Backup Camera Stopped Working — Most Common Causes
What to Check When Your Backup Camera Stops Working
Backup cameras have become a vital safety feature in modern vehicles, providing drivers with better visibility and reducing blind spots. However, like any technology, backup cameras can fail in several ways. In this article, I’ll cover the most common types of backup camera failures and their causes. If your backup camera stopped working, this is the place to start your diagnosis.
Backup camera basics
Backup cameras don’t have power when you’re driving forward; they only get power when you shift to reverse. If you have a factory-installed camera, that camera power is provided to the camera wiring harness in a connection near the display unit; however, if your backup camera is an aftermarket unit, the installer most likely tapped into the reverse light wiring harness in your trunk or rear hatch.
Here’s a typical backup camera wiring diagram. The diagram shows the wiring for a BOSS ELPC40B backup camera. The video signal always travels on a shielded cable with a standard RCS male connector to plug into the head unit.
This image shows a typical backup camera wiring diagram. The camera includes a 16.5′ cable to run from the head unit to the trunk or rear hatch. If you tap into the reverse lights, you’ll have to run a separate wire along with the cable.
Aftermarket cameras come with options for reversing guidelines, image reversing, and resolution options. Refer to the installation manual to discover how to enable/disable the options. In the example above, the options are enabled/disabled by clipping the looped wires in the harness.
Backup camera stopped working — the most common symptoms and causes
No Display or Black Screen— The backup camera display doesn’t show any image, or the screen remains black when the vehicle is in reverse.
Causes
• No power/ground to the camera— Check for power to the camera when the vehicle is in reverse. Check for good ground at the camera.
• Disconnected, chaffed, or damaged video cable— Check for a disconnected RCA cable at the head unit, continuity on the video cable, chaffing, or a cut wire.
• Faulty camera.
• Issues with the display unit.
• Blown fuse— Test the fuse: Locate the fuse for the backup camera system in the fuse box (factory-installed camera). Replace it if it’s blown. Check for a blown inline fuse (aftermarket camera)
Distorted or Flickering Image— The camera image is blurry, wavy, or flickers intermittently.
Causes
• Signal interference— Check the video cable connections for any signs of damage or chaffing
• Electrical issues or weak connections— Check for any exposed or frayed wires causing signal loss. Repair or replace as needed. Check for voltage drop on the ground side of the circuit. A high voltage drop indicates corrosion or a loose ground connection. Wiggle the power wires to ensure the camera receives a consistent power supply, and replace any damaged wires.
• Shield the system: If other electronics cause interference, consider using shielded cables.
• Water in the camera or a failing camera.
Static or Grainy Image— The camera feed is filled with static or is grainy, making it hard to view the surroundings.
Causes
• Poor-quality video signal. Replace damaged cables: Use high-quality video cables to ensure a clear signal.
• Faulty camera or water in the camera.
• Lighting issues (e.g., glare or low light).
Camera Not Activating— The backup camera doesn’t turn on when the vehicle is put in reverse
Causes
• Malfunctioning reverse trigger (factory installation, blown fuse to backup lights, or a break in reverse power feed from backup lights to head unit (aftermarket camera installation).Inspect the reverse light circuit: Ensure the reverse light and sensor function. Replace a bad sensor if necessary.
• Software glitches in the infotainment system (factory camera).
• Faulty camera switch or relay.
Reversed or Mirrored Image— The camera shows an inverted or mirrored image, making it difficult to interpret the view.
Causes
• Incorrect camera settings. Navigate to the camera settings in the infotainment system and adjust the image orientation.
• Misconfigured wiring. Verify wiring: Ensure the camera’s wiring is connected correctly, especially if the system was recently installed or serviced.
Foggy or Obstructed View— The camera image is unclear due to condensation, dirt, or debris on the lens.
Causes
Moisture intrusion into the camera housing. Use a lens cleaner to remove dirt and smudges from the lens. Check for the presence of condensation inside the lens. Inspect the camera housing for cracks or gaps. Locate the broken seal, dry out the interior, and re-seal the housing using a urethane sealant. Do NOT use silicone or RTV sealants. Inspect the camera housing for cracks or gaps and seal them with silicone.
Guidelines Not Displaying or Misaligned— The parking guidelines are missing, or they don’t align properly with the vehicle’s path.
Causes:
• Disabled guideline settings. Go to the camera settings and turn on the guideline feature.
• Misaligned camera angle. Adjust camera angle: Realign the camera to ensure the guidelines match the vehicle’s trajectory.
• Software or calibration issues.Recalibrate the system: Some vehicles may require professional calibration of the camera system.
Camera Works Intermittently— The camera operates sporadically, often failing when needed.
Causes:
Loose or corroded connections. Inspect connections: Tighten or replace any loose or corroded connectors.
Faulty camera or display unit. If temperature extremes affect performance, consider upgrading to a camera rated for wider temperature ranges.
Temperature-related issues (e.g., extreme heat or cold).
Where to find replacement factory cameras
©, 2025 Rick Muscoplat
Posted on by Rick Muscoplat