CRTs store lethal voltages even when disconnected from the mains. I suggest you don't work on them unless you have experience and suitable equipment.
Horizontal deflection shutting down repairfaq.orgConfirm that the horizontal deflection is shutting down along with the high voltage if it is derived from horizontal deflection: listen for the high pitched deflection whine (NTSC/PAL/CGA), test for static on the screen, see if the CRT filaments are lit, turn up the brightness and/or screen control to see if you can get a raster. Some possibilities:
- Power is failing to the horizontal output transistor - this could be due to a low voltage power supply problem, bad connection, etc.
- Base drive to the horizontal output transistor is failing - could be a fault in the horizontal oscillator or bad connection.
- Problem with the flyback transformer or its secondary loads (flyback may provide other power voltages).
- X-ray protection is activating - either due to excess HV or due to a fault in the X-ray protection circuitry.
If the problem comes and goes erratically it sounds like a bad connection, especially if whacking has an effect. If it comes and goes periodically, then a component could be heating up and failing, then cooling, etc.
Horizontal squashedA very narrow picture may indicate problems with the power supply to the horizontal deflection circuits, incorrect scan rate selection or defective components, faulty deflection yoke, or bad connections.
If the size is erratic and/or gently whacking the monitor makes the width change, bad connections are likely. See the section: Monitor manufacturing quality and cold solder joints.
Confirm that your video card is running at the proper scan rate - particularly that it is not violating the monitor's specifications. An excessive horizontal scan rate is a common cause of a reduced width raster. Try its software setup adjustments as these may have been lost.
Beyond this, a schematic will probably be needed to isolate the fault.