Built-in Diagnostics, Common Problems

NOTE: Self-test feature check is not available for S-Video, Composite, and Component video modes.

Built-in Diagnostics

Your monitor has a built-in diagnostic tool that helps you determine if the screen abnormality you are experiencing is an inherent problem with your monitor, or with your computer and video card.

NOTE: You can run the built-in diagnostics only when the video cable is unplugged and the monitor is in self-test mode.

To run the built-in diagnostics:

1.Ensure that the screen is clean (no dust particles on the surface of the screen).

2.Unplug the video cable(s) from the back of the computer or monitor. The monitor then goes into the self-test mode.

3.Press and hold the Button 1 and Button 4 on the front panel simultaneously for 2 seconds. A gray screen appears.

4.Carefully inspect the screen for abnormalities.

5.Press the Button 4 on the front panel again. The color of the screen changes to red.

6.Inspect the display for any abnormalities.

7.Repeat steps 5 and 6 to inspect the display in green, blue, black, white 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.

Common Problems

The following table contains general information about common monitor problems you might encounter and the possible solutions.

Common Symptoms	What You Experience		Possible Solutions
No Video/Power LED off	No 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.

No Video/Power LED on	No picture or no brightness	•	Increase brightness & contrast controls via OSD.
		•	Perform monitor self-test feature check.
		•	Check for bent or broken pins in the video cable connector.
		•	Ensure that the correct input source is selected via the Input Source Select menu.
		•	Run the built-in diagnostics.

Poor Focus	Picture is fuzzy, blurry, or	•	Perform Auto Adjust via OSD.
	ghosting	•	Adjust the Phase and Pixel Clock controls via OSD.
		•	Eliminate video extension cables.
		•	Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.
		•	Change the video resolution to the correct aspect ratio (16:9).

Shaky/Jittery Video	Wavy picture or fine movement	•	Perform Auto Adjust via OSD.
		•	Adjust the Phase and Pixel Clock controls via OSD.
		•	Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.
		•	Check environmental factors.
		•	Relocate the monitor and test in another room.

Missing Pixels	LCD screen has spots	•	Cycle power on-off.
		•	Pixel that is permanently off is a natural defect that can occur in LCD technology.
		For more information on Dell Monitor Quality and Pixel Policy, see Dell Support site at:
		support.dell.com.
Stuck-on Pixels	LCD screen has bright spots	•	Cycle power on-off.
		•	Pixel that is permanently off is a natural defect that can occur in LCD technology.
		For more information on Dell Monitor Quality and Pixel Policy, see Dell Support site at:
		support.dell.com.
Brightness Problems	Picture too dim or too bright	•	Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.
		•	Auto Adjust via OSD.
		•	Adjust brightness & contrast controls via OSD.

Geometric Distortion	Screen not centered correctly	•	Reset the monitor to Factory Settings.

Dell 857-10569 manual Built-in Diagnostics, Common Problems, Support.dell.com

Built-in Diagnostics

Common Problems

Common Symptoms

What You Experience

Possible Solutions

support.dell.com.