Infotainment black screen issues
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Infotainment black screen issues
My 2016 C-7 LT3 screen not working each time. When first starting the car, the screen is black and non responsive. After driving for 20 to 30 minutes, screen come on. Car has been to the dealer three times. First they reprogrammed. Next loose connections were checked and tightened. Last time they replaced the infotainment screen. Screen does not flicker and all functions work when it comes on. Going to the dealer again tomorrow. Anyone out there experiencing the same issues and recommendations. Is this a problem with the C-7. Please share your ideas and suggestions.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 4,303
Likes: 2,055
From: Margate, FL
Maybe a bad HMI module? Mine was the loose connection problem (at the module) but if you search here you'll find similar problems come up often.
The normal list of dealer provided solutions are:
1) the screen itself
2) wiring at the module
3) frayed blue wires at the screen
4) software update
5) the HMI module itself
Most issues in the earlier cars (2014-2015) appear to be #3 or #4. Very few have reported that its #1 but dealers seems to immediately jump on that solution. I wonder how they diagnose this stuff because #1 is a difficult and expensive fix. I guess if its under warranty they don't care.
The normal list of dealer provided solutions are:
1) the screen itself
2) wiring at the module
3) frayed blue wires at the screen
4) software update
5) the HMI module itself
Most issues in the earlier cars (2014-2015) appear to be #3 or #4. Very few have reported that its #1 but dealers seems to immediately jump on that solution. I wonder how they diagnose this stuff because #1 is a difficult and expensive fix. I guess if its under warranty they don't care.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Dropped car off at the dealership today. They asked me whether I had any sound when the screen goes black. No nothing at all. Since they have done all of the items you listed except the HMI module, maybe hat is the next step. Does the HMI module provide the power for the unit? They are running it up the chain at Chevrolet since it is an ongoing issue with this car, Is this a common problem with other Corvette owners on the forum? Thank you for your comments and suggestions.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 4,303
Likes: 2,055
From: Margate, FL
Hard to judge how common it is but it comes up often enough to be on a list of things you need to watch out. Its tricky because not everyone reports back on what the fix ultimately was.
The HMI (human machine interface) unit integrates many of the car's subsystems. It's the core of the infotainment system, so stuff like the radio, the backup camera, the navigation system and tons of other settings (exhaust and steering, door lock preferences, etc). The radio itself is a separate module (in a different location) and its likely fine... but if the HMI is faulty you would have no way to control it. The HMI is an integrated computer connected to many things, so it normally goes beyond simple power supply problems.
From what I've read on this forum dealers just aren't very good at troubleshooting the system due to its complexity. They hear "the screen just went black" and then (logically) assume its a screen problem. That would be like replacing your computer just because the keyboard stop working.
The HMI (human machine interface) unit integrates many of the car's subsystems. It's the core of the infotainment system, so stuff like the radio, the backup camera, the navigation system and tons of other settings (exhaust and steering, door lock preferences, etc). The radio itself is a separate module (in a different location) and its likely fine... but if the HMI is faulty you would have no way to control it. The HMI is an integrated computer connected to many things, so it normally goes beyond simple power supply problems.
From what I've read on this forum dealers just aren't very good at troubleshooting the system due to its complexity. They hear "the screen just went black" and then (logically) assume its a screen problem. That would be like replacing your computer just because the keyboard stop working.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 290
Likes: 35
From: St Augustine Florida
Dealer started out with a screen replacement, I still had a intermediate problem afterwards, HMI was replaced later in process.
All good now, (2 months), but keeping my fingers crossed.
Glad I picked up a extended 3 year warranty, it can be a expensive repair
All good now, (2 months), but keeping my fingers crossed.
Glad I picked up a extended 3 year warranty, it can be a expensive repair
Last edited by dcarr; Feb 26, 2020 at 02:14 PM. Reason: Sp
