2019 GMC Terrain SLT Infotainment System Freezing and CarPlay Disconnects

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James R. · rep 0 · May 22, 3:47 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2019 GMC Terrain SLT

Hello everyone,

I'm having some frustrating issues with the infotainment system in my 2019 GMC Terrain SLT. It's got about 45,000 miles on it. The main problem is that the screen frequently freezes, becoming completely unresponsive to touch. This happens randomly, sometimes while driving, sometimes right after starting the car.

When it freezes, my Apple CarPlay also disconnects, and I can't get it to reconnect until I restart the vehicle, which is a pain. Sometimes the backup camera also takes a long time to load, or just shows a black screen. I've tried doing a soft reset by holding down the power button, but the problem keeps coming back.

Is this a known bug with the 2019 Terrain's system? Are there any updates or fixes I can do myself before taking it to the dealership? It's really impacting my driving experience.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Infotainment system glitches like freezing screens, CarPlay disconnects, and backup camera delays are not uncommon in modern vehicles, including your 2019 GMC Terrain SLT. These issues can stem from various sources, from software bugs to hardware problems.

  1. Perform a Hard Reset: While you've tried a soft reset, a more thorough reset might help. Disconnect the negative terminal of your car battery for about 15-20 minutes, then reconnect it. This can clear residual power and reset all modules, including the infotainment system.

  2. Check for Software Updates: GMC frequently releases software updates for its infotainment systems to address bugs and improve performance. A dealership can connect your vehicle to their diagnostic system and check if there are any pending updates for your specific infotainment unit. These updates are often not available for DIY installation.

  3. Inspect USB Ports and Cables: For CarPlay issues, ensure you are using a high-quality, MFi-certified (Made for iPhone) USB cable. Faulty or generic cables are a common cause of intermittent disconnections. Also, check the USB port for any debris or damage.

Common Causes:

  • Software Glitches: The most frequent cause. Bugs in the infotainment software can lead to freezing, slow response, and connectivity issues.
  • Loose Connections: Internal wiring or connections to the infotainment module can become loose over time, causing intermittent problems.
  • Faulty USB Port/Module: A damaged USB port or the module that handles USB communication can cause CarPlay/Android Auto to disconnect.
  • Overheating: In rare cases, the infotainment unit itself might be overheating, leading to performance issues.
  • Corrupted Data: Sometimes, corrupted data from a connected device or an internal file can cause the system to crash.

When to See a Shop: If the hard reset and cable checks don't resolve the issues, it's time to visit a GMC dealership. They have specialized tools to:

  • Diagnose the infotainment system with specific diagnostic codes (U-codes for communication issues, though less common for simple freezes).
  • Perform advanced software updates.
  • Check for loose connections or faulty hardware within the dashboard.
  • Potentially replace the infotainment head unit if it's determined to be defective.

Since your vehicle is a 2019 model, it might still be under a powertrain or extended warranty, which could cover these repairs. Be sure to inquire about warranty coverage.