That 3-short / 3-long / 3-short pattern is literally SOS — on the AW3226Q it indicates the monitor has detected an internal fault and is stuck in its power-on self-test/error state, rather than a normal input or PC problem. Dell publishes a Simplified Service Manual and User’s Guide for the AW3226Q, but the practical first move is a full power reset; if the SOS pattern returns, it is normally a warranty/service-board fault.

Try this first

1. Disconnect everything from the monitor

   • Unplug the mains lead from the wall and from the monitor.

   • Remove HDMI, DisplayPort, USB upstream/downstream, and any USB-C/Thunderbolt cable.

2. Hard power drain

   • With the monitor completely unplugged, hold the rear power button/joystick for 30 seconds.

   • Leave it unplugged for 5–10 minutes.

3. Test on a known-good wall socket

   • Plug the monitor’s supplied power cable directly into a wall socket.

   • Avoid a multiway extension lead, UPS, or surge strip for this test.

4. Power on with no video connected

   • Press power once.

   • If it starts normally and shows the floating “No signal” / input-selection box, reconnect one video cable at a time.

   • Test DisplayPort first, then HDMI, using short known-good certified cables.

5. Factory reset if you can get an image

   • Press the joystick to open the OSD.

   • Go to Menu → Personalization (or Other, depending on firmware) → Reset All Settings / Factory Reset.

   • Then update the monitor firmware from Dell’s AW3226Q support page once it is stable.

If SOS returns

If it repeats 3 short, 3 long, 3 short even with:

• No video cables attached,

• A known-good direct wall socket,

• The original Dell power cable,

• After the 30-second drain,

then the monitor’s internal power/control electronics have likely failed. Do not keep repeatedly powering it or open the panel: the AW3226Q is a WOLED display, and Dell’s service documentation is intended for authorised technicians.

Get it serviced

• Have the Service Tag / Express Service Code ready — it is on a label on the rear of the stand/monitor or in your Dell account.

• Contact Dell Support and state: “AW3226Q power LED repeats SOS: 3 short, 3 long, 3 short; fault persists with no inputs connected and after power drain.”

• If it is under warranty, ask for a monitor exchange/collect-and-return rather than local repair; Dell’s official AW3226Q documentation includes service/teardown procedures but these are aimed at authorised service.

One caveat: I could not find a Dell-published table that assigns a named component failure to this exact blink code, so treat “internal hardware fault” as the strongly likely interpretation rather than a confirmed official diagnostic definition. The reset procedure above is still the correct first-line fix.