Are you a Volkswagen car owner who is dealing with a touch screen that won’t turn on? If so, don’t worry, as you are not alone. Many VW owners experience issues with their touch screens when they stop working abruptly.
Trying to troubleshoot the issue yourself can be difficult and time-consuming. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you with the basics of troubleshooting and fixing your VW touch screen not working.
Why VW touch screen not working?
Here are 13 possible causes as to why your VW touch screen may not be working:
- Loose connection between the touch screen and the main unit
- Software glitch
- Damage caused by a virus
- Damaged display or circuit board from physical impact
- Faulty touchscreen driver
- Battery drain due to excessive usage
- Faulty touchscreen hardware
- Corrupt or outdated firmware
- Blocked connectors on the touchscreen
- Bad power supply from car battery
- Overheating due to excessive usage
- Malfunctioning USB port connection
- Incorrect settings or calibration
Now let’s look at how to fix the issue’s
Loose connection between the touch screen and the main unit
The most likely cause of this issue is a loose connection between the touch screen and the main unit.
This often occurs when the connection between the two components has been improperly installed, or if something has jarred it free from its proper place.
Signs: If the connection between these two components is not secured properly, it will disrupt communication and your touch screen may experience intermittent issues.
Troubleshooting tips: The solution to this is fairly simple. First, try disconnecting and reconnecting the connection between the two components.
You should also check the power cable for the touch screen and make sure it’s plugged in securely.
Next, check to see if any foreign objects have been introduced into the connection and remove them. If there is visible damage to either component, it may be necessary to replace the item to restore proper function.
If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace either the touch screen or the main unit with a new one. You should consult your local VW service team for further help and advice in diagnosing and solving this issue.
Software glitch
In some cases, the issue may be caused by either a software glitch.
A software glitch is an error caused by a programming fault in a system or application.
Signs: Software glitches can lead to various issues such as the touch screen not responding, freezing, displaying the wrong information, and more.
Signs: If the issue is caused by a software glitch, you might notice some of the following signs: flickering display, unresponsive touch screen, freezing display, or a distorted image.
Troubleshooting tips: To fix this issue you should try to restart the device, as it may help reset any programs that are causing the issue.
You should also check for any software updates and install them if available.
This can help to ensure the system is running optimally and reduce any issues with the touchscreen display.
Here is a guide with step-by-step instructions to assist you with the software update
- On the VW display, navigate to the ‘Settings’ menu.
- Select ‘Software Updates’ from the list of available options.
- Follow any instructions that appear on-screen to complete the update process.
- Once the update process is complete, reboot your VW’s touchscreen.
If the issue persists, you may need to uninstall and reinstall any drivers or programs that are related to the touch screen. This can help reset any settings that may have been altered and resolve the issue.
Finally, if none of these steps work, you should consider restoring the system to its factory settings. While this will erase all data, it can help to repair any issues that are causing the issue with the touchscreen display.
However, before doing this make sure to back up any important data.
Damage caused by a virus
Viruses can cause serious problems with computer systems, including touch screens.
Viruses are malicious programs that can enter your system when you download a malicious file or application.
Signs: Signs of virus damage on your touch screen may include sluggish response time, a distorted display, and instability.
Troubleshooting tips: If your touch screen is not working due to virus damage, you should scan your computer with an anti-virus program and remove any malicious programs that are present.
- Run a virus scan on your system to check for viruses, and if you find any, remove them immediately;
- Check the device manager to see if there are any conflicts between the touch screen and other components or programs;
- Uninstall and reinstall the driver for the touch screen;
- Update your operating system to its latest version;
- Reset your touch screen settings to default;
- Disconnect any external devices that may be connected to the touch screen.
If the issue persists, you may need to restore your system to its factory settings. This will erase all data stored on the device and help repair any issues
If this is the case, it is important to take appropriate steps to ensure that your VW’s touchscreen is protected from future threats.
Damaged display or circuit board from physical impact
If you can’t access your VW touch screen and it isn’t responding to any inputs, then the most likely cause is that something has damaged the display or circuit board.
This could be due to physical impacts like a drop, bump or jolt.
Additionally, certain substances like water, oil or grease may come in contact with the screen and corrode the display.
Unfortunately, these issues can’t be fixed with a simple software update or patch. You will need to take your car to an authorized VW dealership for repair and replacement of the touch screen unit.
Faulty touchscreen driver
Another potential cause of your VW touch screen not working is a faulty touchscreen driver. This is the software that allows the device to recognize and respond to user input.
If this software has become corrupted or incompatible with your computer, it can interfere with the touch screen display.
Signs: A common symptom of a faulty touchscreen driver is when the display will not respond to any inputs. You may also notice that certain functions or features are disabled or appear to be malfunctioning.
The touch screen itself may also become unresponsive, and inputs such as taps or swipes are ignored by the system altogether.
Troubleshooting tips: you should try updating the touchscreen driver first. You can find these drivers through the official Volkswagen website.
If updating the driver doesn’t work, then you may need to try to reinstall the touchscreen driver, or if possible, update it to the latest version.
Battery drain due to excessive usage
Another potential cause of the VW touch screen not working is a battery drain due to excessive usage. If your VW touch screen has been running for extended periods, it will eventually draw too much power from the car’s battery and shut down.
This can be exacerbated by activities such as gaming or streaming video on the device.
Signs: You may notice that the touch screen is slow to respond or lags. The display may become dimmer or flicker intermittently.
The device itself might become very warm, indicating that it’s working overtime and draining a lot of power.
Troubleshooting tips: You should try reducing the amount of time you use the touchscreen for intensive tasks such as gaming or streaming video.
You can also try to ensure the car is regularly charged and that it has enough power to support the touch screen’s usage.
You should also switch off all connected devices when not in use to ensure that they are not drawing any power from the car’s battery.
If you have already experienced a battery drain issue with your VW touch screen is possible to replace the battery with a new one, or you could look into adding a power cable that can be used to connect your car’s electrical system directly to an external power source.
Faulty touchscreen hardware
In some cases, the problem may be related to faulty hardware on the device itself.
If you are experiencing issues with a VW touch screen not working, it could indicate that some of its components have been damaged and need to be replaced.
This can include anything from cracked glass or LCD screens to broken buttons or circuitry.
Signs: Faulty touchscreen hardware can be difficult to diagnose, as the problem may not always be obvious. You may notice that the touch screen becomes unresponsive or slow to respond when touched.
The display may also appear distorted, discoloured, or have black spots across it.
In some cases, the device may also exhibit an underlying animation issue with flicker screens, or the touch screen may only respond at certain points on the display. If any of these
symptoms are present, then it’s likely that there is an issue with the hardware that needs to be replaced.
Troubleshooting tips: If this is the case, you should take your car to a qualified technician who can diagnose the issue and make any necessary repairs.
In some cases, it may be possible to replace just the touchscreen itself. This can save time and money compared to replacing the entire head unit.
If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself then you should seek professional help from an authorized VW dealership.
Corrupt or outdated firmware
Another potential cause of VW touch screens not working is corrupted or outdated firmware.
Firmware is the software that runs on your vehicle’s infotainment system, and like any other type of software, it can become corrupted over time.
Signs: This can result in issues such as slow loading times, freezes, crashes, or poor performance when using the touchscreen.
Troubleshooting tips: If the firmware is outdated, then you may need to update it to a newer version for optimal performance.
It’s important to use the official VW firmware when updating your device, as other versions may not be compatible with your specific model.
You can usually find this on the Volkswagen website or through an authorized dealership.
Blocked connectors on the touchscreen
In some cases, the issue may be related to blocked connectors on the touchscreen.
If the connector is blocked or damaged in any way, then this can cause a malfunction with the touch screen itself.
If the connector is blocked or damaged in any way, this can cause a wide range of issues with Volkswagen touchscreens.
Signs: Symptoms may include slow loading times, freezes, crashes, or poor performance when using the touchscreen.
In extreme cases, the screen may not respond at all to user input and appear completely unresponsive.
Troubleshooting tips: You should check that all the connectors are properly seated and not blocked by any dirt or debris. If the connectors are loose or broken, then you may need to have them replaced.
Another possible solution is to reset the touch screen. This can be done by pressing and holding a button on the touchscreen for several seconds.
This should reset the system and allow it to function properly again.
Bad power supply from car battery
The issue may also be related to a bad power supply from the car battery.
If your Volkswagen does not have enough power going to the touchscreen, it may cause malfunctions or even prevent it from working altogether.
Signs: Symptoms of a bad power supply from the car battery may include sluggish loading times, freezes, and crashes.
You may also notice that your Volkswagen’s touchscreen is not turning on or responding to commands from the driver.
Troubleshooting tips: To fix this problem, you should check that the car battery is in good condition and provides sufficient voltage for the screen.
If the battery is weak or needs to be replaced, then this should resolve the issue.
Alternatively, you should check the power cables running from the battery to the touchscreen and make sure there are no loose connections or broken wires.
Overheating due to excessive usage
Your Volkswagen’s touchscreen may also be malfunctioning due to overheating.
If the device is being used too often, it can start to overheat and cause the touch screen display to become unresponsive.
Signs: Symptoms of excessive usage may include slow response to commands, laggy performance, and even a complete shutdown.
Troubleshooting tips: To avoid this issue in the future, you should limit the amount of time that you use your VW touchscreen.
If the device is already overheating, you should turn it off and wait for it to cool down before attempting to use it again.
Malfunctioning USB port connection
Another possible cause of your VW touchscreen malfunctioning is a faulty USB port connection.
If the USB port on the device or in your car is not working properly, then it can lead to errors and slowdowns with the touch screen display.
Signs: Signs of a malfunctioning USB port connection may include slow response to commands, intermittent errors, and unresponsive touch screen buttons.
Troubleshooting tips: To fix this issue, you should check the cables running from the USB port to the device and make sure they are not loose or damaged.
You should also make sure that the USB port in your car is working properly.
Incorrect settings or calibration
Finally, another potential cause of your touch screen not working is incorrect settings or calibration.
Some devices may become misaligned after exposure to excessive moisture, heat, shock or vibration. This can cause the touch screen to become unresponsive or inaccurate.
Signs: Symptoms of incorrect settings or calibration may include confusion when selecting options, misaligned icons and buttons, and lack of accuracy with touch commands.
Troubleshooting tips: To solve this issue, you should check the device’s manual to make sure that all the settings and calibration are correct.
Step-by-step guide for calibrating the VW touch screen:
- Turn on the device and select the “Settings” option from the main menu.
- Select the “Display Settings” option.
- Select the “Calibrate Touch Screen” option.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to set up calibration parameters.
- Select the “Save” option once you have finished calibrating the touch screen display.
- Restart the device and test if it is responding properly.
How do I reset my VW touchscreen?
If you are still having issues with your VW touch screen after following the steps above, you can try resetting it.
Step-by-step guide for resetting the VW touch screen:
- Turn off the device and wait a few minutes.
- Press and hold down both the “Volume Up” and “Power” buttons simultaneously for about 5 seconds until you see the logo on the screen.
- When you see the Volkswagen logo, release the “Power” button but keep pressing the “Volume Up” button until you see a menu on the screen.
- Using the volume buttons to navigate through the options, select the “Wipe Data/Factory Reset” option.
- Select “Yes – Delete All User Data” and confirm your selection by pressing the “Power” button.
- The device will now reset itself and reboot automatically after a few seconds.
- Once your device has restarted, test if it is responding properly to touch commands. If not, you may need to re-calibrate your VW touchscreen following the steps provided above.