Avoid Cheap Screens
The market is flooded with replica screens from various overseas distributors, often selling for just $20–$55 on many online stores. In fact, you might be reading this because you purchased one of these cheap screens and came here looking for installation help.
Here’s my professional advice:
As an installer who has helped over 150,000 people restore their Cadillac CUE systems, I strongly recommend returning those cheap screens and choosing only Genuine CUESCREENS replacement products.
- About 50% of cheap screens arrive dead on arrival (DOA).
- The ones that do “work” often leave customers frustrated and paying for installation twice.
- Replica screens are hard to see in direct sunlight.
- Proximity sensors typically fail to function properly.
- There’s no technical support available for these knockoffs.
Additionally, many of these replica screens are produced in low-quality facilities, leading to dust, fibers, hair, plastic, and foam becoming embedded inside the screen.
Most customers ultimately choose to spend a bit more for a Genuine CUESCREENS product that not only works perfectly but looks and feels like the original. Many of my customers come to me after being disappointed by cheap knockoffs and needing a solution that truly lasts.
Always look for the Genuine CUESCREENS logo
$35 replica screen from Autokay, CC, Motoku, etc. Not able to see in sunlight, prox sensors don't work, lots of foam and dust embedded in the screen layers.
Do Not Touch Any White Flex Cable
We’ve seen many cases where customers ignore this warning and accidentally remove or damage the white flex connectors inside their unit.
These connectors are extremely delicate and very difficult to reconnect once detached.
Important:
- There is absolutely no reason to touch or remove any white flex cable during your screen replacement.
- If a white cable has been removed, something has gone wrong in your installation process.
Please follow this warning carefully to avoid costly damage and additional repairs.
Be Careful with the Screen Ribbon Cable
The screen ribbon cable connector is tucked into the display during shipping to protect it. This flat connector is essential—it’s how your touch screen communicates with the CUE module.
When installing, carefully pull it out using a toothpick or a similar non-metal tool. Handle it gently, as it’s very delicate.
This ribbon cable is crucial for proper touch panel function and is often overlooked. In fact, 99% of situations where the screen doesn’t respond after replacement are due to the ribbon cable either not being plugged in correctly or being torn during installation.
Make sure your installer is aware of this. If the ribbon cable is damaged, you’ll need to order a new screen. It cannot be replaced separately and is not covered under warranty.
Please proceed with caution to avoid costly mistakes.
Be Careful with the Black Clip
The screen ribbon cable is secured by a hinged locking clip on the connector. Handle this clip gently—you definitely don’t want it to snap off and fall inside the unit. If the clip breaks, it will require a full module replacement, which can cost around $900.
To disengage the clip, use micro ESD pliers to carefully lever the tab upward. Alternatively, you can use a small trim tool to gently lift the clip. For a step-by-step demonstration, check out the screen swap video.
When reinstalling, ensure the ribbon cable is fully inserted, then press down on the clip until it clicks securely into place.
Test Before Reassembly – Give It Time
This is crucial: After installing your new screen and reconnecting everything, turn the car on and test the system to ensure it’s working properly.
For some 2017 and newer vehicles, it’s normal for the system to remain unresponsive immediately after the screen replacement. The computers may need time to synchronize.
If this happens, leave the CUE system plugged in, lock the car, and wait about 15 minutes. Afterward, unlock the car and test the screen again. As long as everything was connected correctly, it should begin functioning normally.
Avoid Scratches
Metal tools can easily scratch trim pieces or delicate plastic surfaces. To prevent damage, always use plastic trim tools when removing parts. You can find these tools on our store page and add them to your order for convenience.
When the CUE module is removed, place it on a soft surface during the screen swap to avoid scratching the unit itself.
Ribbon Cable Tips
When installing the new screen and routing the ribbon cable, do not route the cable through the small hole shown in the photo with the red circle. It’s too tight for the cable and will cause damage.
Always follow the recommended path to keep the ribbon cable safe and properly connected.
Be sure you install the ribbon cable connector correctly. Shown below is the right orientation, sometimes installers place it upside down and it won't work.
Black side face up towards the black clip, gold pins down touching the circuit board, large tab toward you while installing. Fully seat it all the way in the connector before locking the clip.
Screw Tightening and Alignment
Cadillac sourced CUE modules from several different suppliers around the world, which means there can be slight variations in the positioning of the nine screw holes on the screen.
If some screws don’t line up perfectly, do not force them. It’s better to leave out any screws that won’t align rather than risk breaking the screen. The screen is secure with just seven screws properly installed.
However, it’s absolutely critical to ensure that all alignment pins are correctly positioned. If the alignment pins are not installed properly, the screen will crack during reassembly. This type of damage requires a new screen and is not covered under warranty.
Try to get the plastic alignment pins through the metal holes on both sides first. If you do not align these, the screen will crack upon tightening.
If a few screws don’t align properly, just leave those screws out to avoid cracking the screen. The screen only needs seven screws total to hold it securely in place.
If you’re experiencing issues after installation, be sure to check our troubleshooting section. In our experience, 99% of installation problems happen due to missed steps or not following the instructions carefully.
If you’re not comfortable disassembling the unit yourself, consider using our mail-in service. We’ll handle the repair for you, often at a much lower cost in the long run.
Good luck — and feel free to contact us with any questions!
Disclaimer: CueScreens is not responsible for any damage caused during installation. If you’re unsure about performing this repair, we recommend seeking help from a professional audio installer.