The largest online repair guide library for every car

About us
Contact support
FAQ
Sign up
Sign in

2018 Charger Uconnect Screen Freezing and Going Black

0

Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 4:19 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Dodge Charger R/T

My 2018 Dodge Charger R/T has been having major issues with the Uconnect infotainment system lately. The screen frequently freezes up, becomes unresponsive, and sometimes just goes completely black for several minutes before eventually rebooting itself. It's incredibly frustrating when I'm trying to use navigation or adjust the climate controls.

I've tried doing the soft reset (holding down the tuning and volume buttons) a few times, and it helps temporarily, but the problem always comes back. It seems to happen more often on longer drives or when it's hot outside.

Has anyone else experienced this with their Charger? Is this a known defect, or could it be something I can fix myself? I'm wondering if there's a software update I'm missing or if it's a hardware issue that needs a costly replacement.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 4:19 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

Freezing, blackouts, and unresponsiveness of the Uconnect screen are unfortunately common complaints among owners of 2015-2020 Dodge Chargers and other FCA vehicles. This issue can stem from several sources, ranging from software glitches to hardware failures.

Here's a breakdown of potential causes and solutions:

  1. Software Bugs: The most common culprit is often a bug in the Uconnect software. Updates are regularly released to address stability and performance issues.
    • Action: Ensure your Uconnect system has the latest software version. You can often check for and install updates via Wi-Fi if your vehicle supports it, or by downloading the update to a USB drive from the Uconnect website (driveuconnect.com) and installing it manually. A dealership can also perform this for you.
  2. Hardware Failure: If software updates don't resolve the issue, the problem might be with the head unit itself. Components like the processor, memory, or even the screen digitizer can fail.
    • Overheating: Prolonged use or high ambient temperatures can sometimes cause the unit to overheat, leading to temporary shutdowns or freezing. This aligns with your observation about longer drives or hot weather.
  3. Loose Connections: Less common, but a loose electrical connection to the head unit could also cause intermittent power or data loss.
  4. When to See a Shop: If software updates and repeated soft resets (holding down the Mute and Browse/Enter buttons simultaneously for about 10-20 seconds) do not provide a lasting solution, it's time to visit a Dodge dealership. They have specialized diagnostic tools to:
    • Perform a deeper software flash.
    • Test the head unit's internal components.
    • Check for any related Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that might address this specific problem for your 2018 Charger model. There have been TSBs related to Uconnect performance and stability.

While a full head unit replacement can be costly, sometimes a simpler fix like a software reflash or a specific component replacement (if covered by a TSB) can resolve the issue.

Menu

Help & account