What are the reasons for the car's central control screen not lighting up?
4 Answers
There are several reasons why the car's central control screen may not light up: Power supply to the display: First, check if the power supply to the display is normal. If the power supply is abnormal, replace the power supply module. Cable connection: Then, check if the cable connection is secure. If there is an issue, it will naturally cause the central control screen to go black. In this case, simply reconnect the loose parts properly. Display damage: Check if the display is damaged. Test by replacing the display. If it returns to normal, the display is damaged. If the issue persists, with normal power supply and secure cable connections, check the video output signal of the motherboard and test by replacing the motherboard.
The other day I was driving when I noticed the center console screen suddenly went black. Actually, this kind of situation is quite common. The most likely cause is a blown fuse, especially during peak electricity usage in summer. You can check the fuse box under the lower left side of the driver's seat to see if the 15A fuse for the center console has turned black. If the fuse is fine, it might be due to prolonged bumpy rides causing the screen's wiring harness to loosen, which is especially common in older cars. There's also a simple solution—disconnect the car's power for ten minutes and then restart it; this often works if the issue is a software crash. If the black screen occurs after rain or car washing, it could be due to water seepage causing motherboard corrosion. These checks can be done by yourself. If all else fails, take it to a repair shop and let the mechanic run a computer diagnostic to check for module failures.
Over the years of researching car infotainment systems, I've found that 80% of blank screen issues stem from system-level problems. For instance, if the system is updating in the background when power is cut off, it might corrupt core files. You can try a forced reboot: disconnect the negative battery terminal for five minutes after turning off the engine, then reconnect it. Another often overlooked factor is the head unit's overheating protection - the screen may automatically shut down for cooling after prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Additionally, system crashes can occur when CarPlay or CarLife malfunctions during smartphone connectivity. Finally, check your system version, as some manufacturers' firmware bugs may cause random blank screens. If none of these solutions work, you may need to dismantle the head unit and perform a factory reset via firmware flashing.
Our auto repair shop frequently encounters cases where the center console doesn't light up. Having disassembled hundreds of vehicles, I've summarized some patterns. The first thing to check is the power circuit: use a multimeter to measure if the cigarette lighter power supply is normal - if the voltage is below 11V, it might indicate an alternator failure. Then, tap the edges of the screen a few times to see if it flickers, which can help identify ribbon cable issues. Additionally, pay special attention to modified vehicles - improperly secured aftermarket reverse camera wiring harnesses can wear through and cause short circuits. Another handy trick is to press the center console buttons while starting the car and listen for ticking sounds; if present, it means the main unit is functioning and it's just a screen failure. These checks can be completed in about ten minutes - don't rush to replace the entire assembly.
