What to Do When the Reversing Camera Turns Black and White?
2 Answers
The solutions for a reversing camera turning black and white are: 1. Check the wiring and the connection points of the installation; 2. Replace the video power cable; 3. Visit a repair shop to inspect and repair the chip. The reversing camera is a system in a car that allows the driver to monitor the video feed of the areas on both sides and behind the vehicle from inside the car, helping to prevent accidents. The reasons for the reversing camera turning black and white include: 1. Poor wiring contact; 2. Aging of the video power cable; 3. Prolonged use of the reversing camera leading to reduced chip photosensitivity; 4. Malfunction of the reversing camera display screen; 5. The camera being obstructed or malfunctioning.
Just helped a neighbor with this issue yesterday. When the reversing camera suddenly turns black and white, there are usually a few simple checks you can do. The easiest is to see if the camera lens is blocked by mud, water, or frost—try cleaning it with a damp cloth. If it doesn’t recover after cleaning, the camera itself is likely damaged, often due to water ingress after heavy rain. You can temporarily use a phone flashlight to check the camera near the license plate bracket for internal condensation. Another possibility is loose wiring, especially from repeated trunk openings, which can disconnect the harness. Lift the inner trunk liner to spot the yellow connector and try reseating it. Also, remember to check the color mode settings for the reversing camera in the car’s display—one owner’s child accidentally switched it to monochrome mode last time. If none of these work, it’s best to visit a shop for diagnostics, as DIY disassembly can easily break clips.
