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2017 Mazda 6 Infotainment Screen Flickering/Going Black

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James R. · rep 0 · May 22, 4:50 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Mazda 6 Touring

Hello everyone,

I own a 2017 Mazda 6 Touring, and I've been experiencing a frustrating issue with the infotainment screen. It started with occasional flickering, almost like a bad connection, and now it sometimes goes completely black for a few seconds before coming back on. Sometimes it stays black until I restart the car.

The audio usually continues to play, and I can still use the commander knob to change tracks, but I can't see anything on the screen. It's really annoying, especially when I'm trying to use navigation or see the backup camera.

Is this a known issue with the Mazda Connect system in this model year? Could it be a loose cable, a software glitch, or something more serious with the display unit itself? Any advice or similar experiences would be helpful!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 4:50 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

The flickering and black screen issue on your 2017 Mazda 6's infotainment system is a relatively common complaint for Mazda Connect units from this era, often pointing to a few potential causes.

  1. Loose Connections:

    • Diagnosis: The most common culprit is a loose or corroded connection behind the head unit or at the display itself. Vibrations over time can cause these connections to become intermittent.
    • Check: While it requires some disassembly of the dash, checking and re-seating the main power and data cables to the display and the head unit can often resolve the issue. Ensure no pins are bent or corroded.

  2. Software Glitch/Firmware:

    • Diagnosis: Sometimes, a software bug can cause the display to freeze or malfunction. Mazda has released various firmware updates for the Mazda Connect system.
    • Action: Check if your system's firmware is up to date. A dealership can perform this update, or you might find guides online for DIY updates (though proceed with caution).

  3. Faulty Display Unit or Head Unit:

    • Diagnosis: If connections are solid and software is updated, the display panel itself might be failing, or less commonly, the main head unit (CMU - Connectivity Master Unit) could have an internal fault.
    • Symptoms: If the screen goes black but the backlight is still on, it might be the display panel. If everything goes dark and unresponsive, it could be the head unit.

  4. Power Supply Issue:

    • Diagnosis: An intermittent power supply to the head unit or display could also cause these symptoms. This could be due to a faulty fuse, relay, or wiring issue in the power circuit.
    • OBD Codes: While there aren't specific OBD-II codes for a flickering screen, a diagnostic scan might reveal U-codes (e.g., U0155 - Lost Communication with Instrument Panel Cluster Control Module) if the head unit is losing communication with other modules due to power interruptions.

When to See a Shop: If you're not comfortable disassembling parts of your dashboard, or if checking connections and updating software doesn't resolve the problem, it's best to visit a Mazda dealership or an automotive electronics specialist. They can accurately diagnose whether it's a wiring issue, a faulty display, or a problem with the head unit, and perform necessary repairs or replacements. This ensures proper functionality of your infotainment and safety features like the backup camera.

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