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Touchscreens - Are Fingerprints Permanently imbedded?

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14K views 21 replies 11 participants last post by  WASOON  
#1 ·
So when I start my Jeep the touchscreen first gives me the screen that has 2 Icons - both for heat to - Icon #1 the Steering Wheel and - Icon #2 the Front Seat. So just about every morning I push these 2 to activate both of them. Now I have permanently imbedded fingerprints that I try to remove with a microfiber cloth, but no, they do not remove. They are unsightly and I have a pristine 2020 Trailhawk and it makes me angry.

I went to the dealer today for service and this is one of the items I listed. When my vehicle was returned the 2 Dots of fingerprints that I showed him were exaggerated to all of one side of my screen from his trying to buff it out (I surmise) I told him he made it worse, and he lied to me saying it was that way when it went into service. Pissed me off.

I told him that was not so and insisted that the screen be cleaned or replaced. He said there was nothing they could do about it. I told him I wanted it fixed. He said he would call Chrysler and then call me with the response this afternoon. I am expecting a call with the same response, but wonder if the guy fears for his job and wants to h=nip this in the bud at his level. I will go to the highest level if I think it proper. I paid big money for my Jeep and especu=ially hate when the guy lied to me to cover his ass.

My question to you is : Is this an inevitable permananet marring that we accept with these touchscreens? I am new to car touchscreens and do not wish to complain about something without knowing what I am talking about. I tried researching this but came up short.

I forsee me telling this guy that I am putting on my business hat and want it cleaned or replaced. Am I overreaching?

Thanks
 
#2 ·
So when I start my Jeep the touchscreen first gives me the screen that has 2 Icons - both for heat to - Icon #1 the Steering Wheel and - Icon #2 the Front Seat. So just about every morning I push these 2 to activate both of them. Now I have permanently imbedded fingerprints that I try to remove with a microfiber cloth, but no, they do not remove. They are unsightly and I have a pristine 2020 Trailhawk and it makes me angry.

I went to the dealer today for service and this is one of the items I listed. When my vehicle was returned the 2 Dots of fingerprints that I showed him were exaggerated to all of one side of my screen from his trying to buff it out (I surmise) I told him he made it worse, and he lied to me saying it was that way when it went into service. Pissed me off.

I told him that was not so and insisted that the screen be cleaned or replaced. He said there was nothing they could do about it. I told him I wanted it fixed. He said he would call Chrysler and then call me with the response this afternoon. I am expecting a call with the same response, but wonder if the guy fears for his job and wants to h=nip this in the bud at his level. I will go to the highest level if I think it proper. I paid big money for my Jeep and especu=ially hate when the guy lied to me to cover his ass.

My question to you is : Is this an inevitable permananet marring that we accept with these touchscreens? I am new to car touchscreens and do not wish to complain about something without knowing what I am talking about. I tried researching this but came up short.

I forsee me telling this guy that I am putting on my business hat and want it cleaned or replaced. Am I overreaching?

Thanks
Never had that issue even with my 2014 which I had for 7 years.
I could imagine if you got something on your fingers that was caustic and touched the screen it could leave prints.
I have always kept screen cleaner pads in the Jeep.
Most cleaners will damage the screen if used.
Below is a link from this forum that sounds like your issue.
Good luck
 
#4 ·
You didn't (have the dealer) put on a screen protector did you? Those are where this kind of thing usually appear, not the factory surface...
 
#5 ·
Clean with microfiber cloth and rubbing alcohol diluted with a bit of water. Do not spray screen directly. Spray cloth and wipe screen.

Order on Amazon or elsewhere some clear screen protectors for it. They make them for the different uconnect screen sizes so make sure you order the screen size you have. I had a few light abrasion marks on my 2014's 8.4 screen and a thorough cleaning of it and then applying a screen protector made it look 100% like new and you cannot see the light marks under the protector. As with any screen it will get wear and tear from touching and I much rather wear out a screen protector that can be replaced vs the factory screen coating that cannot. As with applying any screen protector make sure screen is clean and 100% dust free. Give it a final wipe right before applying protector.
 
#6 ·
It's an issue with the screen. Mine has it as well. Someone probably cleaned it with the wrong cleaner. Only way to fix is to replace. I've just decided to ignore it on mine.
 
#8 ·
I contacted Mopar and they assigned me an agent who has not contacted me yet. Perhaps I must call them which I will do real soon. No, I won't accept it. It looks like hell,and my Trailhawk is nice, and given the feedback from others here who say they do not have the issue, I want it replaced. I also told the dealer that my seat does not raise up all the way most-of-the-time. I took in in and the damn thing worked that day...the Service Sheet said that it worked and that was the end of it. The agent told me they checked the connectons, but it was not listed on the printout. Not happy with the service I got last time. Intend to restrain my anger till I discuss it with the agent and/or manager of the Shop.
 
#7 ·
I do not have any issues with the screen in my vehicle and I've owned it now since 2015. About a year ago I purchased a clear screen protector and it works great, doesn't have anywhere near the amount of fingerprints, while it's much easier to keep clean. I know this doesn't solve the problem of excessive wear on your screen, but if you can't find a fix other than replacement (sounds extreme), then the screen protector may allow the 'worn' areas to be less apparent.

There's several places that offer them, so take a look around and see if you can find the right deal.
 
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#9 ·
Tip of advice. When you do get the new uconnect screen installed. Install a screen protector right away. If it happened once it can happen again since I doubt they have changed the material formula they make the plastic top layer of the screen out of. Items like screen wear, seat wear etc is considered normal and most if not all warranties have a grey area to get out of covering them. So the more protection you can provide on your own the better. Do you have a screen protector on your cell phone? Most likely yes. Same concept with any touchscreen. Add a protector. One example https://www.amazon.com/Screen-Prote...3BfcGhvbmVfc2VhcmNoX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
 
#10 ·
Yes, I am afraid you are right.

I guess I had some kind of concept in my headline, " Oh, I purchased the Enhanced Package, hence they have installed a film/glass that is not susceptable to marring, permanent smudging, etc." .... Although I think the iPhone I have has a screen that would NOT embed these permannet smudges that I am finding on the Touchcreen in my Jeep.

The only thing the screen protector on my iPhone does is prohibit SCRATCHING and this is not the issue with the Jeep's touch screen. Simple finger pressure is causing the EMBEDDED smudges. I Think they cheaped-out on the screen and could have installed Glass/film like on my iPhone. There is never a time when I cannot wipe off the smudges on the iphone with a microfiber cloth and they are never permanently imbedded. Again the protector here is for scratching - not the issue in the Jeep.

... and then there is the pressure itself -- when you install a screen protector it inhibits the contact and hence the pressure needs is much greater to activate the icon -- I have already experienced a pain by having to really push hard when in the winter while I am weariong gloves.

I have taken this issue to Mopar and my dealer is to look at it this Wednesday.
 
#17 ·
I don't have that issue with my screen, perhaps some carwash facility used a cleaner that chemically reacted with the screen's coating.
 
#18 ·
I have zero issues with fingerprints on my 2018. I do avoid touching it with greasy fingers though. Also I use the buttons on the wheel as much as possible.

As far as it working with gloves on, most touch screens won’t work unless the gloves you are wearing are those “special” type that say they work with touch screens.

Hope you get it fixed!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
#19 ·
I have zero issues with fingerprints on my 2018. I do avoid touching it with greasy fingers though. Also I use the buttons on the wheel as much as possible.
As far as it working with gloves on, most touch screens won’t work unless the gloves you are wearing are those “special” type that say they work with touch screens.
Hope you get it fixed!
Totally agree, one thing to worry about in the new age of Covid and alcohol based disinfectants for hands, is that many do not take into account the high concentration of alcohol in these and whatever else is in them and the damage they might do to touchscreens. I try to use the buttons on the steering wheel, and voice commands as much as possible...