Reasons Behind Your Toyota’s Center Multi-Function Display Failure

by Mechanics Direct July 28, 2020

Toyota Prius is one of the most popular economical vehicles on the road today, in part due to its reputation for being environmentally friendly, and in part because of all of the extra features offered in every make and model.

The new technology that makes Prius so valued and coveted, however, comes with its own myriad of potential headaches. A lot of the technology is new or still in the early years of development and is mostly untested until it gets into the hands of consumers. One headache that many post-2004 Prius model owners experience is the failure of their Multi-Function Display (MFD).

What Multi Function Display Failure Looks Like

Multi function displays are a great leap forward in automotive innovation, and many other vehicle makers have followed suit with their own versions in recent years. However, certain Prius models are prone to MFD failures. With these failures comes a wide array of symptoms, some a minor frustration, some a major bane in your Prius ownership. Some of the most common symptoms of MFD failure include:

Failure to power up

While this is a very uncommon issue with the MFD, it is one of the most severe. If your MFD fails to power up entirely, this is likely due to a failed circuit board. The only recourse for a failed circuit board is a circuit board replacement, which is expensive. You can replace the entire multi function display, which can quite frequently be cheaper for a refurbished model.

Sluggish response from the touchscreen

If your touchscreen responds but takes several seconds between poking the screen and playing your song, you are experiencing one of the most common signs of a failing MFD.

No mileage or energy flow readouts

If your MFD does not provide you with a readout of your miles, energy flow, or any other standard need-to-knows, you are experiencing multi function display failure and should have your unit inspected by a certified, experienced mechanic immediately.

A radio on the fritz

If your radio suddenly turns itself off without your physical command to do so, this is a seemingly innocuous sign that can quickly compound into full-on MFD failure. The same is true if you suddenly find yourself unable to turn your music up, down, or off.

Limited or no climate control in the cab

If you are unable to use your MFD to change the temperature in your cab, you are experiencing MFD failure.

No navigational abilities

If you are unable to access your built-in GPS from your MFD, this is a clear sign of MFD failure. Which this is not a catastrophic event most of the time, not having a GPS for those who depend on them can make life much harder.

No Bluetooth

If you are experiencing MFD failure, you won’t be able to access your car’s Bluetoothing abilities at all until the issue is resolved.

Causes of Multi Function Display Failure

The most common causes of a failed multi function display are:

• A poorly-soldered connection inside the display circuit board: If this is the case, it is recommended that the display be examined and repaired by a certified mechanic.
• A failed ribbon cable on your touch screen digitizer: If this is the case, it is recommended that the display be examined and repaired by a certified mechanic.
• Low battery voltage due to a poor electrical connection or a bad 12V battery: If this is the case, you should have your battery’s voltage tested. If the battery comes back as bad, it’s time for an expensive replacement. If the battery itself is fine, there’s an underlying electrical issue that needs to be addressed by a certified mechanic.

Mechanics Direct Can Help

If your Toyota Prius is experiencing any of these symptoms of multi function display failure, it’s time to bring it in to your local Mechanics Direct for a diagnosis and repair. Mechanics Direct services a wide area of Massachusetts, including North Chelmsford, Chelmsford, Dracut, Tyngsborough, Westford, and Lowell, MA. Mechanics Direct staffs only the most experienced, qualified technicians on salary, ensuring your vehicle will be given the proper time and attention it needs to get you up and running again.

* Toyota Venza Car image credit goes to: kurmyshov.