Monitor Going Black Repeatedly Problem

Question

Dear all,   Thanks for your input about the black screen issue.   I don't know if its a rash of problems... but I've counted 6 other threads in the last month* (same or similar) that mentions monitor problems where the LCD screen is on for a short period of time (20-45 minutes) then goes black with the power button still green... If you turn it off and on again it goes on for about a second.. then goes black again.   I own a Dell 1704FPT Digital Flat Panel Display that has been in use for about 8 months when this problem showed up. (Video card: ATI Radeon X300 SE)   After 6 hours on the phone with 3 different customer support reps (1st - helped but rep forgot to record the case number or system glitch so no record when called back time #2, 2nd - disconnected middle of conversation w/ no call back, 3rd - able to get RMA).   Attempted fixes that did not work included: Installing the latest ATI driver, Installing the Dell Listed ATI driver, trying the monitor on another computer (non-Dell), using the regular video cable rather than the digital cable, trying a known-good monitor cable (both regular and digital), and trying a known-good power cable.   Finally received the refurbished replacement monitor from Dell - and it has the same problem.   Emailed Dell... Not looking forward to replacement #2 after reading the other threads.. especially the 'Repeated 'bad' flat panel monitors (dell)' one* ... but I'll keep my fingers crossed and the forum updated.   Sincerely, Introspective     *1. E172FPb Monitor - Black Screen - http://forum.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_monitor&message.id=52770 2. 1704 FTP, ATI Radeon X600 SE. Screen works for about 20 Mins Then Blanks out! - http://forum.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_monitor&message.id=52706 3. LED Monitor up for a moment, even on self-test, then black - http://forum.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_monitor&message.id=52564 4. Repeated 'bad' flat panel monitors (dell) - http://forum.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_monitor&message.id=52516 5. Anyone else having problems with a 1905FP? - http://forum.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_monitor&message.id=52621 6. monitor has no power? - http://forum.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_monitor&message.id=52670

BrokenMonitor · Answer

I also have the 1704FPT Digital Flat Panel Display with ATI Radeon X300 SE. ... I have the same problem and got horrible support from dell. The monitor blacks out every 15 mins or so and will only come back after i turn the monitor off for a few minutes. I dealt with 4 or 5 'techs' who insisted that all I needed to do was reset the monitor to factory defaults.. Their scripted support is really bad by the way.. Needless to say, the problem did not get fixed. I tried the same things as you Intro. I got the monitor in July but have only used it a handful of times. Meanwhile, my warantee has expired and they told me that they cant help me anymore and that I need to pay to get support.. I am outraged. I complained to them and told them how they used to be a good company with good support who put out good products and stood behind their products.. This is garbage. They sent me a whopping $75 coupon for my troubles. The coupon is non-transferable and isnt valid with any other offers. how stupid, why would i spend more $ on this company? I think a PC company might find a niche if they keep things in U.S. and give a quality product with quality support again, like the good ol days (was that just 5-10 yrs ago?).  If anyone else has this problem, please speak up also, this is unfair robbery. Also, if anyone else may have a solution I would really appreciate it, right now I cant afford a new monitor

CSB4700 · Answer

Same thing here. Just last week my monitor started blacking out at random times. Sometimes it goes for hours without any problem; other times, it blacks out every 30 seconds and I have to keep turning the power button off and on again. It's severely interrupting my work and is unacceptable for a monitor that is less than a year old. I have been in contact with tech support a number of times and have spent many hours going through troubleshooting steps with them. After completing those sessions with Dell a couple of times, it seemed to stabilize and the display was working again -- then as soon as I hung up the phone the problem returned!

I can understand a certain level of initial troubleshooting that needs to be done, but it's obvious from these messages that I am not the only one having this problem. It's time for Dell to look at and solve this problem in a more widespread and acceptable manner.

I just tried the 'chat' support line but it said no techs were available and suggested I email my support request. I have just done that and will see what happens. I'll keep updating as I hear from Dell.

CSB4700 · Answer

Dell is shipping me a new monitor as a result of my latest email to technical support.  It's due to be delivered tomorrow.  Hope this ends the problem, but if it doesn't, I will definitely post here again.

ruinor · Answer

This sounds much like my problem.  My laptop (Inspiron 8600) has recently been having screen problems as well.  When i boot up it makes it about to the WIndows XP loading screen then goes black.  The system is still booting up and what not.  About the only thing that will bring the screen back is rebooting which repeats the process, and goin into a game and alt tabbing out. Also it goes back to being a black screen after about 10 or so seconds.  i am currently using an old monitor to do things.  I am goin to try to get in touch with dell tech support today to get this problem fixed.  Has any one else had their problem fixed yet?

CSB4700 · Answer

You might want to check the Inspiron 8600 community forum instead to see if others have had your same problem.  This thread was describing a common problem with a specific model of flat panel monitor made by Dell.

MrPez · Answer

My 1704FTP flat screen is starting to do the same thing.  It goes black and the green light stays on.  Turning it off an on again helps, but it often goes black a few seconds later.  If I'm lucky it will stay on for a while before doing it again....It's very disruptive!!!  Reading all these posts, I'm not sure what to do... any suggestions?

BrokenMonitor · Answer

If its the same problem that we had, youll need a new monitor. If its under warranty, go ahead and refer them to this post as well as the others related and have them send you a new one. If its not warranteed any more - I think youre out of luck and will have to buy another, if you do decide to go with dell again, make sure you get 3-5 yr warranty with it. Now that so much of Dell's engineering, support and even customer service is outsourced their product and company seems to have gone to shame. Most companies seem to be doing simalar or same... I would think that some huge company will see this problem and fill a needed niche of quality product and service ALL IN U.S.! Good luck

bj2000 · Answer

I have the same monitor and basically same problem although mine won't come back at all except brief flashes. After reading all these posts I thought I could get replacement since it was under 3 years old. Was told that only applies if you bought the monitor separately. Since it was part of the whole package it falls under 1 year. I said "what's the difference, the monitor is still the same." I guess I'm out of luck. Does anyone have any suggestions on a GOOD, RELIABLE brand.

PS- I contacted Dell again and spoke with a differant person and was told the monitor does have 3 year warranty. Within 3 days I got a refurbished E176FBc. So far it is working good.

Message Edited by bj2000 on 08-09-200605:47 AM

HPEng · Answer

mmm. I have the same problem. Dell sent me a replacement monitor about six months ago after my first one packed up. The new one panned out after about 1 hour, screen brightens for a moment and then goes black. I thought maybe I need to Upgrade my MOBO (VGA connection)as How could DELL possibly send me a faulty Screen. I finally got around to replacing the MOBO and Graphics card to a DVI connection. Problem still remains,. After about 1 hour Use screen brightens and then goes black. I have to switch off the monitor and alow it to cool down, Then OK for another Hour.Have reconfigured all graphic resources to Minimum settings. Monitor does not feel Hot to touch and I am working in a cool room. When I re-contacted DEll they replied after 3 Days and a reminder to say 'Oops - your Original system Warranty has now expired- Please Buy a new monitor' I will But It won't be DELL.

DELL-Chris M · Answer

All,

Monitor Warranties

A monitor purchased from the Dell Outlet has a 90 day warranty.

A monitor purchased with a PC, before 12/12/2005, has a 3 year warranty or uses the longer PC warranty.

A monitor purchased with a PC, on/after 12/12/2005, uses the length of the PC warranty (90 days, 1 year, 2 year, etc).

A monitor purchased by itself has a 3 year warranty based off of the PPID number (example CN0Y4299716185CLAESR).

Monitors

Monitor Going Black Repeatedly Problem

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