What could be the reason for the Buick Envision's display screen not lighting up?
4 Answers
Specific reasons for the car's central control display screen not lighting up: Power supply abnormality: Check if the power supply to the display screen is normal. If the power supply is abnormal, replace the power supply module. Poor contact: Check if the cable connection is good. If the line connection is poor, promptly inspect whether there is a loose connection in the circuit, causing the central control screen to go black. Simply reconnect the loose part properly. Display screen damage: Check if the display screen is damaged. Replace the display screen for testing. If it returns to normal, the display screen is damaged. If the power supply is normal and the cable connection is good, check the video output signal from the motherboard.
I've been repairing cars for over a decade and have seen many issues like the Buick Envision display not lighting up. First, check if it's a blown fuse, usually located in the fuse box under the steering wheel—try replacing it with a 10A mini fuse. If the display lights up, that's great; if not, then consider wiring issues. Last time, a customer's screen went black after car wash—turned out to be a damp connector behind the center console causing a short circuit; drying it fixed the problem. Another possibility is system freeze; press and hold the volume knob for 20 seconds to force a reboot—this trick works well. Only suspect the screen itself as a last resort, which would require replacing the entire unit. I advise against dismantling the center console yourself—the wiring inside is like a spider's web, and damaging the harness would make things worse.
Last month, my Enclave also experienced a black screen display, which made me sweat with anxiety. At first, I used my phone's flashlight to illuminate the screen and noticed faint images, confirming it was just a backlight failure. Later, I discovered that during the installation of a dashcam, the worker had tucked the wiring harness into the vent gap, and the connector loosened over time due to bumps. I fixed it by removing the center console panel and reinserting the connector tightly. Another tip: avoid spraying high-pressure water directly at the dashboard during car washes, as moisture can seep into the screen's wiring and cause a short circuit. If restarting and reconnecting don’t work, you’ll likely need to replace the screen. The dealership quoted over 4,000 RMB, while an external repair shop can do it for around 2,000 RMB, but make sure to use genuine parts.
Display malfunctions are often related to electronic systems. The most typical issue is with the power module. When the battery voltage is unstable or the alternator output is insufficient, the screen may flicker or go black. Use a multimeter to check the cigarette lighter voltage; if it's below 12V, inspect the power supply circuit. Software issues are also common, such as system crashes caused by failed map updates, which require entering engineering mode for a reset. Last time, I encountered an Envision with an aftermarket infotainment system where the driver board overheated and burned the chip due to a third-party screen. It's advisable to avoid non-OEM accessories as they have poor compatibility and can easily interfere with CAN bus communication. If the screen becomes excessively hot or emits a burning smell, immediately cut the power to prevent fire hazards.
