Surface Pro 3 dock not detecting external monitor

After months of perfectly normal operation, I started having similar issues about a month ago and have tried most of the fixes reported in this thread (still need to try the manual download of firmware; although, Device Manager says everything up to date).  Microsoft has contacted me several times and sent a new dock (no success).  They called again recently and are talking about sending a new SP3.  It doesn't seem like a SP3 hardware problem to me b/c everything works if undocked or if monitor plugged directly into the SP3.  Although still unsatisfactory, here is a work around that works for me:  Prior to shut down undock, then shut down while undocked (this is critical), I leave undocked while shut down (don't know if this step is critical if you need to charge while shut down), start up while undocked (this, again, is critical), when SP3 up and running, dock, the peripheral monitor (set as primary) comes on and all is "well."  Of course, still expecting MS comes up with a permanent fix...

HI Everyone...had some similar issues with a dual monitor display that would not work.  I fiddled around and found it that I could NOT get all 3 screens (SP3, Monitor  1, and Monitor 2 to fire all at once.  The best I could manage was to get the two monitors to work which is what I needed most although I lose the touch screen part on the SP3.  HEre is how i fixed the problem and got both monitors working: 

1. First, sweep left to right to find the charms menu and select Devices > Project > Second Screen Only.  What this does is get the surface to look at the monitors...  Finally...I saw an option for firing both monitors 2 and 3.
2. Next --  sweep to get the charms menu.  The set PC Settings > Display > Multiple displays to Extend Desktop to this display.  You want it to only read 2-3 as your dual monitors are the 2 and 3^rd^ monitors.

After months of perfectly normal operation, I started having similar issues about a month ago and have tried most of the fixes reported in this thread (have not manually downloaded and installed drivers, but Device Manager says everything up to date).  Microsoft has contacted me several times and sent a new dock (no success).  They called again recently and are talking about sending a new SP3.  It doesn't seem like a SP3 hardware problem to me b/c everything works if undocked or if monitor plugged directly into the SP3.  Although still unsatisfactory, here is a work around that works for me:  Prior to shut down undock, then shut down while undocked (this is critical), I leave undocked while shut down (don't know if this step is critical if you need to charge while shut down), start up while undocked (this, again, is critical), when SP3 up and running, dock, the peripheral monitor (set as primary) comes on and all is "well."  Of course, still expecting MS to come up with a permanent fix...

03JAN2014:  To clarify, my SP3 (i5, 256) will not boot past the Surface logo screen when docked without using the above work around.

18JAN2014:  Purchased an "active" mini-display port to VGA adaptor - did not fix the problem.  Swapped monitors (both VGA input, DELL 2208WIPI (several years old), DELL 52340Mc (fairly new LED)) - also did not fix the problem.  Only work around so far remains:  Undock while SP3 operating, shut down, boot up while undocked, then dock.

ive suffered with this issue for months now. MS have sent: a replacement dock, that didnt cure it. ive tried all sorts of different cables, that didnt cure it. ive now resorted to plugging the Surface 3 directly to the monitor using the onboard connection.

I think the main problem we are all facing is the lack of responce and direction from MS. 

it really shouldnt be up to their customers to find a solution to an issue that clearly makes the docking station, unfit for purpose, in my opinion. 

Microsoft, when will you finally admit that there is an issue with the docking station and the way it interacts with external monitors through its built in port? when will this issue be fixed? if its hardware, will your customers units be replaced with working units that are fit for purpose?