Issues with my backup camera

[jonzhuxD]

Recently I've been having some issues with my backup camera and I wanted to know if anyone else in the community has/has had the same issues.

The camera has been installed following this DIY for over a year now and has only recently been acting up.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36323


When I first startup the car, the backup camera will work fine when I put the car in reverse, no issues whatsoever. Usually by the time I get to where I'm going to (10-15 minute drive or 1-2 hour drive, same result), when I put the car in reverse, the screen will be black (backlight on, no "Check surroundings for safety" warning). This will remain until I shut the car off.

When I shut off the car, if I turn on/start up the car immediately after, the camera won't be recognized at all, it'll behave as if I have no camera (nothing happens with the HU when I put it in reverse). Next time I go to drive it though, (usually at least an hour later) the backup camera will work perfectly fine again, until I get to wherever I'm going, then black screen again.

I've checked my power wire and reverse trigger, and my video in wiring, it all looks good to me, not sure what the issue could be. Any help would be great.


The camera is a Rydeen Duo RYD ZH07-150B with +12V power tapped from the OE amplifier in the trunk.

[jonzhuxD]

Forgot to mention, I have the 2014 Pioneer HU w/ Bespoke.

[SVXdc]

That's strange.

Since the HU is switching to the blank screen, that seems to show it's getting the reverse gear signal. Check the HU's diagnostics screen to verify that.

The problem should not simply be that the HU stopped receiving a good video signal from the camera, because you should still be seeing the "check surroundings" text on the black screen. So it sounds like there may be a fault in the HU.

If the problem were that the camera has stopped providing a video signal (perhaps due to overheating), that explains the HU "forgetting" you have a camera when you shut off and immediately restarted. The HU reboots and does a new check for a camera, doesn't see the video, and decides you don't have one. Then after being off overnight (or however long it takes), the camera works again, the HU detects it, and it works at the very start of your trip.

Are you certain you're no longer seeing the "check surroundings" text?

Try this:

1. Make the camera's RCA plug accessible -- either in the trunk, if it has a pair there, or behind the HU (by opening dash and removing HU's screws).
2. With the camera cold, turn key ON (no need to crank engine) and let HU boot and detect camera.
3. Shift into reverse to confirm HU displays camera.
4. Shift out of reverse. Leave key ON (no HU reboot).
5. Unplug camera's RCA.
6. Shift into reverse.

Does HU show black screen with "check surroundings" text? Or just black screen?

If it's the latter, that suggests that the camera is dying. Get another monitor or TV and see if the camera video dies after being powered too long.

[Oliverrick]

Hi, even though we have different HU's we have the exact same camera. I'm having the same problems so I was wondering if you ever figured out what was wrong?

[Oliverrick]

Did anyone ever figure out what was causing this problem? I have the same exact backup camera but have the stock 2013 BRZ HU and I'm having these problems too.

[kev60625]

I'm having issues with my oem emeraldintegrations backup camera. Basically the same issues as you. Sometimes when I start the car, the headunit will act as if I don't have a backup camera, just stays on the radio screen, it'll stay like this the whole time the car is on until I restart it. It started last week and it doesn't happen often, but it's weird..

I guess my issue is not the same since mine will just not worked the bat and stay that way until I restart the car. Any advice?

[jasonojordan]

check your grounds.

[Xx-Ness-xX]

I have similar symptoms since last year.

I am using Beat-Sonic BCAM7 Rear Backup Camera & Beat-Sonic BCUS3EP Back-up Camera Interface for my 2013 Subaru BRZ, and I have been using it for 3 years. Overall, it has been working great except recently it starts to act up. In the beginning, the image would flicker or become dimmer than normal, and now it would go completely blank. Sometimes the HU recognizes the camera, but when I reversed it would show blank screen with "check surroundings" text.

I started tracking my camera issues this year, and from mid March to mid August I had zero issue with the camera, until recently when the weather started to cool down I've been getting problems. I am guessing that the relay that comes with Beat-Sonic BCUS3EP Back-up Camera Interface is wearing out. Therefore, I am planning to install a separate 6V SPST relay to eliminate the possibility of a faulty relay. In my opinion, I don't think the camera would go bad that quickly since the camera would only receive 12V when in reverse.
@SVXdc Do you have a particular relay you recommend?