How do you reboot the screen on a Chevy Equinox?

The quickest way to reboot the screen is a soft reset: press and hold the Power/Volume knob on the center stack for about 10 seconds until the display goes dark and restarts. This method usually fixes minor freezes without erasing data.

The exact steps can vary by model year and infotainment version (MyLink/Infotainment). If the screen remains unresponsive after a soft reset, you can try a more thorough reset through the system menu or a full power cycle of the vehicle. This guide covers the common approaches and safety notes.

Soft reset: quick reboot

Use the vehicle’s hardware controls for a fast, non-destructive reboot. This method is typically enough to resolve temporary glitches.

1. Locate the Power/Volume knob on the center console (the round knob labeled Power or VOL).


2. Press and hold the Power/Volume knob for about 10 seconds until the display goes dark and restarts.


3. Release the knob when the Chevrolet logo appears and allow the system to finish rebooting.


4. Once back at the home screen, you may need to re-pair Bluetooth devices or re-enable features like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Soft resets are quick and generally safe, solving most unresponsiveness without altering saved settings.

Hard reset and troubleshooting

If a soft reset doesn’t fix the issue, you can try a deeper reset via the infotainment menu or a power cycle of the vehicle. Be aware that a factory reset will erase customized settings and saved data.

Factory reset vs. hardware reset

1. From the home screen, tap Settings, then navigate to System (or General), and look for Factory Reset. The exact path varies by model year (for example Settings > System > Factory Reset or Settings > General > Reset).


2. Choose Factory Reset and confirm the action. This restores the infotainment system to its default state and may erase radio presets, paired phones, and navigation favorites.


3. Wait for the system to reboot, then reconfigure your preferences and reconnect devices as needed.


4. If the screen remains unresponsive, perform a vehicle power cycle: turn off the engine, wait 1–2 minutes, and restart the vehicle. If issues persist, seek dealer service or firmware updates.

Factory resets can resolve deeper software issues, but they remove custom data. If problems persist after a hard reset, professional diagnostics may be necessary.

Power cycle and additional troubleshooting

When software-based resets don’t resolve the problem, a power cycle of the whole vehicle can help clear stubborn glitches. This step is more drastic and should be done with caution, especially if you are unfamiliar with vehicle electronics.

• Turn off the engine and remove the key or ensure the vehicle is in Park with the engine off.


• Wait 2–5 minutes, then restart the engine and check whether the infotainment screen operates normally.


• If unresponsive, check for any available software updates for your infotainment system through the Settings menu or via a dealer visit.

Power cycling can fix issues tied to unstable electrical states, but if the problem returns, it’s best to consult a Chevrolet service technician.

When to seek professional help

Persistent issues after soft and hard resets may indicate a hardware fault in the infotainment module, wiring, or related fuses. In that case, professional diagnostics at a Chevy dealer or certified shop are recommended, especially if your vehicle is under warranty or if you notice other electrical gremlins.

• Ask about available software updates or firmware reflashes for your infotainment system.


• Have technicians inspect the infotainment module, associated wiring, and fuses for faults.


• Request a diagnostic printout if the issue requires a service visit.

Trained technicians can determine whether a repair or replacement is needed beyond routine resets.

Summary

Most Equinox screen issues can be resolved with a simple soft reset by holding the Power/Volume knob for about 10 seconds. If problems persist, try a hard reset via the Settings menu (aware of potential data loss), or perform a vehicle power cycle. Always consider software updates first, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if the screen continues to misbehave or if you notice other electrical problems.

How to reset screen in Chevy Equinox?

So like I said Apple CarPlay is not working Android Auto's not working things like that. You're going to get to this screen eventually. You can enter recovery mode or do a full factory reset.

Why is the screen in my Equinox not working?

If your Chevy Equinox screen isn't working, try a soft reset by holding the "end call" button on the steering wheel for 10-12 seconds. If that doesn't work, perform a hard reset by disconnecting the battery for about 10 minutes, or check that the correct fuses for the radio and infotainment system are not blown. 
Simple fixes

• Soft reset: Press and hold the "end call" button on the steering wheel for 10 to 12 seconds until the screen goes blank and restarts. 
• Hard reset: Turn the car off, disconnect the negative battery terminal, wait for 10-15 minutes, then reconnect the terminal and start the car again. 
• Check brightness: Make sure the screen brightness hasn't been accidentally turned all the way down. 

This video demonstrates how to perform a hard reset by disconnecting the car battery: 53sNexologyYouTube · Sep 10, 2025
Intermediate solutions

• Check fuses: Locate the fuse box and check fuses related to the infotainment system, such as fuse #15 for the radio or others like #23, #42, and #46. Replace any blown fuses with one of the exact same amperage rating. 
• Update software: If you can access the settings, see if a software update is available for the infotainment system. 
• Clean the screen: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean the screen of any dust or dirt that might be interfering with touch response. 

When to seek professional help

• Physical damage: A blank screen after a physical impact could indicate a damaged display or loose internal connections that need professional repair. 
• Persistent issues: If a soft reset, hard reset, or fuse check doesn't fix the problem, there may be a more serious hardware issue with the display unit or its internal cables. 
• Radio replacement: In some cases, a faulty radio unit itself may need to be replaced. A dealership can also diagnose and program a replacement radio. 

How do I reset my car dashboard screen?

To reset a car's dashboard, you can try common methods like using the ignition and accelerator pedal for maintenance reminders or a specific button, or use a OBD2 scanner for warning lights. For infotainment systems, look for a physical reset button on the device itself. Always consult your car's owner's manual for the most accurate and vehicle-specific instructions. 
For maintenance or oil change lights

• Method 1 (ignition and accelerator): Turn the key to the "On" position without starting the engine. Press the accelerator pedal to the floor three times within 10 seconds, then turn the ignition off. The light should blink or turn off, confirming the reset.
• Method 2 (dashboard buttons): With the ignition off, press and hold the odometer reset button. While holding the button, turn the key to the "On" position. Wait for the service light to stop blinking before releasing the button. 

This video demonstrates how to reset the oil change light on a Chevy Silverado: 1mThe DaninatorYouTube · May 18, 2016
For warning lights

• Use a diagnostic scanner: A scan tool can read the trouble code causing a warning light and then clear it after the underlying issue is fixed.
• Address the root cause: Warning lights indicate a problem. The light will often return if the underlying issue is not repaired. 

For infotainment touchscreens

• Look for a reset button: Check for a small, recessed button, often near the volume knob, and use a paperclip or pen to press it.
• Try the power button: You may need to press and hold the power button, possibly in combination with another button like "fast-forward". 

For software/smart dashboards (e.g., Home Assistant)

• Delete configuration files: For some systems, you can reset the dashboard by remotely accessing the instance, navigating to the .storage folder in the configuration folder, and deleting or renaming files like lovelace, lovelace_resources, and lovelace_dashboards.
• Restart the instance: After deleting the files, restart the instance to restore the default dashboard. 

Why is my Chevy screen not working?

A Chevy screen may not be working due to a software glitch, a blown fuse, or a hardware issue like a loose wire or a faulty display. You can try simple fixes like restarting the car, performing a soft reboot by holding the phone hang-up button, or disconnecting the battery to reset the system. 
Simple troubleshooting steps
This video demonstrates how to perform a soft reboot of the Chevy infotainment system: 32sCars With SteveYouTube · Aug 18, 2025

• Restart the vehicle: Turn the car completely off, wait a few minutes, and then start it again. 
• Perform a soft reset: Press and hold the "End Call" button on the steering wheel for about 10–20 seconds to reboot the system. 
• Check for low brightness: A screen that looks black might just be set to its lowest brightness level. 
• Disconnect the battery: Disconnect the negative battery terminal for about 10 minutes to fully reset the system. You may need to reprogram the windows afterward. 
• Clean the screen: A dirty or dusty screen can sometimes cause touch issues. Gently clean the surface with a microfiber cloth. 

Potential hardware or deeper issues

• Blown fuse: A blown fuse for the infotainment system can cause it to lose power. You can check the fuse box and replace any blown fuses. 
• Loose or damaged wiring: A loose connector or damaged wire behind the dashboard can interrupt the signal to the screen. 
• Software or hardware failure: The screen's internal components, the touchscreen digitizer, or other related modules could have failed, especially in vehicles that are several years old. 

When to seek professional help

• If the simple fixes don't work, it may be time to have the vehicle serviced by a professional. 
• A dealership or certified mechanic can diagnose more complex problems with wiring, internal modules, or the display itself.