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2020 Altima Infotainment Screen Flickering and Going Black Intermittently

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Sarah K. · rep 0 · May 24, 1:21 PM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Nissan Altima SR

Hey everyone,

I'm having a really annoying issue with my 2020 Nissan Altima SR's infotainment screen. Lately, it's been flickering quite a bit, almost like a bad connection, and then sometimes it just goes completely black for a few seconds before coming back on. It's totally intermittent; sometimes it works fine for a whole drive, other times it happens every few minutes.

It's really distracting, especially when I'm using navigation or the backup camera. I've tried restarting the car, but that doesn't seem to make a difference. Has anyone else experienced this with their Altima or another Nissan model?

Any ideas on what might be causing this or what I can try before taking it to the dealership? Thanks in advance for any help!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 24, 1:21 PM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Experiencing an intermittent flickering or black screen on your 2020 Nissan Altima SR's infotainment system can be frustrating and potentially unsafe if it affects critical functions like the backup camera. Here's a breakdown of potential causes and troubleshooting steps:

  1. Perform a Soft Reset:

    • Disconnect the negative terminal of your car battery for about 10-15 minutes. This can sometimes reset the vehicle's electrical modules, including the infotainment system, clearing minor software glitches. Reconnect and test.

  2. Check for System Updates:

    • Sometimes, infotainment issues are resolved with software updates. Check your owner's manual or visit a Nissan dealership to see if there are any pending software updates for your specific infotainment system.

  3. Inspect Relevant Fuses:

    • Locate your vehicle's fuse box (typically under the hood and/or inside the cabin). Identify the fuse(s) for the audio/infotainment system. A blown or loose fuse can cause intermittent power issues. Replace any blown fuses with one of the exact same amperage.

  4. Common Causes:

    • Software Glitch: The most common cause for intermittent electronic issues. A reset often helps.
    • Loose Wiring Connection: Vibrations over time can loosen connections behind the head unit or within the wiring harness leading to the display.
    • Failing Display Unit: The display panel itself might be starting to fail, especially if it's an older unit or has been exposed to extreme temperatures.
    • Power Supply Issue: A problem with the power supply to the unit, possibly from the vehicle's electrical system or a faulty component within the head unit.
    • Module Malfunction: Less common, but a control module related to the infotainment system could be faulty.

  5. When to See a Shop:

    • If the issue persists after performing a soft reset and checking fuses.
    • If you notice any other electrical anomalies in the vehicle.
    • If the problem affects safety features like the backup camera consistently.
    • If your vehicle is still under warranty, it's best to take it to a Nissan dealership for diagnosis and repair. They have specialized diagnostic tools (like Nissan Consult) that can read specific codes (though infotainment issues don't always trigger standard OBD-II codes like P0XXX, they might have manufacturer-specific B-codes or U-codes related to communication networks). A professional can accurately diagnose whether it's a software bug, a wiring issue, or a failing hardware component.

Do not attempt to open the dashboard or head unit yourself unless you are experienced, as this can cause further damage or void your warranty.

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