What's Wrong with a Black Dashboard Screen?
3 Answers
The reasons for a black dashboard screen are: 1. Dashboard damage and wiring issues; 2. The decoding chip or core module is not working or damaged. When the screen is completely black and does not turn on, you can check if the car's original fuse has blown. If the fuse is blown, replace it. Also, check if the navigation buttons are stuck, including the RSET button, as stuck buttons can also prevent the screen from turning on. If the screen is black but the sound is normal, try switching to a familiar interface and tap the touchscreen to see if it responds. If the touch function works normally, then the issue lies with the display screen itself. If the touch function does not work, the touchscreen may be faulty. Check the touch circuit. If the wiring is confirmed to be fine, the problem is usually with the decoding chip or core module not working or being damaged.
I've also experienced the sudden blackout of the dashboard. That time it was a blown fuse, which scared me into pulling over immediately. Actually, there are quite a few possible causes: the most common is a blown fuse, which can be found in the corresponding fuse box under the steering wheel; there's also loose wiring connectors, especially in older cars where prolonged bumpy rides can lead to poor contact; then there's the wiring harness behind the dashboard being chewed by rodents or short-circuited due to moisture; in rare cases, it could be the car's computer freezing. It's recommended to first check the fuses and connectors, which you can do yourself. If that doesn't fix it, especially if the tachometer and temperature gauge fail simultaneously, you should go to a repair shop to check the fault codes with a diagnostic computer. Don't push on driving, as it's dangerous not being able to see your speed or warning lights.
Last month, I helped my neighbor with this issue. Her car could start and drive, but the dashboard was completely dark. It turned out the battery was nearly dead. Voltage instability can cause the dashboard to shut down protectively. In this case, jump-starting the car and restarting it fixed the problem. Additionally, worn ignition switch contacts can prevent the power signal from reaching the dashboard, especially if the screen flickers when turning the key. If the aftermarket navigation was wired incorrectly, it might drain the battery overnight. The worst-case scenario is a burnt-out instrument cluster, which can cost over a thousand to replace. I recommend first checking if the dashboard backlight is on. If it's completely dark, inspect the battery, fuses, and connectors in that order. If it's dimly lit, the instrument cluster might be faulty.
