Touchscreen works, sometimes. Navigation crashes randomly. Bluetooth connects, disconnects, reconnects. The “fully functional” infotainment becomes a ₹25,000-40,000 replacement nightmare.
Modern infotainment systems are complex computers controlling audio, navigation, phone connectivity, climate, and vehicle settings. When they fail—software glitches, hardware faults, touchscreen death—repairs are expensive and frustrating. Sellers demonstrate basic functions (radio works!), hiding the bugs you’ll discover daily.
Complete Functional Test
Audio system (5 minutes):
- FM/AM radio (scan stations, clear reception)
- USB playback (bring USB drive)
- Bluetooth audio (pair phone, play music)
- Aux input (if equipped)
- All speakers: Balance left/right, front/rear—verify all speakers working
Navigation (if equipped, 5 minutes):
- Enter destination
- Calculate route
- Voice guidance
- Map display (no lag, freezing)
Bluetooth phone (5 minutes):
- Pair phone
- Make test call (sound quality both directions)
- Access phonebook
- Disconnect, reconnect (test stability)
Touchscreen (2 minutes):
- Test all areas of screen (no dead zones)
- Swipe, pinch-to-zoom (if capacitive)
- Responsiveness (no lag)
Voice commands (if equipped):
- Activate voice control
- Test commands (call contact, navigate, play music)
Climate control (if integrated):
- Adjust temperature via screen
- Fan speed, mode changes
Vehicle settings:
- Access settings menu
- Check for software version
- Look for available updates
Common Failures
1. Touchscreen not responding:
- Causes: Digitizer failure, software freeze
- Temporary fix: Reboot system
- Permanent fix: Screen replacement (₹15,000-35,000)
2. Bluetooth connection issues:
- Symptoms: Won’t pair, disconnects randomly, poor call quality
- Causes: Software bug, Bluetooth module failure
- Fix: Software update (₹2,000-5,000) or module replacement (₹8,000-20,000)
3. Navigation not working:
- Symptoms: GPS not acquiring signal, map outdated, app crashes
- Causes: GPS antenna failure, software issue
- Fix: Antenna (₹3,000-8,000), software update (₹2,000-5,000)
4. Speakers dead/distorted:
- Symptoms: No sound from some speakers, crackling
- Causes: Amplifier failure, speaker damage, wiring
- Fix: Speaker replacement (₹2,000-8,000 each), amplifier (₹10,000-25,000)
5. System reboots randomly:
- Symptoms: Screen goes black, restarts
- Causes: Software bug, overheating, power issue
- Fix: Software update (₹2,000-5,000), unit replacement (₹20,000-45,000)
Aftermarket vs OEM Systems
OEM (factory-fitted):
- Integrated with vehicle systems
- Controls climate, vehicle settings
- Replacement expensive (₹25,000-60,000)
Aftermarket (replaced by previous owner):
- May not integrate fully
- Cheaper to replace (₹8,000-25,000)
- Indicates: Original system failed (why?)
How to detect aftermarket:
- Fitment gaps (not flush with dashboard)
- Different brand than car manufacturer
- Vehicle settings not accessible (climate still uses physical buttons)
Software Updates
Check for:
- Software version (in settings menu)
- Outdated software: May have known bugs (fixable with update)
Update cost: ₹2,000-5,000 at dealer
Ask seller: “When was last software update?”
Screen Damage
Check for:
- Scratches (cosmetic, but may worsen)
- Cracks (touchscreen may stop working)
- Delamination (bubbles, separation)
Replacement cost: ₹15,000-40,000
Real Case
2021 Kia Seltos GTX, ₹15,80,000
Seller demo: Played radio, showed navigation
Buyer’s detailed test:
Bluetooth pairing:
- Paired successfully
- Made call: Audio cutting in/out (poor call quality)
- Disconnected, tried to reconnect: Failed 3 times
Navigation:
- Entered destination
- Map froze after 2 minutes of use
- Rebooted system, worked again
Red flags: Intermittent issues (will worsen)
Diagnosis: Software bugs or failing Bluetooth module
Dealer quote (for similar issues): ₹12,000-18,000 (software update + possible module replacement)
Negotiation: Buyer demanded ₹20,000 discount
Seller refused: “Works fine for me”
Buyer walked away: Intermittent electronics = frustration + expense
Lesson: Test thoroughly, replicate bugs, don’t trust “works sometimes”
Android Auto / Apple CarPlay
If equipped:
- Test connectivity (USB cable)
- Phone screen mirrors to car display
- All apps accessible
- No lag
If not working:
- May be software issue (update needed)
- Or USB port failure (₹2,000-5,000)
Climate Control Integration
If climate controlled via screen:
- Test ALL functions (not just AC on/off)
- Temperature adjust, fan speed, mode, defrost
- If screen fails: You lose climate control (₹25,000-45,000 unit replacement)
This is why OEM screen failures are catastrophic
Conclusion
Infotainment is luxury until it breaks. Then it’s expensive necessity.
Protocol:
- Test every function (audio, nav, Bluetooth, touchscreen)
- Replicate bugs (try features multiple times)
- Check for aftermarket replacements
- Ask about software update history
Decision:
- All functions work reliably: Proceed
- Minor bugs (fixable with update): Negotiate ₹3,000-5,000
- Intermittent failures: Negotiate ₹15,000-25,000 OR walk away
- Screen dead or major failure: Negotiate ₹30,000-50,000 OR walk away
Key Takeaways
✓ Test every function (don’t trust seller’s quick demo)
✓ Intermittent = worsening (Bluetooth drops, screen freezes will get worse)
✓ Screen replacement = ₹15-40K (OEM units expensive)
✓ Aftermarket system indicates OEM failed (why did previous owner replace?)
✓ Software updates fix many bugs (₹2-5K, check if available)
Professional infotainment diagnostics
Infotainment glitches don’t fix themselves. They multiply. Test now, avoid ₹30K later.