Why is my screen black in my Chevy Equinox?

A black screen on a Chevy Equinox is usually a power or display fault rather than a mystery fault with the car’s engine. Common causes range from a blown fuse or a weak battery to a software crash or a failing display module. This guide walks you through what may be going on and how to approach fixes.

What might be happening with your screen

There are two main displays in many Equinox models: the infotainment touchscreen (MyLink) and the digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. A failure in either can present as a completely black screen or a screen that remains dark while other functions still work.

Infotainment vs. instrument cluster

Understanding which display is dark helps narrow down the likely causes and the repair path. If the center touchscreen stays dark but the driver information screen is visible, the issue is likely isolated to the infotainment unit. If both screens are dark, the problem is more likely related to power, grounding, or a shared controller behind the scenes.

Common potential causes include:

• Power supply problems to the display unit, including blown fuses or weak/loose wiring.


• Problems with the vehicle’s 12-volt electrical system, such as a weak battery or a failing alternator.


• Display hardware failure, such as a backlight or LCD failure in the screen module.


• Software issues, including a crash or outdated firmware in the infotainment system or instrument cluster.


• Display dimming or sleep mode settings that render the screen effectively dark.


• Loose, damaged, or corroded connectors behind the screen or in the wiring harness.


• Moisture or water intrusion around the display area.

In some cases, a black screen may be temporary or intermittent, while in others it’s persistent and requires more hands-on service. If your vehicle is under warranty or covered by a GM service campaign, some fixes may be performed at no cost.

What you can try at home

Before heading to a shop, try a few safe, non-destructive steps to see if the issue can be resolved quickly. These steps are designed to rule out simple causes and virus-like software crashes first.

• Reboot the infotainment system: with the vehicle on or in accessory mode, press and hold the power/volume knob for about 10 seconds until the unit restarts. If you have a different reboot method, follow your owner’s manual for performing a soft reset.


• Check brightness and power-saving settings: make sure the display isn’t dimmed to near zero or stuck in an auto-dim mode that makes it appear black in certain lighting.


• Inspect the power and ground connections behind the display (if you’re comfortable doing so): with the ignition off, remove appropriate panels to view the display harness for loose plugs or corrosion. Do not disconnect live wires while the car is powered.


• Test the battery and charging system: a weak battery or failing alternator can cause intermittent power loss to the display. If the battery is under 12.4 volts at rest, consider a charge or battery replacement.

These at-home checks can save a lot of time. If the screen still remains completely black after these steps, it’s time to consult a professional for a precise diagnosis.

When to seek professional help

If the home checks don’t restore the display, a qualified technician should diagnose the underlying fault. A professional approach typically includes a diagnostic scan and a physical inspection of power, grounding, and wiring, followed by a targeted repair.

• Run a diagnostic scan on the infotainment module and the instrument cluster to pull fault codes and logs that point to the failure source.


• Verify 12V power and proper grounding to the display units, plus inspect related fuses and wiring harnesses.


• Perform software updates or a firmware reflash for the infotainment system or instrument cluster if a crash or corruption is suspected.


• Check for damage, water ingress, or loose connectors behind the display assemblies; repair or replace as needed.

Note that the cost and scope of repair can vary widely depending on whether the fix involves a simple fuse replacement, a software update, or replacement of the display module itself. A dealer or trusted shop can provide a precise quote and confirm warranty coverage or recalls where applicable.

Software updates and recalls

Software issues are a frequent source of display problems. General Motors has issued updates and service bulletins for various Equinox infotainment and instrument cluster configurations. If your screen is black, ask a dealer to check for available software updates or recalls tied to your VIN. Updates can resolve crashes, freezes, or display glitches without hardware replacement.

Keeping your vehicle’s software up to date can prevent future problems and preserve functionality beyond the basic fixes. Dealers can perform VIN-based checks to determine which campaigns, recalls, or TSBs apply to your exact model and trim.

Safety considerations

If the screen goes black while you’re driving, prioritize safety: you can still operate many vehicle functions and keep your eyes on the road, but you’ll lose navigation, rear camera display, and other on-screen aids. If possible, pull over to a safe location before attempting resets or calling for assistance.

Screen failure is a nuisance, not a safety-critical engine problem, but it can affect driver information and ease of use. A prompt diagnostic can prevent further damage and restore full vehicle functionality.

Summary

Most black-screen issues in a Chevy Equinox stem from power or display faults, often related to fuses, battery/charging, or software glitches. Start with simple resets, brightness checks, and power testing, then move to more thorough diagnostics or professional service if the problem persists. Regular software updates and checking for recalls can reduce the chance of a repeat failure and help ensure the infotainment and instrument cluster stay reliably active.

Why is my Chevrolet screen black?

A black Chevy screen is often caused by software glitches, blown fuses, or a weak battery. You can try a soft reset by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds, or a hard reset by disconnecting the car battery for about 10 minutes. If these steps fail, it could indicate a more serious hardware issue like damaged wiring or a failing display unit, which would require professional diagnostics.
 
This video shows how to perform a soft reset by holding the power button: 53sNexologyYouTube · Sep 10, 2025
Troubleshooting steps
This video demonstrates how to do a hard reset by disconnecting the battery: 1mTerry ClaytonYouTube · Jun 28, 2021

• Perform a soft reset: Press and hold the power button on the infotainment system for 10 to 15 seconds. This can clear temporary software glitches. 
• Check the fuses: Locate the infotainment system fuse in your vehicle's fuse box and check if it has blown. If it is, replace it with a new fuse of the same amperage. 
• Perform a hard reset: Disconnect the negative terminal of your car battery for about 10 minutes, then reconnect it. 
• Check the battery: A weak or dying car battery can cause the infotainment system to malfunction. Make sure your battery is charged and in good condition. 
• Inspect wiring: Look for any loose or damaged wiring connections behind the screen, though this may require removing some dash components. It is often best to have a professional do this to avoid causing more damage. 

If the issue persists

• Scan for trouble codes: Take your vehicle to a GM dealer or a certified repair shop to have diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) read. Codes related to the MOST bus can help diagnose the problem, notes Infotainment.com. 
• Contact a professional: If the problem is not resolved by the steps above, the display or head unit itself may have a hardware failure and need to be professionally diagnosed or replaced. 

This video shows how to reprogram the windows after a hard reset: 58sEddie's Customs & RestorationsYouTube · Oct 24, 2022

What to do if my car screen is black?

Quick fixes
Unplug your phone from the USB port and plug it back in if you have a wired connection. If you have a wireless connection, turn your phone's Bluetooth off and then on again. Turn off your car's ignition, then turn it back on. This can sometimes unfreeze a screen.

Why is my Chevy Equinox radio screen black?

A Chevy Equinox radio screen can go black due to power issues, software glitches, or hardware problems. Common causes include a blown fuse, a dead or weak battery, a software crash, or a faulty display or wiring. You can try a soft reset, a hard reset by disconnecting the battery, or checking the fuses to troubleshoot. 
Potential causes 
This video explains common causes of a black screen on a Chevy Equinox infotainment system: 53sNexologyYouTube · Sep 10, 2025

• Power issues: A blown fuse, a weak car battery, or a loose electrical connection can prevent the screen from receiving power. 
• Software glitches: The infotainment system can crash or freeze, leading to a black screen. This is often resolved by a simple reboot. 
• Hardware malfunctions: The screen itself, its internal wiring, or the main infotainment control module could be faulty or have loose connections, especially if the car has recently been impacted by a jolt or pothole. 
• Overheating: In some cases, the system may temporarily shut down to protect itself from overheating. 

Troubleshooting steps 
This video demonstrates how to perform a soft reset on a Chevy Equinox's infotainment system: 51sNexologyYouTube · Aug 29, 2025

1. Perform a soft reset: Press and hold the power button on the infotainment system for 10 to 15 seconds to reboot it. 
2. Perform a hard reset: Disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery for at least 10-15 minutes. Reconnect it and see if the screen works. 
3. Check fuses: Find the instrument panel fuse box and check fuses related to the radio, infotainment, and audio amplifier. Replace any blown fuses with ones of the exact same amperage rating. 
4. Check physical connections: If you are comfortable doing so, inspect the connectors on the back of the radio to ensure they are not loose. Some problems may require a professional to inspect wiring harnesses for damage or corrosion. 
5. Update software: Check for and install any available software updates for your vehicle's infotainment system from Chevrolet, as outdated firmware can cause issues. 

When to seek professional help

• If the simple resets and fuse checks don't resolve the problem, the issue is likely a more serious hardware failure, such as a faulty display or control module. 
• It is best to have a professional technician at a dealership or a reputable car audio shop diagnose and fix hardware issues, as incorrect disassembly can cause further damage. 

This video explains how to fix a 2016 Chevy Equinox infotainment system that is not working: 54sNexologyYouTube · Aug 29, 2025

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.