We recently purchased a used panasonic CT-36SL14, manufactured in March of 2004.

In the beginning the set would not power on. We noticed that a fuse had been pulled, and we replaced it.

While the cover was off, we noticed that there was an 8 pin white connector that was disconnected. It appeared to be disconnected from a circuit board attached to the back of the picture tube. We reconnected this connector.

The set then powered on, but will almost immediately begin making a clicking noise that sounds very much like a vehicle turn signal.

We have picture of sorts, but the set is currently in our garage, and so does not have an antennae or cable hooked up to it. We expected to get snow, we did not. What we do have are horizontal pale green and light purple lines. Not being an expert I would describe them as snow, if snow had been digitized into green and purple lines. The lines move, flicker, etc as snow would. After approximately 6 seconds, the screen goes black, and the clicking noise mentioned above begins.

When this happens we cannot change channels, turn off the set, or use any of the front panel controls. The set must be unplugged in order to shut it off.

Any pointers as to solutions would be much appreciated.

Sounds like you bought a set with a tube short. there are things you could try but unless you have tools and skills in modifying the boards and picking what and where to cut, its not for you.