What You Can Do When Your Backup Camera Isn't Working

Here are some tips if your reverse camera is blurry or blank.

Bob Sorokanich | 

Sep 16, 2024 | 3 min read

Ford

Beginning in 2018, backup cameras became mandatory on new vehicles in the United States. They make reversing your car a breeze, especially with larger vehicles, tiny rear windows, or a blocked view. Here's what to do if your backup camera is on the fritz.

BMW

Why Isn't My Backup Camera Working?

A backup camera can malfunction in various ways. If the camera display appears but the view is blurry, you might have a dirty lens. A video image that wobbles, flickers, or randomly turns off and on could mean damaged wires or a faulty electrical connection.

Many high-end vehicles use several cameras to create a 360-degree view. One malfunctioning camera could cause a blind spot or a distorted picture. A blank screen or error message can indicate that the camera has stopped working entirely due to hardware or software problems.

BMW

When the View Behind Is Less Than Clear

If your reverse camera is blurry, try cleaning the lens with a damp cloth or paper towel. A dot of dish soap can remove major grime, but avoid harsh chemicals, which can damage the lens.

On cars with a 360-degree view camera, check the trunk, side-view mirrors, and front grille or bumper for lenses to clean. Look closely for damaged lenses or water-logged cameras, which should only be replaced by professional technicians.

It can't hurt to wipe off the dashboard display with a touchscreen-approved cleaning solution and a soft lint-free towel.

Volvo

Wiring Issues, Blown Fuses, and Broken Parts Can Cause Malfunctions

Video that flickers or cuts out can mean a camera's wires to the dashboard have been damaged. Most cameras are mounted on the trunklid, and wires can get frayed where they pass through a hinge.

Open your trunk and look for a bundle of wires wrapped in a protective sheath and going into the car's body. Have a mechanic replace the connection if you see cuts, tears, or exposed copper wire. A vehicle crash or repairs made after an accident can damage the wires in inaccessible places where they run through the body. Your mechanic can identify these problems using a diagnostic computer.

A software problem could cause a blank screen or an error message. Contact a service center and ask if your car is due for a software update. Updates that fix bugs or malfunctions should be provided free of charge.

You might need to bring your vehicle to a dealer, but some new models can update through your home Wi-Fi. Many cars have been recalled over malfunctioning backup cameras, so check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website for recalls on your vehicle.

If your reverse camera shows a blank screen or an error message, it might mean the camera has been disconnected. A burned-out fuse could also be the culprit. Your owner's manual will tell you where the fuse block is located and which numbered fuse connects the camera. Only replace a blown fuse with a new, identical unit that matches the size, shape, and amp rating listed in the manual.

If you can't trace your problem to a blown fuse, a damaged wire, or a dirty lens, you might have to replace a camera or an electronic component to get your rear view back. As with any repair involving complex electronics, this work should be handled by a professional.

Bob Sorokanich

Bob Sorokanich is a car-obsessed journalist and editor who manages to maintain an old Mini Cooper and a love affair with automobiles while living in New York City. When he's not thinking about cars, he's riding his motorcycle, and when he's not riding his motorcycle, he's anticipating his next joy ride.