FAQ
TL;DR: 16 GB eMMC failure causes 100 % of the six reported reboot-loops; "only from donor" boards fix it [Elektroda, lisek, post #17723100] Re-flashing or swapping the H26M52103FMR on mainboard 1-980-805-31 usually revives the TV; used boards cost €129 [Elektroda, lisek, post #17719737]
Why it matters: Correct diagnosis avoids €1 600 service bills for full board replacement.
Quick Facts
• Mainboard part-no.: 1-980-805-31 / 173611531 (BMX2 GN1G) [Elektroda, valdix23, post #17691344]
• Factory eMMC: SK Hynix H26M52103FMR, 16 GB, BGA153 [Elektroda, valdix23, post #17691344]
• Used replacement board price: €129 (≈ PLN 590) [Elektroda, lisek, post #17719737]
• Sony service quote for repair: PLN 1 600 [Elektroda, Malycom, post #18030594]
• USB firmware package size: 5.7 GB, flash time 20-30 min [Elektroda, lisek, post #18036558]
What most often causes the endless reboot on Sony KDL-50W807C/W808C/W809C?
Six owners in this thread report constant restarts with a steady white LED; every case links to corrupted or dead eMMC flash on the mainboard [Elektroda, valdix23, #17691344; domoko, #17719464; Malycom, #18030594].
How can I confirm the eMMC is the culprit?
If the set never shows red-blink error codes and ignores USB firmware, measure 1.8 V and 3.3 V lines on eMMC; intermittent or missing lines indicate failure. A programmer often returns blank CID/CSD when reading the chip [Elektroda, lisek, post #18036558]
Can I update firmware from a USB stick during the loop?
Only when the TV still enters recovery mode: insert prepared FAT32 stick, connect mains, wait for green-yellow-white LED sequence and 20–30 minutes flashing [Elektroda, lisek, post #18036558] Faulty eMMC prevents this sequence.
How do I create the USB service stick?
- Format ≤2 GB stick to FAT32.
- Copy the unzipped SONY_MTD*.pkg from Sony’s site to root.
- With TV unplugged, insert stick, reconnect power and wait until LEDs stop blinking [Sony Support].
Is swapping the SK Hynix chip for Toshiba THGBMBG7D2KBAIL safe?
Yes. Both are 16 GB BGA153 eMMC 5.0 parts; forum technicians report successful swaps when the new chip is pre-programmed with the correct dump [Elektroda, valdix23, #17959594; lisek, #17995456].
Where can I get a valid eMMC dump ("batch file")?
Sony keeps images in service cloud, but users share donor dumps—e.g., a 5.7 GB KDL-50W805C image on Google Drive [Elektroda, lisek, post #18036558] Always match panel type and board version.
Will a dump from a different screen size boot my TV?
Usually yes; 43–55 inch C-series share the BMX2 board. After first boot the TV downloads model-specific firmware. Edge-case: mismatched LVDS map may show no backlight until update completes [Elektroda, lisek, post #17719737]
Do the CPU and eMMC need to be paired at factory?
Sony does not cryptographically pair them on this chassis. A cleanly programmed replacement eMMC starts even with a donor CPU, contradicting earlier rumours [Elektroda, GanCegall, post #18000053]
What tools are required to program the new eMMC?
• Hot-air station for BGA153.
• ISP or socket programmer supporting eMMC 5.x (e.g., Easy-JTAG Plus).
• Verified binary dump (~5–6 GB).
• Antistatic rework area. Costs start at €150 for basic programmer kits [Manufacturer spec].
How much does professional board repair cost?
Independent labs in Poland quote PLN 400–700 for eMMC swap and programming—less than half Sony’s PLN 1 600 board-swap price [Service listings 2023].
Is buying a donor mainboard a plug-and-play fix?
Often yes. Install board, power up, let Android boot, then run official firmware update to sync model settings [Elektroda, lisek, post #18036558]
What if the LED never blinks red or green after swap?
Edge-failure: CPU BGA solder voids can mimic eMMC faults. Reflow or reball MT5830BPHJ processor, then retest [Elektroda, GanCegall, post #17691532]
Will copying the dump from TV 1 to TV 2 damage either set?
No. Reading TV 1 with an ISP clip is non-destructive. Writing that image to TV 2 either boots or hangs; you can always rewrite a different dump [Elektroda, GanCegall, post #17995858]
Why does Wi-Fi often fail just before the boot loop starts?
Deteriorating eMMC first corrupts user partitions where Wi-Fi firmware resides; the crash progresses to boot partitions, leading to loops [Android Flash Storage Study 2018].
Can Netflix run after eMMC replacement?
Yes—once you use a clean dump and update to Android 8, Netflix licenses reload successfully [Elektroda, Adam4321, post #18322119]