2017 Outlander SE - Infotainment Screen Freezing & Unresponsive

0

Chris P. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:34 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander SE

Hey everyone,

I'm having a really annoying issue with the infotainment system in my 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander SE. The touch screen frequently freezes up, becoming completely unresponsive. Sometimes it just goes black, and other times it shows the last screen but won't react to touch inputs.

Turning the car off and on sometimes fixes it, but it's happening more and more often. When it freezes, Apple CarPlay also stops working, which is a huge inconvenience. Has anyone else experienced this with their Outlander, and what was the fix?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

Infotainment system freezing and unresponsiveness in your 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander SE can stem from several electrical or software-related issues. These systems are essentially dedicated computers, and like any computer, they can experience glitches.

Here's a troubleshooting guide:

  1. Soft Reset: Try performing a soft reset of the infotainment system. While the exact method varies, it often involves holding down the power button for the radio for 10-15 seconds until the system reboots. Check your owner's manual for the specific procedure for your model.
  2. Check for Software Updates: Outdated software can often be the culprit for system instability. Mitsubishi may have released firmware updates for your infotainment unit that address known bugs. A dealership can check for and install these updates.
  3. Wiring Connections: The head unit relies on various electrical connections for power, ground, and data. A loose or corroded connection behind the dash could cause intermittent issues. This is more complex to check yourself but is a possibility.
  4. USB Port Issues (for CarPlay): Since Apple CarPlay also stops working, ensure the USB port you're using is clean and free of debris. A faulty USB port or cable can sometimes cause the entire system to become unstable, though usually, it would just affect CarPlay.
  5. Internal Head Unit Failure: If all other avenues are exhausted, the infotainment head unit itself might be failing internally. Components like the processor, memory, or touch screen digitizer can degrade over time.

When to See a Shop:

If a soft reset or checking the USB port doesn't resolve the problem, it's best to visit a Mitsubishi dealership. They have specialized diagnostic equipment to:

  • Read any stored fault codes related to the infotainment system (e.g., U-codes for communication errors).
  • Check for and install the latest software updates.
  • Test the power and ground connections to the head unit.
  • Determine if the head unit requires replacement.

Given the complexity, professional diagnosis is recommended to avoid further issues.