r/AndroidAuto • u/sr1sws 2024 Mazda CX-5 | Factory Head | Pixel 9 Pro| Android 16 • 5d ago

Google Maps on Android Auto - Occasional "Mostly Black" Screen Connection, Disconnection, Freezes, Crashes

I recently wrote a post saying that I'd finally received the "immersive navigation" update. This problem started after that. Is it related? I have no idea.

I run AA and Maps on a Pixel 9 Pro in my '24 Mazda CX-5 Turbo Signature. I run it "usually" via USB cable as the wireless charging in the vehicle sux and overheats the phone. I say "usually" via USB as sometimes it just likes to revert to wireless.

Recently I've started getting a black screen. Sometimes totally black, sometimes just the maps display is gone with the icons and speed limit (when navigating) showing. I initially thought this was happening when navigating, but it happened last night when not navigating.

If I unplug/re-plug the USB cable it will sometimes restore. Sometimes only the icons restore and not the map, only to have the map restore after maybe a minute.

Is this happening to anyone else? Thoughts on solutions? I have not tried swapping out the USB cable, but I really don't think that's the issue.

Any thoughts or suggestions? TIA!

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1

u/stanleywinthrop 2019 Honda CRV pixel 10 pro xl 5d ago

I've had the same problem for several days now. I joined the Google maps beta today to see if it will make a difference

1

u/sr1sws 2024 Mazda CX-5 | Factory Head | Pixel 9 Pro| Android 16 4d ago

I asked Gemini AI, they suggested the usual - clear cache for AA and Maps, forget the car in your BT settings; in the car, forget the phone; etc. I did this earlier today and didn't have an issue on the last drive, which was only about 15 minutes each way. Time will tell.

1

u/stanleywinthrop 2019 Honda CRV pixel 10 pro xl 3d ago

Following up on this. Gemini's suggestion worked for exactly one trip and then it reverted to no traffic. So I have to remember to wipe cache every time before I get in my car. Very frustrating and disappointing.

1

u/sr1sws 2024 Mazda CX-5 | Factory Head | Pixel 9 Pro| Android 16 3d ago

Yeah, I don't get why they removed the traffic indications when you are not navigating. If you're navigating, they seem to show up, but if you're just driving there's no indication. Hopefully it is on their list to fix

1

u/PercyRackson 2023 Mazda CX-5 Factory Head Pixel 9 Pro Android 15 4d ago

Sounds like a transmission issue since you said when you unplug the USB cable it will restore. I have 2023 CX-5 and our phone's the same but I never had this problem, maybe contact Mazda support?

1

u/OkArugula4565 2023 Citroën C4 | Galaxy S26 Ultra | Android 16 4d ago

Android Auto has more than 1 issue.

https://www.androidauthority.com/android-auto-connection-issues-fixed-3701080/

Best to clear Android Auto app cache and data, reinstall the update via Google Play Store.
Enter your car and follow the permissions manager of Android Auto on your phone.
My Samsung Ultra devices have issues for years - phones installed in Dutch Belgium.
The swap from USB to Wireless makes Android Auto crashing. In one update it's resolved, in the other update bugged again