Infotainment system, radio not working properly

Tiny
JGANAWAY
  • MEMBER
  • 2014 CHEVROLET CRUZE
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
When the problem started, the radio would occasionally turn off and on by itself and at the same time, the chimes and chirps stopped too. As time went on, the issue got worse And now, it doesn't work at all unless I leave the battery disconnected for awhile. When I reconnect it, for a few seconds, it will flicker and then it quits. I've checked all the fuses and replaced the negative battery cable. The other issue we had with the negative battery cable was that the car would randomly lose power as if the battery was dead. When I pulled up the negative battery cable, it would start. We bought the car used, only had it for 8 months.
Saturday, August 21st, 2021 AT 5:01 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Sounds like you may have two issues. The infotainment system shutting off is pretty commonly caused by a faulty control unit. You have what is called a multimedia interface module and a display module along with the radio itself.

What we need to do is check and make sure the display is getting power and ground then the proper signal on the display signal circuit.

If it is, then this is the issue. If not then we can go to the radio unit and make sure it is sending the proper signal. If not then it is most likely the issue.

However, you may want to start with contacting a GM dealer and just ask if there are any software updates for this unit as I show a fair number of updates addressing different issues similar to yours.

I am attaching the wiring diagram with these circuits highlighted. Plus here is a guide that will help with this type of testing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

As for the negative cable issue, that sounds like you have a loose connection or a faulty cable.

If it were me, I would at least remove it and reinstall it to make sure it is tight but if it is then you may need to replace it.

However, I would start with this as if that is loose that can cause all sorts of weird issues and it may just correct the radio issue as well. I doubt it will but it is worth starting with as it needs to be corrected.

Thanks
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Saturday, August 21st, 2021 AT 7:37 AM
Tiny
JGANAWAY
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Thanks for the wire diagrams, it will definitely help. I don't know if this makes a difference on the issue, but when it goes out, it stops working. But, I forgot to mention that even when the infotainment system isn't working, our phones still pair to the car's Bluetooth.
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Saturday, August 21st, 2021 AT 10:43 AM
Tiny
JGANAWAY
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  • 42 POSTS
To better explain the issue, the entire system doesn't work and when it comes on, the radio and the LCD screen flickers or turns off and on. Even though, it doesn't currently work, when we start the car, our phones still connect to the car's Bluetooth. OnStar buttons work and the light flashes on the rear view mirror but, won't turn solid as if it's connected to an OnStar agent. Could that be related to what you were referring to in the reply, you sent earlier?
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Saturday, August 21st, 2021 AT 1:09 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
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Okay. That does help. The phone still pairing does make sense. The OnStar and cell phone still pairing has its own dedicated voltage source and ground within the communication module.

Basically GM wanted to try and make sure this operates even if the radio was having an issue because they advertise it as a safety feature to call for help if needed and they don't want that affected by other issues.

It sounds like the issue is on that wire that I highlighted before between the radio and display module which is basically just the screen.

Can you get a picture of the screen not working or even a video of it flickering? That will make sure you and I are on the same page because maybe I am thinking of something different that you are describing.

I am attached a bunch of info below on this system and it may not all be useful to this specific issue but it does give good info on the different systems in the overall infotainment system.

Thanks
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Sunday, August 22nd, 2021 AT 8:04 AM
Tiny
JGANAWAY
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Even though, our phones connect to the car's Bluetooth, audio cannot be heard. The same with OnStar.
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Sunday, August 22nd, 2021 AT 9:35 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
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Okay. Maybe I didn't understand that. The phones connect via Bluetooth but you cannot hear any audio? You can't hear audio through OnStar either but it contacts the agent?

If this is the case then that does again support this interface communication module that I was talking about.

Take a look at the testing info below when OnStar audio malfunctions. The circuit system description give specifics on how this works.

Then we can run through the testing to confirm what the issue is.
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Sunday, August 22nd, 2021 AT 6:27 PM
Tiny
JGANAWAY
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Okay, will do. Yes, when we receive a call, on our phones, it shows Chevrolet Cruze connected device, but no audio can be heard. I'm not sure if it connects to a OnStar agent or not. When I press the blue button, the green light starts to flash as if its trying to connect. I haven't tried the sos button, not sure what it would do.
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Monday, August 23rd, 2021 AT 3:06 AM
Tiny
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Okay. I think that is enough to know that this is the likely issue.

More than likely the OnStar would connect but you would not hear them.

If it were me, I would be replacing that module after running through the testing.

Thanks for the update. Let us know how it turns out. Thanks again.
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Monday, August 23rd, 2021 AT 5:10 PM

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