Vizio L32 32 in. LCD HDTV Logo
Anonymous Posted on Nov 27, 2008

Vizio 32L, remote sensor malfunction

Remote will not work even after sop battery change and reset. Unplugged TV waited 5 minutes+/_ then plugged back in, remote was then functional, but only for a few channel changes and HDMI switch.
A universal remote in use for months has same result. Is there any way to permanently reset the sensor?
Thanks in advance

  • 5 more comments 
  • dagnusz Dec 01, 2008

    I have the same problem. Sometime I turn on my tv and then the remote will not change channels, volume or power off. It will not even power off from tv main button. I unplugged it and it reset. I have two -one less than a year old and one 2 months-I am wondering if this is a recall situation since seems to be common.
    What are the chances of getting two 8-10 months apart having the same problem?

  • dpleasant Jan 05, 2009

    I have the same problem. Remote quits working entirely. Reset everything and it may or may not work a few times or it may work a few days. I have called Vizio and they wanted to sell me a new remote, however they don't seem to know if that will be a real fix or not. I have 4 TV's 2 RCA's 1 Magnovoz and 1 Vizio. I have never had this problem or any other problems with my other TV's. Also the codes for the remote are difficult to find on other remote control guides. None of them list Vizio. I have bought my last Vizio.



  • RandyJean Jan 11, 2009

    Very strange. Have had this new VW32L only a couple weeks. For a while today neither the TV remote or the DirectTV universal would control it unless I put them right up by the sensor - about an inch away. Changed batteries, reset, etc. Nothing worked. Then, about 2 hours later both remotes magically started working again. Definitely seems like a flaky sensor in the TV to me.

  • angryfairy Feb 10, 2009

    None of my remotes will control my Vizio 42" TV... Any help?



  • exlsiguy02 Mar 02, 2009

    My mom and brother each have one of these 42" LCD sets, one several months newer than the other and they both are exhibiting this same problem on over-the-air digital. Even the front panel controls dont respond until the set it unplugged. Curiously, the problem does not manifest when used with their satellite tuner's input signal but the difference then is the TV is simply a video monitor and not using the set's internal tuner.
    I have a different model HDTV and have noted that at times the tv mis-behaves but does not stop responding to control inputs (either remote or manual front panel). I suspect this has something to do with the firmware in the TV and the incoming digital ove's the air signal. I'm just starting my investigation into this but I suspect a fix would require a firmware update since these tv's are in effect a computerized system running a closed application


  • jillj948 Mar 06, 2009

    I have the same problem with my WV32L..it just started acting that way as you all have described above. I am out of warranty also so the company has referred me to "their repair company".

  • Anonymous Apr 21, 2009

    wow, i am having the same problem with my VO42L vizio. When I first turn on the TV, the channel button or volum will work once or twice, then it will completly not work. If I go up to the sensor and mess with the control, its almost like it "grabs" the signal. After a few minutes of doing this, the control will work even if im pointing away from the TV or above it or below it. Im thinking i should just return it to Costco....

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  • Posted on Nov 25, 2012
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UNBELIEVABLE!!! mattymcmatt has the solution!!! I have had trouble with my Visio 26" remote ever since I got it several years back. Had to mess with the batteries, BUT Finally it quit entirely several months ago. I have tried everything... batteries, unplug TV, press each button on remote, etc... just bought a new remote, and tried all the above 'fixes' AGAIN nothing has worked. read mattymcmatt's fix of unplugging tv held down the on button on the tv for little over a minute, plugged tv back in and and VIOLA my remote is now WORKING!!! thankyou matty!!!!

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  • Anonymous Nov 25, 2012

    UNBELIEVABLE!!! mattymcmatt has the solution!!! I have had trouble with my Visio 26" remote ever since I got it several years back. Had to mess with the batteries, BUT Finally it quit entirely several months ago. I have tried everything... batteries, unplug TV, press each button on remote, etc... just bought a new remote, and tried all the above 'fixes' AGAIN nothing has worked. read mattymcmatt's fix of unplugging tv held down the on button on the tv for little over a minute, plugged tv back in and and VIOLA my remote is now WORKING!!! thankyou matty!!!!

  • Anonymous Jul 19, 2013

    Really, really unbelievable! Thanks so much.

  • Gloria Galberth
    Gloria Galberth Aug 20, 2019

    My cable company charged me $40, said my tv was the problem but they didn't know anything about this and neither did I. Thanks for the information it worked wow.

  • Stephanie Parker
    Stephanie Parker Jul 26, 2021

    Wow, after several tries I got it to work! Thanks Karen.

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  • Posted on Mar 22, 2013
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All of the number and letters on my remote have been worn off, what can I do to replace them beside buying a new remote

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  • Posted on May 06, 2009

SOURCE: Vizio TV will not turn on.

I had the same problem. The orange/green light in the front was off as well. I unplugged it, held don the power button for one minute then plugged it back in. It's working now, but who knows how long it will last. I found that solution elsewhere on the site. Thanks for the tip whoever you are!

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Dear Anonymous,
  • Unplug the TV for 20 Minutes and plug it back.
  • If that does not work, the remote Sensor on your TV is defective.
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