I need to replace the power supply board in my Panasonic TH42PZ700U TV, but need the part number and a recommendation for where to buy. Also, is this board hard to put in?

Hi.

If you got quoted over $500, then you have probably wrong part. Cost of this TV PSu ranges between about $150 and $200.Part number for the PSU is ETX2MM681MFS. The number may be different from one on board in case the original one was discontinued. Check what number is printed on your PSU board

Price from Panasonic is about $250, I am not sure Pana sells this parts from users.
Here the part from third party at $130: http://www.tristatemodule.com/p-4026-etx2mm681mfs-panasonic-tv-module-power-supply.aspx

Here a company that offers repair of PSU (board only) at $140: Panasonic TH-42PZ700U Power ETX2MM681MF REPAIR SERVICE


Replacing the board is not really difficult. Replacement is done removing rear panel, undoing connectors, removing a set of screws, removing board, putting new board and reversing the rest of assembly process. The board is not difficult to access, in some model you may have to undo also the secondary power board.

However remember that this set is not a personal computer. Such parts are not supposed to be replaced by the user, and there are many tricky parts unless you have technical training and experience.

Parts are very sensitive. You may easily fry an expensive main controller board if you put the finger in the wrong place.The job must be done wearing wrist band or anti electrostatic gloves.
All the screws must be well in place. Screws adherence to chassis and board warranty proper grounding of board, without that the TV goes in protect mode (forced standby).

The most difficult part is testing the power board to know that this is the problem. This PSU has a series of connectors that supply power in different voltages. Even if you have blink code pointing to PSU (eg. ten blinks) the board mustbe tested the same, or you risk to replace the wrong part. A defective main controller may wrongly point at the PSU. Here an article summarily describing the how to full PSU test.

Concluding, replacing the board is not a too difficult task. Check the board part number and replace with the same or with ETX2MM681MFS. Replacing the board is not too difficult, but if you have no tech training, you take the risk.

If you repute my solution helpful, then please take some times to accept the solution. Providing good repair tips requires time and skills, and your feedback is important for us.

All the best.

Ginko.

Sure thing! The part number is ETX2MM681MFS

And you can buy it here... these guys are one of the most reputable places around to buy parts from, and they will let you return it if you want to, plus shipping is free:

http://www.partstore.com/Part/Matsushita/Panasonic/TH42PZ700U/Matsushita/Panasonic/ETX2MM681MFS/New.aspx


As far as putting it in goes it is not that difficult, just a matter of plugging it in the right place, but it can be intimidating if you've never done anything like it before. To give you an idea for what you are in for here is a video of one that was just replaced: