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2018 Outlander SEL Infotainment Screen Flickering and Going Black

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 24, 3:13 PM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL

Hey everyone,

I'm having a really annoying issue with the infotainment system in my 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL. Lately, the screen has started flickering on and off, sometimes going completely black for several seconds before coming back on. It's totally intermittent, but seems to happen more often on bumpy roads.

It's really frustrating, especially when I'm trying to use the navigation or backup camera. I've tried restarting the car, and even disconnected the battery for a few minutes, but the problem persists. All other electrical components seem to be working fine.

Has anyone else experienced this with their Outlander? Any ideas on what might be causing it or how to fix it?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 24, 3:13 PM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Intermittent infotainment screen issues like flickering or going black are common and can stem from several electrical or software-related causes. Here's what you can investigate:

  1. Perform a Soft Reset: Consult your owner's manual for instructions on how to perform a soft reset of the infotainment system. This often involves holding down a combination of buttons (e.g., power button for 10-15 seconds) until the system reboots. This can resolve minor software glitches.

  2. Check Fuses: Locate the fuse box (usually under the dash or in the engine bay) and identify the fuse(s) for the audio/infotainment system. A loose or partially blown fuse can cause intermittent power issues. Replace any suspicious fuses, even if they look okay, as a hairline crack might not be visible.

  3. Inspect Wiring Connections: Since you mentioned it happens more on bumpy roads, a loose physical connection is a strong suspect. While this often requires removing the dash trim to access the back of the head unit, a common culprit is the main power or video cable. If you're comfortable, you might gently check for any accessible loose wires, but professional help is recommended for deeper inspection.

  4. Software Update: Visit your Mitsubishi dealer or check the official Mitsubishi website for any available firmware updates for your 2018 Outlander's infotainment system. Bugs are often patched through these updates.

When to see a shop: If the soft reset, fuse check, and software updates don't resolve the issue, it's time to visit a qualified automotive electrical shop or a Mitsubishi dealership. They have specialized diagnostic tools to check for:

  • Faulty infotainment unit hardware.
  • Damaged or corroded wiring.
  • Issues with the CAN bus communication to the head unit (though this usually triggers specific diagnostic trouble codes that generic OBD-II scanners might not pick up).
  • Internal display panel failure.

Addressing this promptly will ensure your navigation and safety features like the backup camera function reliably.

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