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OPERATIONAL DEFECT DATABASE
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Table of Contents: Using the Monitor Self-TestUsing the Built-In DiagnosticsCommon Monitor IssuesProduct Specific IssuesUSB IssuesSoundbar Issues
Using the Monitor Self-Test The monitor provides a self-test feature that allows you to check whether your monitor is functioning properly. If your monitor and computer are properly connected but the monitor screen remains dark, run the monitor self-test by performing the following steps: Turn off both the computer and the monitor.Unplug the video cable from the back of the monitor. To ensure proper Self-Test operation, remove all digital (white DVI connector) and analog (blue VGA connector) cables from the back of the computer.Turn on the monitor. Note: The floating dialog box should appear on-screen (against a black background) if the flat panel display cannot sense a video signal and is working correctly. While in self-test mode, the power LED remains blue. Also, depending upon the selected input, one of the dialogs shown below will continuously scroll through the screen. This box also appears during normal system operation, if the video cable becomes disconnected or damaged. The monitor will enter Power Save Mode after 5 minutes if left at this state.Turn off the flat panel display and reconnect the video cable; then turn on both the computer and the flat panel display. If the flat panel display screen remains blank, or goes to sleep after using the previous procedure, check the video controller and computer, because the flat panel display is functioning properly. Note: Self-test feature check is not available for S-Video, Composite and Component video modes. Top of the Page Using the Built-In Diagnostics The monitor has a built-in diagnostic tool that helps you determine if a problem you are having with the display is a problem with the monitor, your computer, or your video card. Note: You can only run the built-in diagnostics when the video cable is unplugged and the monitor is in self-test mode. To run the built-in diagnostics: Your monitor has a built-in diagnostic tool that helps to determine if the screen abnormality you are experiencing is an inherent problem with the monitor, or with the computer and video card. To run the built-in diagnostics: Ensure that the screen is clean (no dust particles on the surface of the screen).Unplug the video cable(s) from the back of the computer or monitor. The monitor then goes into the self-test mode.Press and hold Button 1 and Button 4 simultaneously for 2 seconds. A gray screen should appear. Carefully inspect the screen for abnormalities.Press Button 4 on the front panel again. The color of the screen should change to red.Inspect the screen for abnormalities.Repeat steps 5 and 6 to inspect the display in green, blue, black, white, and text screens.The test is complete when the white screen appears. To exit, press the Button 4 again. If you do not detect any screen abnormalities upon using the built-in diagnostic tool, the monitor is functioning properly. Check the video card and computer. Top of the Page Common Monitor Issues Common SymptomsWhat You ExperiencePossible SolutionsNo Video/Power LED OffNo Picture Ensure that the video cable connecting the monitor and the computer is properly connected and secure.Verify that the power outlet is functioning properly using any other electrical equipment..Ensure that the power button is depressed fully.Ensure that the correct input source is selected via the Input Source Select button. No Video/Power LED OnNo picture or no brightness Increase the brightness and contrast using the On-Screen Display (OSD) menus.Perform the monitor self-test check.Check for bent or broken pins in the video cable connector.Run the built-in diagnostics.Ensure that the correct input source is selected via the Input Source Select button. Poor FocusPicture is fuzzy, blurry, or ghosting Perform Auto-Adjust using the On-Screen Display (OSD) menus.Adjust the Phase and Pixel Clock controls using the OSD.Avoid using any video extension cables.Reset the monitor to Factory Settings using the OSD. Shaky/Jittery VideoWavy picture or fine movement Check for loose connection. Unplug & reconnect if required.Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.Check environmental factors.Relocate the monitor and try it in another room. Missing PixelsLCD screen has spots Turn the monitor off and back on.Be aware that a pixel that is permanently off is a natural defect that can occur with all LCD technology.For more information on Dell's Monitor Quality and Pixel Policy, go to this article . Stuck-on PixelsLCD screen has bright spots Turn the monitor off and back on.Be aware that a pixel that is permanently stuck on is a natural defect that can occur with all LCD technology.For more information on Dell's Monitor Quality and Pixel Policy, go to this article . Brightness ProblemsPicture too dim or too bright Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.Adjust the brightness and contrast controls using the OSD. Geometric DistortionScreen is not centered correctly Reset the monitor to Factory Settings. Horizontal/Vertical LinesScreen has one or more lines Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.Check for loose connection. Unplug & reconnect if required.Perform monitor self-test feature check to determine if the scrambled screen appears in self-test mode.Check for bent or broken pins in the video cable connector.Run the built-in diagnostics. Synchronization ProblemsScreen is scrambled or appears torn Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.Auto-Adjust using the on-screen display (OSD) menus.Adjust the Phase and Pixel Clock controls using the OSD.Perform monitor self-test feature check to determine if the scrambled screen appears in self-test mode.Check for bent or broken pins in the video cable connector.Restart the computer in safe mode. Safety Related IssuesVisible signs of smoke or sparks Do not perform any troubleshooting steps.Contact Dell Technical Support. Intermittent ProblemsMonitor malfunctions on and off Make sure the video cable connecting the monitor to the computer is connected properly.Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.Perform the monitor self-test feature to determine if the intermittent problems occur in self-test mode. Missing ColorThe picture is missing a color Perform the self-test feature check.Make sure the video cable connecting the monitor to the computer is connected properly.Check for bent or broken pins on the video connector. Wrong ColorPicture has incorrect colors Change the Color Setting Mode in the Color Settings of the OSD to Graphics or Video depending on the application.Try different Color Preset Settings in the Color Settings OSD. Adjust the R/G/B values in Color Settings OSD if Color Management is turned off.Change the Input Color Format to PC RGB or YPbPr in the Advance Settings OSD.Run the built-in diagnostics. Image Retention from a Static Image Left on the ScreenFaint shadow from the static image is visible on the screen Use the Power Management settings to turn off the monitor at all times when not in use.Alternatively, use a dynamically changing screensaver. Top of the Page
Product Specific Issues Specific SymptomsWhat You ExperiencePossible SolutionsScreen Image Is Too SmallImage is centered on screen but does not fill the viewing area Check the Scaling Ration setting in the Image Setting On-Screen Display (OSD) menus.Reset the monitor to Factory Settings. Cannot Adjust the Monitor with the Buttons on the Front PanelOSD menus do not appear on the screen Turn off the monitor, unplug the power cord, plug it back in, and then turn on the monitor.Check whether the OSD menu is locked. If it is, press and hold the button above the power button for 10 seconds to unlock it. No Input Signal when User Controls Are PressedNo picture, the LED is bright blue Check the signal source. Make sure the computer is not in the power saving mode by moving the mouse or pressing a key on the keyboard.Check whether the video cable is plugged in properly. Re-plug the video cable if necessary.Reset the computer or video player. The Picture Does Not Fill the Entire ScreenThe picture does not fill the height or width of the screen If a DVD is being played, check the specifications as some DVDs will only play in full-screen mode.Run the built-in diagnostics. Top of the Page USB Issues Specific SymptomsWhat User ExperiencePossible solutionUSB interface is not workingUSB peripherals are not working Check that your monitor is turned ON. Reconnect the upstream cable to your computer. Reconnect the USB peripherals (downstream connector). Switch off and then turn on the monitor again. Reboot the computer. Some USB devices like external portable HDD require higher electric current; connect the device directly to the computer system. High Speed USB 3.0 interface is slow.High Speed USB 3.0 peripherals working slowly or not working at all Check that your computer is USB 3.0-capable. Some computers have both USB 3.0, USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 ports. Ensure that the correct USB port is used. Reconnect the upstream cable to your computer. Reconnect the USB peripherals (downstream connector). Reboot the computer. Top of the Page Soundbar Issues Common SymptomsWhat users experiencePossible solutionsNo sound for system where the Soundbar draws power from an AC adapterNo power to Soundbar - the power indicator is off Turn the Power/Volume knob on the Soundbar clockwise to the middle position; check if the power indicator (blue LED) on the front of the Soundbar is illuminated.Confirm that the power cable from the Soundbar is plugged into the adapter. No SoundSoundbar has power - power indicator is on Plug the audio line-in cable into the computer's audio out jack.Set all volume controls to their maximum and ensure that the mute option is not enabled.Play some audio content on the computer (example, audio CD, or MP3).Turn the Power/Volume knob on the Soundbar clockwise to a higher volume setting.Clean and reseat the audio line-in plug.Test the Soundbar using another audio source (For example: portable CD player, MP3 player). Distorted SoundComputer's sound card is used as the audio source Clear any obstructions between the Soundbar and the user.Confirm that the audio line-in plug is completely inserted into the jack of the sound card.Set all Windows volume controls to their midpoints.Decrease the volume of the audio application.Turn the Power/Volume knob on the Soundbar counter-clockwise to a lower volume setting.Clean and reseat the audio line-in plug.Troubleshoot the computer's sound card.Test the Soundbar using another audio source (For example: portable CD player, MP3 player).Avoid using an audio cable extension or audio jack converter. Distorted SoundOther audio source is used Clear any obstructions between the Soundbar and the user.Confirm that the audio line-in plug is completely inserted into the jack of the audio source.Decrease the volume of the audio source.Turn the Power/Volume knob on the Soundbar counter-clockwise to a lower volume setting.Clean and reseat the audio line-in plug. Unbalanced Sound OutputSound from only one side of Soundbar Clear any obstructions between the Soundbar and the user.Confirm that the audio line-in plug is completely inserted into the jack of the sound card or audio source.Set all Windows audio balance controls (L-R) to their midpoints.Clean and reseat the audio line-in plug.Troubleshoot the computer's sound card.Test the Soundbar using another audio source (For example: portable CD player, MP3 player). Low VolumeVolume is too low Clear any obstructions between the Soundbar and the user.Turn the Power/Volume knob on the Soundbar clockwise to the maximum volume setting.Set all Windows volume controls to their maximum.Increase the volume of the audio application.Test the Soundbar using another audio source (For example: portable CD player, MP3 player) Top of the Page