What Causes a Dash Cam to Suddenly Display Color Stripes?

[LailaRose]

Dash cams may suddenly display color stripes due to hardware issues or memory card problems. Hardware Issues: If the dash cam screen flickers with stripes (also known as screen distortion), first try pressing the reset button. If this doesn't resolve the issue, it is likely a hardware problem. This situation may arise due to quality issues with the dash cam itself, in which case repair or replacement is recommended. Another possible cause is incorrect light source frequency settings. The frequency should be adjusted according to the local power supply standards—generally, 50Hz for China and 60Hz for other countries. Memory Card Issues: Screen distortion can also be caused by problems with the memory card. If the memory card has slow read/write speeds and cannot keep up with the video processing speed, screen distortion may occur. It is advisable to purchase a memory card with faster read/write speeds, such as a Class 10 memory card.

[EmiliaFitz]

I just installed a dash cam myself, and suddenly the screen is full of colorful stripes—what a headache. The issue might be with the memory card; an aging SD card or one with insufficient write speed can corrupt files during recording. Another possibility is dust on the camera lens or the chip failing due to overheating, especially if the car is parked under the scorching sun for too long in summer. Loose connections are also common—if the cigarette lighter adapter isn’t plugged in firmly, it can cause signal interruptions. A faulty power adapter might lead to unstable voltage, resulting in erratic signals. When I encountered this, simply reconnecting the power cable and reformatting the card fixed it. Regularly clean lens dust and use high-spec memory cards to ensure stability. If the footage gets blurry, it won’t help in critical moments, so developing a habit of monthly checks can save a lot of trouble.

[MacAnastasia]

The appearance of colored stripes on the dashcam is indeed concerning, as it can affect the reliability of accident evidence. Possible causes include magnetic interference, such as strong magnetic devices in the car disrupting the camera signal; or the SD card being full or damaged, leading to abnormal data reading and writing; lens contamination or aging can also easily cause image distortion; additionally, power issues, such as battery voltage fluctuations, can result in signal disruption. It is recommended to perform a quick check immediately: unplug and replug the power to see if it restores, or try a new card. If that doesn't work, send it for repair promptly—don't delay to save trouble. Safety comes first; only with a properly functioning device can you ensure worry-free driving. Don't rely on luck in emergencies.

[DiWalker]

From a circuit perspective, colored stripes appearing in dash cam footage typically involve signal issues. Damage to the internal photosensitive element of the camera can cause image abnormalities, while poor contact in connecting wires may lead to signal interruptions. Software or firmware bugs can also cause distortion, such as configuration chaos after a failed update. Additionally, incompatible SD cards or low-speed cards unable to process data in real-time may increase error rates during recording, leading to malfunctions. High-temperature environments accelerate component aging. For troubleshooting, restarting the device or formatting the card can be effective. Developing habits of regular cleaning and firmware updates is advisable.