Tesla greatly changed the automaking game from the time it entered the market. It was the first to install a 17-inch touchscreen in Model S and X. However, people started realizing their screens were melting. Perhaps you’d like to know why it happens and how to fix it.
Some Tesla models experience touchscreen overheating from exposure to more thermal load from direct sunlight or nearby components. You can fix your screen by contacting the Tesla customer support center through the handy app.
The carmaker had to recall over 130,000 cars for having malfunctioning touchscreens. These include Model S sedans and Model X SUVs from 2021 to 2022. Some Model 3 and Model Y SUVs from 2022 were also recalled for having overheating touch screens that go blank.
What Went Wrong With Tesla’s Touchscreen?
Tesla’s media control unit (MCU) was sourced from laptop makers. To Musk, laptop screens are sturdy today, and there was no problem fixing one in a Tesla. He chose a 17-inch Innolux G170J1-LE1 screen from a Taiwanese manufacturer.
The screen wasn’t made for automotive applications but for industrial use. Despite its higher standard compared to regular laptop screens, its reliability on the test criteria was only impressive to anyone outside of the automotive supply chain.
The Innolux screen tested the lowest on the standard grade for high-temperature testing. Electronic parts for passenger compartment hotspots, such as the central display, were tested to Grade 2, yet Innolux was Grade 4.
Why Does The Tesla Screen Overheat?
Center stacks and dashboards are among the hottest interior areas in a car. Ambient temperature alone or solar radiation can easily exceed 80 degrees C. The additional thermal load comes from the nearby HVAC unit, Autopilot processor, and a display processor.
Tesla’s decision to use a large MCU that didn’t match automotive-grade standards caused the Model S and X to begin experiencing problems resulting from thermal issues. Bubbles started forming on the sides of the displays, causing a gooey adhesive material to leak into the interior.
The carmaker tried to fix the problem using its cabin overheat protection feature despite keeping the temperature at over 40 degrees C. Tesla also tried to adjust the thermal management of the screen.
Model S and X also developed a yellow banding problem around the display’s edge. The problem develops slowly over time in hotter climates or leaves the vehicle in direct sunlight for an extended period.
Other touchscreen devices, including iPhones and Microsoft Surfaces, also noticed the issue. This problem seemed to result from high thermal loads.
What Is The Effect Of Tesla Screens Problems?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that the central processing computers in Teslas don’t offer sufficient cooling during fast charging. It makes the computer lag or restarts making the center screen run slowly or go blank.
Drivers can’t access the rearview camera display and indicators whether the car is in neutral or reverse. It comes with a risk of a crash. Customers find themselves without access to the backup cameras or defrost or defog controls.
The problem also affected some signal functionalities and features of the Autopilot driver assistance. Screen problems also affect climatic control settings, including heat and air conditioning.
How Do I Fix A Tesla Screen When It Goes Black?
When the screen goes black, turn the car off and back on. This may solve the problem. If the problem remains, here’s another trick you can try depending on your car model.
For Model Y
- Pack in a safe area away from elements
- Choose Park mode\press and hold the scroll wheel buttons
- The screen will turn off after 30 seconds
- Wait for the instrument cluster to restart between 10 to 30 seconds.
For other Tesla models
- Park in a safe location away from the elements
- Enter Park mode
- Hold down the brake pedal
- Press and hold down the buttons on the screen until the speedometer flashes
- Release the buttons but remain to hold the brake pedal
- Hold down the two scroll wheels
- The system should reset
If these fixes don’t work, contact your local service center.
How Do I Fix Yellow Bands Around A Tesla Screen?
Yellow banding around the display edges is another heat problem for Tesla screens. The problem results from sunlight or heat disrupting the bonding between the display and the outer glass. It’s usually noticeable on the menu screen, whose display is usually white.
You may experience this problem more when living in a hotter or sunnier climate. It has a possibility of recurring when fixed when you expose the car to the same conditions.
How Can I Get Tesla To Fix My Screen?
When your screen is still under warranty, you can contact Tesla to fix it. It’s a good idea if the problem has persisted for some time. You can book an appointment through the service center app.
You may need to take a video or pictures of the problem for proof so Tesla can fix it. The rule of thumb is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines. And never hesitate to reach out to Tesla service when you need assistance.
What Are Some Other Common Tesla Screen Problems?
Apart from overheating, Tesla screens are prone to other problems. Drivers can experience unresponsive touch screens while the vehicle is moving. The display works fine, but the touch inputs aren’t recognized.
You may also experience a blank or black screen with nothing on display. The touch inputs aren’t recognized, and it usually happens on startup. A Tesla screen may also get frozen while the display is fine, but the touch inputs are ignored.
Another common Tesla screen problem is slow loading or response to inputs. It becomes extremely slow to use the touchscreen or button input. Navigating menus becomes harder. It usually happens after an extended period of inactivity despite driving.
What Other Cars Faced Touchscreen Problems?
Ford’s MyFordTouch systems developed various issues, yet it had previously extended its warranty cover for its SYNC systems. Cadillac also revamped its CUE touchscreen after various issues, including spiderweb cracks.
Closing Thoughts
Tesla’s decision to fit an industrial-grade touchscreen led to heating problems. The screen was commonly used for industrial and medical applications, not in the automotive industry. The best way to fix these is to contact the Tesla customer service center through the app.
