Why Can I Still Play Music When the Mercedes Screen Doesn't Light Up?
3 Answers
The reason why the Mercedes screen doesn't light up but music can still be played is due to issues with the navigation host or poor electrical contact in the car. Host Issue: The problem lies with the navigation host itself, where the motherboard inside may be faulty. This is because the circuits for the reversing camera and the host are controlled separately. Such issues are common with factory-installed navigation hosts. Solution: Take it to a professional navigation repair service or send it back to the manufacturer for after-sales repair. Poor Electrical Contact in the Car: Poor electrical contact can also cause the display screen not to light up while the reversing camera still works. It is advisable to seek professional help for repair and calibration.
Last time I drove a Mercedes, I also encountered the issue where the screen went black but the music still played. Actually, this kind of situation is quite common. Later, when I went to the repair shop and talked to the mechanic, I learned that it might be due to poor contact in the power supply circuit of the display module or a burnt fuse contact point. In the central control system, the display and audio parts belong to different modules, which is why this kind of unilateral failure occurs. I suggest trying the simplest method first: hold down the phone button and voice button on the steering wheel for 20 seconds to force a system reboot. If the screen flashes and then goes off again, it's most likely due to oxidation of the ribbon cable connector. If there's no response at all, you'll need to open up the central console to check the voltage of the screen's power cable. Once, I even encountered a case where the owner blocked the automatic light sensor, causing the screen to forcibly go black. In such cases, simply cleaning the rain sensor on the windshield should fix it. Don't rush to replace the entire assembly—finding a reliable auto repair shop to check the wiring is more cost-effective.
I've been repairing Mercedes-Benz vehicles for ten years and have encountered many cases where the central control screen goes black while the audio system still functions normally. The key is to check three main points: the display output circuit, the screen backlight panel, and the control module. Don't start disassembling immediately - try turning off the power after parking and wait half an hour for a cold restart. If you see the startup logo flash before the screen goes black, it might be burnt backlight strips - I just fixed a GLC with this issue last week. If there's no image at all, use a multimeter to check if the voltage at the display power supply interface is stable. Pay special attention to the CAN bus communication status - I once found water damage in the gateway module causing signal interruption. Another observation is that vehicles with aftermarket central control modifications are more prone to this problem, as non-OEM screens may overload the original wiring with higher power consumption. DIY disassembly carries significant risks, so I recommend performing a comprehensive electronic system diagnostic test for safety.
