What Causes the Malibu Dashboard to Go Black?

[Marcus]

Malibu dashboard going black is due to poor line contact or aging of the power signal line. Here is some relevant information about the car dashboard: 1. Introduction to the car dashboard: With the advancement of electronic technology and the emergence of new sensors and new electronic display components, automotive electronic dashboards have been rapidly adopted. Common indicators include the fuel indicator, washer fluid indicator, electronic throttle indicator, front and rear fog light indicators, and warning lights. 2. The function of the car dashboard: The display function of the car dashboard is a device that reflects the working conditions of various vehicle systems, allowing continuous monitoring of the car's status and providing the driver with necessary operational parameter information. It serves as an important interface for information exchange between the driver and the car.

[Cora]

Last time I was driving my Malibu, the dashboard suddenly went black, which really startled me. Later, I found out this issue is quite common. The first thing I thought of was that a fuse might have blown. I checked the fuse box under the steering wheel for the corresponding label, pulled it out to see if it was melted, and if so, replaced it with a spare. If the fuse was fine, the problem might be a loose dashboard wiring harness or oxidized connectors—sometimes gently tapping the panel a few times can restore the display. Another possibility is insufficient battery power or a faulty alternator; using a multimeter to check the voltage, if it’s below 12 volts, the power issue needs to be addressed. Finally, if none of these work, it’s likely the instrument control module is faulty and needs to be replaced at a repair shop. Remember, if the screen goes black, don’t panic—pull over safely, turn off the engine, and restart to see if it helps. Avoid taking risks while driving.

[WestonFitz]

I fixed the black screen issue on the dashboard of my own Malibu, starting with the simplest steps. First, check if there's any corrosion or looseness in the battery terminals, clean them, and reconnect. If that doesn't work, check the fuses in the trunk or cabin—common culprits in the Malibu are the fuses labeled F36 or F40. Next, inspect the wiring, such as worn-out connectors from the control switch to the dashboard causing leakage. I temporarily secured them with tape. If the issue persists, it might be due to a short circuit in the control module caused by moisture. You can remove the panel to clean it or replace the module, which doesn't cost much. I recommend owners regularly clean the dashboard area during maintenance to avoid dust and water accumulation causing faults, as my car was prone to issues after heavy rain.

[MacJasper]

If the Malibu's dashboard is completely black, possible causes include a blown fuse, aged or short-circuited wiring, module damage, or software freeze. First, check the fuse box, usually located near the driver's footwell, and look for any signs of burnt fuses marked with numbers. If restarting the car doesn't work, disconnect the negative battery terminal for a few minutes and reconnect it—this might reset the system. Wiring issues often involve cracked or bent harnesses; manually check for loose connections. Module faults require diagnostic tools, so taking it to a shop is more efficient. If the screen goes black while driving, pull over immediately, check basic control functions, and prioritize safety.