Jeep Grand Cherokee Screen Delamination: How to Fix It?
In the Jeep Grand Cherokee screen delamination takes place if the glue between the screen and the digitizer gets melted away from the heat of the screen. You can fix it through
- Repairing the screen
- Cleaning the screen
- Get it fixed professionally
The steps are quite simple if you are into DIY work. To get a detailed idea of the process keep reading this article.
What Causes Jeep Grand Cherokee Screen Delamination?
Your Jeep Grand Cherokee screen gets delamination because of the extreme heat produced by the screen. This extreme screen heat melts the glue between the screen and the digitizer. This lack of glue means there is a gap which leads to screen delamination. From delamination, you can get problems such as ghost button presses and screen malfunction.
However, you can be assured that this problem is less severe than the navigation screen turning black. Besides, you can get the delaminated screens replaced from warranty or extended warranty.
The digitizer is the main touch screen where you input your commands. It’s the outer part of the main screen you see in your jeep. The digitizer is connected to the main screen with a glue-like substance.
Again, the glue is not there only to connect the main screen to the digitizer. It also acts as a thermal protector for the main screen. Using glue in the middle, the main screen doesn’t get heated due to external influences like weather or hand temperature.
If this glue dries out, the screen gets in contact with the digitizer and forms bubbles. It destroys the digitizer to some extent. This doesn’t cause any major issues on the screen. But it blocks the screen and makes it difficult to read it.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Screen Delamination Fix [Step-by-Step Process]
You can fix this by cleaning the inside of the screen and applying new glue to it or just replacing it. Let’s get into the details of both of these processes.
Method 1: Perform a DIY Screen Repair of Your Jeep’s Radio
Before you get to removing the screen and fixing the delamination issue check the tools required.
Tools Required:
- Dash Pry Tool
- Blue Nylon Pry Tool
- Metal Pry Tool
- Ribbon Cable Unlocking Tool
- Screwdriver (Seven Millimeters or Phillips Head)
- Protective Film Removal Tool
Step 1: Remove the Display
Use a dash pry tool or open the lower cubby to release retaining clips on the bezel surrounding the UConnect display. Disconnect the cable and set the bezel aside.
Step 2: Access the Radio
Locate and remove the four screws (usually seven millimeters) holding the radio in place. Once the screws are removed, pull out the radio and disconnect the connectors.
Step 3: Release the Tabs
Gently insert the blue nylon pry tool between the black metal frame and the silver metal housing. Release the eight metal tabs (two on each side) by lifting the thin sheet metal, ensuring a careful approach to prevent cable damage.
Step 4: Remove the Metal Frame
Continue working around the screen until all eight metal tabs are disengaged, resulting in a loose metal frame. Be cautious with vehicles having extensive glue leakage, preventing damage to the black metal frame’s wire connected to the metal chassis.
Step 5: Lift the Screen
Gently lift the screen away from the metal housing, taking note of the sticky residue of the separated glue holding it in place. Be mindful of the black wire connected to the metal chassis and avoid breaking it.
Step 6: Remove Phillips Head Screws
Use a standard Phillips head number two screwdriver to remove six screws securing the circuitry to the LCD housing. Ensure not to lift anything after removing the screws to avoid potential damage.
Step 7: Flip the Unit Over
Tightly grip both the top and bottom metal pieces together and flip the unit over, keeping its LCD face up to prevent spacers and components from coming loose.
Step 8: Disconnect Ribbon Cables
Lift up the LCD and disconnect the ribbon cables held down by black latches, pivoting them 90° to release. Get the cables out of their housing without applying excessive stress.
Step 9: Replace the Old LCD Panel
Set aside the old LCD panel and transfer the display ribbon cable to the new panel, ensuring proper alignment and locking it down securely. Gently lay down the new LCD panel with unlocked ribbon cable connectors pointing upwards.
Step 10: Secure Phillips Head Screws
Replace the six Phillips head screws, ensuring they are tightened evenly and not overtightened. Follow a star pattern or alternate tightening for uniform securing.
Step 11: Lock Metal Latch Tabs
Flip the unit back over and use a metal pry tool to press down on the metal latch tabs, engaging them securely. Ensure a tight grip to prevent the back half with connectors from coming loose.
Step 12: Install the radio back
Remove the protective film from the new LCD panel, being careful not to scratch it. Temporarily place the metal frame over the panel to hold it in place. Tighten all six screws securely and flip the unit back over for the final securing of metal latch tabs.
Put the radio back into the Grand Cherokee by sliding it into the slot and securing it with the four screws. Reconnect the previously disconnected connectors, ensuring each is correctly matched.
Step 13: Power Up the Repaired Radio
When powering up the radio for the first time after repair, turn off the vehicle and allow the radio to go to sleep. This process can take anywhere from five minutes to two hours, during which the radio configures itself to the vehicle’s computer.
Step 14: Verify the Repair
After the radio configures itself, check for restored functionality, ensuring that the delamination issue is resolved. Confirm that all buttons work as intended, and features such as heated and cooled options, and Sirius XM, are functional.
Step 15: Final Check
Ensure that the radio is fully configured and free from delamination issues.
You can check this video for a guide on replacing the screen.
Method 2: Clean the Digitizer Screen
Just remove the digitizer screen as mentioned in the previous method. After that, you’ll notice dried-out glue on the delamination area. Clean the whole surface with isopropyl alcohol. Make sure you take the alcohol in a spray bottle and spray it all over the screen.
Then, wipe out the alcohol with paper towels and spray some glass cleaner on the screen at the end. The screen will be all clean and ready for the next step.
You should repeat the same process and clean the digitizer too. A cleaned digitizer might feel blurry, but there’s nothing to worry about. The digitizer won’t look like glass. Once the digitizer is put on the screen, it’ll look clean again.
Just a few heads-up:
- Wear rubber gloves to protect the screen from additional smudges and dirt.
- Don’t scratch the screen at any cost. Or else, you’ll have to remove the entire screen, and it’s more expensive than this procedure.
- Don’t use acetone instead of isopropyl alcohol. Acetone will destroy the screen instantly.
- Don’t push the digitizer frame toward the screen too hard. Or else, you’ll destroy the smart-touching capability of the screen since there is no glue in the middle now.
Once you are done cleaning, put the digitizer back on the screen and then the radio back into the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Method 3: Contact the Dealer of Your Jeep Grand Cherokee
It’s like when there’s a problem with the Grand Cherokee eco diesel. Better to get it fixed by a professional if you are not sure about the DIY process.
But make sure you have the warranty to do so. Without a warranty, you’ll have to shake off a good amount to fix the screen delamination.
Is There Any Downside to This Method?
Well, no, there isn’t any serious downside to this method. If you follow this method, I can guarantee there won’t be any delamination. It’s because you’ve removed the glue in between that was causing the delamination.
The only thing you’ll face is that the quality of the screening experience will drop. It’ll still work fine.
But if you notice the touch screen is not working, you should contact the dealer and get the screen professionally repaired.
Is It Applicable to All Jeep Grand Cherokee Models?
Yes, the quick DIY method applies to all Jeep Grand Cherokee models. You’ll especially notice this problem mostly in the models between 2017 and 2019. Most of the time, it’s a manufacturing defect. So, the dealer should change the screen for you if you have a warranty. Otherwise, you can apply the DIY method at home.
Is there Any Recall for Jeep Grand Cherokee Screen Delamination?
No, there isn’t any recall for the Jeep Grand Cherokee screen delamination issue yet. Even though many Jeep Cherokee users have faced this similar type of issue, people didn’t file a case against the manufacturer. That’s why there isn’t any recall of the screen delamination problem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How do you reset the screen on a Jeep Grand Cherokee?
To reset the screen on a Jeep Grand Cherokee, first, you have to press the tuning knob and the volume button together. Keep holding it for 15 seconds, at least. Then, you’ll see the screen turned off. After a few seconds, it’ll automatically turn on. That’s how you reset the screen of a Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Can I customize my Jeep screen?
Yes, you can customize the Jeep screen. You can change the settings according to your preferences.
How much does it cost to repair the Jeep Grand Cherokee screen delamination?
It costs about $200 to $600 to repair the Jeep Grand Cherokee screen delamination. If you need to replace the screen, it can cost you as much as $1200.
Final Words
In conclusion, Jeep Grand Cherokee Screen Delamination happens because of the glue wearing out through the heat from the screen. You can fix it either by yourself or through professional repair. If you fix it yourself just be careful and with our guide, your Grand Cherokee screen will be working fine.
