Car touch screens have become an integral part of the driving experience. They provide a user-friendly interface for controlling various functions. They make changing songs, podcasts, and radio stations easy.
However, as with every advanced technology, these screens are susceptible to a few issues. Sometimes, the touch screen can become non-responsive after cleaning.
When this happens, your seamless operation is disrupted, which can be frustrating. But fret not, for you can regain control over the device’s functionality. Here are the reasons for the car touch screen not working after cleaning and their solutions.
Answer: Why Your Car’s Touchscreen Isn’t Working After Cleaning
Your car’s touchscreen doesn’t work after cleaning due to the following reasons:
- Moisture buildup
- Harsh cleaning products
- Calibration issues
- Software glitches
- Physical damage
- Electrical connectivity issues
- Using hot water
- Applying excessive pressure
Moisture Buildup
Excessive moisture buildup can affect the touch screen’s capacitive sensors. This issue can lead to decreased sensitivity or complete unresponsiveness.
Moisture buildup occurs if you don’t dry off the screen completely after using water. Also, if the screen has a crack or hole that can let in water, moisture can form inside, causing problems.
Fixes:
Ensure that the cloth you use to clean is not dripping wet, as excess moisture can seep into the device and cause damage.
After cleaning, ensure your touch screen is completely dry. Use a soft, microfibre cloth to wipe away any remaining moisture gently. If the moisture buildup is extensive, turn off your vehicle and allow the touch screen to air dry for a few hours.
Harsh Cleaning Products
While using cleaning products is essential to ensure you remove dirt and debris from the car touch screen, using the wrong or harsh cleaning products can do more harm than good. This is especially true if you apply cleaning products directly to the touch screen.
Harsh cleaning products can damage your car’s touchscreen surface, causing scratches, smudges, or even corroding the touchscreen. They can also impact its functionality by damaging the delicate sensors.
Fixes:
If you have your vehicle manual, check for the approved cleaning agents and methods. Alternatively, use water and mild soap or any non-abrasive cleaning agent.
Use microfiber cloth rather than abrasive materials. And apply the cleaning agent on the cloth rather than directly on the screen to prevent sensitivity damage.
Calibration Issues
Sometimes, the touchscreen may lose its calibration, leading to inaccurate or no response when touched. Calibration errors can occur due to accidental misalignment or improper cleaning techniques.
Fixes:
Most touchscreens offer a calibration feature in the settings menu. To access the settings and search for the touch screen calibration option. Follow the on-screen instructions to recalibrate the touch screen accurately.
If this option is unavailable, consult your vehicle’s manual or check online tutorials on calibrating touch screens on cars with similar models as yours. You can also contact your car manufacturer for specific instructions on recalibrating.
Software Glitches
The car touch screen not working after cleaning can happen if a software glitch occurs after cleaning. Software glitches can cause touch screen malfunctions. Updates, incompatible software, or temporary bugs can affect the touch screen’s performance.
Fixes:
Restart your vehicle’s infotainment system or perform a soft reset. If it’s a minor glitch, this should solve the issue. If the problem persists, check for available software updates for your vehicle’s operating system and install any updates.
If the issue continues, consult your car dealership or authorized service center for further assistance.
Physical Damage
Your car touch screen is fragile. During the cleaning process, you may physically damage the screen unintentionally.
Physical damage, such as a minute crack or scratch, can impair the touchscreen functionality. This is why you should be extra careful and attentive when cleaning your touch screen.
Fixes:
If you notice physical damage, such as cracks or deep scratches, consider seeking professional help for repair or replacement.
Contact your vehicle’s manufacturer or authorized service center to assess the damage and provide the appropriate solution. They may change the touch screen or suggest other necessary repairs to regain optimal functionality.
Electrical Connectivity Issues
Your car touch screen is a sensitive electrical device. If you touch the screen when wet, you can cause a short-circuiting.
What’s more, if you pour water on the touch screen, it can seep into the internal components, including the circuits, and cause electrical damage.
Also, if you damage cables or wiring while cleaning, you will disrupt communication between the touch screen and the vehicle’s system. This disruption will then lead to the unresponsiveness of the device.
Fixes:
Inspect the wiring connections behind the touch screen. If any loose connections or damaged cables are detected, they will need repairing or replacing.
If it’s something you can fix through DIY, go for it. If the situation seems technical, consult a professional technician to ensure proper electrical connectivity.
Using Hot Water
Cleaning your car’s touch screen with warm water is acceptable, especially if the screen is oily and dirty. However, if the warm water is too hot for the screen, you may damage the screen sensitivity. Hot water can reduce touch accuracy or even cause complete unresponsiveness.
Fixes:
Use lukewarm water when cleaning the touch screen to avoid any potential harm. Lukewarm water effectively removes oils, fingerprints, and dirt without compromising the vehicle’s screen’s sensitivity.
Applying Excessive Pressure
You may be in a hurry to clean your car, but applying excessive pressure when cleaning the car’s touch screen can overload the touch screen’s sensors.
The pressure can compress the layers of the touch screen and create unintended contact points, which can generate false touch inputs. This can confuse the system and result in unresponsiveness or unintended actions.
Fixes:
Be mindful of how you interact with your car touch screen when cleaning. Be gentle. Avoid applying excessive pressure. Just use enough pressure to remove dirt without using force. This way, you minimize the chances of creating false touchpoints.
Final Thoughts
While cleaning your car is unavoidable, you may end up with the car touch screen not working after cleaning. Your touchscreen provides convenience and an enhanced driving experience. You ought to clean it carefully to avoid disruptions.
If it’s not functioning right, it can be due to the above seven reasons. Take your time, check your car, and evaluate which of these reasons you may be dealing with. After identifying the issue, use the given solution to mitigate the problem.