What Causes a Car's Rearview Camera to Suddenly Go Black and Not Display?
3 Answers
The reasons why a car's rearview camera suddenly stops displaying and goes black include damage to or obstruction of the rearview camera, damage to the rearview display screen, poor contact in the rearview camera wiring, or insufficient battery power causing the rearview camera to lose power. Camera damage or obstruction: If the camera is damaged, the image cannot be uploaded to the computer, and thus it will not display. In this case, it is necessary to go to a repair shop or 4S store for maintenance, and a new camera may need to be replaced if necessary. Display screen damage: When the display screen remains black or shows distorted images, it generally indicates screen damage. This situation requires inspection and repair at a repair shop or 4S store. Poor wiring contact: Loose or detached wiring in the car. When the wiring has poor contact, the image captured by the camera cannot be transmitted to the main unit, and the rearview camera will not display. This situation requires disassembling the center console panel for inspection. Battery depletion: When the car's lights or multimedia system are used for an extended period while the engine is off, the battery may become depleted. When the battery is low or out of power, the car's multimedia system will not function, and the rearview camera will not display. In this case, simply recharge or replace the battery.
Last time I was reversing my car, the rearview camera suddenly went black, which gave me a scare and I almost hit something. I checked and found that it might be a blown fuse, so I looked for the corresponding position in the fuse box and replaced it if necessary. It's also common for the camera itself to malfunction, such as being covered in dirt or aging—try wiping it gently with a soft cloth. Loose wiring connections are another possible cause, especially in areas prone to friction like near the tailgate. Open the trunk and check if the connections are secure. Don’t try to fix it yourself; a short circuit could make things worse. It’s best to take it to a repair shop for a thorough inspection. Parking away from muddy areas can prevent many issues. Safe driving is the top priority—driving with a faulty camera increases blind spots and risks.
As a car enthusiast, a black screen in the reverse camera is often caused by signal interruption or power failure. Start by checking the fuse box to see if any fuses are blown—replacing them is easy and inexpensive. Then inspect if the camera connector is loose, and be cautious with the rear door wiring harness as it's prone to damage. A system software bug could also be the culprit; try restarting the infotainment system or disconnecting the battery for a few minutes. When DIY-ing, remember to use a multimeter to check the voltage—if it's too low, it might indicate an alternator issue. Preventive measures are simple: regularly clean the camera and inspect the wiring to prevent aging. This thorough analysis ensures safety—always park securely before troubleshooting to avoid worsening the problem.
