Have you ever shifted your gear into reverse only to be greeted with a dark or glitching screen? then you’re not alone. This is a common problem with backup cameras, however, it is easily fixed by running a proper and accurate diagnosis. Why Is My Backup Camera Dark and how do I fix it?
If you have a glitching or dark backup camera, then you’re dealing with fraying wires or broken connections. Stiff inflexible wires are damaged over time due to constant bending to fit into tight spaces. Long wires are mostly affected by this phenomenon as they require bending and folding. Run a diagnosis on your cables to uncover the damaged area and schedule a replacement to get your backup camera working in optimal condition again.
When buying a new backup camera, we recommend using flexible cables and securing those cables in safe, tight spaces in your vehicle.
Table of Contents
5 CAUSES OF DARK BACKUP CAMERA
Fraying Wires
Frayed wires are caused by several factors, including rodents chewing on the wires, bending, corrosion, heat, and age. A frayed wire may not cause immediate problems, however, with time, the naked wires begin to pose a threat to efficiency, lives, and properties. Asides from resulting in poor or no signal transmission between the camera and monitor, frayed wires can also cause an abrupt fire inside your vehicle if not taken care of immediately.
Broken Connections
Another major cause of dark backup screens is broken or damaged connectors in the back of the camera or monitor. Also, check for loose screws and replace them with tight and long-lasting screws. Also, make sure the RCA cables are tightly secured.
Bad Signal (Transmitter and Receiver)
Wireless backup cameras are becoming popular amongst drivers today. This is because it eliminates the use of wires, thereby enhancing the quick transfer of data between the camera and monitor. However, wireless backup cameras need a transmitter and receiver to send and receive signals.
The transmitter is located near the camera while the receiver is mounted by the monitor. Any damage to either device may cause a dark screen.
Low-Quality Materials
While low-quality backup cameras, cables, transmitters, and receivers are cheaper, they are also prone to abrupt damages and poor performance. What’s worse is that these low-quality materials and components are usually without a warranty, so you can’t return them or request a free or discounted fix.
Outdated Camera
Backup cameras start experiencing a decline in performance after a couple of years, depending on the manufacturer, material type, and damages. If you find nothing after inspecting the camera, monitor, and wires, then it’s about time to change your camera or monitor.
HOW TO FIX DARK BACKUP CAMERA
An immediate fix is required to keep your backup camera performance high and to prevent further damage. If you’ve gone through the previous subheading, then by now, you must have successfully diagnosed the problem with your backup camera. If not, then kindly go back up to read the previous section. Here are ways to fix a dark backup camera.
Replace Damaged Wires
The first and most obvious solution is replacing frayed wires. While some wire damage may only require tape to cover the exposed part, others require a full replacement. Make sure you purchase compatible wires to avoid more wires troubles shortly after purchase.
Fix Broken Connectors
If you find any broken connections, repair them immediately. You may need a soldering gun and lead, or a couple of tight screws to replace the old and worn-out screws in the camera.
Improve Wireless Connectors
If you’re using a wireless backup camera, then you may want to replace the transmitter or receiver, or both. But first, check that all the other devices are working properly.
Invest in High-Quality Materials
Buying high-quality backup cameras are costlier, however, they provide rest of mind and better ROI. You can use a good backup camera for several years with minimal maintenance. Regular maintenance of backup cameras may reduce their lifespan and lessen the tightness of the screws. So, buying high-quality materials for your backup camera means you spend less as the years go by.
Upgrade Backup Camera
Finally, a dark screen might be an indication that your device has come to the end of its lifespan, and your vehicle requires a new one for replacement. New backup cameras have more features and functions such as sensors and audio alerts which help to keep the driver’s eyes on the road while backing up from tight traffic.
WHAT CAUSES THE BACKUP CAMERA TO STOP WORKING
Split Cables
Split and damaged cables will stop the backup camera from transmitting to the monitor. This is the most common cause of error in backup cameras as it causes several problems.
Collisions
Some backup cameras have only their lens outside, while others have the entire body outside the vehicle. Collisions and accidents can destroy the device, thereby stopping it from working.
WHAT IS A BLURRY BACKUP CAMERA AND HOW TO FIX IT
Condensation and moisture may reduce the quality of the image displayed on the monitor, making it difficult for motorists to make out the details in the frame. Fixing a blurry backup camera is important as it determines safety and utility. Here are several ways to fix a blurry backup camera.
Clean The Lens
The best solution for fixing a blurry lens is by cleaning the lens with microfiber with the recommended chemical from the manufacturer. Avoid using corrosive chemicals as they remove the protective layers on the lens.
Put Camera Inside Uncooked Rice
If there is a sign of moisture inside the camera, putting it in a bowl or a bag of uncooked rice helps to absolve the moisture.
Upgrade Cables
A Simple cable upgrade is sufficient here. Find the best and most compatible RCA cables here.
SIGNS THAT YOU NEED A NEW BACKUP CAMERA
Most motorists don’t ever think of upgrading their backup cameras, partially because of cost and installation stress. Advanced new backup cameras, however, are very easy to install as most are simple plug-and-play devices. Some vehicles also come prepared for installation.
This means the cables are already installed in the vehicle and the driver only needs to plug the camera and monitor to the complementary plug. Contrary to popular belief, backup cameras are also cheap. You can buy a high-quality camera for as low as $25.
However, it doesn’t negate the fact that there are also expensive options on the market. For example, Furrion A 5-inch monitor costs $726.99.
Here are 5 signs that your backup camera is ready to be replaced.
Permanent Poor Image Quality
Temporary poor image quality can be resolved by simply changing the RCA cable or adjusting the angle of the camera. However, if the image quality remains poor after replacing the cables, then it’s a major sign that your vehicle needs a new backup camera.
Damaged Lens
Collisions to your vehicle’s rear may damage the lens of your backup camera. This immediately renders the device useless. To enjoy the functions of a backup camera again, replace the camera with an upgraded new one.
Limited field of view
You may have bought it before noticing its limited field of view. The average view is 120 0degrees. If you want something better, then buy 180 degrees.
New and Improved Option Available in the Market
Another reason to replace your old backup camera is the introduction of new and upgraded cameras.
Conclusively, backup cameras go dark when there is a problem with the cables connecting the camera at the rear to the monitor. Wireless backup cameras, on the other hand, develop display problems when either the transmitter or receiver develops a fault. Buying a replacement backup camera is usually the last resort but if after implementing all the available solutions up there you don’t get a positive result, then buy one high quality backup camera here.
