Mitsubishi Triton Touch Screen Not Working: Causes & Fixes

The Mitsubishi Triton car radio problem has been an issue for years. But fortunately, it is now sorted in the 2022 model. However, if you own a pre-2022 model you may have to contend with regular touch screen malfunctioning. The issues are easy to troubleshoot and fix. Keep reading to learn how to fix your Mitsubishi Triton touch screen.

Causes of Touchscreen malfunction and their solutions

Below are the potential fixes for various problems you may encounter;

Unresponsive touch screen

The build-up of dirt and dust can also cause the touchscreen to be unresponsive. If you do not clean it regularly, this buildup can even damage the Triton 2016 car radio screen.

Solutions

Try Rebooting the Stereo

Before you attempt anything, reboot your infotainment system. Rebooting often has the miraculous power of fixing technological devices, so you might get lucky! Most devices can be rebooted by pressing and holding the power button for 5 to 10 seconds.

Clean The Touchscreen Properly

Try giving your touchscreen a good old-fashioned cleaning. Remember to be gentle with the process because you don’t want to damage the screen. Before you do anything, clean your hands. Then proceed to remove the old screen protector. Afterward, dip a clean cloth in a screen-cleaning solution and gently rub it on the screen. When you’re done, apply a new protector.

Perform A Clean Factory Reset

As a last resort, you can perform a factory reset to repair your device. It’s easier if you’ve got an Android head unit. Even if the screen is completely unresponsive, it’s possible to perform the task using a USB keyboard.

A hard factory reset will solve any software-related problem and fix the calibration as well. So, this should help with car stereo touch screen repair. Most of the stereos come with manuals that will instruct you on how to perform a factory reset.

Wiring Problem

If there is an internal wiring issue, your touchscreen will fail to work. In some cases, you won’t even be able to power it on. This can occur due to faulty installation, which shouldn’t be that hard to fix. Sometimes, heavy vibration can cause the wires to loosen up.

Solutions

Check the Dimmer Setting or Check the Illumination Wire.

Most modern car stereos with a digital display screen have a dimmer function, and this will be connected to the radio via the illumination wire.Sometimes, the car stereo display is too bright, and when the radio does not have a day/night display function, most drivers including me, prefer to turn down the display brightness (especially at night).

The solution for this is two-fold. If the dimmer is turned down, then you will just have to adjust the setting and turn up the brightness. Usually, the dimmer works in tandem with the volume know, and this is how you will change it.However, there will first be a setting that you have to choose in order to select the dimmer function mode.

If this doesn’t work, then there may be a problem with the illumination wire (it may be damaged or loose), and if you remove the radio and check the wiring, you will be looking for an orange or orange/black wire.

Check the Touchscreen Connectors

Your car radio is not one solid unit. This means that the display is separate from the actual radio unit, and wires and connectors are used to link them together. There are two ways in which a display will be connected to the radio unit:

  • Soldered connection points
  • Mechanical connection points

Depending on which connection type you have for your display unit, a few elements could cause the problem. Removing the display from the car stereo could be a bit of an issue if you do not consider yourself a DIY individual. In some instances, and depending on your car radio model and display like some of the models from Sony, removing the LCD display is very easy.

Check this too: Common Chevrolet Colorado Problems To Be On The Lookout For

If there are mechanical connectors (something similar to a harness) that are broken or damaged in any way, and you think this could be the cause of the problem, it may be possible to purchase those connectors from a repair shop. Otherwise, you will have to take it in and let them source the parts for you.

If your display has soldering joints, you can see that a soldering point or wire has come loose and you, again, are comfortable with a little DIY, then all you need to do is solder it back together correctly. Take note that you use different types of solder for various connection points and circuit boards, though.

Check the Fuse of the Car Radio

The main reason the car radio display may not be working is because of a bad fuse. Checking a fuse is also the cheapest and best way to repair your car radio because a fuse is meant to be replaceable.

Speaker Problems

Related to point #4, your speakers could be damaged or experiencing wiring problems of their own. Each individual speaker is wired into the back of the stereo head, and if you’ve had after-market speakers installed in your vehicle, there’s a good chance that one of those wires has gotten disconnected or damaged. This usually only affects the speaker that corresponds to the problem wire, but in some cases it could potentially affect other speakers as well.

Solution

If your stereo is displaying as normal, but you’re not getting any sound, have a professional take a look at your speakers and wires.

Bad Antenna/Tuner

This likely isn’t as much of a problem as we continue into the 21st century, but classic AM/FM frequency still has its place in the car. If your stereo’s CD, bluetooth, mp3, or other functions are working without issue, but you’re unable to pick up radio broadcasts, you likely have a bad antenna or tuner.

Solution

This is something that will also need to be diagnosed or replaced by a professional.

Protect mode

Some car radios (mostly factory/stock systems) have a feature that prevents itself from working when there’s been a disruption in the power-flow. This is actually an anti-theft measure, as it renders the radio useless unless a specific set of steps is taken by the owner of the vehicle to restore the radio to its working state. The most common reason for this problem is a disconnected or dead battery, and this is indicated by a limited or different display on the radio than what is normally there. Every measure is different, so be sure to reference your owner’s manual if you think this may be your problem.

Solution

Check All User Mode Settings and Reset the Radio

If your display is completely turned off, then you may not be able to attempt this fix. However, if the display is dimmed down and you still have power, then the first thing you should do is check your user manual and go through all the settings and presets that your radio offers to try to find brightness settings that could be used to adjust your radio back to normal.

Physical Damage

Touchscreens are pretty fragile, so they are very prone to physical damage. They can break quite easily. For example, if your car jumps over a speed bump a little too hard, you’re likely to end up with a couple of cracks or, in the worst-case scenario, a broken display!

If you accidentally hit the screen, it’s going to break too. Besides, prolonged touching can create scratches which can lead to significant damage later on. You’d have to be extra careful when using them if you want them to be in one piece for a long time.

Solution

The only solution in this case is to replace the screen

Items needed

  • Appropriate screwdrivers
  • Panel remover
  • Clean microfiber cloth
  • Screen Cleaner
  • Double sticking tape
  • A new screen paper

Remove The Car Stereo

The first step is to remove the car stereo from your car’s dashboard. Grab the panel remover and use it to separate the panel. Then unscrew the screws that are used to keep the stereo placed inside. Before pulling the device out, carefully separate the wires. Take note of the cables you’re removing because you will be rewiring later.

Dissemble the Car Stereo

Now that the stereo is all free of wires- place it in a safe and secure location where you can freely work on it. Pick up your screwdriver and start unscrewing all the screws that you find on the surface. Then open up the front panel.

You will notice numerous locks on the body of the car stereo that you will have to unlock. This can be done by applying a little bit of force in the right direction. You can use the panel remover too.

Detach the Main Wires of The Screen Panel

After the chassis is wide open, you will be able to see everything inside the stereo. Take a look inside. You must find a set of circuits and several wires that are going right to the screen panel. Now, gently detach these wires.

Disconnect the Touchscreen

You must disconnect the wires that are connected to the touchscreen the same way. Depending on the placement of the motherboard, you may or may not have to remove the screws from the motherboard. Make sure the touchscreen is completely disconnected from the motherboard.

Remove the Broken Touchscreen

The touchscreen is usually attached using glue or an adhesive instead of screws. So, you’re going to have to loosen the adhesive before removing the screen. As soon as you’re done, the LCD will be completely exposed!

Clean The LCD

Now, clean the LCD using the screen cleaner gently to get rid of all the residual dust and debris. The microfiber cloth will come in handy so use that to get the best results. You don’t want to press too hard, though.

Install the New Touchscreen

After you’re done cleaning the LCD, now is the time to install the new touchscreen. You should use a high-quality and strong adhesive like double-sided adhesive tape for mounting the new component. Cut the tapes into thin and long pieces for getting the best results.

Then peel one side of the tapes and place them on both sides of the new screen. Afterward, peel off the other side. Now, make sure to align the screen with the panel perfectly. The wires must be aligned correctly as well. Then gently place the touchscreen carefully on the panel.

You may have to apply a little bit of force to attach the screen correctly. Leave no room for air to enter because the connection must be airtight!

Add a Screen Protector

Before reassembling everything, make sure to add a screen protector to ensure extra protection from dust and scratches. This will save you the trouble of opening up everything again just to apply a screen protector later.

Reassemble everything carefully

Reconnect all the wires as they were before you disassembled them. Ensure to connect the screen’s wires to the panel before joining the panel wires to the motherboard. Screw the motherboard in place. Then close the chassis. Afterward, you must reconnect the stereo wires to the car.

As a general rule, your car radio display will not work if it encounters various issues like a blown fuse, the dimmer turned down, or a faulty illumination wire. The connectors between the LCD and radio unit could be wet or defective, or the backlight, LCD, or radio unit itself could be faulty.

Note: The most common reason for car radios not working can be blown or defective fuse, or faulty illumination wires. If this is the reason in your case, you may need to start the repair by replacing the defective fuse in your stereo.

Software Error

If the Triton screen is frozen, chances are it has a software error. Smart touchscreen car stereos rely on software to function properly. Millions of codes allow them to perform as they do. It’s common for the software to have bugs and errors. When that happens, your stereo won’t work as expected. It will start malfunctioning until you find a way to fix the software issue.

Solution

Update the touch screen firmware

When a software/firmware update is available, a notification via PUSH notification will be sent to you regarding update installation. Download and installation of the update automatically begins and a notification via SMS is sent upon completion.

You can also check for the available updates manually.

To receive the software/firmware update notifications, refer to “Setting notifications from your mobile app”.

  • Confirming the software/firmware update manually
  • Select the settings icon from the HOME screen.
  • Select “Manage Vehicles”.
  • Select “FIRMWARE UPDATE”.
  • Select “ACCEPT”.

Updating the software/firmware

  • When a notification regarding the software/firmware update is received, select “DETAILS”.
  • Depending on the update type, you may have the option to select “LATER” to postpone the update.
  • “LATER” can be selected up to two times and the system will notify you again in 2 days.
  • If you have selected “LATER” two times, the third notification will inform you that you will not be allowed to select “LATER” and must select “ACCEPT” to proceed with the installation.
  • Confirm the displayed update information and then select “ACCEPT”.
  • Download and installation of the update automatically begins and a notification via SMS is sent upon completion.

Note: If an error message is displayed due to download failure, installation failure or any other reason, contact your dealer or call center.

Why is my Car Radio Screen blank?

Radio screens tend to go black after connecting additional equipment like the backup camera or reinstalling the software.

If the screen is not mechanically damaged and is working fine but suddenly lost its screen, the simplest way to fix it is to press the reset button and hold it depending on the radio for between 5 and 10 seconds.

After that, most screens come back to normal functioning. If the display panel on the car stereo receiver is dim or does not light, the connectors may need to be cleaned, or a mode setting needs to be adjusted.

Another problem can occur when the radio works, but it has internal screen damage. To fix this, you have to either disassemble the radio, remove the screen, measure the electrical resistance on all connections, or give the radio to a professional.

Why Is My Radio Screen Dim?

The dimmer setting allows dimming the display and buttons at night, so it does not have to be as bright as during the day. The car radio dimmer can be set manually, synchronized to the clock, or activated with your car lights, and most dimmed screen problems are related to the last option when the radio has to be connected to the car lights.

If the display is too dim with the brightness set to the highest level, the dimmer could be activated. Your radio may be equipped with a separate brightness setting for when the dimmer mode is activated.

This can also happen if the car sends an incorrect signal to the radio indicating that the car lights are on and the display should be dimmed. To solve this problem, you should manually switch the dimmer off or set the dimmed brightness to the maximum level.

If, after changing the settings on your radio, the display is still too dim or too bright, the radio may be faulty, and you may need to contact the repair service of the radio manufacturer.

Why is there a White screen on Triton infotainment?

This typically happens when you switch to the DVD player.

Solutions

  1. Reset the DVD player. If you see a white screen the first time you turn the DVD player on, switch it off and see if its peripheral power supply voltage is normal. Then switch it on again. If the problem persists, proceed to step No 2.
  2. Ensure that the player is properly connected. If the car stereo with GPS is still showing a white screen after switching it on for the second or third time, you may need to check if the peripheral receptacle is placed properly. Also, ensure that the plugs have been tightly inserted into the sockets.
  3. Re-install the device. Still seeing a white screen after making sure that the wires are connected? If the problem continues, remove the DVD player from your dashboard and reinstall it once again. Re-plug the cables and ensure that they are connected properly, especially the wires between the LCD panel and the main unit.
  4. Ask for assistance. In case the problem continues after trying the fixes discussed above, try to contact the seller and ask them for assistance. Don’t take apart or disassemble the DVD player on your own, especially if it’s still under warranty. Otherwise, you will void the warranty and you won’t be able to get a replacement if the DVD player indeed has a factory defect.

How to connect your touchscreen to Apple Carplay

Only 2017 and later model year Mitsubishi Triton vehicles are compatible with Apple CarPlay. Additionally, you must have iPhone 5 or newer device with iOS 7.1 or newer version to use Apple CarPlay on Mitsubishi Triton. Before you begin, ensure CarPlay and Siri are enabled on your iPhone. Also, make sure that the “Press Home for Siri” option is enabled under “Siri & Search” in settings.

If you can’t see CarPlay or Siri & Search under your iPhone settings, then go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps, and make sure both CarPlay and Siri & Search are enabled.

Connect iPhone to Triton’s USB port

  • Connect your Apple iPhone to your Mitsubishi Triton USB port using an Apple-approved Lightning-to-USB cable.
  • Accept Apple CarPlay terms and conditions, if any appear.
  • Touch Allow on your iPhone when prompted. This allows the use of CarPlay with your Triton while phone is locked.
  • After a few seconds Apple CarPlay will launch on your Triton’s infotainment system.

Note: If you’re unsure which USB port supports CarPlay on your particular Triton variant, then consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual – or you can try plugging in the cable, one by one, in all the USB ports in dashboard and center console.

If Apple CarPlay does not launch automatically after you connect your iPhone to Mitsubishi Triton’s USB port, then touch Apple Carplay icon in the main menu.

Apple CarPlay not working on Mitsubishi Triton

If Apple CarPlay does not start on your Triton when you plug in the USB cable and there is no CarPlay icon in the list of apps in the infotainment system, it can be due to a number of reasons:

  • CarPlay is disabled in the infotainment system settings of your Triton.
  • CarPlay is disabled in your iPhone, go to ‘Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps’ and enable both CarPlay and Siri.
  • The Lightning-to-USB cable you’re using is defective. Try a different cable, preferably original Apple cable.
  • The connected USB port on your Triton does not support CarPlay. Try other USB ports.
  • A software glitch is responsible for the CarPlay problem. Try resetting the Triton’s infotainment system to its factory settings.
  • You’ve an older model of Triton that does not support Apple CarPlay. Only 2017 and later model year Mitsubishi Triton vehicles are compatible with CarPlay.
  • If you still can’t connect CarPlay in your Mitsubishi Triton, then you should get your vehicle checked by an authorized Mitsubishi dealer.

Android auto not working with touchscreen

Below are potential fixes for these issue;

Check compatibility

To use Android Auto on your car display, your car needs to be compatible with Android Auto or have an aftermarket unit installed. Ensure you have an Android phone running Android 8.0 (Oreo) and up, with a data plan.

Check this too: How To Fit Towing Mirrors To An Isuzu MUX

Use the correct cable

Secondly, not all USB cables will work with all cars. For the best quality and reliability when you connect to Android Auto use a high-quality USB cable.

Here are some tips to help you find the best USB cable for Android Auto:

  • Use a cable that’s under 3 feet (1 meter) long and don’t use USB hubs or cable extensions.
  • Try the cable that came with your phone. These cables are often tested by the phone manufacturer to make sure they work well with the phone.

Note: Cables from independent manufacturers can be a good choice if they meet standards of the USB Implementers Forum. If you want to buy a cable, you can check if it has been certified within the past two years. To find the cable, filter the list for the model number or brand.

Check your car or receiver

In your car, try these troubleshooting tips:

  • Check to see if Android Auto is turned on in your car’s infotainment system.
  • Restart your car’s infotainment system.
  • If you’re using an aftermarket receiver, such as a Pioneer or Kenwood unit; check the manufacturer’s website to see if a firmware update is available.

Check your app settings if you’re connecting to a second car

If you’re having trouble connecting to a second car:

  • Unplug your phone from the car.
  • Select Menu>Settings>Connected devices>Connection preferences>Android Auto>Previously connected cars
  • Tap on top right menu >Forget all cars
  • Then try plugging your phone into the car again.