2013-2016 Buick Encore Infotainment Screen: Flickering, Blackouts, and Replacement Guide
Diagnose common screen failures like blackouts and ghost touches, and understand the critical part number and programming requirements before you buy a replacement.
- You must match the OEM part number exactly (95247248 or the newer 42353388) to ensure compatibility.
- Be prepared for programming. A replacement display may require a dealer or properly equipped independent shop to unlock it and pair it to your vehicle's VIN.
- Common failure symptoms like a black screen, flickering, or 'ghost touch' are almost always a hardware problem that a software reset will not permanently fix.
- A used OEM display offers the best value, often costing significantly less than a new unit while retaining factory appearance and function.
Symptoms of a Failing Infotainment Display
Failure of the infotainment screen in the 2013-2016 Buick Encore is rarely sudden. It often begins with minor glitches that worsen over time, typically due to the breakdown of internal components from heat, humidity, and vibration. Here are the most common signs that your display is on its way out:
- Black or Blank Screen: The most common symptom is a screen that goes completely black, though you may still hear audio from the radio. This can be intermittent at first, happening randomly, before becoming permanent.
- Flickering or Scrambled Display: The screen may flicker, flash, or look like an old rolling television screen. This can sometimes be caused by a loose connection, but is often a sign of internal failure.
- Unresponsive Touch or 'Ghost Touch': Certain areas of the screen may stop responding to touch, creating 'dead zones'. Conversely, the system might register phantom touches, causing it to change menus, make calls, or select options on its own.
- Delamination or Bubbling: You may see what looks like air bubbles, ripples, or a hazy, cloudy appearance under the glass. This is a physical separation of the screen's internal layers and is a clear indicator of hardware failure.
- Failure in Heat or Cold: Some screens may work correctly when the cabin is cool but begin to fail as the interior heats up in the sun. This points to internal components expanding and losing connection.
- Radio Stays On: In some cases, a faulty infotainment system can cause the radio to remain on even after the car is turned off and the door is opened, potentially draining the battery.
Initial Troubleshooting Steps
Before assuming the screen is broken, try these simple resets which can resolve common software glitches:
- Soft Reset: With the vehicle in Park and running, press and hold the Power/Volume knob for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes black and the Buick logo reappears. This is the first step and resolves many minor issues without erasing your settings.
- Check the Fuse: A blown fuse can cause a total loss of power to the screen. Consult the owner's manual to locate the fuse for the 'Radio' or 'Infotainment' system in the interior fuse panel and inspect it.
- Factory Reset: If a soft reset doesn't work, you can perform a factory reset. Navigate to Settings > System > Return to Factory Settings. Be aware that this will erase all your personal data, including paired phones and saved addresses.
Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls
While there are no specific NHTSA recalls for the infotainment display on the 2013-2016 Buick Encore, GM has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for similar issues across its vehicle lineup. TSBs like #PIT5378 have addressed screen flickering on other GM vehicles, often pointing to software anomalies that can be fixed with a dealer-installed update. Some owners of similar GM vehicles have traced flickering and random reboots to a loose primary connector on the HMI module, which is often located behind the glove box. Checking this connection could be a potential fix for intermittent issues.
Buying a Used Infotainment Display
Purchasing a used OEM display is a cost-effective way to restore functionality. However, there are critical details to be aware of to ensure you get the right part.
Warning: You MUST match the part number exactly. While other screens may look identical and have the same connectors, they can have different internal data streams and will not work if the part number is incorrect.
Compatibility and Part Numbers
- The primary OEM part number for this 7-inch display is 95247248.
- An updated, superseding part number is 42353388. This part replaces the original and is compatible.
- When buying used, verify the part number on the sticker of the unit you are purchasing. Do not rely on a seller's description alone.
What to Inspect
- Physical Condition: Check the screen for any deep scratches, cracks, or signs of delamination (bubbling under the surface).
- Connectors: Ensure the electrical connectors on the back are clean and free of any bent or broken pins.
- Source Vehicle Information: If possible, get the VIN of the vehicle the part came from. This isn't for programming, but it helps verify the year and model compatibility.
- Warranty: Reputable sellers of used parts will offer a warranty. This protects you if the unit is dead on arrival or fails shortly after installation.
Programming and Installation
This is the most critical aspect of replacing a GM infotainment component.
Does the Display Screen Need Programming?
The infotainment system in your Buick is a component-protected system tied to the vehicle's original VIN. While the display screen itself may not hold the VIN information (that is typically stored in the separate HMI or 'radio' module), replacing any part of the system can trigger an anti-theft lockout.
If you replace the screen and the system displays a 'Locked' message or fails to function, it will need to be programmed to your vehicle's VIN. This procedure requires a GM-specific scan tool (like a Tech2 or MDI) with an active subscription to GM's programming network.
Pro Tip: While a GM dealership can always perform this programming, many independent auto repair shops that specialize in electronics have the necessary tools and can often do it for a lower price. It is wise to call local shops and ask if they can program a replacement GM radio or display before committing to a dealer visit.
| Component | Programming Required? |
|---|---|
| Display Screen Only (P/N 95247248 or 42353388) | Maybe. It may work plug-and-play, but be prepared for the possibility of needing a dealer or equipped independent shop to unlock it if it's part of the anti-theft system. |
| Radio / HMI Module (The 'brain' behind the dash) | Yes, always. This module is VIN-locked and will not function without being programmed to the new vehicle. |
Cost to Replace a 2013-2016 Buick Encore Display
| Item | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New OEM Display | $275 - $415 | Part only, from a GM dealer. |
| Used OEM Display | $100 - $175 | From a salvage yard or online recycler. This is often the best value. |
| New Aftermarket Unit | $250 - $500+ | Typically a full head unit replacement with a different operating system (like Android), not just a screen. |
| Shop Labor (Installation) | $100 - $200 | Estimated 1-1.5 hours of labor to remove trim and replace the screen. |
| Shop Labor (Programming) | $100 - $250 | If required. A dealer may charge 1-1.5 hours of labor for this service. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install a used infotainment screen myself?
Yes, the physical replacement is a manageable DIY task for someone with basic tools and experience removing interior trim panels. The main challenge is not the installation, but the potential need for professional programming after the part is installed.
Will a screen from a Chevy Trax or other GM vehicle work?
No. Even if the screen looks identical and has the same part number, it is critical to use a display specifically designated for the 2013-2016 Buick Encore. Different vehicles have different software and communication protocols that can make the screen incompatible.
My screen is black but the radio still plays. Is it the screen or the fuse?
If the radio audio works, the main radio module and the fuse are likely fine. A black screen with working audio is a classic symptom of a failed display panel itself or a bad connection to the display. Start with a soft reset, then check the display connections before replacing the screen.
Why does my screen only fail when it's hot outside?
This is a common sign of an impending hardware failure. Heat causes the internal electronic components and adhesive layers of the screen to expand, which can create open circuits or connection problems. As the problem worsens, the screen will likely start failing at lower temperatures until it stops working altogether.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 95247248 42353388
7-inch diagonal touch-sensitive LCD screen for Buick IntelliLink system.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Buick Encore:
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Symptoms of a Failing Infotainment Display
- Initial Troubleshooting Steps
- Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls
- Buying a Used Infotainment Display
- Compatibility and Part Numbers
- What to Inspect
- Programming and Installation
- Does the Display Screen Need Programming?
- Cost to Replace a 2013-2016 Buick Encore Display
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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