Why does the reversing camera work intermittently?
3 Answers
The intermittent malfunction of the reversing camera is usually caused by poor line contact. It is necessary to promptly check the wiring and the connection points of the vehicle installation to see if there is any loose connection. If so, it will naturally cause abnormal imaging of the reversing camera. In this case, simply ensuring a proper connection will suffice. It may also be due to aging of the video power cable, which can be resolved by replacing it with a new one. The reversing camera, also known as the parking assist system, or reversing visual system, or onboard monitoring system, is now widely used in various large, medium, and small vehicles for reversing or driving safety assistance. Its working principle is: a wide-angle infrared camera device is installed at the rear of the vehicle, allowing a clear view of the rear situation through the display screen inside the car.
The reversing camera sometimes works and sometimes doesn't. My beloved car has also experienced this issue, which is really frustrating, especially when the screen suddenly goes black while parking, making people panic. This is usually caused by loose wiring or camera connection problems, as frequent opening and closing of the trunk can lead to wire harness wear or loose plugs. Camera failures are also quite common, especially in older cars where the camera may have aged or accumulated moisture. Signal interference on the screen is another possibility, such as when there are strong electromagnetic devices nearby. It's recommended to first check the wires near the camera in the trunk and try unplugging and replugging them. If that doesn't work, you should visit a professional repair shop to avoid compromising driving safety, as blind spots while reversing can easily lead to accidents. During regular maintenance, ask the technician to pay extra attention to this area and keep the camera clean.
As someone who frequently tinkers with cars, I can tell you that intermittent issues with reversing cameras are often caused by poor wiring connections. The camera wiring harness at the rear of the vehicle is prone to loosening due to vibrations, and oxidized connectors can also lead to unstable signals. Problems on the head unit side include software bugs or screen overheating failures. Insufficient power supply, such as an aging battery or loose fuses, may also affect performance. Try restarting the car's system and check if the camera lens is obstructed by dirt. If tapping the wiring harness temporarily restores functionality, it indicates a localized loose connection. Don't overlook a comprehensive wiring inspection to prevent long-term fault escalation. Timely troubleshooting is crucial—driving without reversing assistance is particularly dangerous at night or in crowded parking lots.
