Tesla’s cutting-edge technology has revolutionized the automotive industry, making it a leading innovator. Among Tesla’s features is its futuristic touchscreen display, which serves as the primary control center.
Nevertheless, Tesla screens may occasionally experience glitches like any other electronic device.
Tesla owners often report the “screen black” problem, in which the display goes blank suddenly, leaving them in a state of confusion. In this article, you will learn how to fix Tesla screen black issue.
Understanding the Tesla Touchscreen System
Tesla vehicles rely on a centralized infotainment system powered by an onboard computer.
Unlike traditional cars with separate dashboards and controls, Teslas route nearly all functions—including HVAC, Autopilot, media, and door locks—through the central touchscreen.
When the screen goes black, it doesn’t always mean hardware failure. Often, it’s a software freeze, power interruption, or temporary system glitch.
The main display is driven by the Media Control Unit (MCU), which has evolved over time:
- MCU1: Found in early models (pre-2018), uses NVIDIA Terga processors and is more prone to failures due to aging eMMC storage.
- MCU2: Introduced in 2018, features improved processing power and better reliability.
- MCU3: Present in newer models with enhanced graphics and faster response times.
Knowing your MCU version helps determine whether you’re dealing with a known hardware flaw or a transient software issue.
What Causes Tesla Screen Black While Driving?
A few factors could cause the turning of a Tesla screen to black on models X, Y, S, and 3. Let’s examine these causes and what you should do when you find yourself in this situation.
If your Tesla model 3 blacks while driving, you’re in serious trouble. The screen is like an intermediary between you and the vehicle. In other words, it is the brain of the vehicle.
Anything that controls the gear selector, defogging of the windshield, entertainment, and navigation should always work as they should. If any of these systems go bad, fix it immediately.
Here are the common reasons for a Tesla main screen to be black or blank while driving.
- eMMC failure
- System overload
- User error.
How long the screen will remain black depends on the severity of the culprit. The most severe among them is the eMMC failure.
#1. eMMc failure.
Tesla is aware of the touchscreen black issues due to eMMC failure. Tesla has promised to extend their warranty on the touchscreen due to the eMMC failure. However, there is no former Tesla black screen recall at the time of writing this article.
Tesla announced that the main screen becomes less responsive over time and requires rebooting when it goes blank. In addition, turning on the main screen becomes longer. Eventually, the screen may incur a total breakdown.
A report says the cause of this malfunction lies in the embedded Multi-Media-Card memory. This malfunction is common on Tesla models built before 2018.
If you have a late model Tesla S, I’ve good news. Tesla acknowledged these issues and opted to do free repairs on black screen issues if your Tesla electric car falls under these categories.
- Less than 100,000 miles
- Less than eight years
- Built before 2018.
#2. System Overload.
A common reason why your model y screen blank while driving is system overload. This happens when too many applications run on the car computer for the touchscreen to handle.
Regardless of the technology the system is built on, it can fail over time. Even your phones and computer systems can lag when heavy with too many applications.
Your Tesla screen is no exception. You may think Tesla is built on strong technology, so you can throw anything at it.
#3. User Error.
Regularly streaming music while on the go can cause your Tesla screen to lag. Running a subroutine on streaming services like Shopify may cause your Tesla touchscreen to go blank (black).
So, should you stop playing your favorite Shopify music? No. Instead, always check for any system updates and upgrade to newer software. This will serve as preventive measures and may help correct the underlying issues.
What Do You Do When Your Tesla Screen Goes Black?
Now that we’ve seen the causes of black screens on Tesla cars, what should you do when you find yourself in this situation? The first thing you need to do is check if the malfunction is from an eMMC failure.
If your Tesla screen blacks after the update or you experience this malfunction at random, check if your car is less than eight years old, is built before 2018, and has not covered up to 100,000 miles.
If you fall into these categories, reach out to your dealership. Even if you have replaced the memory card, try reaching out to them. They may reimburse you.
If you didn’t fall into those categories above, try rebooting the touchscreen. Most times, this is all you need to get the screen functioning in due time.
However, sometimes, you may need to fix the screen. For example, the component could damage because of a bad mechanical component.
How To Reset Your Tesla Model 3 And Model X Black Screen?
The Tesla Model 3 has a horizontally mounted 15-inch touchscreen that is the only display present in the vehicle and the Model X features a 17-inch display in the same orientation.
Both these screens are the main access and control for most of the features of the vehicle, so getting them back to full function is a priority. Here is how to reset the dreaded black screen of death on both the Tesla Model 3 and Model X.
CPU and GPU Reboot
If your Model 3 has frozen, gone black, or even is just not performing as expected (i.e won’t connect to your smartphone) then this method will reset your CPU and GPU which usually gives the system a well-needed refresh in order to fix the problem.
- Put your vehicle into Park.
- Press down onto your brake pedal whilst holding in both scroll buttons on your wheel for a few seconds.
- After a few moments, the Tesla logo should appear on your screen.
- This indicates a successful CPU and GPU refresh has taken place and your vehicle should be rebooted and have no issues.
How Do You Fix A Tesla Screen?
If you have a Tesla and facing a black screen issue, then you must perform the fixes mentioned below to fix this problem. Therefore, let’s get started:
#1. System Reboot.
Initially, rebooting your system is the best option to resolve the Tesla screen black issue. So, let’s check out the needy steps to reboot your Tesla system:
- Park the vehicle.
- Select Controls from the touchscreen.
- Click on Safety.
- Click the Power Off button.
- For at least two minutes, do not open the doors, touch the brake pedal, or touch the touchscreen.
- You should be able to reset your touchscreen once you have woken up the vehicle.
#2. Reset Touchscreen.
You can reset your Tesla touchscreen after it freezes by doing the same as you would do with a frozen TV. It is, therefore, necessary to reset the touchscreen by pressing the reset buttons in order to restore normal functionality.
You don’t have to worry about losing any files, as this process does not delete anything from your computer.
It is recommended to park your device before resetting the touchscreen. Even though some users reset their touchscreens while moving, it’s not that dangerous, but it’s still risky.
To do this, it’s advisable to find a parking space. Also, make sure your Tesla is running effectively, and your backup battery is fully charged. Even though the process is user-friendly and simple, you can check it out below.
- Put your vehicle in park.
- It will take a few seconds for the Tesla Logo to appear.
- Thereafter, you will need to wait approximately 30 seconds for the touchscreen to restart.
#3. Wait for the System To Cool Down.
Overload occurs when too many applications are running simultaneously or too many requests are being made.
Consequently, if the CPU freezes and tries to manage all the tasks at the same time, wait for it to sort them out, and once it is done, the frozen screen will disappear, and the touchscreen will return to normal.
In just a few seconds or minutes, the system should be back to normal, and the task should be resolved. Nevertheless, if there is no improvement after a few minutes, then it is best to take action and help the system overcome the overload sooner.
#4. Check Out Tesla’s Free Service.
Be sure to read the terms and conditions before getting too excited about Tesla’s offer. Although not all old model users have access to it, there are still some whose warranty still covers them.
Those who want to take advantage of this offer must have less than 100,000 miles on their vehicles, a model that was built before 2018, and less than eight years on the road.
You’re good to go if you fit these criteria. To begin, contact Tesla support and provide details about your vehicle.
With your free checkup and repair, you’ll be able to use your touchscreen again. When your vehicle doesn’t fit the criteria, you may be able to take it for a checkup if it’s still under warranty, but rarely will you experience this error.
#5. Hard Reboot Tesla.
Once you have waited for some time and the system hasn’t loaded, you can intervene. However, since the touchscreen is frozen, you cannot do anything with it. Then you must use methods other than touchscreens if you don’t want to interact with the screen.
Nevertheless, it would be best if the system could be hard rebooted in this case to avoid permanent damage to the system. However, if you do not save any data before a hard reboot, all your settings and data will be lost.
- In order to keep yourself safe, close the windows and turn off the Climate Control System.
- You need to open the trunk.
- Remove the top panels or remove the underhood storage unit.
- Locate the 12V battery.
- To prevent contact, disconnect the ground and insulate the terminal from the post.
- Also, disconnect the first responder loop.
- After waiting two minutes or more, reconnect the ground of the 12V battery.
- Make sure everything is in the right order, and close the trunk.
#6. Update Tesla.
Hard rebooting will not solve the problem, and the touchscreen will still go black if the update hasn’t been applied. There are more issues with old Tesla models than with new ones, and they lack some of the new models’ exciting features.
Consequently, you’ll find more bugs and errors in older software versions than in more recent ones. In any case, you can avoid these errors by updating your software.
You should see a yellow notification if you don’t see it automatically update, but if it doesn’t, you’ll need to manually install the latest update.
Go to the menu and select the update option or take the cue. As a next step, the system will check for any new releases from Tesla. In this case, Tesla will update you.
#7. Wait For A Few Days.
When it comes to general issues, you can wait a few days for Tesla to fix any impending issues (if you’re not in a hurry). It may be necessary to let the touchscreen rest for a few days to give it a break.
Once that is done, you can use it again. Tesla is capable of being driven without a touchscreen if that is something you have been wondering.
It is also possible to switch your device back on and try again once you’re satisfied that the touchscreen isn’t going black anymore if you don’t want to risk that.
Preventative Maintenance for Tesla Screens
Staying ahead of screen failures involves more than just software updates. Here are a few proactive tips!
#1. Keep Software Current.
Installing Tesla software updates promptly is essential to maintain system stability. These updates often include critical bug fixes, feature enhancements, and security improvements.
Delaying updates can result in screen freezes, lag, or compatibility issues. Make a habit of checking for and installing updates regularly via the Tesla app or vehicle settings.
#2. Avoid Overheating.
High cabin temperatures can harm your Tesla’s sensitive electronics, including the touchscreen. Always try to park in shaded areas, especially during hot weather.
Enable the Cabin Overheat Protection feature to keep interior temperatures at safe levels. This small step helps preserve your screen and prolongs electronic component life.
#3. Protect the Display.
Avoid using sharp or hard objects on the Tesla screen, as they can cause scratches or pixel damage.
Use only your fingers or approved styluses designed for capacitive touchscreens. Clean the display with a microfiber cloth to remove smudges without leaving scratches. A screen protector can also offer an extra layer of defense against wear.
#4. Monitor 12V Battery Health.
The 12V battery powers many of your Tesla’s low-voltage systems, including the display. After three to four years, it becomes more prone to failure, which can lead to screen issues.
Have it tested annually as part of your regular maintenance routine. Replacing it proactively helps prevent unexpected screen outages or system malfunctions.
FAQs.
Q: Can you reset the Tesla screen while driving?
Of course, you can reset your Tesla screen while driving, but I don’t recommend it. Instead, you can pull over and park your vehicle in a safe spot before running the system reset.
If you decide to reset the screen while cruising down the road, the system functionalities will remain the same as the reset is loading.
Here’s why I don’t recommend resetting while driving. All the system operations will maintain the previous setting throughout the resetting cycle. In other words, you can’t use other systems.
For instance, you can’t turn on the headlamp if it was off before the reset. Again, safety warnings, backup cameras, and status displays will not be available during the system reset.
Q: How do you make a Tesla screen black?
You can make your Tesla screen black by turning it into dark mode. Usually, dark mode is suitable for night driving. However, depending on your preferences, you can switch your screen too dark mode whenever you’re driving at night or set it to auto mode.
Locate the setting button to make your Tesla screen black or switch it to auto mode. It is the extreme left button on the touchscreen.
Click on it, and the screen will display another menu. Then click on display. You’ll see the light, dark, and auto modes. Click on the dark mode to switch the Tesla screen to black.
Q: How do you soft reboot a Tesla?
Soft rebooting a Tesla means restarting the system while some essential functions are still running in the background. You can call it smart device rebooting.
This allows the driver to restart the Tesla software while the electrical and electronics systems function without the screen. Soft reboot in Tesla is divided into two. First, we have the screen reset and the full vehicle reset.
To soft reboot, press the scrolls on the Tesla steering wheels until the main screen goes dark. Then, release the scrolls. The touchscreen will come up within 10 seconds. However, Tesla recommends waiting for 30 seconds before driving the vehicle.
Q: Does Tesla have a night mode?
Tesla touchscreens have three different modes. They have light, dark, and auto modes. The dark mode is also known as night mode. Night mode is suitable for night driving. It is like night or dark mode on your phones and computer systems.
Final Words
We have outlined why does your Tesla screen black while driving. We’ve also explained what to do, how to reset your Tesla screen, and how to fix it.
However, it’s important to note that if your Tesla screen blacks while charging or driving, you can still drive the vehicle to your destination. In fact, you can drive your vehicle with the screen completely detached.
Try rebooting or resetting the system whenever you find yourself in a ‘Tesla black screen of death situation. A common reset could be all you need to get the system alive again. However, contact your service provider if it doesn’t rectify the malfunction.