Specifications

Adapter and Display Troubleshooting
937
Servicing monitors is a slightly different proposition. Although a display often is replaced as a whole
unit, some displays—particularly 20'' or larger CRTs or most LCD panels—might be cheaper to repair
than to replace. If you decide to repair the monitor, your best bet is to either contact the company
from which you purchased the display or contact one of the companies that specializes in monitor
depot repair. If your CRT monitor has a 15'' diagonal measurement or less, consider replacing it with a
unit that is 17'' or larger because repair costs on small monitors come close to replacement costs and
large monitors aren’t much more expensive these days.
Depot repair means you send in your display to repair specialists who either fix your particular unit or
return an identical unit they have already repaired. This usually is accomplished for a flat-rate fee; in
other words, the price is the same no matter what they have done to repair your actual unit.
Because you usually get a different (but identical) unit in return, they can ship out your repaired dis-
play immediately on receiving the one you sent in, or even in advance in some cases. This way, you
have the least amount of downtime and can receive the repaired display as quickly as possible. In
some cases, if your particular monitor is unique or one they don’t have in stock, you must wait while
they repair your specific unit.
Troubleshooting a failed monitor is relatively simple. If your display goes out, for example, a swap
with another monitor can confirm that the display is the problem. If the problem disappears when
you change the display, the problem is almost certainly in the original display or the cable; if the
problem remains, it is likely in the video adapter or PC itself.
Many of the better quality, late-model monitors have built-in self-diagnostic circuitry. Check your
monitor’s manual for details. Using this feature, if available, can help you determine whether the
problem is really in the monitor, in a cable, or somewhere else in the system. If self diagnostics pro-
duce an image onscreen, look to other parts of the video subsystem for your problem.
The monitor cable can sometimes be the source of display problems. A bent pin in the DB-15 connec-
tor that plugs into the video adapter can prevent the monitor from displaying images, or it can cause
color shifts. Most of the time, you can repair the connector by carefully straightening the bent pin
with sharp-nosed pliers. A loose cable or DVI/VGA adapter can also cause color shifts; tighten the
cable and adapter securely.
If the pin breaks off or the connector is otherwise damaged, you can sometimes replace the monitor
cable. Some monitor manufacturers use cables that disconnect from the monitor and video adapter,
whereas others are permanently connected. Depending on the type of connector the device uses at
the monitor end, you might have to contact the manufacturer for a replacement.
If you narrow down the problem to the display, consult the documentation that came with the moni-
tor or call the manufacturer for the location of the nearest factory repair depot. Third-party depot
repair service companies are also available that can repair most displays (if they are no longer covered
by a warranty); their prices often are much lower than factory service. Check the Vendor List on the
disc for several companies that do depot repair of computer monitors and displays.
Caution
You should never attempt to repair a CRT monitor yourself. Touching the wrong component can be fatal. The display cir-
cuits can hold extremely high voltages for hours, days, or even weeks after the power is shut off. A qualified service per-
son should discharge the cathode ray tube and power capacitors before proceeding.
For most displays, you are limited to making simple adjustments. For color displays, the adjustments
can be quite formidable if you lack experience. Use the OSD controls to adjust color, brightness, pic-
ture size, and other settings. To quickly adjust an LCD, try the auto-tune feature available on many
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