Red Dot Games and PlayWay did come up with an automobile simulator video game called ‘Car Mechanic Simulator 2021’ which is doing pretty well on all available platforms like Windows, PS4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. It offers a realistic gaming experience with simulation, including auction houses, buying cars, and more. As we know, the Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 black screen issue on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S is ruining everything.

Affected players are getting frustrated a lot due to the black screen issue, which appears whenever trying to launch the Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 game or after pressing the ‘Start Engine’ button. This issue appears on all compatible devices, respectively, a major hit to the players and developers. As per reports on the Steam Community, the game menu works fine, but after pressing the “Start Engine” button, a blank screen appears.

Fix: Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 Black Screen on Startup on PC

Whereas some affected players claim that after hitting the ‘Start Engine’ button, the game starts loading car info, and the background music appears before the blank black screen. Even after rebooting the game, the same issue repeatedly appears to several players, regardless of their device. Luckily, a couple of possible workarounds for you should come in handy. So, without wasting any more time, let’s jump into it.

1. Press the Alt + Tab Keys to Switch Programs

Press the Alt+Tab keys on the keyboard to switch between opened programs on the Windows computer. Press the mentioned keys to go back to the game interface, and it should work properly this time.

2. Run the game as an Administrator

Make sure to run the game exe file as an administrator to avoid user account control regarding privilege issues. To do this:

  • Right-click on the Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 exe file on your PC.
  • Now, select Properties > Click on the Compatibility tab.
  • Make sure to click on the Run this program as an administrator checkbox to checkmark it.
  • Click on Apply and select OK to save changes.

3. Disable Full-Screen Optimizations

You should also disable the full-screen optimizations on the PC to check for the issue again.

  • First, go to the Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 game folder on your PC where it has been installed.
  • Right-click on the AssettoCorsa.exe file and click on Properties.
  • Go to the Compatibility tab > Uncheck the Enable Fullscreen Optimizations toggle.
  • Click on Apply and then OK to save changes.

4. Check Graphics Driver Update

Check out the graphics driver update on your PC, whether outdated or not. If there is an outdated GPU driver present on the PC, it may conflict with some issues with the game launching or a black screen. To check for the latest updates:

  • Press Windows + X keys to open the Quick Link Menu.
  • Now, click on Device Manager from the list > Double-click on Display adapters.
  • Right-click on the dedicated graphics card that you’re using.
  • Next, select Update driver > Choose to Search automatically for drivers.
  • If an update is available, the system will automatically download & install it.
  • Once done, restart the computer to apply changes.

5. Repair Game Files

Needless to say, issues with corrupted or missing game files on the PC might encounter game-launching conflicts a lot. If in case, your game starts to load for a few seconds and then closes automatically or doesn’t launch at all then it’s better to verify and repair the installed game files on the PC by following the steps below:

For Steam Launcher:

  • Launch the Steam client > Click on Library.

  • Right-click on Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 from the list.

  • Click on Properties > Go to Local Files.

  • Click on Verify Integrity of Game Files.

  • This process may take some time to get completed. So, have some patience.

  • Once done, make sure to reboot the PC to apply changes.

For Epic Launcher:

6. Update Car Mechanic Simulator 2021

We should also recommend you manually check for the game update at your end via the Steam client to ensure there is no outdated game version conflicting with the game launching. An outdated game patch version can trigger several potential issues that might trigger black screen issues. To do this:

For Steam: 

  • Open Steam and go to Library.
  • Click on Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 from the left pane.
  • Steam will automatically search for the available update.
  • If there is an update available, click on Update.
  • Make sure to wait for some time until the update completes.
  • Once done, ensure to reboot the PC to apply changes.

For Epic Launcher: 

  • Open the Epic Launcher client > Go to Library > Look for Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 from the left pane.
  • You must tap on the three-dot icon on your Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 application.
  • Make sure to check the auto-update to get a new update installation automatically.
  • It’ll automatically search for the available update. If there is an update available, make sure to click on Update.
  • Finally, reboot your PC to apply changes, and then try launching the game again

7. Set Launch Options on Steam

The chances are high that your game launcher is unable to load the game properly due to some unexpected reasons. It’s better to set launch options on Steam by following the steps below:

  • Open the Steam client > Click on Library.
  • Right-click on Car Mechanic Simulator 2021.
  • Go to ‘Properties’ > Click on ‘Set Launch Options…’.
  • Type /soft and try playing the game again.

This causes your Steam launcher to resort to software mode. Though you may feel slightly sluggish with UI and some artifacts, you’ll at least be able to run the game until there is a permanent fix arrives.

8. Set High-Performance GPU

If you are running a dual GPU system or just encountering the full black screen issue in the launcher then make sure to assign the game file and the launcher file to the high-performance graphics on the PC that you’re using. To do so:

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For Nvidia GPU:

  • Right-click on the blank desktop screen > Open Nvidia Control Panel.
  • Go to 3D Settings > Click on Manage 3D Settings.
  • Open Program Settings > Select Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 from the list. [AssettoCorsa.exe]
  • Select preferred graphics processor for this program from the list.
  • Once done, you can see it as High-Performance Nvidia Processor.
  • Make sure to save changes and reboot the PC.

For AMD GPU:

  • Right-click on the blank desktop screen > Open Radeon Settings.
  • Head over to Additional Settings > Go to Preferences.
  • Click on Power > Click on Switchable Graphics Application Settings.
  • Select Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 (AssettoCorsa.exe) from the list.
  • If the game is not visible, select Add Application to include the game.
  • Once done, select High Performance from Graphics Settings.
  • Finally, reboot the PC to apply changes.

Note: Make sure to set the high-performance graphics for the acs.exe file as well.

  • If the game is not visible, select Add Application to include the game.

9. Install Redistributables Packages of ACC

Sometimes missing or corrupted redistributable packages of the game file may cause several issues with the launching. You should follow the steps below to install common redistributables packages on the PC.

  • Go to the installed game directory. By default C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\assettocorsa_CommonRedist is the location.
  • If you have installed the game on another location, head over there.
  • Now, install those packages one by one and then try launching the game again to check for the issue.

10. Turn Off Stereoscopic View in Nvidia Control Panel

Nvidia 3D Vision is also known as Stereoscopic View which allows users to play any Direct3D games in stereoscopic mode. You should try to disable it manually by following the steps below to cross-check if the problem is still bothering you or not.

  • If you have installed the game on another location, head over there.

  • Open Nvidia Control Panel > Click on ‘Set Up Stereoscopic 3D’.

  • Next, uncheck ‘Enable Stereoscopic 3D’ to turn it off.

  • Make sure to reboot the PC to apply changes.

11. Turn Off Third-Party Overlay Apps

Mostly conflicts with the background running third-party overlay apps can trigger several issues with the game launching because they consume a lot of system resources just like the processes whenever you start the game. Even though the game doesn’t launch, the overlay app starts and runs until you close it manually. Whereas some overlay apps may also start running while you boot the system at the very beginning. So, try disabling overlay apps manually.

Disable Discord Overlay:

  • Open the Discord app > Click on the gear icon (Settings) at the bottom.
  • Select Overlay under App Settings > Turn on the Enable in-game overlay.
  • Click on Games > Select Car Mechanic Simulator 2021.
  • Make sure to turn off the Enable in-game overlay toggle.
  • Once done, reboot your PC to apply changes.

Disable Xbox Game Bar:

  • Press the Win+I keys to open Settings.
  • Now, click on Gaming > Go to Game Bar.
  • Turn Off the Record game clips, screenshots, and broadcast using the Game bar option.
  • Once done, save changes, and reboot the PC to apply changes.

Disable Nvidia GeForce Experience Overlay:

  • Launch the Nvidia GeForce Experience app > Go to Settings.
  • Click on General > Disable the In-Game Overlay option.
  • Once done, restart the PC to apply changes.

Disable Steam Overlay:

  • Open the Steam client > Click on Library.
  • Right-click on Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 > Click on Properties.
  • Click on General > Turn OFF the Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game option.
  • Once done, reboot the PC to change the effects.

Some PC gamers or advanced users do also use some other overlay apps such as MSI Afterburner, Rivatuner, RGB software, etc. If you’re also using any other mouse or keyboard software or any RGB tool which isn’t necessary that much during gaming then it’s better to turn them off. By doing so, your Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 black screen issue can be fixed.

Disable In-Game Overlay in Radeon Settings:

  • Open the AMD Radeon Software application > From the main menu, click on Settings.
  • Go to Preferences > Under the General section, Turn Off the In-Game Overlay toggle.
  • Once done, you should reboot the PC to apply changes.

12. Try Lowering the Refresh Rate of the Monitor

You should try lowering the refresh rate of the monitor to 60 Hz or 120Hz (maximum). Don’t increase the refresh rate more than that to avoid screen tearing, glitches, or black screen issues during gaming. No matter whatever screen resolution you’re using, the refresh rate should be toned down.

Fix: Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 Black Screen on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S

If you’re a PlayStation or Xbox console user and facing the black screen issue with the Assetto Corsa game then you can follow the methods below to try fixing it.

1. Check System Updates

It’s recommended to check for system updates on the PlayStation or Xbox console before getting into any other workarounds. Sometimes an outdated system build can cause several issues.

For PlayStation:

  • Go to the Settings menu on the PlayStation console.
  • Select System Software Update > Make sure to check for available updates and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.
  • Once done, reboot the system to apply changes.

For Xbox:

  • Press the Home button on the Xbox console to open the Dashboard menu.
  • Now, select Settings from the bottom of the menu > Select All Settings.
  • Choose to System > Select Updates.
  • Select Update Console (if available) > Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the update process.
  • Once done, make sure to restart the console to apply changes.

2. Delete Saved Game Data on PS5

Corrupted or missing game data can cause multiple issues with the black screen on the PlayStation console. We’ll recommend you delete the saved game data on the PS5 console to check for the issue.

  • Go to the Settings menu > Select Storage.
  • Choose to Saved Data > Select Car Mechanic Simulator 2021.
  • Press the Options button on the controller > Select the saved game data files (one or multiple).
  • Hit Delete and confirm the task to complete it.
  • Once done, make sure to reboot the console to apply changes.

All the game files which are locally saved will be deleted from your PlayStation console. But don’t worry. Since you’re online, all saved game data will be there. This should fix the Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 black screen issue on PS5 or Xbox Consoles.

3. Rebuild the Database on PS5

Rebuilding the database on your PlayStation console can quickly resolve potential issues or errors. To do so:

  • Switch off your console completely. Unplug the power cable from the console and wait for around 2-3 minutes.
  • Now, plug in the power cable, and turn it on to clear the Cached Data automatically from the system.

Check whether this issue has been fixed with the Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 game or not. If not, follow the next steps below.

  • Now, press and hold the Power button on the PlayStation console until you hear 2 beeps. [The second beep will sound after seven seconds]
  • The console will boot in Safe Mode > Connect the controller to the USB with the console and press the PS Button on the controller.
  • Next, you’ll get an option called ‘Rebuild Database’.
  • Select Rebuild Database and confirm the task.
  • It may take some time depending on the hard drive data size. Have some patience.
  • Once done, just reboot the system normally.

4. Reinstall Car Mechanic Simulator 2021

If in case, the blank black screen problem persists with the Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 game then make sure to uninstall and reinstall the game on the console. It should gonna fix the issue. To do so:

For PS5:

  • Go to Settings > Select Storage.

  • Select Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 game from the list and then Hit Delete.

  • Once the game is deleted, download and install it again from the respective store.

  • Press the Xbox button on the controller to open the Guide menu.

  • Select My games & apps > Hit See all > Choose Games.

  • Then select the Ready to install tab > Select Queue.

  • Select the Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 game that you’re trying to reinstall.

  • Now, press the Menu button on your controller.

  • Select Manage game & add-ons or Manage app.

  • Choose Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 > Select Uninstall all.

  • Make sure to select Uninstall all to confirm the task.

  • Wait for the uninstallation process to complete.

  • Reboot the system to apply changes.

  • Then press the Xbox button on the controller to open the Guide menu again.

  • Hit My games & apps > Select See all > Go to Games.

  • Select the Ready to install tab > Hit Install for Car Mechanic Simulator 2021.

  • Wait for the installation process and then restart the console.

This method may help you to fix Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 black screen issue on PS5 or Xbox Consoles.

5. Reset the Console

If none of the workarounds come in handy for you, try performing the factory reset to your console to check for the issue.

  • Go to the Settings menu on the PlayStation console.

  • Select the ‘Initialization’ tab > Select ‘Initialize PS5’.

  • From the next page, choose ‘Full’.

  • Now, your PlayStation 5 will automatically start wiping itself to restore the factory defaults. This process may take a couple of hours depending on the installed data on the storage.

  • Let the process be completed. Once done, make sure to reboot the system.

  • Press the Xbox button on the controller to open the Guide menu.

  • Select Profile & system > Go to Settings > Select System.

  • Go to Console info > Select Reset console.

  • You’ll get a prompt like Reset your console?

  • Here you should select Reset and remove everything. [This will delete all user data including accounts, saved games, settings, all installed apps & games, etc]

  • Although you can choose to Reset and keep my games & apps, it may not gonna resolve the issue in most cases.

  • After you select the option, your Xbox console starts deleting and resetting the system to the factory default settings.

  • Wait for the process to get completed then reboot the console.

That’s it, guys. We assume this guide was helpful to you. For further queries, you can comment below.

  • Although you can choose to Reset and keep my games & apps, it may not gonna resolve the issue in most cases.