How to Fix Ghost Touch on Car Screen: A Comprehensive Guide
Ghost touch, also known as phantom touch, is a frustrating issue that can occur with car infotainment screens. It’s when your car’s touchscreen responds to inputs that you’re not actually making. This can manifest as random selections, erratic menu navigation, or even the screen becoming completely unresponsive to your intended touches. If you’re experiencing this problem, especially on systems similar to those found in Subaru models, you’re likely looking for solutions. This guide will explore potential causes and steps you can take to address ghost touch on your car screen.
One of the primary culprits behind ghost touch is often the digitizer, the component of the touchscreen that detects touch input. Like any electronic component, digitizers can degrade or malfunction over time. Environmental factors such as extreme temperatures or humidity can also contribute to these issues. In some cases, a manufacturing defect might lead to a batch of screens being more susceptible to ghost touch problems. While the original post mentioned concerns about 2015-2017 Fujitsu/Denso units and speculated about “bad batches,” it’s important to recognize that ghost touch can affect various car makes and models, not just specific years or brands.
If you’re encountering ghost touch, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can attempt before seeking professional help. A simple first step is to restart your car. Just like with a computer or smartphone, a reboot can sometimes resolve temporary software glitches that might be causing the erratic touch behavior. Turn off your car completely, wait a few minutes, and then restart it to see if the issue persists.
Another basic check is to clean your car screen. Dust, dirt, or fingerprints on the screen’s surface can sometimes interfere with the touchscreen’s sensitivity and lead to misinterpreted touches. Use a soft, microfiber cloth designed for electronics screens to gently clean the display. Avoid using paper towels or abrasive cleaners, as these can scratch the screen.
In some instances, outdated software can contribute to touchscreen problems. Check if there are any software updates available for your car’s infotainment system. Consult your car’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for instructions on how to check for and install updates. Updating the software can sometimes resolve bugs that might be causing the ghost touch issue.
Unfortunately, if these basic steps don’t resolve the ghost touch problem, it often indicates a hardware issue, most likely with the digitizer itself. In these cases, DIY fixes are generally limited. While online marketplaces might offer replacement digitizer screens for certain models, as mentioned in the original article, replacing the digitizer is a delicate and technically challenging repair. It typically requires specialized tools and expertise to disassemble the infotainment system and replace the screen components without causing further damage.
Therefore, if troubleshooting steps fail, the most reliable solution is to seek professional repair services. Contact your car dealership or a reputable car audio and electronics repair shop. They can diagnose the problem accurately and recommend the appropriate repair, which might involve replacing the digitizer screen or, in some cases, the entire infotainment unit. Consider the cost implications of each option, as replacing the entire unit can be significantly more expensive than just replacing the screen, if the screen replacement is a viable option for your specific car model. As the original post noted, used or refurbished units can be an option, but ensure they come from a reliable source and are compatible with your vehicle.
While preventing ghost touch entirely might not be possible, especially as vehicles age, you can take steps to minimize potential contributing factors. Avoid exposing your car’s interior to extreme temperatures for prolonged periods, if possible. Consider using a screen protector to shield the screen from scratches and direct sunlight, although it’s debatable whether this will directly prevent ghost touch.
In conclusion, ghost touch on your car screen is a frustrating problem that can stem from various causes, with digitizer malfunction being a primary suspect. While basic troubleshooting like restarting and cleaning the screen can sometimes help, hardware issues often necessitate professional repair. Understanding the potential causes and available solutions will help you navigate this issue and get your car’s infotainment system back to functioning correctly.
