Newer Ford F150 trucks have a display screen that syncs with a connected mobile device. That allows the driver to issue voice commands to play music, read text messages, or start navigation to an address. However, sometimes this display screen doesn’t work. Here are some causes and fixes for that issue.
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Ford F150 Display Overview
Ford F150 trucks have a twelve-inch display screen mounted between the steering wheel and passenger airbag. This touchscreen device has two major groups of functions: the entertainment section and the Information of Demand area. The SYNC operating system manages the display screen. Whether your truck has a SYNC 3 or 4 OS depends on the model.
The first group is on the left of the display and occupies the most area on the screen. Users can control the music, radio, phone, vehicle settings, and navigation system. They can also use App Link to connect with a mobile device’s applications, such as Pandora or AccuWeather. The left side also has the digital owner’s manual and extra features.
The right side of the display is the Information on Demand section. Like the car’s dashboard, this part is always available, showing stats like the vehicle’s mileage and the current time. Information on Demand is also where your route displays when using GPS navigation.
For safety reasons, the display screen has some automatic disabling features. These activate when the truck is moving faster than three miles per hour. The Ford F150 display also responds to voice commands for hands-free operation.
Ford F150 Display Screen Problems
When it works, the Ford F150 display screen is a convenient tool, but when it doesn’t, it can be frustrating for the user. Many drivers submitted their own reports about faulty SYNCs.
The most common issue is that the screen freezes or glitches. It is unresponsive to touch, voice commands, or other inputs but maintains a still image. Either the display is stuck on the last application you used or shows a flashing mess of lights and shapes.
Similarly, some users experienced the display not turning on at all. The screen remains black and does not respond to touch or voice commands, despite the remainder of the truck working perfectly.
Sometimes the display screen will shut off on its own and reboot itself. While that only happens one time for many users, some report it repeatedly shutting off and on while driving.
Why Is Your Ford F150 Display Screen Not Working?
Five causes make the display screen malfunction. If you experience this issue, it is likely because of a system reset, a dying battery, loose wires, a SYNC update, or a blown fuse.
System Reset
Like all electronic devices, sometimes a reset is what the tech needs to work again. This is the first solution you should try. On the other hand, if a system reset doesn’t alleviate the issue, it signifies that there is a bigger problem with the display screen.
Battery Issues
When a vehicle’s battery is faulty or dying, it shuts off auxiliary functions to keep the engine running. As a result, a Ford F150 in that situation may shut off its display screen, air conditioners, radio, and other functions. Check for a battery-shaped warning on your truck dashboard. If your Ford F150 is slow to turn on during ignition, it may indicate battery failure.
Loose Wires
Loose wires will cause the display screen to shut off and on randomly. Rough terrain and sudden brakes may cause some of the entertainment system’s wires to loosen over time. Fortunately, this is an easy fix. If you aren’t confident handling wires, however, you may want to ask an electrician for help.
SYNC Update
Some users reported that their display screen issues cleared once they updated the device to its latest version. SYNC systems require updates over time, which users can verify online. You may need a key cycle or a soft reset to make the display work again.
Blown Fuse
Finally, blown fuses can cause the display screen to malfunction. The inner workings of a large truck contain many fuses, but the ones near the glove compartment are the primary culprits for this area. Fixing this issue may require the help of a mechanic. For Ford F150s, fuse #33 is one of the most problematic implements that can cause this problem.
How Do You Fix the Issue?
A standard set of procedures should fix the issue.
Start by soft resetting the display. Select “Radio,” then press the power and Right Seek buttons together for five seconds. If it works, the screen will show that it is resetting. You can also try a hard reset by disconnecting the positive battery cable for thirty minutes and reconnecting it.
If resetting doesn’t work, try a key cycle. Do this by powering the truck off completely. Open the driver’s door, lock it, and then close it. Look inside at the display screen for two minutes, making sure it powers off completely. Then, start your truck up again. If that solves the issue, the display should work properly again.
Finally, try accessing the truck’s cabin fuse box on the right side of the passenger footwell. From there, you can access fuses #26 and #33, each known to cause display screen and radio issues. Replacing them may solve the problem.
How To Reset a Frozen Ford F150 Screen
There are soft and hard reset options.
A soft reset requires you to select “Radio” on the display. Then, push the central power knob and the Right Seek button, holding for five seconds.
A hard reset involves accessing the mechanism’s battery. Power off the vehicle and disconnect the display’s positive power cable for half an hour. Then, reconnect it.
Can You Fix the Display Screen Yourself?
If the issue is fixable with resets, you can fix the display screen yourself.
If not, you must source the proper fuses or parts to fix it alone. Otherwise, you may need to enlist a mechanic for help.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix the Screen?
Fuses for a Ford F150 cost around $30 each. Typically, you only need to replace one blown fuse to resolve the issue.
Otherwise, if the issue requires a mechanic or a new battery, the labor costs will be around $80. The parts are far more expensive, however, costing a few hundred dollars for a battery replacement.
Conclusion
Most Ford F150 display screen problems are easy to remedy by resetting or updating the system. If your SYNC system isn’t working after a reset, however, it indicates a more serious electrical issue—either blown fuses or a faulty battery. Consult a mechanic to pinpoint the problem so that you can enjoy the full features of your SYNC system once more.
