Troubleshooting the Monitor
Modern monitors are especially robust and in most cases, you would upgrade the PC before thinking of changing the monitor. Troubleshooting is relatively easier than the rest of the PC for the simple reason that it is an independent ‘box’ with no user-serviceable parts.Warning
Do not try to open the monitor yourself. There are high voltages inside, and it is best left to a monitor professional who knows what he is doing.
There’s no power to the monitor
Cause 1: There actually is no power being supplied to the monitor.
Solution 1: By far the most common mistake people make is to forget to check the power cables! Sometimes, when monitors are moved around, the power connectors come off or become loose. Plug all cables in tight and check if the power returns. If it is connected to a UPS or stabiliser, check if there is power supply from that unit. Also check the power cable; try using another cable which you know works, to see if power is restored.
Cause 2: If the power cables are plugged in and there is still no power, the problem is more serious. It could mean that a fuse has blown, or there is a more serious problem with the CRT (Cathode Ray Tube).
Solution 2: If the fuse is accessible from the casing of the monitor, replace it and check. If the fuse blows again, or if it still doesn’t power up, you have a problem with the electrical circuitry inside the monitor. Your only option is to take it in for repairs.
The LED on the monitor glows but the screen is blank
Cause 1: A black screen is displayed.
Solution 1: Another common mistake. Check the brightness and contrast settings. Sometimes the settings are turned way down, giving you a blank screen. Also try the other display controls if changing the brightness and contrast don’t seem to work.
Cause 2: The monitor is incompatible with the PC or the CRT is dead.
Solution 2: If the monitor is being connected to the PC for the first time, it could be that you have a monitor that is incompatible with your PC. Check if the monitor works on another PC. If the monitor doesn’t work on that PC either, then it is most likely some sort of internal failure in the monitor and you will have to get it repaired, if possible. Otherwise, you’ll have to go in for a new monitor.
Cause 3: There might be a problem with the signal between the PC and the monitor.
Solution 3: In most modern monitors, if there is no signal from the video card, there should be a message on the screen saying something like “No Signal.” Absence of any message, however, does not rule out the possibility of a problem with the cable between the monitor and PC. If the monitor works with another PC and the signal cable is detachable (most monitors have the signal cable integrated with the monitor), use a different signal cable.If the signal cable is not detachable you might have to take it in for repairs. Check the other possible problems before you do so. If there is still no picture then this would point to some problem with the video card.
The monitor is producing a high-pitched whine
Cause: This is often noticed in cheaper monitors, and it will become more pronounced with age.
Solution: Try adjusting the brightness and contrast controls, this may reduce the noise somewhat. You can also try ignoring the noise and let it merge with the background, like the hum from your TV. If it is bothersome, take it to repair shop; there might be some components that can be changed to reduce the noise.
The screen is totally white or grey in colour
Cause: There is no signal from the video card.
Solution: Check the signal cable as explained above.
The display is too bright or dim; the contrast is too high or low
Cause: The brightness and contrast settings may not be set correctly. The CRT may be wearing out.
Solution: Check the brightness and contrast settings. As the CRT ages, the screen will start to dim. In some cases, your repair shop may be able to tweak the monitor to improve the brightness. Change the lighting in the room so that there is no direct light falling on the monitor. Turn off the monitor when not in use. In any case, this might well be an indication of age catching up with the monitor—time to go shopping!
The screen has a bluish, greenish or purplish tint
Cause: This is usually caused by a break in one of the three colour signals between the video card and the monitor. The problem is especially common in older monitors, and is caused by heat stresses that break the connections between the cable and the circuit board inside the monitor.
Solution: Check the signal cable for kinks, frays and other signs of wear and tear. If the cable is not integrated, have it replaced, else take the monitor to the repair shop and they should replace it for you at very little cost.
The screen twists with wavy lines and the picture bends
Cause: This is caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI) from some other appliance such as a fan, motor, or even other monitors, either very close to the monitor or on the same power circuit.
Solution: Move the other appliance out of range of the monitor or off the same power circuit. If the symptom continues, there could be an EMI problem with the monitor itself. Have it checked at the repair shop.
Images are blurred
Cause: This may be a problem with the display settings of the monitor, or with the signal cable
Solution: Adjust the display. There might be an option called ‘Focus’ or ‘Sharpness’. Adjust that setting. If that doesn’t work, check the cable and its connection to the PC.
There is some irregular discoloration along the edges of the screen
Cause: This is caused by the magnetisation of the metallic elements on the surface of the CRT. The magnetisation happens because of EMI or due to sudden knocks to the body.
Solution: Cycle through the display controls and select the Degauss option. Degaussing is the process of demagnetising the CRT.
The image disappears and reappears randomly
Cause: This most probably points to an electrical fault.
Solution: Check all the cable connections as well as the video card. The electrical fault may be internal to the monitor; get it checked at a repair shop.
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