9 Common GMC Infotainment System Problems & How to Reset

The GMC Infotainment System is an advanced technology designed to enhance your driving experience, effortlessly integrating your smartphone with your vehicle. However, like any sophisticated system, it can sometimes encounter problems, affecting its performance and causing inconvenience for you.

In this article, we will explore some of the common issues with the GMC Infotainment System, along with possible solutions to help you troubleshoot and overcome these challenges. By understanding the potential problems you may face, you can ensure that your infotainment system remains an enjoyable and valuable part of your journey.

Common GMC Infotainment System Problems

Touchscreen Issues

You might encounter unresponsive or inaccurate touchscreens in your GMC Infotainment systems. These problems can be caused by hardware faults or the need for a software update. To troubleshoot, try rebooting the system by holding down the home and fast-forward buttons for at least 10 seconds.

Software Bugs

Software bugs could cause issues with your GMC Infotainment system, leading to crashes, freezes, or other errors. An outdated version of the software can also lead to touchscreen problems. Ensure you have the latest updates installed to fix these issues.

Audio and Video Problems

Audio and video playback issues, such as no sound, skipping, or failure to play specific radio stations, can occur due to system bugs or compatibility concerns. To resolve this, check for system updates or reboot your infotainment system.

Connectivity Problems

Connectivity issues with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or USB ports can affect the usability of your GMC Infotainment System. Ensure your devices are compatible and properly paired with the infotainment system, and check for any available software updates.

Compatibility Issues

Your GMC Infotainment System may encounter compatibility problems with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, or other connected devices. To address these, make sure your devices have the latest software updates and check for any compatibility announcements from GMC.

Voice Command Concerns

Voice command issues might arise when using features like navigation or hands-free calling. Accuracy of voice commands can be affected by external factors like ambient noise or mispronunciation. Practice speaking clearly and minimize background noise for better performance.

Navigation Challenges

Problems with your infotainment system’s navigation might involve inaccurate or outdated maps, slow response times, or difficulty with inputting addresses. To mitigate these issues, ensure you have the most recent map updates for your system.

Applications Problems

App-related issues might include crashes, errors, or difficulties with installation or updates. Check for available app updates and ensure your infotainment system is running the latest software version to resolve these problems.

Battery Drains

A GMC infotainment system could potentially drain your vehicle’s battery if it remains active and in use for extended periods when the engine is off. To avoid battery drain, remember to power off the system when not in use, or consult your vehicle’s user manual for specific recommendations.

Resetting the Infotainment System

When experiencing issues with your GMC infotainment system, one of the first steps you should take is to reboot the system. Rebooting can resolve many problems, such as unresponsive touchscreens or frozen screens. Follow these procedures to reboot your system and restore it to proper functionality.

First, identify which version of the GMC infotainment system your vehicle has. For systems from 2017-2019, press and hold the home and fast-forward buttons for at least 10 seconds. If your vehicle has the GM Infotainment without built-in OnStar, you can try pressing the OnStar call button and immediately hanging up to reboot the system.

For IntelliLink systems, resetting the system to factory settings is an effective method. To do this, navigate to your GMC IntelliLink home screen and click on ‘Settings.’ Select ‘Return to Factory Settings.’ You will be presented with three options: Restore Vehicle Settings, Clear All Private Data, or Restore Radio Settings. Choose ‘Restore Vehicle Settings’ to reset the system.

Another option for rebooting your infotainment system is to turn off your vehicle, wait a few minutes, and then restart it. This approach allows the system to power down completely, which can potentially resolve any software issues. Additionally, if the problem persists, consider disconnecting the vehicle’s battery for a short time to perform a “hard reset” on the infotainment system.

Remember to be patient during the reboot process, as it might take some time for the system to power back on and initialize completely. By following these steps, you should be able to successfully reset your GMC infotainment system and resolve any minor issues you may be experiencing.

Customizing Your Infotainment System

When setting up your GMC infotainment system, you can customize it based on your preferences, making your driving experience more enjoyable and tailored to your needs. To begin customizing your infotainment system, follow these simple steps:

  1. Access the Settings: From the Home screen of your infotainment system, press the Settings icon. This will open the main settings menu, where you can find various options to set up and customize your system.
  2. Set up a Profile: Creating a user profile allows you to save your preferences, such as radio stations, navigation settings, and screen brightness. To create a profile, navigate to the User tab within the Settings menu, and follow the prompts to add a new profile. Make sure to input your preferences so that the system adapts to your unique user experience.
  3. Customize Audio and Display Preferences: Within the Settings menu, you can also adjust your audio preferences, such as volume levels and equalizer settings. By going to the Audio tab, you can tweak these settings to achieve your desired audio experience.

Similarly, you can adjust display preferences like screen brightness and screen timeout settings. Navigate to the Display tab in the Settings menu to modify these preferences.

  1. Setup Navigation Options: If your GMC vehicle is equipped with a navigation system, you can customize various settings, such as favorite destinations, route preferences, and map view options. You can access these settings by selecting the Navigation tab under the System tab in the Settings menu. This will allow you to set up your navigation preferences for an optimized driving experience.
  2. Customize Phone and Messaging: Connecting your smartphone to the infotainment system allows you to seamlessly manage your calls and messages. You can customize notification settings, call settings, and more. To do this, head to the Phone tab within the Settings menu and follow the prompts to pair your phone and adjust your preferred settings.

By taking the time to customize your GMC infotainment system, you can create a personalized driving experience that caters to your preferences and needs. Make the most of your vehicle’s infotainment features to enhance your time behind the wheel.

Vehicle Specific Issues

When it comes to your GMC Sierra’s infotainment system, there are a few vehicle-specific issues that you might experience. It’s essential to be aware of these problems and know how to tackle them effectively to ensure a smooth driving experience.

One issue that has been reported in the 2021 GMC Sierra is the infotainment system screen appearing black with no audio during cold temperature conditions. This can be frustrating, especially during winter months when you rely on the system for entertainment and navigation. Fortunately, General Motors has released an infotainment fix to address this problem.

In some cases, you might need to reboot your GMC vehicle’s infotainment system. You can do this by pressing and holding the home and fast-forward buttons for at least 10 seconds. If your GMC Sierra has GM Infotainment from 2017 to 2019, press the OnStar call button and immediately hang up to reboot the system. For GM Infotainment without a built-in system, follow the instructions outlined in the infotainment owner’s manual.

If you’re experiencing problems with your infotainment system’s compatibility with your smartphone, ensure that it’s running on the latest software version. Older phones may not work with newer infotainment systems. Also, make sure that your phone is plugged into the correct USB port – some ports may only work for charging and not for data.

Remember, staying up-to-date with software updates for your GMC Sierra infotainment system is crucial to ensuring optimal performance. If you continue to experience issues, it’s advisable to consult your local GMC dealer for professional assistance.

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  • Eric Williams

    I'm the founder of Daily Car Tips. I wrote articles in the automotive industry for more than 10 years, published in USA and Europe. I love sharing my knowledge and insights with fellow enthusiasts. Join me on this journey as we explore the exciting world of cars together!

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