The monitor gets dim as sson as it turns on. it

it happens due to excess moisture in air when the switch gets shorted by itself due to dust accumulation ,If in warranty pls log a call or else get it checked by a monitor repair person all monitors have same switch's

If the display is dim like on half of the screen or any kind of color variation, this could mean that your monitors CCFL lamps are going bad, more so than the display High voltage inverter, unless you can web search on how to replace the CCFL lamps for your monitor, it may be time for a new one..

Sounds to me like a power inverter. Fix it yourself with the parts found on Ebay at a cheap cost to yourself. The entire Dell E173FP 17" power inverter is selling for $29.99 plus shipping.

The fix can be found at: http://syscon.wordpress.com/2007/07/13/dell-dell-e172fpb-lcd-backlight-repair/

Cheers and good luck!!

1. goto this link for the manual and see it
2. http://www.scribd.com/doc/20433804/Dell-Lcd-Monitor-e173fp

You have bad transistors (C5706/5707) in th inverter circuits, common problem with this model.

Your display have an inverter driver broken, So the back light can't turn on. Here is a website that shows this issue:

http://josepino.com/?howto-repair-dell

Good luck!

Yes, it does appear as if there is a loose connection somewhere inside, or a faulty IC chip. However, I wouldn't recommend opening it up, as there can be any number of reasons why this can be happening, and if you have no prior experience, there is no point opening it up. I recommend getting it serviced, or purchase a new monitor...whichever works out cheaper for you.

Frt. Power button control board shorted. Part# 715L1153-1A

i had a similar issue with my dell E172FPB, I have never seen a E173FP but this link might help you
http://syscon.wordpress.com/2007/07/13/dell-dell-e172fpb-lcd-backlight-repair/

you sure the monitors pluged intop the puter correctly?? If so then its an indication that a fault is present and its time to call dell to see what kinda warranty they have and how much they charge for this repair as there are no serviceable parts to speak of in these sets.sorry Good Luck