GM Bulletin: How to Reset a Frozen or Black Infotainment Screen
General Motors has issued an updated bulletin covering radio reset instructions for certain 2023-2026 GM vehicles equipped with infotainment RPO codes IOK, IOR, IOS, IOT, IOU, IOV, IVA, IVD, or IVE. This includes the Silverado EV and Sierra EV among others.
The bulletin applies when a customer reports that the infotainment system has either gone black or become frozen. According to GM, the issue may be caused by software anomalies that can sometimes be corrected with an infotainment system reset.
Important: This Is Not for Navigation-Only Issues
GM specifically notes that if the concern is related to navigation issues, this preliminary information bulletin does not apply. In that case, dealers are instructed to follow normal service diagnostics.
Method 1: Steering Wheel Control Reset
For vehicles with RPO IOK, IVD, or IVE, GM lists a steering wheel control reset as the first method. Owners can typically identify their infotainment system RPO code by checking the vehicle build sheet, original window sticker, dealer service records, or by having a GM dealer look up the VIN.
- Make sure the vehicle is in Park.
- Press and hold the End Call button on the steering wheel for about 15 to 30 seconds.
- Release the button once the center screen turns black.
- After approximately 5 to 15 seconds, the welcome screen should appear and the infotainment system should reboot.
If this restores the radio, GM instructs dealers to check whether any software updates are available for the A11 radio.
Method 2: Cycle the Radio Fuse
If the steering wheel reset does not apply or does not recover the system, GM instructs technicians to cycle the fuse or fuses for the radio module.
- Locate the appropriate radio fuse or fuses.
- Remove the fuse or fuses.
- Wait 3 minutes.
- Reinstall the fuse or fuses.
If this recovers the radio, dealers are again instructed to check for available A11 radio software updates.
Method 3: Cycle the 12-Volt Battery
If the radio still does not recover, GM lists cycling the 12-volt battery as the next step. This involves disconnecting and reconnecting the negative battery cable using GM service information procedures. See our blog post on how to safely reset the 12-volt battery for more information.
If the system still does not recover after this step, GM directs technicians to check for intermittent conditions, poor connections, wiring issues, or continue with normal service diagnostics.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under applicable bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage, GM lists labor operation 3429852 for an Infotainment System Reset with a labor time of 0.5 hour.
What Owners Should Know
The most owner-relevant part of this bulletin is the steering wheel reset procedure. GM specifically says dealers should make customers aware of the steering wheel control reset procedure, especially when that reset resolves the customer’s concern.
That means if your GM infotainment screen freezes or goes black, the End Call button reset may be worth knowing about before assuming the radio has failed. However, fuse removal, battery disconnection, wiring checks, and deeper diagnostics are technician-level procedures and should be handled carefully.
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Source: General Motors Service Bulletin PIC6540G, “Radio Reset Instructions,” published through NHTSA. View the source document on NHTSA.
