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Fix a TV that has composite that will not work

We'll check input, plug mapping (yellow/red/white), and power-cycle—or tell you when to call a technician.

Troubleshooting · Home electronics
5–15 min
What you'll need
  • TV remote
  • Composite cable (yellow, red, white)
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Steps

Goal: Confirm input and plug mapping, then rule out source and cable issues.

Check input and plugs

Goal: Confirm the correct AV input is selected and composite video plugs are in the correct jacks.

  • Use the TV remote to select AV, Video, or Composite—the input where the composite cable is plugged in.
  • Confirm yellow-to-yellow (video), red-to-red, white-to-white at both TV and source.
  • Good: Correct input and plug mapping. The signal appears. Done.
  • Bad: No picture—check yellow is in yellow. No sound—check red and white. Proceed to Check source device.

Check source device

Goal: Confirm the source device is on and outputting.

  • Check that the DVD player, game console, or VCR is powered on. Wake it if needed.
  • Good: Source is on. The signal appears. Done.
  • Bad: Still no signal—reseat plugs, try different cable, power-cycle.

Power-cycle

Goal: Reset the connection with a power-cycle.

  • Unplug the TV and the source device from power. Wait 30 seconds. Plug both back in. Turn on the source first, then the TV.
  • Good: Power-cycle fixes the issue. The signal appears. Done.
  • Bad: Still no signal—call a technician.

When to get help

Call a TV repair technician if:

  • You have checked input, connections, plug mapping, and power-cycle with a known-good cable and source and the composite still does not work.

Verification

  • The TV shows a picture from the composite source.
  • The correct AV or Video input is selected.
  • Yellow, red, and white plugs are firmly connected in the correct jacks.
  • Sound and picture both work.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Input and plugs Select correct AV input; confirm yellow/red/white in correct jacks.
  2. Source device Confirm source is on and outputting.
  3. Reseat and cable Reseat all plugs; try different composite cable.
  4. Power-cycle Unplug TV and source for 30 seconds; plug back in.
  5. Call a pro Composite does not work after all checks.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • TV model
  • Source device (DVD, game console, VCR)
  • Steps already tried

Is the correct input selected?

Wrong input shows no signal.

Use the TV remote. Select AV, Video, or Composite—the input where the composite cable is plugged in. Correct input: check plug mapping. Wrong input: select correct one, then test.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Select correct input

Select the AV or Video input. Confirm yellow/red/white are in the correct jacks. If signal appears, done. If not, check source and reseat plugs.

Done

Are yellow, red, and white in the correct jacks?

Yellow is video; red and white are audio. Wrong mapping causes no picture or no sound.

Check yellow-to-yellow, red-to-red, white-to-white at both TV and source. Correct: check source is on. Wrong: fix mapping, then test.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Fix plug mapping

Plug yellow into yellow, red into red, white into white at both ends. Select correct input. If signal appears, done. If not, check source and power-cycle.

Done

Is the source device on and outputting?

DVD player, game console, or VCR must be on.

Check the source. Wake it if in sleep mode. On and outputting: reseat plugs, try different cable, power-cycle. Off: turn it on, then test.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Turn on source and test

Turn on the source device. Select correct input. If signal appears, done. If not, reseat plugs and power-cycle.

Done

Reseat plugs and power-cycle

Reseat all composite plugs. Try a different cable. Power-cycle TV and source. If still no signal, call a technician.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would TV composite not work?
Wrong input selected, loose or wrong plug mapping, source off or not outputting, faulty cable. Yellow is video; red and white are audio. Check input and plug mapping.
Can I fix TV composite that will not work myself?
Yes. Check input, confirm yellow/red/white are in the correct jacks, and power-cycle. Most composite issues are connection or input related.
When should I call a technician for composite that will not work?
If you have checked input, connections, plug mapping, and power-cycle and the composite still does not work. The AV input or source device may need repair.

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