There can be a lot of inconveniences associated with a blank display in your Ford SYNC system, such as navigation and music playback. There are a number of common reasons why screens fail, and this guide will help you identify and fix them quickly.
Troubleshooting Guide for Ford Screens
| What’s causing it | Solution possibilities | The level of difficulty |
| Crash or glitch in software | Update SYNC by resetting it | Effortless |
| A fuse(s) has blown | Equip the circuit with a new fuse if the fuse is bad | Effortless |
| The connectors on the wires are loose | Replacing damaged wires and reseating connectors | Intermediate level |
| Deficiency of batteries | Batteries need to be replaced | Effortless |
| Faulty alternator | Alternator replacement | Expert level |
| Displays/components that are damaged | The affected components and display unit should be replaced | Specialist |
Why display screens fail: The top causes
Rather than start from scratch and try to fix the issue, let’s take a look at what might be causing the problem. A disabled screen can be caused by the following culprits:
- Crashes or glitches in software
- Connectors that are loose
- The fuse has blown
- Batteries or alternators causing power interruptions
- Components or screens that are faulty
There is usually no major cost or effort involved in fixing the first three issues on the list. There may be times, however, when a professional is needed to repair a screen or component. Now let’s get you back up and running with some troubleshooting and repair steps.
Reset it
Auto technicians recommend resetting or restarting complicated electronic devices when they are misbehaving. Usually, this removes any software quirks or connection glitches that can mess up the whole system.
There are a few steps that can be taken to reset a recalcitrant Ford display:
- Press continuously for 5-10 seconds until the screen goes completely dark after finding the button on the panel that turns on your stereo system or display system.
- Continue holding down the button until the Ford logo reappears, and the reboot sequence is complete.
- You should now be able to see the display. That glitch may have been fixed by the reset.
- Continue with the next troubleshooting step if the screen still shows signs of misbehavior or isn’t illuminated.
The system needs to be updated
Suppose your Ford’s SYNC software is outdated and your display reset attempt did not resolve the problem. It can become vulnerable to failure if aging code is constantly patched and expanded in order to address bugs and add new features.
Check to see if your SYNC system has the latest updates by using voice commands, Wi-Fi, or USB devices. You should already have the latest version of your software if there are no updates available.
You can try resetting the system after the updates have installed or if none are pending. The next step is to start testing components if that doesn’t bring about positive results.
Fuse inspection
The Ford’s display screen is powered by a variety of delicate fuses, just like most vehicle electronics. These fuses can be blown without warning by vibration from driving or voltage spikes.
You can test the various fuses on the screen quickly by following these steps:
- Before you touch a fuse, turn your car off completely!
- Under the steering column near your knees, locate the fusebox cover panel and remove it.
- On the basis of the box diagram and labels, locate the fuse(s) for the infotainment display and SYNC functions. In the event that you have any doubts, you can consult the owner’s manual of your vehicle.
- Ensure all related fuses are removed from their slots and inspected. The metal strips or elements inside the glass casing might be damaged if there is a bad fuse.
A new fuse of the same amperage from an auto parts store can be substituted if any display fuses on your vehicle have blown. Reset your display once you have inserted the correct fuses to determine if the problem is related solely to protection.
Wires should be examined
You may still have a loose wire connection even if your display screen and fuses both appear to be functioning properly. Electrical connectors slowly become loose from their housings due to years of vibrations and varying humidity levels.
Your display and other cab components can be disrupted by even minor looseness. Checking for signs of degradation or movement in wiring and connectors can help identify bad connections. In basic terms, here’s what we’re going to do:
1. Check that the Ford display module’s wiring harness and junctions can be accessed. Generally, they are located beneath the dash and behind interior panels such as the glove box. These panels can be safely removed and replaced by an experienced auto technician.
2. Feel for any loose components and connections compared to components that are firmly anchored in place with your fingers.
3. Look for cracked or frayed wire insulation that exposes copper. There’s a bad connection if you can see metal past the insulation.
4. Test each connector and push it into its housing to make sure it’s all in there. Moisture or dirt can get inside loose fittings.
Wires, fraying or unseated connectors that are damaged or frayed will likely need professional repairs or replacements. The display should still work after an additional reset attempt if your connectivity is proper. The display components will have to be examined more closely if it still won’t work.
Batteries and alternators should be checked on your vehicle
When you drive or stand still, all cab components and devices are powered by the battery and alternator combo that operate the entire electrical system in your Ford.
Both are essential to ensuring voltage flow to the display screen, so if either fails, voltage flow to the screen will be interrupted or lost entirely. Over time, charging issues can drain your battery, causing dimmed headlights or sputtering startup attempts.
Follow these standard tests to identify charging problems:
Assessment of batteries
- Connect a voltmeter or tester across the battery posts after turning off all lights and accessories. A properly charged battery should display 12.4-12.7 volts. Once the battery is drained of current, any reading lower than that indicates inadequate overnight charging.
- Watch the tester display while cranking the starter for 15 seconds. A voltage of 10.5 volts should be maintained while cranking. You won’t be able to run your vehicle’s ignition or electronics if the battery drops below 10 volts.
- In and out of the vehicle, compare the top/side of the batter. You’ll know it’s time to replace it when it leaks acid, cracks, or swells. Electrical connections are damaged by any whitish/green crud that accumulates around posts.
Test your alternator
If you have not yet warmed up your engine, check the voltmeter reading at your battery posts after turning on all major accessories such as the air conditioner and the headlights.
If the alternator outputs enough current for your battery to be recharged and cab systems to function, the voltage will be between 13.5 and 15 volts. It is likely that your display screen will begin working again after a reset if your Ford exhibits charging problems or fails either of the above tests.
Resolving the problem of dead display components
A dormant or uncooperative display screen most likely requires professional service, regardless of your best efforts. It is possible for a vehicle screen to be destroyed by extended exposure to temperatures exceeding the limits set by its interior design.
A complex component communication network may also present problems with screen connectivity that require advanced technicians to pinpoint. Only replacement is able to resolve loss of vision in the case of catastrophic failures or programming corruptions.
For continued confidence, this repair is a priority due to its impact on safety, convenience, and entertainment features. You can regain control of your cabin for several hundred bucks or more if you get parts and professional installation. To revive your Ford display that has darkened, follow the steps below methodically to troubleshoot:
- Resetting/rebooting of screen
- Software updates for SYNC should be installed
- Fuses on displays should be checked
- Wire connections should be checked for looseness
- Alternator and battery test
You may be able to restore the screen’s glow with minimal tools and effort. For a final seal on the deal, let’s cover a few more points and recommendations.
You’ll also like these tips
Here are a few additional display repair insights beyond the troubleshooting sequence already outlined:
Start by researching:
Find out how other Ford owners are handling display failures online. You won’t find this kind of detail anywhere else, but fellow owners share their insight and repair guides.
Videos to review:
You will learn the exact techniques to remove the interior trim from your Ford model to gain access to the wiring. When components are pried incorrectly or with too much force, permanent damage will occur. Instead of muscling panels free, work them gently loose.
Make sure there are no Glicthes:
Use the steps outlined earlier to reset your display after any repair or troubleshooting. Any errors that occur will also be prevented by clearer programming codes or settings.
Navigate through all menu options on the screen, select all sound controls, pair the phone, and enter the navigation destination to ensure that everything is working as it should. There is likely to be a deeper issue that needs to be corrected if there are still lingering glitches or latency.
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Mechanics Can Help:
Don’t push yourself past your limits. The technicians at Ford dealers and independent shops are capable of diagnosing and correcting a wider range of display malfunctions quickly and effectively if you don’t have the knowledge or skills.
You can prevent even more expensive future issues going undiagnosed by spending a few hundred dollars to restore full-screen functionality.
