Why is the Volkswagen Bora display not lighting up?

[VanDawson]

The reasons why the Volkswagen Bora display is not lighting up include a dead battery, a burnt-out display screen, or poor wiring connections. Dead Battery: The battery itself has a certain service life, typically around 3 years. If the battery has reached the end of its service life or is severely depleted, it can cause the display screen to not light up. Solution: Use a multimeter to check whether the battery voltage is normal, and replace the battery if necessary. Burnt-out Display or Poor Wiring: The display screen itself may have malfunctioned and burnt out, or there may be loose connections, short circuits, or open circuits in the wiring behind it, preventing the display from lighting up. Solution: Check the wiring connections.

[MacAdaline]

I just encountered a similar issue - my Bora's display suddenly went black. After struggling for a while, I found out it was a blown fuse. The fuse for the car display is usually hidden in the fuse box under the steering wheel, you can check there first. If the fuse is fine, the screen itself might be broken - after seven or eight years of use, aging is completely normal. Loose wiring connections are also very common, especially the plug behind the glove box on the passenger side which can easily get disconnected due to vibration. Last time I fixed it by simply opening it up and reconnecting the plug. There's also a less common reason - unstable vehicle voltage can cause the display to shut down in self-protection mode, in which case you need to check the battery condition. If none of these simple checks work, it's best to go to a 4S shop for computer diagnostics on the control module, as tampering with it yourself might short-circuit the wiring. Be patient when dealing with such issues - incorrectly installed dashcam wiring can also interfere with the display's power supply.

[MacHarley]

As an electronics enthusiast, I've found that when the Bora's display won't turn on, it's usually due to software freezing. Try holding the power button for 10 seconds to force a reboot, just like you would with a frozen phone. If restarting doesn't work, check if the brightness was accidentally set to minimum in the settings menu. Power line issues are also common, especially in models with modified center consoles—like when the wiring harness wasn't properly connected during reverse camera installation. Outdated infotainment system versions can cause compatibility problems too; download the latest firmware from the official website and upgrade via USB. The weirdest case I've seen was condensation from AC vents leaking into the screen's circuit board, which requires dashboard disassembly to fix. Parking in shade helps extend screen lifespan since high temperatures accelerate LCD panel aging. If it keeps freezing repeatedly, you might need to replace the entire head unit module.

[SanGabriella]

Last week, the display on my Bora suddenly went dark, which gave me a real scare. First, check if it's completely out of power. If the backlight on the buttons is still on, it might be a loose screen ribbon cable. Turn on the ignition and listen for system prompts—if you hear them, it's likely a display issue. The first thing to check is the fuse box, usually located near the left knee of the driver’s seat. Refer to the manual to find the corresponding 15A fuse. Replacing it yourself costs just a few bucks, and you can buy fuses at any hardware store. If the fuse is fine, you’ll probably need to take it to a repair shop. Mechanics often mention that Volkswagens commonly face wiring harness oxidation issues, especially in humid areas. Also, a quick reminder: never try to dismantle or fix it while driving—if the display suddenly lights up, it could distract you.