What are the reasons for the sudden disappearance of the reversing camera?
3 Answers
The reasons for the sudden disappearance of the car's reversing camera are as follows: 1. Camera failure: You can purchase and install a new one. It's best to buy a camera with an illumination power supply so it can be seen at night. 2. Loose power cord: This causes a power supply failure for the camera. Simply plug the power cord back in firmly. Also, check the plug for any water marks, as power supply issues are often caused by short circuits due to water marks. 3. The line is pinched off: You can use sealant to glue and secure it firmly to avoid being pinched off during driving. 4. Display screen damage: If the display screen has problems, the reversing camera will definitely not display. So carefully observe whether the display screen is broken or if the surrounding wires are loose. If all else fails, you can only buy a new one and install it.
I encountered this situation last time and initially thought the screen was broken. Actually, there are several main reasons why the reversing camera doesn't display: The most common one is that the camera lens is covered by mud or snow, especially after driving in the rain—just wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Another reason is poor wire contact, particularly in cars with aftermarket reversing cameras, where the connectors can easily come loose. Then, check if the corresponding fuse in the fuse box has blown; you can replace it yourself with a new one. If the reversing lights turn on when shifting into reverse but there’s no image, the camera itself might be damaged or there could be an issue with the main unit. Another possibility is that the infotainment screen has frozen, and restarting the vehicle can fix it. I later found that frequent opening and closing of the trunk can also cause cable wear and breakage. It’s recommended to regularly check if the camera’s protective cover is damaged and pay extra attention to waterproofing during the rainy season.
Having worked on car repairs for a decade, reverse camera malfunctions are quite common. First, distinguish between two scenarios: If the screen doesn't switch at all when shifting into reverse, check whether the reverse light circuit signal is properly transmitted to the head unit. If the screen switches to a black display but shows no image, the issue is mostly on the camera side. Focus on checking whether the camera's power supply voltage is stable—if the 12V is abnormal, it could be due to a short circuit in the wiring or a control module issue. A worn-out waterproof gasket on the rear camera connector can let water in and cause a short circuit. Another easily overlooked problem is a faulty body control module, which requires a diagnostic tool to check for error codes. Some car owners tend to wipe the camera with their hands while reversing, but static electricity can damage the photosensitive element. It's recommended to check the camera's seal after every car wash and always choose aftermarket parts with shielded wiring harnesses.
