Surface Pro 4, Screen Flickering, Shaking

Anonymous
2017-01-19T07:47:47+00:00

Hi All,

Update: Flickergate is now having a forum to bring all affected users at a single platform to plan for resolvement of issue. Please join at

 https://forum.flickergate.com

UPDATE: Check FlickerGate.com for videos of the problem and to submit your own. 

I purchased SP4 device a few months ago and it was working fine for a month. Then I noticed that when the CPU is at its max, the screen flickers a bit. Investigating further revealed that it flickers even if it is setting idle. It does not flicker if at least one of the following thing is done:

  1. A video being played in browser 
  2. If I keep the touch screen busy by either taping it or keeping a finger on it
  3. If I use the touchpad
  4. If keyboard is used for typing

This resulted in making the device completely unusable while reading articles or ebooks. I am a developer, most of the time I have to read the code and to do that, I have to constantly keep a finger on the touch pad or the screen. I contacted surface support in October and November and was told that the developers are working on the patch. Looking at the updates the developers are pushing since then, I don't think anyone is even aware of the problem there. 

My previous support ticket numbers are:

 ***deleted personally identifiable information***

***deleted personally identifiable information***

Just wondering if anyone else had the same problem (and the fix) and if not, what's the procedure for the refund? I will rather go for a mac then sacrificing $2000+ for a dancing screen.  

Kind Regards,

Abbas

***Personal information deleted by the moderator. Please see the Microsoft Community Frequently Asked Questions for more information on how you can protect your privacy.***

Surface | Surface Pro | Display and screen

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Anonymous
2018-05-11T17:59:00+00:00

Hey Everyone,

Creating the best products and experiences for our customers is our top priority.

We have heard your feedback and after careful examination, have determined that a small percentage of Surface Pro 4 devices are exhibiting a screen flicker that cannot be addressed with a firmware or driver update.

To support customers affected by this issue, we will replace eligible Surface Pro 4 devices for up to three years from the date of purchase, free of charge. If you believe your device is experiencing this issue, please visit our Surface Pro 4 screen flicker article for more details.

Bryan [MSFT]

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-05-12T00:18:04+00:00

    Enfin!   Finally!

    I experienced this problem during 2 weeks, did all the updates and diagnostics without success.  And suddenly, I don't know why it was ok.  But now, I lost confidence in my surface pro 4 and I'm afraid it will come back.  I experienced the problem while I was travelling and using the surface for many hours.  Back home, I don't use so much and I have a second screen.  But I'm lucky I will travel again for long periods to work abroad and will have the time to see if it will be correct.  I still have 9 months to tests.  I kept all the information about the replacement, hoping I will not have to replace because changing a computer is a lot of work when you are a developer with many software to reinstall.  And unfortunately, in Montreal, there is no Microsoft store.

    But I'm happy that Microsoft is taking his responsibility for this problem.

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-05-11T21:31:14+00:00

    Hi Abbas,

    I raised the same problem in my ticket here https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/forum/surfpro4-surfdrivers/flickering-screen-on-surface-pro-4/508775d1-36c7-4d87-9ce1-ac96793f12d5?messageId=5707c9de-83c1-4492-9373-74dc9e970b51

    Today I received a reply suggesting to run the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit (SDT) - to determine if this is a hardware issue.

    Only problem for anyone following this instruction in the US is that as per item 6 of the SDT T&Cs as below - if you agree to this you forgo a host of rights to take action against Microsoft including joining class-action suits.

    I just wanted to highlight this as:

    a) I think it is completely reprehensible to include this in the T&C's and cannot think of a single legitimate reason for doing so (only reason I can think of is to reduce the pool of people available to join class action).

    b) It suggests there is some concern about the potential success of such suits and given the lack of formal response from Microsoft to date then this is something all those affected and potentially able to take action should consider.

    Adam

    Why are companies like CNET continuing to promote Surface Pros and Surface Books and giving highly favourable reviews knowing that there are huge problems with the SP4.  Are they complicit with MS in this?  Are MS paying them to keep quiet?  In Australia this would be regarded as unconscionable conduct which has legal implications for promoters and suppliers.

    The language already existed in the Terms & Conditions when you first powered on the Surface, and in the Standard Limited Warranty & Microsoft Complete Service Contract.

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-05-11T20:50:28+00:00

    please, how to submit ticket ?

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-05-11T20:36:58+00:00

    Juan, es ridiculo. Si no tuvieran oficinas en nuestros paises lo entenderia, pero la oficina de Microsoft en Colombia esta a una cuadra de mi casa y me toca ahora enviarlo a los EEUU, hacer todo el proceso por larga distancia, esperar que me envien uno reparado y hacer algun conocido me lo envie a Colombia... mientras tanto no tendria equipo para trabajar por un mes!!!!

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