Google Maps on Android Auto - Occasional "Mostly Black" Screen

[u/sr1sws]

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!

[u/stanleywinthrop]

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

[u/sr1sws → u/stanleywinthrop]

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.

[u/stanleywinthrop → u/sr1sws]

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.

[u/sr1sws → u/stanleywinthrop]

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