Swapping Out the Head Unit

[white ape]

So the head unit screen on my 2017 500e keeps going dark and rebooting, which is super annoying, and now I can’t control charging or any of that good stuff. I’m thinking about swapping it out for a 500Madness touchscreen, but is that really the ultimate fix? Has anyone else tackled this before or found a good alternative? Also, I’m curious about that Uconnect charging workaround with a dongle and subscription - any tips would be awesome!


Thanks in Advance.

 

[Capt Forest]

Try to grab that trusty OBD tool every owner should keep around - it can help reset those pesky errors across all 17 modules. If that doesn’t fix things up, it might be time to call in the pros. A little expert TLC might be just what your ride needs!

 

[KennyP470]

If I found myself in that mess, I'd just hit up a junkyard to grab the original infotainment system - quick and easy, right? Those EV-specific screens from the factory are a must for the ultimate ride! Can’t skimp on that!

 

[white ape]

Hey everyone, thanks a ton for all your awesome responses! They’re super helpful.

Just a quick update: I went ahead and ordered the OBD device, so I’ll be diving into those error codes. Quick question - do I need any specific software to use the OBD unit? I saw mentions of Windows and Android, but are there any apps for Apple/Mac users out there?

 

[Capt Forest]

Hey everyone, thanks a ton for all your awesome responses! They’re super helpful.

Just a quick update: I went ahead and ordered the OBD device, so I’ll be diving into those error codes. Quick question - do I need any specific software to use the OBD unit? I saw mentions of Windows and Android, but are there any apps for Apple/Mac users out there?

The app you're looking for is AlfaOBD.com, which is exclusively designed for Windows and Android users. If you're an iPhone user, there’s a decent alternative, but be aware that it might not save you in case of the inevitable contactor glitch, leaving you stranded when you least expect it.

 

[Ovwing]

The app you're looking for is AlfaOBD.com, which is exclusively designed for Windows and Android users. If you're an iPhone user, there’s a decent alternative, but be aware that it might not save you in case of the inevitable contactor glitch, leaving you stranded when you least expect it.

I bought a Bluetooth OBD LX link with a yellow adapter, which connected easily with my PC, and have Alfa OBD installed, which opens nicely, but that’s where my progress came to an abrupt halt. Does anyone know of a written or video instruction for beginners to walk through accessing and interpreting data (2017 500e)?