What Causes the Reversing Camera Screen to Turn White?
5 Answers
The reasons for a white screen on the reversing camera are as follows: 1. Poor line contact: The white screen phenomenon may be caused by poor line contact. 2. Aging wires: In some cases, it may be due to aging of the video power cable, and trying to replace it with a new one is recommended. 3. Prolonged usage: Extended use of the reversing camera may lead to poor chip photosensitivity. 4. Circuit design flaws.
As someone who frequently works on my own car repairs, I've encountered the reversing camera white screen issue several times. The most common cause is the camera lens being covered in mud or dirt - simply wiping it clean with a damp cloth usually solves it. Another frequent issue is wiring harness wear in the trunk area, where opening/closing the trunk causes intermittent connections leading to screen distortion. If wiping the lens doesn't fix the white screen, check the wiring sleeves under the trunk lid for any exposed wires. Last time my car suddenly showed white screen during rain, it turned out to be oxidized wiring connectors near the license plate lights - a quick spray with WD-40 fixed it. Nowadays replacing cameras is very convenient, with Taobao offering units around 100 RMB including installation tutorials, saving half the cost compared to dealership service.
After a decade in auto repair, I've found that a white screen in reverse cameras is mostly caused by three issues: abnormal power supply to the camera, poor line contact, or head unit failure. First, check if the 'reverse icon' appears on the screen when shifting into reverse gear. If the icon shows but there's no image, it's 90% likely a camera issue. If there's no icon at all, inspect the video input cable at the back of the head unit. Last week, I handled an Audi Q5 white screen case, which turned out to be signal interruption due to water ingress in the gateway under the passenger footwell. It's recommended to disconnect the battery negative terminal for ten minutes to reset the system—this trick can resolve 30% of electronic faults.
Don't panic if your reversing camera shows a white screen, follow these five troubleshooting steps: First, check if other functions are working normally to rule out screen malfunction. Second, inspect the camera's power supply; the voltage should measure around 5V with a multimeter. Third, gently shake the camera wiring to see if the screen flickers, indicating connection issues. Fourth, observe if the problem occurs frequently during rainy days, which may suggest waterproofing concerns. Lastly, examine the host device's video port. Recent reports from Hyundai ix35 owners mention white screen issues resolved by replacing the trunk lock block, which also fixed wiring problems. For older vehicles, pay special attention to wire harness bends where insulation is prone to aging and damage, potentially causing short circuits.
A white screen is essentially caused by signal transmission interruption. When the ECU fails to receive the camera signal, the screen displays snowflakes or a pure white image. Beyond common wiring issues, pay attention to: aftermarket dashcams potentially interfering with video signals; conflicts arising from incompatible protocols when upgrading to a larger screen; even metalized window films affecting signal transmission. Last week, a BMW 3 Series white screen case was resolved by discovering the camera was displaced by high-pressure car wash jets, causing connector water ingress. For emergency situations, restart the infotainment system by long-pressing the volume button for 10 seconds to force a reset.
