Backup cameras have quickly moved from a luxury item to a necessary component for safety, ease of driving, and utility. That’s why it’s bad news when the images from your backup camera start to get blurry or obscured. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you with your foggy backup camera repair.
We pride ourselves on being a one stop shop for all of your backup camera needs, and that includes making sure that the installation and maintenance of your backup camera purchases goes smoothly. Unfortunately, many vehicles come with subpar stock backup cameras that end up needing replacement. We can help with that.
Before you jump to buying a new camera, go through this quick checklist with us to see if your blurry backup camera has a quick fix.
1. Check the Exterior of the Lens
This first one is pretty easy. If you’ve got a blurry backup camera, it might just have some rain, mud, or other type of grime on the lens. Take a microfiber cloth (to avoid scratching up the lens), and give the camera a wipe down. If the stains are proving to be a little tough, apply some window cleaner--that should take care of any exterior problems.
While you’re cleaning off the lens, maybe get a little proactive too. Some backup cameras have auto-cleaning functions, but most do not, so spraying a little bit of Rain-X or a similar treatment over the lens will help keep it clean and hydrophobic, so you won’t have to wipe it off or clean it as often.
2. Check for Interior Condensation
Interior condensation, or any sort of moisture on the inside of the camera lens can lead to camera malfunction. The tiny electrical systems present in your backup camera are vulnerable to water. Condensation in a reversing camera is bad news. The best way to deal with interior moisture is to locate a desiccant of some kind (a substance that encourages dryness) and submerge the backup camera in it.
A common trick that many people use is microwaving a bowl of uncooked rice, and then letting your electronic equipment sit in it until it’s dry. This can work with a backup camera, but the damage may have already been done. Once you’ve hooked it back up (no pun intended), see if you can locate the crack or leak that’s allowing for the condensation to form inside and patch it.
3. Check for Faulty Connections
Blurry or non-functional backup cameras can often be blamed on a faulty connection or a blown fuse. To start the diagnostic process, turn on your vehicle and look at the backup camera display. If you dashboard or radio area display loads, but the camera shows no image, it’s likely a problem with your camera. If the display does not load at all, the camera is likely not to fault.
Your first easy fix, before proceeding to the next step, is to check your car’s fuse box and see if there’s a blown fuse. If so, just get a very cheap replacement and everything should be as good as new.
4. Trace it Back to the Source
This can require a bit more technical and mechanical knowhow that many people really want to commit to a project, but can be a very good way to troubleshoot your camera.
If your backup camera was included with your vehicle, locating a repair or maintenance manual for your make and model of car will provide you with the information necessary to trace your backup camera cable system from the display to the camera itself. From there, you’ll be able to see if there are any splits of faulty cables and repair them.
Wireless cameras can be a little bit trickier, but they may just be not getting enough power or need a replacement part of some kind.
5. Time for a new camera
If all else fails, it’s probably time for a new backup camera. When selecting the right camera for you, we’re an excellent resource. We have OEM replacement backup camera models for many popular vehicles, as well as third-party cameras that you can easily install yourself. Get in touch with us, and we’ll help you find the perfect camera for your needs. If you’re the more enterprising type, take a look at our inventory yourself and see what will work for you.
