The infotainment system is an indispensable feature in modern cars. We are so accustomed to having access to this that when it fails, it becomes a huge distraction and problem. Land Rovers seem to have had some issues with their infotainment system. Anyone who drives a modern car intuitively knows what an infotainment system is. However, we’ll provide a more technical explanation here.

The infotainment system of your Land Rover or In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) is a cluster of hardware and software that provides both information and entertainment via a touchscreen display, to make the driving experience better for the driver and the passenger. The term itself is a portmanteau of the words information and entertainment. The key features of a typical infotainment system are listed here.

• Navigation: Your car may have built-in GPS navigation, or you may use Google Maps via Android Auto or Car Play from Apple. No matter what you use, it provides directions and real-time traffic updates. The seamless integration makes it a breeze to use.
• Media: The IVI controls the radio, music streaming, and media playback, such as music and videos from your smartphone or other USB or Bluetooth devices.
• Phone Calls: Using Bluetooth connectivity, the IVI lets you make hands-free phone calls.
• Climate Control: For easy access, the controls for your vehicle’s HVAC (heating, ventilation, air-conditioning) system is integrated into the infotainment system.
• Vehicle Information: The infotainment center screen is where all the critical information such as, tire pressure, fuel levels, engine heat, maintenance alerts, malfunction indicator lights (MIL), and much more are shown.
• Camera Display: The view of the back-up camera, the forward-facing camera, and in some vehicles, the third-person-view of your car is displayed on the IVI screen.

The Advantages of Having an Infotainment Center

There is no argument that the IVI makes driving much safer:

• It minimizes the need to look away from the road because the controls are all centralized, and the display is touch-sensitive.
• Modern cars allow voice commands to regulate the IVI, once again making it safer, as you don’t need to take your eyes off the road.
• The back and front cameras, and in some vehicles the third-person-view display make backing and parallel parking effortless.

Some Problems that Can Occur When an Infotainment System Malfunctions

When the infotainment system fails, it can have a significant effect on your driving experience.

• Becoming Distracted: It is no surprise that if the IVI screen is not operating, you will become distracted, and the chances of a collision increase.
• Problems With Navigation: You rely on GPS to get anywhere! If that becomes unavailable, you could be lost in an unfamiliar area.
• Connectivity Issues: If Bluetooth becomes unavailable, you won’t be able to make hands-free calls. For that matter, any information or entertainment you were getting from your smartphone or Bluetooth device will be lost.
• No Camera Display: This is a serious problem, especially for modern drivers. There is no denying that the cameras make backing up and parallel parking so much easier.
• No HVAC Access: With a failed infotainment center you might not have access to the climate controls, making it uncomfortable inside your Land Rover.

Some Reasons Why Your Vehicle’s Infotainment System May Stop Working

• Electrical System: The IVI fully depends on the electrical system of the car. Therefore, loose or worn wiring, faulty circuits and fuses, or even a problem with the automotive battery, which is your car’s 12-volt battery, can cause problems with the IVI.
• Software Updates: If the software is not updated, you will have issues with your infotainment system. Usually, the updates are automatic, but if there are connectivity glitches, the software will not update.
• Impact Damage: If there is physical damage to your IVI, it will stop working.

Allow Rowlett Motorwerks to Repair Your Infotainment System

Always make sure your system software is updated. Don’t try Do-It-Yourself fix unless you’re an expert with the right technical tools to work with your Land Rover’s electronic system! The IVI is a complex system, and messing up with this component can short-circuit your entire Land Rover. Rest assured that the problem will be fixed properly without surprises by bringing your Land Rover to us. Call Rowlett Motorwerks today or make an appointment to stop by soon. We are in Texas, with locations in Garland, Rockwall, Sachse, Wylie, and Rowlett.