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Monitor and video problems

Use this information to solve monitor and video problems.

Some IBM monitors have their own self-tests. If you suspect a problem with your monitor, see the documentation that comes with the monitor for instructions for testing and adjusting the monitor. If you cannot diagnose the problem, call for service.

  • Follow the suggested actions in the order in which they are listed in the Action column until the problem is solved.
  • See Parts listing, Lenovo System x3550 M3 Type 4254 and 7944 to determine which components are customer replaceable units (CRU) and which components are field replaceable units (FRU).
  • If an action step is preceded by (Trained service technician only), that step must be performed only by a Trained service technician.
  • Go to the IBM support website at Lenovo Data Center Support to check for technical information, hints, tips, and new device drivers or to submit a request for information.
SymptomAction
Testing the monitor.
  1. Make sure that the monitor cables are firmly connected.
  2. Try using a different monitor on the server, or try using the monitor that is being tested on a different server.
  3. Run the diagnostic programs. If the monitor passes the diagnostic programs, the problem might be a video device driver.
  4. (Trained service technician only) Replace the system board.
The screen is blank.
  1. If the server is attached to a KVM switch, bypass the KVM switch to eliminate it as a possible cause of the problem: connect the monitor cable directly to the correct connector on the rear of the server.
  2. The IMM remote presence function is disabled if you install an optional video adapter. To use the IMM remote presence function, remove the optional video adapter.
  3. Make sure that:
    • The server is turned on. If there is no power to the server, see Power problems.
    • The monitor cables are connected correctly.
    • The monitor is turned on and the brightness and contrast controls are adjusted correctly.
  4. Make sure that the correct server is controlling the monitor, if applicable.
  5. Make sure that damaged server firmware is not affecting the video; see Updating the firmware.
  6. Observe the checkpoint LEDs on the system board; if the codes are changing, go to step 6.
  7. Replace the following components one at a time, in the order shown, restarting the server each time:
    1. Monitor
    2. Video adapter (if one is installed)
    3. (Trained service technician only) System board.
  8. See Solving undetermined problems.
The monitor works when you turn on the server, but the screen goes blank when you start some application programs.
  1. Make sure that:
    • The application program is not setting a display mode that is higher than the capability of the monitor.
    • You installed the necessary device drivers for the application.
  2. Run video diagnostics (see Running the diagnostic programs).
    • If the server passes the video diagnostics, the video is good; see Solving undetermined problems.
    • (Trained service technician only) If the server fails the video diagnostics, replace the system board.
The monitor has screen jitter, or the screen image is wavy, unreadable, rolling, or distorted.
  1. If the monitor self-tests show that the monitor is working correctly, consider the location of the monitor. Magnetic fields around other devices (such as transformers, appliances, fluorescents, and other monitors) can cause screen jitter or wavy, unreadable, rolling, or distorted screen images. If this happens, turn off the monitor.
    Attention
    Moving a color monitor while it is turned on might cause screen discoloration.

    Move the device and the monitor at least 305 mm (12 in.) apart, and turn on the monitor.

    Note
    1. To prevent diskette drive read/write errors, make sure that the distance between the monitor and any external diskette drive is at least 76 mm (3 inch).
    2. Non-IBM monitor cables might cause unpredictable problems.
  2. Reseat the monitor cable.
  3. Replace the components listed in step 2 one at a time, in the order shown, restarting the server each time:
    1. Monitor cable
    2. Video adapter (if one is installed)
    3. Monitor
    4. (Trained service technician only) System board.
Wrong characters appear on the screen.
  1. If the wrong language is displayed, update the server firmware to the latest level (see Updating the firmware) with the correct language.
  2. Reseat the monitor cable.
  3. Replace the components listed in step 2 one at a time, in the order shown, restarting the server each time:
    1. Monitor cable
    2. Video adapter (if one is installed)
    3. Monitor
    4. (Trained service technician only) System board.