my Tesla Outback's dashboard display is flickering what's causing this

Subaru Outback 5th Generation (2015-2019)

Error Codes

1-2 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

477 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix flickering dashboard display in Tesla Outback. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

Affected Component

Electrical

Estimated Time

1-2 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Disconnect the vehicle's battery before working on electrical systems to avoid short circuits.

Symptoms

•Flickering or blinking display
•Intermittent loss of display functionality
•Distorted graphics or unreadable information
•Possible associated warning lights (e.g., battery, system alerts)
•Unresponsive touchscreen features

Diagnostic Steps

1
Check for software updates through the vehicle’s settings menu to ensure the latest version is installed.
2
Inspect the vehicle's battery voltage to rule out low power supply issues.
3
Perform a hard reset of the vehicle's touchscreen by holding down the two scroll wheels on the steering wheel until the display resets.
4
Examine the wiring harness connections behind the dashboard for any loose or damaged connectors.
5
Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any related error codes that may indicate software or hardware malfunctions.

Solution

💡 Expert Tip

For complex repairs like this, consider taking photos at each step. This helps if you need to reverse a step or consult with a mechanic. Also, keep all removed parts organized - you may need to reference them during reassembly.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

✓Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
✓Check for any error codes or warning lights
✓Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

•Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
•Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
•Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
•Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

•OBD-II scanner
•Trim removal tools
•Multimeter

Parts Required

•Replacement wiring harness (if damaged)
•New battery (if voltage is consistently low)

Related Faults

Share this solution

Comments

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts

Back to Generation

Diagnostic Steps

1
Check for software updates through the vehicle’s settings menu to ensure the latest version is installed.
2
Inspect the vehicle's battery voltage to rule out low power supply issues.
3
Perform a hard reset of the vehicle's touchscreen by holding down the two scroll wheels on the steering wheel until the display resets.
4
Examine the wiring harness connections behind the dashboard for any loose or damaged connectors.
5
Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any related error codes that may indicate software or hardware malfunctions.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather tools and parts: OBD-II scanner, trim removal tools, multimeter.
Disconnect the vehicle from any external power source.
Ensure the vehicle is in a safe working environment.

2. Software Update

Navigate to the software settings in the vehicle's touchscreen.
Select “Check for Updates” and follow prompts to download and install any available updates.
Restart the vehicle after the update process.

3. Battery Voltage Check

Use a multimeter to measure the battery voltage.
- Normal voltage should be between 12.4V and 12.7V (for a fully charged battery).
If the voltage is low, charge the battery or replace it if required.

4. Hard Reset Procedure

While the vehicle is in park, press and hold the two scroll wheels on the steering wheel.
Release when the Tesla logo appears on the screen, indicating a reset has occurred.
Check if the flickering persists after the reboot.

5. Inspect Wiring Connections

Use trim removal tools to carefully access the back of the dashboard display.
Inspect all wiring harnesses for loose connections, frayed wires, or corrosion.
Reconnect any loose connections securely and replace any damaged wiring as necessary.