I have a 2018 Bolt with about 8,500 miles on it. In the last couple of months I've noticed a bit of an unusual problem. I'll start the car and take off down the road. The screen above my steering wheel is lit up properly and providing me driving information. However, the infotainment screen is dark (no light at all emitting from it). Finally, after about 5 to 8 minutes, the Bolt EV Logo flashes onto the screen and then the infotainment screen lights up like normal and will then function normally. This doesn't happen all the time, but more like 1 out of 10 drives. I have no idea what could be causing this. When it's dark, the radio is not working either. When the screen does finally start up, then the radio starts up too. Any thoughts as to what is going on?
Infotainment Screen Does Not Come On for a Few Minutes
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there's been a couple forum members that have had their radio units replaced.
other's have seen this before:
https://www.chevybolt.org/forum/178...s/31261-delayed-boot-infotainment-system.html
one common suggestion is to let the car boot up before driving off. wait a few seconds. personally ignore this advice and just get in and go. have never had the issue.
other's have seen this before:
https://www.chevybolt.org/forum/178...s/31261-delayed-boot-infotainment-system.html
one common suggestion is to let the car boot up before driving off. wait a few seconds. personally ignore this advice and just get in and go. have never had the issue.
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How fast are you punching the start button ? Some people smack it and cause issues.
I always give it a firm push and have not had these type of problems. Sometimes there
are OTA updates and the system will not load for a bit. Some that are impatient will cycle
the ignition trying to make it load. This interrupts the system and causes fragmented data.
If the system is blacked out, there is an update. I don't think it's for 2018's.
I usually wait for my system to boot itself. It's only done this a few times in the 2 years
I've owned it. IMO, don't over react to it. Give it a few days and see if it changes before
going to the dealer to be told they can't verify the issue. Be a little patient and it will pay
off in the long run. These cars are updated over the air and can be in the process when
you fire it up to go somewhere. It's not uncommon and totally normal at times.
Let us know what happens. Thanks!
I always give it a firm push and have not had these type of problems. Sometimes there
are OTA updates and the system will not load for a bit. Some that are impatient will cycle
the ignition trying to make it load. This interrupts the system and causes fragmented data.
If the system is blacked out, there is an update. I don't think it's for 2018's.
I usually wait for my system to boot itself. It's only done this a few times in the 2 years
I've owned it. IMO, don't over react to it. Give it a few days and see if it changes before
going to the dealer to be told they can't verify the issue. Be a little patient and it will pay
off in the long run. These cars are updated over the air and can be in the process when
you fire it up to go somewhere. It's not uncommon and totally normal at times.
Let us know what happens. Thanks!
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20 Posts
I too see this about once a month on my 2019. My first solution was to turn off the car, get out of the car, close the door (with key outside), re-enter and re-start. That's kinda silly but it worked.
My new and better solution is to reboot the infotainment system: Hold down the home and fast-forward buttons for 10 seconds.
My new and better solution is to reboot the infotainment system: Hold down the home and fast-forward buttons for 10 seconds.
I haven't seen this on my 2019, but I have seen a long delay before the grid lines show up on the backup camera.
Thank you for the link! Looks like it is somewhat of a common issue, but doesn't seem to signal anything too serious.
I tend to smack it. I'll definitely try slowing down a bit and giving it a more careful push. Dang, that 1/4 second is gonna cost me somehow.
I learned 20 years ago to let the EV-1 fully boot before trying to do *anything* with the vehicle's electronics. I simply changed my entry process to boot the vehicle first, then do the various adjustments, put on the seat belt, etc. By the time I was done, the car was ready to go.
I learned my lesson from desktop PCs: Let it boot until the hard drive LED goes out. That's when the processor is happy. The Bolt has several processors, all clamoring for each other's (and my) attention.
I learned my lesson from desktop PCs: Let it boot until the hard drive LED goes out. That's when the processor is happy. The Bolt has several processors, all clamoring for each other's (and my) attention.
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Dmonte out of curiosity did You get the radio update yet? There is a recall on it that's supposedly to fix that behavior and to allow more reliable OTA updates in the future.
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He's driving an 18MY. I'm not sure the update applies to his car ??
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My Bad I had assumed the recall applied to his as well. If the main screen had glitched more than once every few months I probably would have taken to dealership for the 2 recalls. as is this is just a minor inconvenience for me.
Radio update? Hadn't heard anything about it. I do have my system set up to auto download and OTA updates, but I think it has ever actually received an OTA update. if it did, no info was presented to let me know. How can I check to see if I have the most current software version?
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In the settings menu. It will be at the bottom of the screen, under software. IDK if this system is designed to
inform you of updates. Mine has never displayed this information in the 2 years I've owned it.
Make sure the auto update is turned on. IMO, the updates are what cause the random screen delays.
inform you of updates. Mine has never displayed this information in the 2 years I've owned it.
Make sure the auto update is turned on. IMO, the updates are what cause the random screen delays.
Thanks. I usually get two blocks down the road, don't make the light and then get out of my car to reboot....always gets a strange look for other drivers.
I'll try your second method instead next time!
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255 Posts
I want to thank all on this thread for helping me with my own problem with the Infotainment system.
Yesterday, I noticed that my phone wouldn't connect to Apple Play, and that every input to the infotainment system was delayed by at least 15 seconds, some not responding at all. I didn't worry too much until the Park light was on the dashboard display when I was clearly in D/L (and moving); it went away pretty soon.
My car driving systems operated normally. But since I am travelling, I was kinda freaking out that I wouldn't get home tomorrow.
Reading this thread helped me understand that Infotainment problems are not affecting driving. Also, that I can reset the system by holding in Home and Forward buttons.
I didn't need to do that, as when I got back to my car, it had reset with no problems.
But this thread saved me a day-long trip to the local Chevy service center for them to do a diagnostic and tell me nothing is wrong.
Yesterday, I noticed that my phone wouldn't connect to Apple Play, and that every input to the infotainment system was delayed by at least 15 seconds, some not responding at all. I didn't worry too much until the Park light was on the dashboard display when I was clearly in D/L (and moving); it went away pretty soon.
My car driving systems operated normally. But since I am travelling, I was kinda freaking out that I wouldn't get home tomorrow.
Reading this thread helped me understand that Infotainment problems are not affecting driving. Also, that I can reset the system by holding in Home and Forward buttons.
I didn't need to do that, as when I got back to my car, it had reset with no problems.
But this thread saved me a day-long trip to the local Chevy service center for them to do a diagnostic and tell me nothing is wrong.
Hmm, so when my screen says "updating" does that always mean software updates?
I plugged in a newly-populated USB drive and got an "updating" message in the Audio screen, but assumed that meant it was re-reading the USB drive, scanning playlists etc.
I plugged in a newly-populated USB drive and got an "updating" message in the Audio screen, but assumed that meant it was re-reading the USB drive, scanning playlists etc.
I have had the total flat black "Infotainment" screen, and I have also had the infotainment screen grayed out with no radio control and no heat control (images attached)... 7-8 minutes and also had the rear camera view stuck on for an entire 50km trip. I press the start button slowly and deliberately every time. If it is an update - causing the 7-8 minute frozen or grayed out or flat black "Infotainment" screen, then that is complete B.S. - I expect to be told that it is an update. GM are just sticking their chins out for nuisance trips.
My vehicle currently has a major problem put forward to a TAC case. I am "monitoring" this with the dealer in town where the evap core is a block of ice in about 15min of normal spring defog, so no heat. After troubleshooting and completely evacuating and re-charging the refrigerant - over the past two weeks I have recorded 10+ instances of no heat. Same happens in the summer. No cool. My data suggests that whenever the ambient air moisure content is at or greater than 4.5g of moisture per kg dry air - it ices into a block within 15-20 minutes.
I am now certain that it has always done this (Delivery March 15-2018 for my 2018 model year vehicle). Folks - this is not how our systems should work. We should not have to:
1) Get out of and back into the vehicle at an intersection to start it
2) Press the "ON" button in "just the right" way
3) Tell ourselves that "these are EVs so they are "different"/"maybe I don't know how to use it yet" or "gee whiz - my screen is black only one out of every 10 drives - so I'll just deal with it".
4) Press and hold for a 10 second radio reset every couple of drives to get the heat controls to function properly
I bring up the no heat problem not to hijack OP - rather that the evaporator core is in close proximity to the radio, and so then is heavy moisture.
Could be a plugged drain - can visualize a mfg. sticker in the wrong spot partially blocking flow. I don't really care. Just want the vehicle to perform properly.
One large reason to buy new was for reliability. I am concerned that since the system is used (primarily) to cool the battery and that I might have a larger problem than (9 or 10) dealer visits and rental cars within one month - for no heat, or the radio replacement, and USB outlet replacement. (They were also not functional by month 10 of ownership)...
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Jay,
I'm sorry to hear about your problems. Fortunately/unfortunately, I don't think this is how most of our systems work.
I think your particular vehicle does have a very specific problem, and I hope that Chevy finds a quick resolution to it.
I did find in calls about my once/25,000 mile incident on Friday (few posts up) that the local Chevy service dealers have NO IDEA how to deal with our Bolts.
I wish they did, but in some sense that is good news, because they don't have a laundry list of "common problems".
Right on, and Thanks for that. I think / hope that mine is an anomaly as well.
As for the particular dealership here in Burlington - the mechanic I dealt with who has troubleshot my evap ice block so far is highly proficient.
I think if he were sent a check down / next steps list from GM - he'd be fine. He's been methodical so far - brilliant actually.
Might need to remove my dash before it is corrected. I understand that nothing perfect.
The vehicle has been good otherwise. Am hopeful.
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