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2018 Grand Cherokee Uconnect Screen Freezing and Blacking Out

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Tom H. · rep 0 · May 22, 3:27 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland

Hey everyone,

I'm having some really frustrating issues with the Uconnect system in my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland. Lately, the touchscreen has been freezing up completely, not responding to any touches. Sometimes it just goes totally black and won't come back on for several minutes, even after restarting the car.

It's making navigation impossible and I can't even change the radio station. I've tried the soft reset (holding down the volume and tuner buttons), but it only works temporarily, if at all. Is this a common problem with these models?

Any ideas on what might be causing this or what I can try before taking it to the dealer? It's really impacting my driving experience.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 3:27 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Uconnect system issues, such as freezing or black screens, are not uncommon in various Jeep models, including your 2018 Grand Cherokee. These problems often stem from software glitches, module communication errors, or sometimes even hardware failures.

Here's a diagnostic approach:

  1. Perform a Hard Reset: Disconnect the negative terminal of your vehicle's battery for 15-20 minutes. This can sometimes clear module memory and resolve temporary software issues. Ensure your vehicle is off and keys are out of the ignition before doing this.
  2. Check for Software Updates: Visit a Jeep dealership or check the Uconnect website (if applicable for your system) to see if there are any pending software updates for your infotainment system. Outdated software is a frequent cause of instability.
  3. Inspect Fuses: Locate the fuse box (often under the hood or in the passenger footwell) and identify the fuse(s) related to the infotainment system (check your owner's manual for the exact location and fuse number). A blown or loose fuse can cause intermittent power issues.
  4. Diagnose Communication Bus: While less common for DIY, persistent issues might indicate a problem with the vehicle's CAN bus network. A professional scan tool can read codes like U0140 (Lost Communication With Body Control Module) or U0155 (Lost Communication With Instrument Panel Cluster Control Module), which could indirectly affect Uconnect.

Causes:

  • Software bugs or corruption within the Uconnect system.
  • Intermittent power supply to the head unit.
  • Faulty internal components of the Uconnect module.
  • Communication errors between the Uconnect system and other vehicle modules.

When to See a Shop: If the hard reset and fuse checks don't resolve the issue, or if the problem recurs frequently, it's best to take your Jeep to a certified dealership or an automotive electrical specialist. They have advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint module failures, perform deeper software diagnostics, and replace faulty components like the head unit if necessary. Mention any specific patterns you've observed, such as it happening after using certain features or in particular weather conditions.

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