Monitor often goes dark

Hi, I have an LG 20" Flatron monitor W2053TQV. It has developed some quirks that I hope can be fixed. It is connected by a DVI cord and has the same behavior on multiple computers.

It does 2 probably related things. The screen will start to dim in flashes and in 15 to 30 seconds will turn blank/dark. If it then whack the top right corner, the picture returns in fine shape. This could repeat in 5 minutes or 5 hours, no rhyme or reason to it. I have jiggled the connectors to no benefit. The other thing it does is sometimes just go blank without warning, In that case, I have to turn it off and then back on. Usually, it returns in fine shape.

So, is this worth trying to fix? Also, I thought a loose connection may be at fault so I looked at removing the rear cover and, honestly, for being quite handy, I could not find a way to open it up! Not a screw in sight.

Your advice would be most appreciated.

 

Hi Evan,

I will try those ideas. The computer doesn't have a VGA output but the monitor has the input. I use the DVI input and I tried using the VGA input with an adapter but it didn't work. I presumed that was because the cable is DVI-D and not DVI-I. So, I have to change that cable out. No HDMI input.

The fact that whacking it works, tends to indicate that it is a mechanical issue, though.

I will be back later. Thanks!

 

Well, something physical anyway. A failing component (or cold solder joint) may have a tiny micro-fracture that is aggravated (expands) by heat. Giving it a whack may allow the circuit to complete - if not time to cool and contract again.

That monitor came out in 2009 with a recommended price of $210. Today, there are dozens of 24" widescreen monitors that offer considerably better image quality and performance for less than $200.

Unless you can do the repairs yourself, it is not cost effective to take it to a shop. So I say use this as the perfect excuse to get a new monitor.

 

You can Google LG Flatron repair and there will be several YouTube videos showing disassembly and replacement of bad caps. If you are capable of replacing capacitors then it isn't that hard of a job, but is it worthwhile?

 

That's still the question. If this monitor were newer, and not tiny (by today's standards) then it might be worth it. But with monitor prices for large monitors dropping all the time, I still think not.

 

Size constraints max at 21.5 ". I am shopping around as we speak. Thanks

 

What is restricting the size?

 

My "desk" and its multiple functions

 

Well, I have a similar problem because my desk includes a hutch. But understand with a little research, you can find monitors with height adjustment in their stands.

My 22" widescreen Samsung monitors easily fit under the 19 inch clearance and the stands still are not at their lowest. In fact, my 24" widescreen monitor/TV easily fits under that clearance too.