Sony Bravia motherboard replacement in Nairobi & Kenya — the complete Refitec guide

Quick contact: Refitec Kenya — 0704843613 (call or WhatsApp) · refitec.co.ke.
Who this is for: Sony Bravia owners in Nairobi and across Kenya who have a TV showing symptoms such as no power, constant rebooting, no picture but sound, no Smart features, HDMI errors, or “boot loop” / blinking LEDs — and who want clear, realistic expectations about costs and outcomes.

Summary — what to expect (short version)

• Typical local labour & diagnosis fee (Nairobi): KES 800–3,000 for in-home diagnosis + basic testing (varies by provider and if a call-out is needed). (Refitec Kenya 0704843613)
• Common motherboard replacement price range in Kenya: KES 6,000 — KES 90,000+ depending on model, panel size, and whether the board is genuine/OEM, used/refurbished, or imported new. Many mainstream Sony models (smaller sizes, older models) often fall in the KES 10,000–40,000 band; large/modern Sony XR/XR-series and high-end models can cost much more.
• Total turnaround time: Same-day diagnosis in many Nairobi cases; parts sourcing can take 1–14+ days depending on availability and whether import is required. Refitec aims for fast same-day fixes when parts are stocked. (Refitec Kenya 0704843613)

Below I’ll explain these numbers, why they vary so much, and what you should ask before paying.

Why motherboard replacement price varies so widely

A TV “motherboard” (main board / main PCB) is the TV’s brain: it handles video processing, smart OS, HDMI, audio control and communication with power and T-con boards. Replacement cost depends on several factors:

1. Exact Sony model and board part number: Sony uses many different main-board revisions even within the same model family. Newer models (4K, smart TVs, XR/Bravia series) use more expensive boards. Sellers often price by board part number rather than “Sony Bravia” generically. This is the biggest price driver.
2. New OEM vs aftermarket vs refurbished vs used:
   • Genuine (OEM) new boards cost the most — imported from authorized parts sellers or distributors.
   • Refurbished or used boards from working donor TVs are cheaper and common in Kenya. These are a cost-effective option but carry more risk and typically shorter warranty.
   • Aftermarket/clone boards are cheapest but can have compatibility, software, or performance issues.
3. Size & features of the TV: A 32″ Bravia will use a different (usually cheaper) board than a 65″ XR or OLED model. Boards with advanced video chips, Dolby audio, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth modules, or special HDR processing cost more.
4. Availability locally vs import: If a board is stocked locally (Kenyan supplier / Nairobi spare-parts market), cost is lower. Rare parts must be ordered from overseas sellers (US/EU/Asia), adding shipping, VAT/duties, and longer lead time. Local marketplace posts show basic boards starting at low figures, but modern Sony mainboards are usually imported and pricier.
5. Labour, testing, and additional parts: Labour to replace and re-test the board, plus any ancillary parts (T-con, power board repairs, cables) or software updates, add to the final bill. A reputable shop will include diagnostics, burn-in/testing, and a short warranty. Refitec includes testing and warranty options. (Refitec Kenya 0704843613)

Real-world price anchors (examples from Kenya & suppliers)

To give concrete anchors:

• Local spare-parts listings and marketplaces in Nairobi show some TV boards and power boards offered from as low as KES 2,500 for generic boards or power-supply boards — but note these are typically for older or non-Bravia/analog sets. Exercise caution.
• International parts vendors list modern Sony main-board kits for large models in the $150–$400+ range (USD), which when shipped and cleared can reach KES 30,000–90,000+ depending on model, shipping, and taxes. Example: a Sony XR-series main board kit listed at ~$175 (parts-only) is visible on parts-retailer sites.
• Screen/panel replacement posts and local repair blogs show that replacing large components (screen or mainboard) can be expensive (screen replacements often run into tens of thousands of KES); for small-screen Sony Bravia sets, some vendors quote board or screen replacement around KES 10,000 as ballpark.

Takeaway: if someone quotes a single flat fee without asking your exact model number or without inspecting the TV, it’s a red flag. The board’s part number (printed on the board) and the TV model (e.g., KD-43X75) determine price.

How Refitec diagnoses motherboard faults (step-by-step)

Refitec follows a documented flow to avoid unnecessary replacements and to keep costs transparent:

1. Pre-check over phone: Ask for TV model and symptoms. If the model is unknown, we request photos of the back label & error lights. This helps pre-check parts availability. (Refitec Kenya 0704843613)
2. In-home or workshop diagnosis: Technician performs power checks, measures voltages at the power board and main board, inspects solder joints, capacitor bulging, burn marks and connector seating. Many “no power” cases are power-board failures, not main-board. Diagnosis fee covers these checks.
3. Boot logs & software checks: For smart Bravias, a software fault or bad firmware can mimic hardware failure. Refitec checks for firmware issues before recommending board replacement.
4. Component-level test: Where possible, technicians repair components on the mainboard (capacitor replacement, regulator fixes) rather than replacing entire board. This can drastically lower cost if the fault is a repairable component.
5. Recommendation & quote: If repairable, we give a repair quote; if board replacement is needed, we provide options: OEM new (if available), refurbished, or used board — with respective prices and warranties.

This transparent approach avoids overcharging and unnecessary part replacement. (Refitec Kenya 0704843613)

Typical Refitec price breakdown (example scenarios)

Note: exact prices require model inspection. The figures below are illustrative realistic estimates based on local market data and parts-supplier pricing.

1. Small/older Sony Bravia (32″–43″, older model)
   • Diagnostics: KES 800–2,000.
   • Repaired mainboard (component-level repair): KES 2,000–8,000.
   • Refurbished used mainboard replacement (if required): KES 8,000–20,000.
   • New OEM board (rare for old models locally): variable.
2. Midrange Sony Bravia (43″–55″, common modern smart models)
   • Diagnostics: KES 800–3,000.
   • Component repair: KES 3,000–10,000.
   • Refurbished board: KES 12,000–35,000.
   • New imported OEM board (if available): KES 30,000–70,000 depending on model and shipping.
3. Large / high-end Sony (65″, 75″, XR-series, OLED)
   • Diagnostics: KES 1,500–3,000.
   • Component repair (rare): KES 5,000–20,000.
   • Refurbished board: KES 30,000–70,000.
   • New OEM board: KES 60,000–150,000+ for the most modern panels/models once shipping and duties are included. High-end parts may exceed the TV’s resale value — in which case a replacement TV may be more economical.

Hidden costs to watch for

• Shipping / duties / VAT on imported parts. Sellers sometimes quote part price without shipping or taxes — get full landed cost.
• T-con or power board: Sometimes the mainboard is blamed but the fault is in another board. Replacing multiple boards increases cost.
• Software/firmware fixes or licensing (rare).
• Warranty differences: new OEM boards have longer warranties vs used/refurbished (which often have 30–90 day warranties). Refitec offers clear warranty terms on replacements — always get it in writing. (Refitec Kenya 0704843613)

OEM vs refurbished vs clone — which to choose?

• OEM (new, genuine Sony): Best compatibility, stability, and longest warranty. Most expensive. Choose when you have a high-end TV you plan to keep long-term.
• Refurbished / used: Great value for many mid-range TVs. If the seller tests the board and provides a warranty (30–180 days), this is a pragmatic option in Kenya. Ask for the board part number and test results.
• Aftermarket/clone boards: Low cost but higher risk: missing features, poor firmware updates, HDMI/DRM issues. Not recommended for modern smart Sony TVs where DRM (for streaming apps) is important.

Refitec will always present these three options with pros/cons and a recommended choice based on TV age, owner’s budget, and intended future use.

When replacement is not the best choice

• If the TV is older than 6–7 years and the replacement cost approaches the price of a good refurbished or new TV, replacing the TV may be better value.
• If the screen/panel is cracked — panels are often the most expensive part; a board replacement won’t fix a broken panel. In many cases panel replacement equals or exceeds a new TV cost.

Refitec helps customers weigh repair cost vs replacement value and advises candidly — no upsell pressure.

Safety, testing & warranty (what a reputable provider does)

A trustworthy repair provider will:

• Provide an itemized diagnostic report showing measurements and observed faults.
• Attempt component-level repair when viable to save you money.
• Give a clear warranty on parts and labour (written). Refitec’s policy is to provide warranty on replaced parts and workmanship; get the exact warranty period before payment. (Refitec Kenya 0704843613)
• Perform burn-in testing (several hours) after replacement to detect early failures.
• For imported parts: show the part’s part-number and origin. If they sourced an OEM board abroad, ask for the invoice/confirmation.

How to prepare before contacting a repairer (helps save time & money)

1. Note the full model number (on the back sticker) — e.g., KD-43X80J or XR-65A90K. This determines the board part.
2. Take clear photos of the back label and any error LEDs or message screens. If the TV shows an error code (Sony sometimes blinks an LED in patterns), note it.
3. Describe symptoms precisely: no power, power light on but no picture, sound but no picture, HDMI not working, freezing apps, etc.
4. Ask for a written quote and warranty terms before approving any work or part import.
5. Get the part number of the replacement board and whether it’s OEM, refurbished, or aftermarket.

If you contact Refitec (0704843613 / refitec.co.ke) they’ll walk you through these steps — they often request photos first to speed diagnosis. (Refitec Kenya 0704843613)

Typical customer timeline with Refitec

1. Day 0: You call/WhatsApp with TV model & photos. Initial guidance and tentative price ranges given. (Refitec Kenya 0704843613)
2. Day 0–1: Technician visits (or you bring TV to workshop) for diagnosis; you receive a formal quote.
3. Day 1–7: If part is in stock locally, replacement and testing may happen within 1–3 days. If the part must be imported, sourcing may take 3–14+ days depending on availability and shipping. Refitec updates you throughout. (Refitec Kenya 0704843613)

Example Q&A customers often ask

Q: My TV shows the power LED blinking 4 times — is that the motherboard?
A: Blinking patterns can indicate different faults (power board, backlight, or main board). Diagnosis is required — don’t assume a full board swap without testing. Refitec’s diagnosis isolates the cause before recommending replacement.

Q: Can you repair the motherboard instead of replacing it?
A: Often yes — many faults are capacitor failures, burnt resistors, or regulator failures that a qualified technician can repair at a fraction of replacement cost. Refitec always tries repair first when safe and cost-effective. (Refitec Kenya 0704843613)

Q: Will replacing the board affect my Smart TV apps or Netflix DRM?
A: If you replace with a non-equivalent board (clones or wrong firmware), streaming apps and DRM may fail. Use OEM or validated replacement boards for full Smart functionality. Refitec ensures compatibility when recommending a board.

Final recommendations — save money, avoid scams

• Always get a written quote and warranty. If the price seems “too good to be true,” ask for the board part number and test results.
• Ask whether the shop tests the TV for several hours after repair (burn-in). Short testing hides early failures.
• Choose a certified, transparent provider that offers parts sourcing documentation. Refitec provides transparent quotes and testing as standard. (Refitec Kenya 0704843613)

Contact Refitec for accurate pricing & booking

Because Sony Bravia mainboard pricing depends heavily on the exact TV model and part number, the fastest way to get an accurate quote is to contact Refitec with your TV’s model number and photos of the back label.

Refitec Kenya — TV motherboard replacement & repair

• Call or WhatsApp: 0704843613
• Website: refitec.co.ke (service pages list coverage areas and diagnostics) (Refitec Kenya 0704843613)

Closing note (transparent recap)

• Prices for Sony Bravia motherboard replacement in Nairobi / Kenya vary a lot: from a few thousand shillings for simple repairs or older boards to tens of thousands (and in rare high-end cases 100k+ KES) for imported OEM replacements. The board’s part number, model year, TV size, and whether the part is OEM/refurbished/used are the main drivers.
• Refitec’s approach is to diagnose thoroughly, attempt component-level repair where possible, provide clear options (refurbished vs OEM), and back work with warranty and burn-in testing. Contact 0704843613 (WhatsApp/call) or visit refitec.co.ke for a personalized, written quote.