My tech solved the problem by replacing the display with an LG (I think) display, required a special cable to attach the new screen, replaced the battery as it was an older version and the system works fine $350 and saves a lot of hastle of replacing the unit. Claims the problem really results from older batteries swelling up, touching the display and overheating the screen...
Surface Pro 4 Screen Flickers
I have the same problem as many other Microsoft users (summarized below)
What is Microsoft's solution to resolve the Surface Pro 4 flickering screen?
ISSUE
Due to the pandemic, I now need to work remotely and use this Surface for 8 or more hours each day. The first full day was a surprise when my screen started flickering. I see that Microsoft knew about this issue and arranged to extend the warranty to 3 years. Unfortunately, my Surface Pro 4 is just past the 3 years. I feel that since my Surface was registered when I bought it that Microsoft should have notified me that my Surface was in the batch of known hardware defects. Had I known about this issue, I would have taken care of this issue immediately. Instead, I was left to discover this on my own over time. Now, Microsoft support has offered to replace my Surface with a used certified Surface for an additional $599.99 with only a 90 day warranty. I don't really want to spend an additional $599.99 but I will if I have to so I can continue to get some work done. I have 2 issues with this, one is that Microsoft had my contact information from my registered device and never contacted me to say I had this known hardware issue and second is that after I spend $599.99 I will get a used device with only a 90 warranty.
1) What is Microsoft's resolution to this?
2) How do we implement the solution during the COVID-19 crisis?
Surface | Surface Pro | Display and screen
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122 answers
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Anonymous
2021-09-29T01:24:05+00:00 -
Anonymous
2021-02-09T13:50:09+00:00 We start a hashtag on all social media platforms until they listen. If it trends long enough they will respond. It is damaging for them to be seen to be ignoring their clients. They will listen. Too bad most people just pay. Tweeted them about it and i have never gotten even a courtesy response. Smh
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Anonymous
2020-08-23T23:59:58+00:00 My experience almost exactly mirrors Samuel Felix's with my 3 year + 3 month old Surface Pro 4. Have followed every protocol, including reimaging via a USB recovery drive, and the flickering/scrambling persists. Have spoken three times to Microsoft Surface Support with very disappointing results. I have no intention of spending $599.99 for a replacement Surface Pro 4 with a 90 day guarantee. Microsoft has been sending me emails for their store and "tips" on using my Surface Pro 4 for my entire ownership period, so they knew we had purchased their defective computers. Instead of assuming ownership and responsibility for "flickergate", they give us corporate nonfeasance!!! Extremely disappointed and angry!!!!
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Anonymous
2020-06-16T03:27:48+00:00 Microsoft is aware and yet they opt to adopt a "silence is golden" stance! What a shame for a large reputable organisation. They do not have the courage of the motor industry where recalls are done even for very old models. Then again, Microsoft's may view this screen-freeze issue as not "life threatening".
Stay away from Microsoft laptops!
One thing I have observed though. The Surface Pro 4 behaves itself so long as you are operating on battery mode without the charger plugged in and switched on. Get it fully charged when it is powered down. Attempting to charge it when the battery depletes whilst still using it will almost guarantee a screen flicker problem and the screen will "freeze" in minutes.
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Anonymous
2020-05-20T15:17:16+00:00 I just noticed the same problem. A few months over the 3 years. And now forced to spend 600 $ is not acceptable for a manufacturer issue.
And the 90 day warranty after spending the money on a refurbished device is a joke!
Hopefully Microsoft will come around and provide a feasible solution.