Blackout on radio/MyLink

HOPPY313

MEMBER
2013 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
4 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
70,000 MILES

My vehicle has had at least four occurrences where the information screen/radio has gone out. Radio still works, but no controls on the center area. The steering wheel controls work, but with no screen- you cannot actually tell what you are doing.

Once, recently, the radio was working- but no illumination on any radio functions, nor the heater or other function buttons below the radio.
On most instances, the radio issue 'solves' itself after a re-ignition or just driving down the road after about ten minutes.
The no illumination was cleared up after the car was parked for a while, then started it up.
Chevrolet dealer has zero answers for me. Is this a common occurrence on the Equinox? The MyLink system?

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,883 POSTS

Experiencing issues with the information screen, radio, and controls in your 2013 Chevrolet Equinox's MyLink system can be frustrating. While it's challenging to determine the exact cause without a thorough inspection, there are a few potential explanations for the intermittent problems you are encountering:

Software Glitches: In some cases, infotainment systems like MyLink may experience software glitches or temporary malfunctions. Restarting the vehicle or allowing it to cool down might reset the system and temporarily resolve the issue.

Wiring or Connection Problems: Intermittent problems with the information screen and controls could be caused by loose or faulty wiring or connectors. Vibrations and changes in temperature may affect the connections, leading to temporary issues.

Component Malfunction: The MyLink system's control unit or display module might have a faulty component that causes the intermittent problems.

Power Supply Issues: Problems with the power supply to the infotainment system could lead to intermittent failures. This could be related to the vehicle's electrical system or a faulty fuse.

Heat-Related Problem: If the issues occur after the vehicle has been running for some time or in hot weather, it could indicate a heat-related problem affecting the components.

Regarding whether this is a common occurrence on the Equinox or the MyLink system, there have been reports of similar issues with infotainment systems in various vehicles, not limited to the Equinox. Such issues can be challenging to diagnose and may not be widespread, affecting only a portion of vehicles.

To resolve the problem, consider the following steps:

Document the Occurrences: Keep a record of when the issues occur, the specific symptoms, and any environmental factors that might be relevant (e.G, temperature, duration of operation, etc.). This information may help the dealership or a qualified mechanic diagnose the problem.

Seek a Second Opinion: If the Chevrolet dealer was unable to provide a satisfactory solution, consider seeking a second opinion from another reputable dealership or an automotive electronics specialist who has experience with MyLink systems.

Diagnostic Scan: When the issues occur, visit the dealership or a mechanic promptly so they can perform a diagnostic scan while the problem is present. This can help identify any fault codes or error messages that may give insights into the root cause.

Contact Chevrolet Customer Service: If the problem persists and the dealership cannot provide a solution, consider reaching out to Chevrolet customer service for assistance. They may be able to escalate the issue and offer further support.