What are the reasons for a car display screen suddenly not lighting up?
3 Answers
Car display screen suddenly not lighting up is caused by abnormal power supply to the display screen, poor contact of the wiring harness, or damage to the display screen. The content of the car display screen includes functions such as navigation, vehicle fuel consumption, reversing image, and multimedia entertainment. If the display screen is broken, it will be very inconvenient for the driver. The main uses of car display screens include adding a car camera for reversing, or for advertising on buses, subway trains, etc. The car display is installed in the car and is a special display for cars. Usually, the car display is installed on the headrest of the seat, so it is called a headrest display.
Last time my car's display suddenly went black, I quickly pulled over to check. The most common issue is a blown fuse—it's tiny and usually located under the steering wheel or in the fuse box; you can find it by checking the manual. It melts due to unstable current or a short circuit. Next, check if the connecting wires are loose—unplug the connector, clean it, and plug it back in tightly. Sometimes, prolonged vibration causes poor contact at the interface. The internal circuit board of the display might also fail or age, especially in hot weather when components are prone to damage. Another possibility is a faulty control module, which can paralyze the entire infotainment system. Software crashes are also common; a quick fix is to power cycle—turn off the car, disconnect the battery for a few minutes, and reconnect. If you notice the issue, get it repaired quickly to avoid affecting the rearview camera or entertainment system, which increases driving risks. During regular maintenance, take a moment to inspect these points to save yourself from panic later.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I've encountered unlit displays several times. The first time, I thought the screen was broken and made a fuss, but it's usually just a blown fuse, which isn't hard to replace—just keep a few spares in the car. Another possible issue is wiring problems, like loose connections or short circuits from damaged wire insulation, often caused by prolonged vehicle vibration. If water seeps in after washing or there's high humidity, corrosion at the connectors can lead to poor contact. More seriously, voltage fluctuations from a faulty alternator or battery can cause unstable power supply, making the display unresponsive. My advice is to start simple: restart the vehicle and check the connections visually. Avoid forcing repairs to prevent safety hazards. After fixing, I always inspect the entire electronic system to extend component lifespan.
