Why is My Ford F150 Display Screen Not Working?

When you spend money on a new Ford F150 you certainly hope that everything works. This especially includes the display screen as it is the source of so much information and control functionality. Sometimes however things will break down and the display screen is not immune to this.

In the post we'll take a look at some of the reasons your Ford F150 display screen may stop working and what you might be able to do to fix the issue.

Why Is Your Ford F150 Display Screen Not Working?

It’s one of the most prominent aspects of your truck's cabin and the source of many of your control functions so when it’s not working it's very obvious. We may be over reliant on certain driver aids but when we do not have them anymore it can cause real problems. In the below table we will touch upon some of the likely issues that can happen to a Ford F150 display screen.

The above faults are among the most common complaints with the Ford F150 display and the solutions are the possible easiest fixes. Generally speaking a faulty display will either be blank or frozen making it of little use.

More About the Display Screen

The display screen we have in our Ford F150 is technically referred to as the front display interface module (FDIM). This is part of the SYNC3 system which displays communications and options to the truck user.

When the SYNC 3 fails the screen may go black or become blue. There are many possible reasons for this to happen, most of which will require a reset to remedy. This screen issue may just happen for a few seconds or remain off until something is done.

It should be noted that the issue sometimes may not be with the display screen itself or the touch screen capability. The screen may be in perfect working order but an external power issue could be leaving it blank.

Start With a Reset Attempt

When it comes to electronics, if we learn nothing from IT experts we should at least pick up on their golden mantra “Have you tried turning it off and back on again?” We do this with computers, phones, smart TVs and a whole host of other electronics so why not the Ford F150 display screen?

This is technically not turning the screen off and on again but rather a reset which works in much the same way.

• Locate the volume button and press it making sure to hold it down until the screen turns off completely and turns back on again
• This will have initiated the reset process. If you have not already done so initiate any software updates that pending at this time
• If the screen comes back on you may be all set and there will be no further issues at this time. However if the screen is still blank then it's time for next steps.

You May Need a Reboot

Sometimes a simple reset doesn’t shift the issue and you have to take a more hands on approach to fixing the issue. This might mean the issue requires a factory reboot in order to get things back on track. The fault may be an indication that Sync 3 needs to be reset so follow these simple steps to achieve this

• Ensure the car is completely turned off and locate the positive battery cable that leads to the screen
• Disconnect the positive battery cable and leave unconnected for at least 30 minutes
• After the 30 minutes reconnect the cable and turn the truck on
• This should have reset the audio and may also have dealt with the screen issues as well
• You will receive some prompts to set things back up again if the issues still persist after this then there are other issues at play

It Could Be Wires or Fuses

If a reset and a reboot get you nowhere then it’s time to start searching for physical reasons that the display screen is not working correctly. This may be a simple blown or defective fuse. A little exploration may lead you to the answer.

In the passenger side footwell on the far right hand side you should find the cabin fuse box. You should be sure the car is turned off before opening this. Once safe to do so, open up the fuse box and pull the fuse. This fuse is generally numbered .32 in newer Ford F150 models.

The fuse may be visibly burned out and if this is the case then you need to replace it without delay. In the table below you will see a list of the fuses that you may need to pull based on the truck's age and the specific issue.

If the fuse is fine or if after replacing the fuse the problem persists then there must still be a further issue to remedy. Another component that can cause issues with the display system could involve the wiring.

A common issue in 2019 Ford F150s is the display screen turning off while driving. This inexplicable sudden failure can be connected to damaged or loose wiring. The action of driving can cause movement throughout the vehicle.

Overtime wire connections can become loose or wires may run against each other causing wear. A visual inspection of the connecting wires that run from the heads up display may help you to identify the issue in short order.

If you encounter wires that have come loose you can try to tighten them back up. This may fix the issue of the screen cutting out intermittently. If you see a damaged wire and have the requisite skills you might even be able to repair or replace this yourself.

Battery Issues

When it comes to electronics in your truck they are all dependent upon the charge supplied by the car's battery. As well, while driving along the alternator uses engine rotation to create an electrical charge. This charge is transferred to the battery and in turn goes to power out display screen, heating, cooling and other electrical devices.

If the battery is not holding a charge or the alternator is functioning poorly then there may just not be enough electrical current in the system to power your display screen. The current is also needed for sparking the ignition of fuel in the cylinders so any misfiring from the engine may indicate issues with low power as well.

You may need to get a replacement battery or have your alternator checked. This could help improve the electrical output in your truck and fix the issue with your display screen.

Can You Fix Your Own Display Screen?

Your ability to fix the screen issue on your own depends on the severity of the issue and your own personal level of skill. Reset and reboots are generally easy as are fuse replacements. When it comes to wiring you may need to enlist more professional assistance.

If the issue is the car battery you might be able to replace this yourself if you have the correct tools but a broken alternator may be a little technical for some Ford F150 owners.

Generally speaking, do what you feel comfortable doing. If you have any doubt regarding your ability to complete a fix there is no shame in visiting an expert.

Conclusion

There can be a number of reasons for a Ford F150 display screen to develop an issue. They may be easy to repair or could indicate a deeper problem. There are steps you can try to eliminate some possibilities to help hone in on the real issue.

If you feel confident fixing this electrical equipment then this is certainly something you can attempt. You should be aware however that for vehicles still in warranty attempting certain repairs may be a costly mistake.

Diagnosing the problem as something you do not feel able to tackle should be an indication that it’s time to visit a mechanic who can help you with the issue. There’s no worse a feeling than breaking something more when trying to make things right.

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