Short Answer: Swollen electrolytic capacitors lose capacitance and increase equivalent series resistance (ESR), causing voltage ripple that confuses or damages circuits.
Detailed: Electrolytic capacitors dry out over time. Signs of failure:
Bulging top (pressure vent pushed outward)
Leaking brown/black electrolyte
Rust-colored residue on circuit board
Effects on circuit:
| Symptom | What's happening |
|---|---|
| Device randomly restarts | Voltage drops below regulator threshold |
| Loud buzzing from speakers | Power supply ripple |
| LCD flickering | Unstable backlight voltage |
| Device works cold, fails hot | ESR increases with temperature |
Fix: Replace all capacitors of the same series (not just the swollen one). Use low-ESR, 105°C rated caps for power supplies.
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