Jeep’s multimedia interfaces are an excellent way to stay entertained and informed while on the road. However, this is only the case when everything works as it should. Some Jeep touch screens have encountered issues, leaving drivers wondering why they don’t work and how to fix them.
There are several reasons why a Jeep touch screen may not work, including software glitches, frozen screens, delamination, short circuits, and hardware failures. Fortunately for you, there are a number of resolutions to fix these problematic issues, which include performing soft or hard resets, updating the firmware, replacing the screen, or fixing the hardware connectivity.
In this article, I’ll explore the most common reasons why Jeep touch screens stop working and offer practical solutions to fix them.
So, let’s get started and get your Jeep’s touchscreen back up and running!
Common Glitches With Jeep Touch Screens
Many complaints have been received by Jeep owners regarding various problems with their interactive systems, such as the touch screen. Somewhere it has simply stopped working altogether, and others, where it experiences delays or malfunctions.
Of course, if these errors occur while driving, they pose a distraction and therefore are a safety hazard to the driver and other road users.
Unfortunately, as this specific part of the vehicle isn’t covered under the warranty, it’s vital that you know how to fix it yourself to avoid hefty costs.
That’s where this guide is going to become your bible because throughout, I am going to tell you about each problematic occurrence with the touch screen and what you can do to fix it. You can thank me later.
Screen Damage
In many cases, the digital instrument cluster inside a Jeep can become physically damaged, whether due to the way you use the vehicle or simply overuse of the screen, such as wear and tear caused by skin oil.
Some cleaning products have also proven to corrode the screen mechanism, causing peeling. This will eventually cause the entire system to close down. Instead, use a microfiber cloth and a specially designed cleaning solution.
Software Glitch
There have been many setbacks regarding the Uconnect, most of which involve the freezing of the system, which then requires a reboot.
This problem is usually associated with a glitch in the software, which means users can’t access the main screen controls.
Blown Fuse
One common issue with the Uconnect system is linked to blown-out fuses.
According to a study on the subject, two types of fuses, F67 and F49, have been related to this complication.
Fuses are intended to act as safety measures, protecting the electronics from impairment and damage if a short circuit occurs. Similarly, the Uconnect system’s fuse serves as a safeguard in case of a circuit malfunction. If a malfunction does occur, the fuse will blow, protecting the system from damage.
Disconnection
In the event of a short circuit, a mechanical examination will be needed to rule out loose cables, which may have caused the system to disconnect.
Short Circuit
A short circuit is quite a common occurrence when we’re talking about touchscreen issues. Your mechanical and electrical engineering knowledge will determine whether this is a problem you can fix yourself, but in most instances, you’ll need to seek professional assistance.
Latency
Latency with any touchscreen device is an extreme frustration. It’s where there is a delayed response between you asking the system to perform an action and it actually following through. For example, when trying to type in an instruction, there’s a delay between you pressing the keys and the letters appearing on the screen. Infuriating, isn’t it?
This can occur in any item with a touch screen, and it can depend on the type of screen as to why it’s happening. For example, the more intricate the screen, the more processing it needs to do to perform.
Troubleshooting And Fixing Jeep Touch Screen Issues
While in some cases, it might be that you need to seek professional help from a trained specialist to fix these issues with your Jeep touchscreen, if you’re a dab hand with electronics and vehicle infrastructure, there might be some issues that you can diagnose and resolve yourself.
Let’s investigate further and fix the glitch.
Replacing the Screen
The problem with in-car touch screens is that they’re an integrated part of the dash, so removing them to get to the bottom of the issue can be problematic on its own. While some Jeeps do come installed with a removable screen, if this isn’t the case with yours, it could be you need to have the entire screen replaced.
Soft/Hard Reset
Many software malfunctions can be fixed with a soft or a hard reset.
- Soft Reset – Place your car in park, turn the ignition, then press and hold the knob and volume buttons down simultaneously until they start. Hold the knob buttons until you see the car’s name on the screen. This process should reconfigure the system.
- Hard Reset – Disconnect the battery terminals and wait around five minutes before reconnecting. This should reset the UConnect system.
A hard reset is the easier option. However, it will completely wipe out your data and return the system to its default settings. So it’s best to try a soft reset before resorting to the hard one.
Cleaning
If you think your Jeep touchscreen might be playing up due to a collection of dirt or grime. When cleaning, it’s vital not to use abrasive materials such as paper towels as they may further damage your screen. Instead, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth and purposeful touchscreen display spray.
Blown Fuse
Suppose there is a chance your problem is caused by something such as the radio fuse blowing, which can cause the system to malfunction or cut out altogether. You will need to have a small degree of knowledge in the area to identify the exact problem, but it’s usually a case of replacing the fuse in question.
Upgrading the Firmware
If you’ve already tried the soft and hard resets to no avail, then you may need a firmware upgrade. This is quite an intricate procedure, so unless you’re qualified in this area, you’ll need to take it to a professional. Attempting to perform a firmware upgrade when you’re unsure could result in further hindering the system.
In Summary
While electronic technology such as digital dashboards is a pivotal point in engineering and, for the most part, extremely convenient for the user, things can go wrong.
In most cases, Jeep touchscreen issues are an easy fix, which can be solved with a screen replacement, or a simple cleaning, most of which can be done with a bit of DIY and basic knowledge.
However, in the event of something more complex, such as hard wiring, firmware, or a fuse, it’s advised you take your Jeep to a trained automotive technician.