If you own a Chevy Equinox, you know that it’s an amazing car with advanced features designed to make your driving experience more enjoyable. However, like any other vehicle, it can encounter some technical issues from time to time. One of the most common problems reported by Equinox owners is a black screen on their dashboard display.
This issue can be quite frustrating and concerning as it affects your ability to access important information while driving.
But fear not, in this article we will discuss the possible causes of a Chevy Equinox screen turning black and provide some troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the issue.
Causes of a Black Screen on Chevy Equinox Display
There are several reasons why your Chevy Equinox screen may turn black. It could be due to a software glitch, a faulty connection, or even a hardware malfunction.
Here are the top 15 reasons why your Chevy Equinox screen may turn black:
- Loose or damaged wiring
- Faulty display unit
- Software update failure
- Malfunctioning touchscreen sensor
- Dead battery
- Overheating of the display unit
- Defective fuse or relay
- Broken LCD screen
- Water damage
- Corrupted software
- Faulty power button
- Damaged display circuit board
- Blown backlight fuse
- Short circuit in the wiring
- Incompatible software or apps.
Now that we have identified some of the common causes, let’s discuss some troubleshooting steps you can take to fix the issue.
Loose or damaged wiring
This is one of the most common causes of a black screen on your Chevy Equinox display.
Loose or damaged wiring can disrupt the flow of electricity and cause issues with your display screen.
Symptoms: If you are experiencing a black screen on your Chevy Equinox display, it could be a sign of loose or damaged wiring. Other symptoms may include flickering or distorted images on the screen.
Solutions: To fix loose or damaged wiring, you can try checking and securing all connections to the display unit. If this does not work, it is best to bring your vehicle to a professional technician for further inspection and repair.
Faulty display unit
If the wiring seems to be in good condition, the issue may lie with the display unit itself.
A faulty display unit can cause a black screen on your Chevy Equinox and may also result in other display issues such as flickering or distorted images.
Symptoms: If you notice any issues with your display, it could be a sign of a faulty display unit. These signs may include a black screen, flickering or distorted images, or a complete malfunction of the display.
Solutions: In most cases, a faulty display unit will need to be replaced by a professional technician. They can diagnose the issue and provide a suitable replacement unit. It is important to have this issue addressed promptly to ensure the safety and functionality of your vehicle’s display system.
Software update failure
Another potential cause of a black screen on your Chevy Equinox could be a failed software update.
If your vehicle recently underwent a software update and the display began to malfunction shortly after, it is possible that there was an error during the update process.
Regular software updates are crucial for the proper functioning of your vehicle’s display system. These updates may include bug fixes, security enhancements, and improved features that can optimize your driving experience.
Symptom: One of the most common signs of a failed software update for the Chevy Equinox is a black screen on the display unit. This can also be accompanied by other malfunctions such as frozen screens, error messages, or unresponsive touch controls.
Solutions: If you suspect that a failed software update is the cause of your Chevy Equinox’s black screen, there are a few solutions you can try.
First, disconnecting and reconnecting the battery can reset the system and potentially fix any errors.
If this does not work, bring your vehicle to a professional technician who can diagnose the issue and provide a suitable solution.
Malfunctioning touchscreen sensor
Another common cause of a black screen on your Chevy Equinox’s display is a malfunctioning touchscreen sensor.
This is the component responsible for detecting touch inputs and relaying them to the display unit. If this sensor fails, it can result in an unresponsive or completely black screen.
Symptom: Signs of a malfunctioning touchscreen sensor include unresponsive touch controls, delayed response to touch inputs, or a black screen that does not change when pressing buttons on the display. This issue can be frustrating and impact your ability to use the display system effectively while driving.
Solutions: If you suspect a malfunctioning touchscreen sensor is the cause of your Chevy Equinox’s black screen, you can do a few things to troubleshoot the issue.
First, try cleaning the screen and sensor with a soft cloth to remove any dirt or debris that may be affecting its performance.
If this does not work, you may need to replace the touchscreen sensor entirely, which can be done by a professional technician.
Dead battery
A dead battery can also cause the screen on your Chevy Equinox to go black. This is because the display unit requires power to function properly, and a drained battery can prevent it from turning on.
Symptom: Aside from a black screen, other signs of a dead battery include difficulty starting the vehicle or dim interior lights. This can be caused by leaving lights on overnight or an aging battery that no longer holds a charge.
Solutions: If you suspect this is the issue, try jump-starting your vehicle or replacing the battery with a new one.
To diagnose a dead battery as the cause of your Chevy Equinox’s black screen, you can use a multimeter to test the voltage. If the reading is below 12 volts, then it is likely that the battery needs to be replaced. You can either replace it yourself or take it to a mechanic for assistance.
It is also important to check the battery cables and connections as they can become corroded or loose over time. If this is the case, cleaning or tightening them may solve the issue without needing to replace the battery.
Overheating of the display unit
Another common cause of a black screen on your Chevy Equinox is overheating of the display unit. This can happen if the vehicle is left in direct sunlight for extended periods or if there are issues with the cooling system.
Symptom: Some signs that your display unit may be overheating include a burning smell, distorted graphics on the screen, or the display shutting off randomly.
Solutions: To diagnose an overheating display unit as the cause of your Chevy Equinox’s black screen, you can check the temperature of the unit using a thermometer. If it is above the recommended operating range, then it is likely that there is an issue with the cooling system.
You can try cleaning any debris from the vents and checking for any leaks in the cooling system.
Defective fuse or relay
Another potential cause of a black screen on your Chevy Equinox is a defective fuse or relay. These components are responsible for supplying power to the display unit, and if they are faulty, it can result in a loss of power and a black screen.
Solutions: If you suspect that a defective fuse or relay is the cause of your Chevy Equinox’s black screen, you can test them using a multimeter to check for continuity.
If they are not functioning properly, they will need to be replaced. It is important to use the correct type and rating of fuse or relay when replacing them.
Broken LCD screen
A broken or damaged LCD screen can also cause your Chevy Equinox’s display to go black. This may be due to physical damage from impact, water damage, or just regular wear and tear over time.
Solutions: If the LCD screen is determined to be the problem, it will need to be replaced.
This is a delicate and complex process, so it is recommended to seek professional help from a certified technician. They will have the necessary tools and expertise to safely remove the old screen and install a new one.
It is important to use a high-quality replacement screen to ensure the proper function and longevity of your display unit.
Water damage
Water damage is another potential cause of a black screen on your Chevy Equinox. If any liquid has entered the display unit, it can short-circuit and cause it to stop functioning properly.
Symptoms: Signs of water damage to the display unit may include discolouration or distortion on the screen, as well as a black screen that does not respond to any inputs.
Solutions: If your Chevy Equinox’s display has suffered from water damage, it is important to have the unit professionally cleaned and inspected.
The technician will be able to determine the extent of the damage and provide a proper solution, whether it involves repairing or replacing certain components.
Corrupted software
Corrupted software can also be a culprit for a black screen on your Chevy Equinox. This can happen due to a virus or other malicious software, improper updates, or even user errors such as unplugging the display unit while it is still powered on.
Symptoms: Signs of corrupted software may include a black screen that appears after attempting to update the display unit or install new software. Additionally, the display may freeze or become unresponsive, making it difficult to access any functions.
Solutions: If you suspect your display unit’s software is corrupted, you can do a factory reset or reinstall the operating system. However, it is recommended to seek professional help to ensure proper and safe handling of the software.
Here is the step-by-step guide to doing a factory reset on the Chevy Equinox black screen
- Turn off the vehicle’s ignition and remove the key from the ignition.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable from the vehicle’s battery using a wrench or pliers.
- Wait for at least 5 minutes to allow any residual electricity to drain from the system.
- Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery and tighten it securely.
- Enter the vehicle and turn on the ignition.
- Locate the display unit’s power button and hold it down for at least 10 seconds.
- Release the power button and wait for the display unit to restart.
- Follow any prompts or instructions on the screen to complete the factory reset process.
- Once completed, test the display unit to see if the black screen issue has been resolved.