How to Run a Diagnostic Test on a Dell Monitor

Running a diagnostic test on the monitor helps identify if the Dell monitor is functioning correctly when you notice display issues. Run a diagnostic test when you notice a display such as:

• The display is blank or a black screen
• The image is fuzzy, blurry, or distorted
• The display is flickering
• The color is faded on the display
• The display has horizontal or vertical lines
• There is color banding on the display
• There are bubbles on the screen, or other display-related issues.

Table of contents

1. Integrated Self-Test (BIST) also called Built-in Diagnostics (BID)
2. Self-Test Feature Check (STFC)
3. Display Maintenance Guidelines
4. Safety Instructions
5. Frequently Asked Questions

Running a diagnostic test on the Dell monitor helps identify if the issue is an inherent problem with the Dell monitor.

If the diagnostic test has passed, learn How to Troubleshoot Display or Video Issues on a Dell Monitor.

Are you looking for help with running a diagnostic test on the LCD panel of a Dell laptop? Learn How to Run the LCD Built-in Self-Test on a Dell Laptop.

Integrated Self-Test (BIST) also called Built-in Diagnostics (BID)

Dell monitors are equipped with an integrated diagnostic tool that helps determine if the screen abnormality is an inherent problem with the Dell monitor.

You must run the integrated self-test (BIST) or built-in diagnostics (BID) when you notice screen abnormalities like flickering, distortion, clarity issues, fuzzy or blurry image, horizontal or vertical lines, color fade, distorted image.

1. Browse to Dell.com/support/manuals.
2. Identify your Dell monitor:
   1. Enter the model number or Service Tag of the monitor, and then click Search.
   2. Or, click Browse all products, select Electronics & Accessories, select Monitors & Accessories, and then select your Dell monitor from the catalog.
3. Under the Documentation tab, scroll to the Manuals and Documents section and click View PDF next to the monitors' User Guide.
4. In the User Guide, under the Troubleshooting section, scroll to the Built-in diagnostics page.
5. Follow the instructions to run the integrated self-test on the Dell monitor.
6. If the screen abnormality is not present in the integrated self-test mode, see the Dell knowledge base article How to Troubleshoot Display or Video Issues on a Dell Monitor.
7. If the screen abnormality is present in the integrated self-test mode, contact Dell Technical Support for repair options.

Self-Test Feature Check (STFC)

Dell monitors provide a self-test feature check (STFC) that allows you to check if the Dell monitor is functioning properly as a stand-alone device. If the Dell monitor is connected to a computer, but the monitor screen remains dark or it shows a blank screen, the self-test feature check (STFC) helps verify if the Dell monitor is functioning correctly.

1. Browse to Dell.com/support/manuals.
2. Identify your Dell monitor:
   1. Enter the model number or Service Tag of the monitor, and then click Search.
   2. Or, click Browse all products, select Electronics & Accessories, select Monitors & Accessories, and then select your Dell monitor from the catalog.
3. Under the Documentation tab, scroll to the Manuals and Documents section and click View PDF next to the monitors' User Guide.
4. In the User Guide, under the Troubleshooting section, scroll to the Self-test page.
5. Follow the instructions to run the self-test on the Dell monitor.
6. If the screen abnormality is not present in the self-test feature check mode, learn How to Troubleshoot Display or Video Issues on a Dell Monitor.
7. If the screen abnormality is present in the self-test feature check mode, contact Dell Technical Support for repair options.

Display Maintenance Guidelines

Follow these maintenance guidelines and instructions that are listed below while unpacking, cleaning, or handling a Dell monitor.

• To clean the anti-static screen, we recommend using a special screen-cleaning tissue or solution that is suitable for the anti-static coating on LCD panels.
  CAUTION: Do not use benzene, thinner, ammonia or ammonia-based cleaners, abrasive cleaners or compressed air.
• Use a soft and clean microfiber cloth that is lightly dampened with water to clean the monitor. Avoid using detergents of any kind as they can leave a milky film on the monitor.
• If you notice white powder when you unpack a monitor, wipe it off with a clean microfiber cloth.
• Handle the monitor with care as a darker-colored monitor may get scratched and show white scuff marks more than a lighter-colored monitor.
• While moving the monitor, follow the instructions as described in the User Manual on how to hold the monitor. Do not put pressure directly on the LCD screen as it may cause irreparable cracks.
• To help maintain the best image quality, use a dynamically changing screensaver and turn off the monitor when not in use.

Safety Instructions

For displays with glossy bezels, the user should consider the placement of the display as the bezel may cause disturbing reflections from surrounding light and bright surfaces.

For information about safety instructions, see the Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory Information (SERI).

For FCC notices (US only) and other regulatory information, see the regulatory compliance website at https://www.dell.com/regulatory_compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click to expand the sections below to see more information. Alternatively, click Show all or Hide all, to expand or close all the sections simultaneously.

How to run a diagnostic test on the LCD panel of a Dell laptop?

To run a diagnostic test on the LCD panel of a Dell laptop, see the Dell knowledge base article How to Run the LCD Built-in Self-Test on a Dell Laptop.

How to run the built-in self-test (BIST) on Dell monitors with a joystick?

The instructions to run the built-in self-test (BIST) on Dell monitors with a joystick is available in the User Manual of the Dell monitor.

1. Browse to Dell.com/support/manuals.
2. Identify your Dell monitor:
   1. Enter the model number or Service Tag of the monitor, and then click Search.
   2. Or, click Browse all products, select Electronics & Accessories, Monitors & Accessories, and select your Dell monitor from the catalog.
3. Under the Documentation tab, scroll to the Manuals and Documents section and click View PDF next to the monitors' User Guide.
4. In the User Guide, under the Troubleshooting section, scroll to the Built-in diagnostics page.
5. Follow the instructions to run the integrated self-test on the Dell monitor.
6. If the screen abnormality is not present in the integrated self-test mode, see the Dell knowledge base article How to Troubleshoot Display or Video Issues on a Dell Monitor.
7. If the screen abnormality is present in the integrated self-test mode, contact Dell Technical Support for repair options.

What if the diagnostic test on the Dell monitor passes?

Running a self-test feature check (STFC) or the built-in self-test (BIST) diagnostic on a Dell monitor is always a good practice to isolate LCD or monitor issues.

If the self-test feature check (STFC) or built-in self-test (BIST) diagnostic test passed, this indicates that the Dell monitor is functioning normally. To troubleshoot the display or video issue, see the Dell knowledge base article How to Troubleshoot Display or Video Issues on a Dell Monitor.

If the self-test feature check (STFC) and/or built-in self-test (BIST) diagnostic fails, contact Dell Technical Support for repair options.

How to reset the Dell monitor to factory settings?

The instructions to reset the Dell monitor to factory default settings (also called factory reset) are available in the User Manual of the Dell monitor.

1. Browse to Dell.com/support/manuals.
2. Identify your Dell monitor:
   1. Enter the model number or Service Tag of the monitor, and then click Search.
   2. Or, click Browse all products, select Electronics & Accessories, Monitors & Accessories, and select your Dell monitor from the catalog.
3. Under the Documentation tab, scroll to the Manuals and Documents section and click View PDF next to the monitors' User Guide.
4. In the User Guide, under the Operating the Monitor section, see the Using the On-Screen Display (OSD) Menu.
5. Follow the menu computer to find and use the Factory Reset option in the On-Screen Display Menu.

How to download the User Guide for a Dell monitor?

To view or download the User Guide of your Dell monitor:

1. Browse to Dell.com/support/manuals.
2. Click Browse all products, and then select Electronics and Accessories.
3. Click Monitors & Projectors and then Select Monitors.
4. Identify and select the correct model of the Dell monitor.
5. Go to the Documentation tab, and scroll to the Manuals and Documents section.
6. Click PDF next to the required document.
   • Click More Languages to view the list of available language options (if required).
   • Click PDF next to the preferred choice of language.

NOTE: Most manuals and guides are available in PDF format. A PDF reader (Acrobat Reader) is available for free from Adobe.

For more information and support for your Dell monitor, laptop, or tablet screen, see the Dell Monitor Support site.

Recommended Articles

Here are some recommended articles related to this topic that might be of interest to you.

• How to Run the LCD Built-in Self-Test on a Dell Laptop
• How to Troubleshoot Display or Video Issues on a Dell Monitor
• How to Troubleshoot Display or Video Issues on a Dell Laptop
• How to Troubleshoot Multiple Monitor Issues
• Troubleshooting Flickering Video on Dell Gaming or Alienware Monitors
• Troubleshooting a Flickering Display after a Windows 10 Upgrade
• Dell Display Pixel Guidelines

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