How to Determine if the Reversing Camera is Broken?
2 Answers
If the central display screen of the car does not show any image when reversing, or if there are shadows in the image, it usually indicates that the reversing camera is broken. There are many reasons why the car reversing image may not display, for example: 1. Car battery is dead: The display screen of the car reversing image is powered by the car battery. When the car battery is dead, the reversing image naturally does not display. 2. Poor connection of the connecting wire: If the connecting wire between the camera and the car display screen is detached, it will also cause the reversing image not to display. In this case, simply reinstalling the connecting wire will suffice. 3. Poor contact of the switch: Similar to the second step, this situation requires reinstalling the switch.
When I find the rearview camera isn't working, my first step is to check if the camera lens is covered with dirt, especially after rainy or muddy road conditions. I clean it with a soft damp cloth. If the image still doesn't appear after cleaning, there might be a problem. I observe the display's reaction when reversing: if it directly goes black or shows a 'no signal' error, it indicates the camera's signal is interrupted. I check if the camera itself has any cracks or damage, as impacts on the rear bumper area can easily affect it. Next, I get down to inspect if the camera's connecting wires are loose or corroded—sometimes garage pests chew through them. The fuse is another critical point; I check the fuse box to see if the fuses for the headlights and reverse system are blown. If all these seem normal, I suspect the camera might be internally damaged. In this case, I'd borrow a friend's camera for a temporary replacement test—if the image appears, it confirms the original camera is indeed faulty. DIY troubleshooting can save some repair costs, but if you're not familiar with circuitry, it's safer to take it to a professional.
