VW Multi-Function Display Not Working – Reasons and Fixes

VW is a brand that requires no introduction. It is a brand that has beaten many odds to be where it is today - the biggest car maker in revenue. This being the case, VW has many modern cool features to help the user enjoy the convenience of owning a VW. One feature that makes this possible is the Multi-Function Display (MFD).

Screen problems highlights

• Reasons:screen death, connections, physical damage, high voltage, glitch
• Quick fix:reset the system, check power, check fuse, check wiring
• Price forrepair:$0 - $1,000
• Time forrepair:0.5 - 3 hours
• Howcommon:quite common
• DIYrepair:possible

The VW multi-function display

The Multi-Function Display (MFD) is a compact information center in every modern VW. It is conveniently located at the center of the dashboard. Due to its convenient location, the driver can see important information such as digital speedo, trip miles, minutes spent in the driver's seat, and the temperature inside and outside the vehicle.

The VW MFD not working

The MFD is a screen that many VW drivers overlook its importance until it stops working. According to many VW drivers on online forums, the MFD can fail to work to display suddenly, or it works intermittently. Sometimes, the MFD pixels may get damaged, making the messages and other information displayed ineligible.

When the MFD stops working, you may find it illuminating orange without contrast or just dark. For some people, the MFD can stop working and stay like that for days or weeks before coming back on all by itself. Some drivers have reported that the display went off when they jump-started their VW. For many people, it seems, the display can stop working and then come back on without any intervention.

Common reasons for VW MFD not working

The multi-function display on Volkswagen not working is a common problem, especially on the Passat model. The problem, while common, does not seem to have a specific reason why it happens or a defined way to solve it. But, like most vehicle parts, the answer to an MFD malfunction will depend on the root cause. Before you start looking at resolving a dead MFD problem, it is worth noting that the user manual comes with all the necessary information regarding this car part. To turn it on or off, there is a button on the underside of the indicator stalk.

1) Blown fuse

The car battery powers the multi-function display of your VW. Before the power gets to the MFD, there is a fuse which helps protect the MFD. When the fuse is blown, the screen will go blank, and you won't be able to read or access the MFD.

Solution

Different VW models and generations have varying locations where you will find the MFD fuse. However, by following the user manual, it should be easy to locate the fuse location. For some VW models, the fuse labeled 42 is for MFD. It is a 10A fuse. Many VW owners who have been faced with this problem have successfully solved this problem by simply replacing blown fuse.

2) Damaged motherboard

The MFD LCD screen has been seen to stop working when its motherboard malfunctions. The MFD motherboard is built in such a way that a white ribbon cable, which is the display driver chip, runs across it. This means that this cable running from the cluster mainboard to the panel will be affected by temperature variations.

As temperature changes inside the cabin, the cable expands and contracts. This is made worse by the fact that the motherboard is quite fragile. Over time, the cable will become loose and disconnect from the MFD screen.

Solution

The answer to this problem is to simply replace the MFD. If you are very good at working with electronics and know what you are doing when attempting to work on the MFD motherboard, you can repair it. You can replace the ribbon cable with precision and have the MFD working as new. Some dealerships do repair damaged VW MFDs.

But more often than not, attempting to repair the MFD motherboard will result in a failure. With a microscope and some fine copper wires, it is possible to solve the motherboard issue once and for all. Just be ready to spend a couple of hours hunched over the motherboard.

The best solution to this issue is to get for this problem is to buy an OEM part and have it replaced by an expert. Bear in mind that the new MFD must be synched with the vehicle. There is usually a code that you are supposed to enter to make the MFD match up with the vehicle.

3) Excessive heat

Some VW owners notice a malfunction or total failure of the MFD when the cabin gets warm. For one particular owner, the MFD would simply go dark when the temperature rose to 90 and above. Other drivers reported that the MFD would work perfectly well at night but go dark during the day when it is warm. This is especially the case in particularly hot summer.

Some VW owners report that the MFD will not work in winter. However, other times, the MFD will work fine for a while and then go blank. The possible reason for this is that the motherboard network works well in a given temperature range. When it is too cold, it seems the wires or nearby components contract; when it's pretty warm, the same will expand. Both of these scenarios make the MFD go blank.

Solution

There is nothing much one can do to avoid damage to the MFD by heat. It is important to, however, note that LCD screens tend to darken when it is bright and very warm. Otherwise, if the MFD is acting up when it gets warm inside the car, then it is time to consider a replacement for the same. Even though the MFD is said to work best when it's warm, the excessive heat is the problem. On the other hand, freezing temperatures can prove to be a problem for the VW MFD.

The solution to this problem will vary from one VW to the next. You will find that some MFDs stop working in winter while others fail in summer. Other MFDs start acting up when you drive the car for a while. Each case should be diagnosed individually, as different owners have varying experiences with regard to a bad MFD. A technician who knows his art will use a can of freezer or hair dryer to identify the parts at fault.

4) Loose connectors

The MFD screen is connected to the fuse, the batteries, and the ECU via connectors. These connectors are found under the dashboard. Other times, the connectors might become faulty, leading the MFD to malfunction.

Solution

The answer to a loose connector is simply to click it back again firmly. You will know it's a connector problem if you touch it and can feel it is loose. Like other car electrical connectors, the connectors should make a firm clicking sound when you push them into place. If, even after connecting the connectors properly, the MFD doesn't work, it is time to consider assessing other factors. 

5) Damaged screen

As mentioned earlier, some VW owners have observed a problem with the screen. The pixels on the LCD might get distorted or destroyed, making the screen show messages and images partly. When this happens, you might be unable to read what is displayed on the screen. The screen might also have undergone some shock, hence damaging its internal parts.

Solution

The answer to this problem is to replace the LCD. The screen you are buying has to be of the same exact size as the OEM. Some people have managed to swap their VW MFD with an Audi one. If you do a thorough search, you can get an aftermarket or a used MFD online. This can save you quite some bucks. If your car is still under warranty, there is no need to go through all that hustle.

6) Software problem

 Intermittent blanking out of the MFD has been associated with outdated software. A software issue can cause the MFD to act in all manner of ways, including not working.

Solution

An update on the VW software running the MFD can easily be accessed from the car dealership. If your vehicle is under warranty, you should get this upgrade free of charge. Even if a charge was placed on the service, it should be substantially lower than buying a new MFD or even repairing it.

Conclusion

Your VW is supposed to be a cool car to drive. Its many features are meant to make your driving experience luxurious and fun. For the various reasons that may cause the MFD to stop working, this article has tacked enough ground to help you find the root cause of the problem. The article has also touched on the possible solutions you can consider depending on the cause of the problem.