Why is the car's central control screen not lighting up?
3 Answers
There are several reasons why the car's central control screen may not light up: 1. Low voltage: If it happens occasionally, it is normal because when starting the car, most of the electricity is used for the ignition, and low voltage can cause the screen not to light up. 2. Power supply issues: If the screen does not light up multiple times, you should check whether the power supply to the display screen is normal. If the power supply is abnormal, the power supply module needs to be replaced. 3. Wiring problems: You can check whether the wiring connections are good. If there are issues, the wiring needs to be replaced. If everything is normal, then the display screen may be damaged.
I've been driving for over a decade and have seen dashboard screens go dark many times. The most common issue is a blown fuse, which you can find in the fuse box under the steering wheel—just replace it with a new one of the same rating. If you've recently installed devices like a dashcam, incorrect wiring might be causing a short circuit. In summer heat, the system can freeze; turning off the engine for half an hour and restarting might fix it. Once, a friend's car had a loose wiring harness connection, requiring the dashboard to be opened and reconnected. The worst-case scenario is the screen itself failing, with OEM replacements costing two to three thousand. To prolong its life, avoid parking in direct sunlight and turn off the screen before shutting down the engine.
Last week, my car also experienced a black screen on the center console display, which scared me into immediately taking it to the 4S shop for inspection. The technician used a computer diagnostic tool and said the system software had crashed; it was only restored after reinstalling the system. Such electronic device freezes are quite normal, just like when a phone freezes and needs a forced restart—try holding the power button for ten seconds. If there's no response at all, it's likely a power supply issue. Checking if the cigarette lighter has power can help determine whether it's a whole vehicle circuit failure. Modified cars require extra attention, as aftermarket screens often have poor compatibility and are prone to issues. Nowadays, new cars rely heavily on large screens to control air conditioning and audio systems, so a sudden black screen can indeed be frustrating. However, avoid disassembling it yourself—damaging the delicate wiring harnesses would only make things worse.
