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What to do when your car screen goes black?

In most cases, a black screen is a solvable glitch you can fix with a quick reboot or brightness check. If the problem persists, it may indicate a power or software fault that requires professional attention.

Safety first: what to do on the road

When the screen goes black while you’re driving, your top priority is safety. If you can do so safely, find a calm, well-lit place to pull over and avoid trying risky fixes while the vehicle is moving.

Pull over to a safe location and turn on your hazard lights. Engage the parking brake if you’re stopped on an incline.

If it’s safe, try a simple reboot of the infotainment system by pressing and holding the power/volume button for 5–10 seconds until the screen restarts, if your car supports this.

If the screen does not respond, perform a basic power cycle: turn the engine off, wait about 30 seconds, then restart the car to see if the display comes back.

Check whether other vehicle gauges (speedometer, tachometer, warning lights) are visible. If the entire cluster is dark, this could indicate a broader power issue.

If the screen remains blank and you cannot safely resume driving, contact roadside assistance or your dealership for guidance and potential towing.

These steps help you regain control or determine if the issue is isolated to the display or part of a bigger electrical problem.

Troubleshooting while parked: software and settings

With the vehicle safely parked, you can perform targeted checks aimed at software glitches or display settings that commonly cause a blank screen.

Try a soft reboot of the infotainment system by holding the power button (or equivalent control) for several seconds to force a restart.

Power cycle the entire system: turn the ignition off, wait 20–60 seconds, and then turn it back on to see if the screen returns.

Verify display and brightness settings. Ensure the screen isn’t dimmed to the lowest level or set to a mode where the display turns off automatically after inactivity.

Check for a pending software update or a system error message you may have missed. If possible, navigate to Settings > System or Infotainment to check for updates or a factory reset option.

If you use CarPlay or Android Auto, disconnect and reconnect your phone, and try a different cable if applicable to rule out a faulty connection.

Look for any on-screen error codes or messages once the display returns; note them down as they help technicians diagnose the issue.

Most software glitches clear up with a reboot or update, and this step can save you a trip to a service center if the issue is purely digital.

Electrical and power considerations: fuses and the battery

If the screen stays blank or goes dark alongside other electrical symptoms (dim lights, slow engine crank, or intermittent power), a power-supply fault is a likely culprit. These steps focus on power-related causes you can safely check or discuss with a technician.

Check fuses and wiring

Consult your owner’s manual to locate the fuse box and identify the fuse that protects the infotainment system or instrument cluster. If a fuse is blown, replace it with the correct rating and observe whether the display returns. If you’re unsure about fuse replacement, seek professional help.

Inspect fuses labeled for infotainment, instrument cluster, or body electronics for signs of a blown fuse.

Replace blown fuses with the same amperage rating and secure all connections firmly.

After replacement, restart the vehicle to test if the screen powers up again.

Power-related fuse issues are common and often straightforward to fix, but improper replacement can create risks, so proceed with caution or seek assistance.

Battery and alternator health

A weak 12‑volt battery or failing alternator can cause the screen and other electronics to fade or shut down. Signs include dim headlights, slow engine turnover, or a dashboard warning light related to battery health.

Have the 12‑V battery tested with a load test at a parts store or service center.

If the battery is old or shows poor cranking, consider replacement and have the alternator tested to confirm it’s charging properly.

In cold weather or if the car sat unused for a while, battery issues are more common; a jump-start is not a fix, but it can help determine if power is the bottleneck.

Battery and charging problems can manifest as a blank screen among other symptoms. A professional test can prevent unexpected roadside failure.

When to seek professional help

If the screen remains black after trying the above steps, or you notice additional electrical anomalies (doors not locking, HVAC misbehaving, engine performance issues), it’s time to call for professional assessment. A dealership or certified repair shop can diagnose fuse faults, wiring issues, dashboard cluster faults, or infotainment module failures.

Contact roadside assistance if you’re stranded or in a risky location.

Schedule an appointment with your dealer or a qualified auto-electrician for a diagnostic test and potential replacement of the infotainment unit, cluster, or related wiring.

Provide the technician with details: when the issue started, whether it coincided with a software update, and any error codes you observed.

Check warranty coverage or recalls that might affect your infotainment or electrical systems.

Professional diagnosis helps prevent misdiagnosis and ensures safe, reliable operation of the vehicle’s electrical system.

Summary

A blank car screen is usually a solvable problem: start with safety, perform a quick reboot or power cycle, and check display settings. If the screen remains dark, investigate power supplies by examining fuses and the 12‑V battery, and schedule professional help if the issue persists or electrical symptoms appear. Keeping software up to date and noting any error messages can speed up repair and prevent recurring outages.

Why did my dashboard go dark while driving?

The most common cause could be fluctuations in voltage caused by a faulty alternator. When the main voltage generated by the alternator goes below or above a certain threshold, the electronics in a car could go haywire and all sorts of crazy things could happen (including the phenomenon you described).

What do I do if my screen turns black?

To fix a black screen, try the following steps: first, check all cable connections and perform a hard reset. If the issue persists, try a graphics driver refresh with Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B. If the problem continues, restart the computer in Safe Mode to check for updates, troubleshoot drivers, or run Startup Repair.

Step 1: Check connections and perform a hard reset

Check cables: Make sure all display and power cables are securely connected to your computer and monitor.
Disconnect peripherals: Unplug all unnecessary external devices like USB drives, printers, and keyboards.
Hard reset: Hold down the power button for about 10 seconds to force a shutdown. Wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.

Step 2: Reset the graphics driver

Press the Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + B on your keyboard simultaneously.
You should hear a beep and the screen may flicker. This will refresh the graphics driver.

Step 3: Boot into Safe Mode

Turn your computer off completely.
Turn it back on and repeatedly press the Shift + F8 or F8 key to enter the Windows Recovery Environment.
Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings and select Restart.
Press the corresponding number to select Safe Mode.

Step 4: Troubleshoot in Safe Mode

Check for updates: Once in Safe Mode, go to Settings > Update & Security and check for and install any available updates.
Update drivers: Open Device Manager, find your display adapter, right-click it, and choose Update Driver. If the problem started after a recent update, you may need to choose Roll Back Driver instead.
Run Startup Repair: In the Windows Recovery Environment, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair to let Windows automatically fix startup issues.
Perform a System Restore: If the issue started recently, you can use System Restore from the Advanced options menu to revert your system to a previous working state.

You can watch this video to learn how to reset the graphics driver on Windows: 55sTech Tests & TroubleshootingYouTube · Aug 30, 2025
This video explains how to perform a hard reset on a laptop: 48sGauging GadgetsYouTube · Jun 24, 2025
This video demonstrates how to boot into Safe Mode: 52sSandeep SinghYouTube · May 1, 2025

Why is my screen black on my car screen?

When the display screen remains completely black, first check the vehicle's fuse box for any blown fuses related to the infotainment or dashboard system. Inspect wiring harness connections behind the screen for looseness or damage. A faulty display unit or a malfunctioning control module can also cause this issue.

Why has my display screen gone black?

A black display screen is often caused by loose cables, a computer in sleep mode, or driver and software issues like a failed Windows update. Other reasons include a faulty graphics card, a dead battery on a laptop, or even a hardware problem with the monitor itself.
Initial checks

Wake the computer: If the screen went black after a period of inactivity, it's likely in sleep mode. Try moving the mouse, pressing any key on the keyboard, or pressing the power button.
Check monitor power: Look for a power light on the monitor. If there isn't one, ensure the power cord is securely plugged into a working outlet and the monitor itself.
Check the video cable: Make sure the cable connecting your computer to the monitor is tightly secured at both ends. Try unplugging and replugging it, and if possible, test a different cable or port.
Try a different monitor: Connect your computer to a different monitor or a TV to determine if the original monitor is the problem.
Use a keyboard shortcut: Try pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete and selecting "Restart" if you see a light on your Caps Lock or Num Lock key. If not, try Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B which restarts the graphics driver.

Software and driver issues

Perform a hard reset: Turn off the computer, unplug the power, and hold the power button for about 30 seconds to discharge any residual power. Then plug it back in and restart.
Boot into Safe Mode: If you can get a display in Safe Mode, it suggests a driver or software issue. From there, you can try updating or reinstalling your graphics driver.
Check for updates: A recent Windows update may have caused the problem. If you can access Ctrl + Alt + Delete and then go to restart, you might be able to boot up normally. If you're unable to get a display at all, you may need to remove the battery (on a laptop) or perform a hard reset before booting up again.

Hardware problems

RAM issues: Faulty or loose RAM sticks can cause a black screen. If you are comfortable opening your computer, try reseating the RAM sticks to ensure they are firmly in place.
Graphics card failure: A failing graphics card will prevent a display from showing. You may need to test with a different card or seek professional help.
Backlight failure: The backlight can fail even if the computer is working correctly, resulting in a blank screen.
Laptop-specific issues: For laptops, a faulty internal cable connecting the screen to the motherboard or a dead battery can also be the cause.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.