I have the newest iteration of the MBA and recently when I am using the clamshell mode with my Viewsonic monitor, the screen randomly blacks out for a second. What could be the issue?

Question

I have the newest iteration of the MBA and recently when I am using the clamshell mode with my Viewsonic monitor, the screen randomly blacks out for a second. What could be the issue?

Viewsonic Model # VS13518

On another note, when I first activate my monitor when my laptop is all hooked up, I get a snowy picture for about 9-13 seconds and then the picture shows fine. Recently, I've been having these random black/blank screens for about 3-5 seconds where I can't see my screen and then it just reappears like nothing happened. It's really frustrating because I have no idea what it could be? the cable? monitor? or laptop?

MacBook Air (13-inch Mid 2013), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.4)

Posted on Mar 5, 2014 11:59 AM

Reply

Answer 1

sheila_m.

Community Specialist

Mar 7, 2014 6:19 AM in response to NinoStudent13

Hello NinoStudent13,

Thank you for the details of the issue you are experiencing with your external display.

I found an article with steps to troubleshoot issues with displays. This article is for internal and external displays, so you can skip any steps referring to the internal display. I recommend reviewing the section titled "No video or no signal, image distortion, 'snow,' or flickering" in the article below. I recommend reviewing the full article, but the following steps specifically stands out to me for the situation you are experiencing:

Reset the system

You can reset the Mac's parameter RAM and SMC.

You can find the full article here:

Apple computers: Troubleshooting issues with video on internal or external displays

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1573

Thank you for posting in the Apple Support Communities.

Best,

Sheila M.

Reply