Troubleshooting Guide: Complete Section Outage on LED Screens

In LED signage systems, the display is composed of multiple modules—individual LED panels—grouped and controlled by video cards. Each video card and its connected modules form what is referred to as a section.

A single video card can control up to 16 modules. Depending on the screen size and design, each section may vary in the number of modules, but it will not exceed this limit.

What This Guide Covers

While partial outages (e.g., one or two dark modules) are often caused by localized hardware or power issues, this guide specifically focuses on how to diagnose and troubleshoot a complete section outage—when all modules connected to a single video card are non-functional.

Understanding Section Layout

  • Modules: LED display panels that make up your screen.

  • Video Card: Controls up to 16 modules. All modules connected to a card are considered one section.

  • A typical screen might include:

    • One section with 6 modules (working)

    • Another section with 4 modules (not working)

    • Each controlled by a different video card

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Process

1. Start with the Physical Connection (If access to the back is available)

  • If you have access to the back of the sign, check the data cable linking the working and non-working sections.

  • Ensure all cables are properly connected, undamaged, and secure.

  • If rear access is limited, proceed to front-access steps.

2. Locate the Video Card for the Non-Working Section

To identify the video card responsible for the non-functioning section:

  • Determine which modules are completely out—these are all connected to a single video card.

  • The video card is located directly behind the module where both the power and signal cables connect.

In practical terms:

  • On the working section, this may be the middle module on the bottom row.

  • On the non-working section, it's typically the bottom-left module.

📌 Tip: If you're unsure, consult your wiring diagram or contact our support team to request the internal schematics specific to your sign model.

3. Remove the Module to Access the Video Card 

  1. Use 3mm hex keys to remove the module’s mounting screws.

    1. Watch the video below to see how to unlock the module with a Hex Key

  2. Carefully detach the module to expose the video card.

    1. Watch the video below on how to expose the module card

4. Check for Signal Using the Test Button

  1. On the video card, locate the test button beneath the second set of ribbon cables on the right

  1. Press the button twice:

    • If the screen powers on, the issue lies in the signal connection—likely a break between the video cards.

    • If the screen does not respond, check for power.

    • Watch the video below on how to test the video card

5. Inspect the Power Supply

  1. Look for the power supply unit near the affected video card.

  1. Confirm that the green indicator light is illuminated:

    • If no light, power isn’t reaching the card.

    • If the light is on, use a voltmeter to verify a 5V output.

6. Rule Out Software or Content Issues

  • Sometimes, a section fails to display content due to a missing or corrupt file.

  • Resend the screen’s display content to test for a programming-related issue.

Common Root Causes

Condition Most Likely Cause
The section lights up after pressing the button Signal connection break
Section stays dark, power light off No power from the supply
Section stays dark, power light on File error or rare video card failure
All modules in the section fail simultaneously Hardware-level issue with the video card or its inputs

Key Fact: Video Card Capacity

Each video card can power up to 16 modules. If all 16 go dark, or even if fewer are connected but all fail, you are experiencing a section outage.

Additional Resources for Common LED Sign Issues

To further assist you in troubleshooting and maintaining your LED sign, here are two additional guides addressing frequent concerns:



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