Infotainment Screen Freezing and Going Black on 2020 RLX Technology

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Chris P. · rep 0 · May 26, 3:33 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Acura RLX Technology Package

My 2020 Acura RLX Technology Package has been having really annoying issues with the infotainment system. The screen will randomly freeze up, become completely unresponsive to touch, and sometimes even go totally black for several minutes before eventually restarting itself. It's happening more and more frequently.

This affects navigation, audio controls, and even the rearview camera, which is a big safety concern. I've tried doing the soft reset (holding down audio power button) but it only works temporarily, if at all. Is this a known issue for the newer RLX models?

What could be causing this? Is it a software glitch or a hardware problem? Any advice on how to fix this or if I should take it to the dealer immediately? Thanks for any help!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Infotainment system glitches like freezing, unresponsiveness, and black screens are unfortunately common across many modern vehicles, including your 2020 Acura RLX Technology Package. These issues are typically software-related, but can sometimes point to a hardware fault within the head unit or associated components.

  1. Troubleshooting Steps:

    • Perform a Hard Reset: Disconnect the car's negative battery terminal for 15-20 minutes. This can sometimes clear persistent electronic glitches by fully cycling power to all modules. Be aware that you might need to re-enter radio codes or reset clock/settings.
    • Check for Software Updates: Acura regularly releases software updates for their infotainment systems. A visit to the dealership can confirm if your system is running the latest version. Outdated software is a frequent cause of these types of bugs.
    • Inspect Connections: While not easily accessible, loose connections behind the head unit could cause intermittent issues. This is best left to a professional.
  2. Common Causes:

    • Software Bugs: The most frequent culprit. Glitches in the operating system or application software can cause freezing and crashes.
    • Overheating: The infotainment unit, like any computer, can overheat, especially if ventilation is poor or under heavy load, leading to temporary shutdowns.
    • Corrupted Data: Issues with stored data (e.g., navigation maps, saved settings) can sometimes cause system instability.
    • Hardware Failure: Less common, but a failing internal component of the head unit (e.g., processor, memory) could be the cause. This would typically require replacement of the unit.
    • OBD-II Codes: Infotainment systems generally do not trigger standard powertrain OBD-II codes. However, a dealership-specific scanner can often pull codes from the various body control modules (BCM) or infotainment control unit that might indicate a communication or internal fault.
  3. When to See a Shop: Since your vehicle is a 2020 model, it's likely still under warranty. It's highly recommended to schedule an appointment with your Acura dealership. They have access to specific diagnostic tools, software updates, and technical service bulletins (TSBs) that address these types of issues. They can accurately diagnose whether it's a software update, a loose connection, or a faulty head unit requiring replacement. Given the safety concern with the rearview camera, prompt attention is warranted.