuit breaker labeled "Converter". Turn that breaker off. (At this point the lights shouldn't work, radio is off, etc). Now turn shore power back on. Did the TV still power on by itself?

3) Re-establish the camper's power and TV connections:
1) Turn off shore power at the pedestal.
2) Reconnect your cables to the TV.
3) Turn on the Power Distribution Center's Converter circuit breaker.
4) Rotate the battery disconnect switch so battery power is once again passed to the camper. (Check it's in the right position and engaged by turning on an interior light.)
5) Turn on shore power at the pedestal.

Howard

[TucsonJim]

Ok, so when the TV is plugged into the outlet and I plug my 30amp cord into the travel trailer (TT), the TV comes on by itself. I go into the TT and turn the power off with the remote. When I am plugged into the 30amp source and turn the breaker to the TV off and then back on, the TV does NOT come back on. When I'm plugged into the 30 amp source and the breaker to the TV is on, if I plug the TV into the outlet, the TV does NOT come on. The only time the TV comes on by itself is when I plug the 30amp source into the TT.

HOWEVER, in doing more research, I came across another possibility: In the Imagine XLS 17MKE, the TV is mounted right next to the TT control panel and the Jansen radio. One theory I've been presented with is: When the TT control panel receives power, it gives off a signal that is picked up by the TV and interpreted as the remote requesting the TV to power on. So 10 years law enforcement and 20 years occupational safety, I know NOTHING about TVs or theories behind electricity. But this does sound plausible...??? And if that's the case, it is a design flaw that can't be fixed. ?????

Actually, that is very plausible. Howard has a good trouble-shooting plan. I'd love to be there to work through this one.

Jim

[Country Campers]

"Ok, so when the TV is plugged into the outlet and I plug my 30amp cord into the travel trailer (TT), the TV comes on by itself."

When I read this I get concerned. If you are plugging into the post and then plugging into the TT you should not do this.

First make sure the breaker at the post is OFF.
Plug cord into TT.
Plug cord into socket at the post.
Turn ON breaker at the post.

I am not sure if this will fix your issue but wanted to clarify the proper technique for shore power hook up.

Brian