Monitor Problems - IBM x3550 Problem Determination And Service Manual

Monitor 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.
v Follow the suggested actions in the order in which they are listed in the Action column until the problem
is solved.
v See Chapter 3, "Parts listing, Type 7978 and 1913 server," on page 29 to determine which components are
customer replaceable units (CRU) and which components are field replaceable units (FRU).
v If an action step is preceded by "(Trained service technician only)," that step must be performed only by a
trained service technician.
Symptom
Testing the monitor.
The screen is blank.
The monitor works when you
turn on the server, but the
screen goes blank when you
start some application
programs.
Action
1. Make sure that the monitor cables are firmly connected.
2. Try using a different monitor on the server, or try testing the monitor 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. Reseat the Remote Supervisor Adapter II SlimLine (if one is present).
5. Replace the following components one at a time, in the order shown, restarting
the server each time:
a. Remote Supervisor Adapter II SlimLine (if one is present)
b. (Trained service technician only) System board
1. If an external USB hub is in use, disconnect the monitor from the hub and
connect it directly to the server.
2. Make sure that:
v The server is turned on. If there is no power to the server, see "Power
problems" on page 132.
v The monitor cables are connected correctly.
v The monitor is turned on and the brightness and contrast controls are
adjusted correctly.
v No beep codes sound when the server is turned on.
Important: In some memory configurations, the 3-3-3 beep code might sound
during POST, followed by a blank monitor screen. If this occurs and the Boot
Fail Count option in the Start Options of the Configuration/Setup Utility
program is enabled, you must restart the server three times to reset the
configuration settings to the default configuration (the memory connector or
bank of connectors enabled).
3. Make sure that the correct server is controlling the monitor, if applicable.
4. Make sure that damaged BIOS code is not affecting the video; see "Recovering
the BIOS code" on page 156.
5. See "Solving undetermined problems" on page 166.
1. Make sure that:
v The application program is not setting a display mode that is higher than the
capability of the monitor.
v You installed the necessary device drivers for the application.
2. Run video diagnostics (see "Running the diagnostic programs" on page 142).
v If the server passes the video diagnostics, the video is good; see "Solving
undetermined problems" on page 166.
v (Trained service technician only) If the server fails the video diagnostics,
replace the system board.
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Chapter 5. Diagnostics