Is your virtual cockpit misbehaving while driving? If you notice that the virtual cockpit display in your car has suddenly become unresponsive or showing wrong information, then there is a need for a diagnosis or repair. Problems in this system affect your driving experience; however, how do you solve these problems and regain control? Let’s begin with how this system works.
What is a Virtual Cockpit?
A virtual cockpit is an entirely digital system that replaces the conventional physical knobs and gauges in older car models. Instead of having a physical meter for speed, fuel, or directions, all of the information is displayed on one screen. An example of car manufacturers that adopted this technology in their newer models is Audi. The virtual cockpit offers a futuristic look and feel with customizable screens and real-time data right at the driver’s disposal.
However, like any other technology, virtual cockpits have been known to develop faults from time to time. Problems can be as simple as a lock-up of the screen, incorrect readings, or no reading at all on the display. As you know, the virtual cockpit is an essential tool for tracking the status of your vehicle and any issues that arise must be fixed as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Virtual Cockpit Failure
- Display Going Blank: Among all the problems, one of the most frequent ones is when the screen turns off or becomes black. This can happen suddenly while driving or when starting the car. There are various reasons as to why a computer’s screen may turn black, these include software problems, loose connections, or faulty hardware.
- Frozen Screen: Another common issue is the screen freeze, which means that the screen just does not respond to any input, new information cannot be displayed, and settings cannot be changed. This can be due to software bugs or a lack of processing power to handle multiple tasks at once.
- Delayed Response: At times, there may be a delay in the virtual cockpit, for example, when a driver presses a button, and there is a time gap before the action reflects on the vehicle’s display. This can be very annoying, especially if one is trying to change some settings on the go while driving a car.
- Incorrect Information Displayed: Another problem that some drivers may encounter is the display of wrong information. This could be wrong speed indications, wrong fuel indications, or bad GPS coordinates. Such issues can cause confusion and can even become a safety concern when not addressed.
- Random Reboots: Sometimes, the virtual cockpit may decide to shut down all on its own while you are driving. This sudden shutdown is very dangerous and can cause a lot of inconvenience if it occurs mid-journey.
How to Fix Virtual Cockpit Problems
- Restart the System: The first and the most basic is to reboot the virtual cockpit system. Like any other computer or device, a simple reset can solve most of the simple problems or issues. To reboot the system a person has to turn off his car completely and then after waiting for a few minutes start the car again. This can bring the software back to its basic state and help to wipe out any temporary problems that may be preventing proper functioning.
- Check for Software Updates: Updates are important to ensure that the virtual cockpit runs smoothly and that it does not encounter any problems. Software developers often release updates to help solve problems, optimize performance, and introduce new functionalities. Search the internet for the car model and look for the virtual cockpit system to see if there is any update for it in the market. The existing problems can be solved by simply installing the latest software update.
- Inspect Connections: It is also worth mentioning that loose or faulty connections can also lead to virtual cockpit failures. If you feel comfortable doing this then you can check the connection behind the dashboard to confirm that all the cables are connected properly. Be careful with the electrical parts and don’t try to fix anything related to the wiring if you don’t know how to.
Where Should You Go To Repair Your Vehicle’s Virtual Cockpit?
If none of these steps are effective, then 
it is advisable to get in touch with a professional mechanic. Our experienced team at Huron Automotive can easily identify and also fix problems with the virtual cockpit. We have all the tools and knowledge required to diagnose the cause of the problem and offer a solution that will work. You can visit any of our two shops located in Green Bay, WI to check your car’s virtual cockpit or for other repairs and maintenance.