2 of my 3 CRT monitors that I have both very quickly developed a strange problem. Both monitors have exactly the same symptoms. Monitor 1 is a ViewSonic A70 17" CRT Monitor, and Monitor 2 is a Gateway MV900 17" CRT Monitor. They both have times when they will click and the monitor will go dim for a split second while it clicks. Every CRT monitor that I've seen always does this every once in awhile but it normally happens once every few months. It's happened with Monitor 1 3 times in the past day. It happens with Monitor 2 every few minutes. Another monitor I have works fine. What's going on here and can this be fixed? Thanks for any input. WinSimple Software

I've noticed the clicking with some older models when changing resolution (screen area). I think it's a relay but never confirmed that. It doesn't seem like you'd be having that problem unless you have a video utility that changes the resolution 'on the fly' or are running some software that changes it to suit its needs.

Thanks for your reply. It happens during normal use. It's a different click than when changing the resoulution. I wish I could figure out if this is fixable or not or if it's time to shell out for new monitors. WinSimple Software

In my experience, it is common for CRT monitors to "click" once or twice during a normal system bootup as the signal from the PC switches from BIOS/initial bootscreen to operating system output. This indicates to me that the clicking coincided with interruption of the output signal. Now in your case you have confirmed by using another good monitor that in normal use there is no signal break. That indicates to me that the monitors themselves have developed some fault in the signal circuitry. Possibly just a loose connection in the VGA plug or maybe something deeper such as failing internal powersupply or other failing component. I'm not a technician so am purely guessing here. In any event, it isn't advisable to mess about with CRT monitor internals as they can retain lethal voltages even after being disconnected from power. Unless they are covered by warranty I suggest you replace them. Repairing CRT's is rarely cost-effective. Goin' Fishin' (Some day)

I figured that would be the advice. It's a shame that 2 of my monitors would do the exact thing. Oh well. Thanks guys! WinSimple Software

Check your household AC current. If the voltage falls a CRT may dim or go black. I don't know about the clicking. High usage appliances can cause momentary drops in voltage when they first start. AC, frig, freezer, washer, dryer, etc. Connect a volt meter to the circuit and monitor it for drops that coincide with the monitor behavior.

Thanks for the input, very appreciated. I don't have a voltmeter, but been wanting to get one for awhile, but I do know that when this happens the lights don't flicker or anything, and there is nothing plugged into the same circuit that could take a voltage that could cause the monitor behaviour. I bought Monitor 1 used a year ago and use it everyday and it's never done this but only once in a long while like I've seen other monitors behave. I haven't bought anything electric either that could cause a voltage drop. Certainly everyone that's responded here has heard every CRT monitor click once in awhile and seen the picture dim and then come back very quickly during normal operation. I've used many CRT monitors during my experience with PCs and every single one of them has done what I've described at one time or another. The difference between these 2 monitors is that it does it too often in my opinion. WinSimple Software