Monitor turns on for ~1 second, then goes blank?

[etherealfocus]

Weird thing. My gf called me a while back complaining that her monitor wasn't working right. I picked it up today and checked it out and it works fine for a second or so plugged into my laptop's VGA or HDMI port - then it goes blank. The power light stays blue so it's not going to sleep and it shows my desktop for a second or so, so the backlight isn't dead.

Ideas? It's still under a labor warranty but the parts warranty is up, and I don't relish the idea of paying for shipping on this thing and then eating whatever they feel like charging me for parts.

 

[C1]

Download and read the user manual for that specific model as there may a monitor menu setting available.

Another thing to try is to turn the monitor on while it is connected to the computer (where you get the 1 sec PIX), then remove and reinsert the video cable connector, hoping that the monitor auto senses the signal.

I suppose that it's possible that the monitor circuitry is shutting down the display because there is an internal circuitry problem (eg, CCFL over current protection).

 

[AnonymouseUser]

It's dying, so you have to decide if you want to replace it, repair it yourself, or send it in for repairs. Doing it yourself isn't that expensive or hard (I've repaired two), but you do need the right parts and tools.

What's the make and model?

 

[Dahak]

I had a samsung monitor die like that, it started out where it was difficult to turn on and then eventually it would barley turn on and stay on.

One thing is if you are connecting it to a laptop make sure you have select the mirror mode output on the laptop fn+(function key) usually on the top. or if you are using windows 7 hit winkey+P and select duplicate.

On some laptops they do not stay in the duplicate/mirror mode after you unhook the external monitor

But by the sound of it its dying.

 

[etherealfocus]

I'm actually running Windows 8. The monitor works for ~1 second whether I use Mirror or Extend, and it shows properly for that period. I have a selection of screwdrivers and pliers and such, but it sounds like several things could be wrong. Is there an easy way to diagnose bad backlight vs tripping overvolt protection vs ...?

I'll post the model # when I get home tonight. In the meantime, it's a Hannspree 25" with dual HDMI - I think that narrows it down to like 3 near-identical models.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Here's a $13 repair kit for one of the Hannspree 25" dual HDMI monitors (note: it may or may not be the same as yours, don't buy this without verifying model numbers). It includes all of the commonly failing capacitors for the power supply, desoldering wick, and solder. All you need is a soldering iron with ability to use it, and be able to disassemble and reassemble the monitor.

 

[Steltek]

Sounds like a failing LCD inverter to me. I've replaced a few in various laptops before (Dells, mostly), but never in a monitor.

I do know that the laptop inverters used to run from $8-$15 dollars on eBay. If you can identify the parts, you might be able to fix it yourself. Of course, if you open it up you'll probably void your labor warranty, so you might want to call for an estimate before you do it.

 

[etherealfocus]

Sounds like a plan. I'll make the call tomorrow morning.

 

[Matt1970]

Sounds like a failing LCD inverter to me. I've replaced a few in various laptops before (Dells, mostly), but never in a monitor.

I do know that the laptop inverters used to run from $8-$15 dollars on eBay. If you can identify the parts, you might be able to fix it yourself. Of course, if you open it up you'll probably void your labor warranty, so you might want to call for an estimate before you do it.

I second that.