Reversing camera problem

Submitted: Monday, Mar 15, 2010 at 11:57
ThreadID: 76876 Views:11802 Replies:5 FollowUps:2
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I got a reversing camera installed in our 95 series Prado (auto) a few years ago. The monitor is a 4.5" TFT screen that clips on over the rear view mirror. Worked fine for a while, but now I have an intermittent problem. When I start the car in P the monitor usually comes on with a blue screen and the words "No signal". Select R and the image from the camera (usually) comes up fine. Select D (or any other gear) and the blue screen is back. Sometimes the monitor switches itself off after a while, sometimes not; I can switch it off manually with the remote control, but it's a nuisance doing that regularly.

Any suggestions as to where the problem lies? It's now out of warranty. Should I go to an auto elec?

Thanks,
Des
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Reply By: Member - John (Vic) - Monday, Mar 15, 2010 at 12:16

Monday, Mar 15, 2010 at 12:16
Des, What brand/model?

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Follow Up By: Member - Des - Monday, Mar 15, 2010 at 12:50

Monday, Mar 15, 2010 at 12:50
No-name Chinese made KC-450A. Didn't come with proper instructions or detailed wiring diagram.
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Reply By: Tenpounder (SA) - Monday, Mar 15, 2010 at 12:19

Monday, Mar 15, 2010 at 12:19
Hi there. If it is a true reversing camera and not a rear vision camera, then it should be wired so that it only comes on in reverse!! It sounds to me that the camera is correctly wired to be supplied with power only when in reverse, but the screen unit is wired either to ignition or access, and comes on in Park mode. If so, then yes perhaps an autoelec can fix it. But if there's an intermittent fault in the unit, then it may be beyond him.
Some remote control allow the user to switch between 'rear view' and 'reverse', and so it is possible that you have inadvertently switched the unit over so that it starts in rear vision mode, finds there is no image (because the camera is powered only in reverse), and gives you the blue screen.
Is that any help?
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Reply By: Member - steve. B... (NSW) - Monday, Mar 15, 2010 at 12:29

Monday, Mar 15, 2010 at 12:29
Des. As you have described your problem, it only works in ( R ) I has probably wired up to the Reversing lights. The one I have is "Infra Red" so I do not have the same issues as yourself.
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Follow Up By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Monday, Mar 15, 2010 at 16:29

Monday, Mar 15, 2010 at 16:29
Why not An infra red camera is the same as wiring is concerned, only diff is that it can see a bit at night

A wireless camera will be different but will be wired the same as well.


I have dual power to my cameras so can have them either in rear view or reverse only.

Pretty easy to do some extra wire a switch and two diodes.


Sounds like it has a short somewhere as well.
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Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Monday, Mar 15, 2010 at 18:42

Monday, Mar 15, 2010 at 18:42
Des,

Sounds like your problem is not really a problem at all.

Most reversing cameras have a minimum of two AV channels.
When you select reverse gear, the monitor is configured to automatically switch to the appropriate AV channel automatically.

When reverse is not engaged, it is a matter of pressing the AV channel button and the reversing camera circuit is then active permanently until either you press the AV button again, or recycle the supply power.

At least, this is how mine works. The camera is connected to AV2 and requires a manual button press to select it when required. The reversing circuit activation is obviously configured to select AV2 automatically when activated.

If you have a second camera connected (eg from a caravan camera, etc.) this will use the second AV Channel.
The AV channel button usually cycles thus.
First press........AV1
Second press....AV2
ETC.


Bill.


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Reply By: Member - Des - Thursday, Mar 18, 2010 at 10:24

Thursday, Mar 18, 2010 at 10:24
Thanks to everyone for replies.

It wasn't a problem with the settings (tried everything).

Couldn't get help from the original installer - I only have his mobile and not surprisingly getting no joy there.

So in frustration I took it to AudioFX today - they install a lot of original equipment on new cars, as well as aftermarket. They told me that when they first started installing reversing cameras some years ago they used to wire them through the ignition, as mine is, but they found that this meant that the monitor was constantly being reset. So now they wire reversing camera systems direct from the battery. The monitor is in sleep mode most of the time, and then only draws a tiny amount of power.

AudioFX have determined that my monitor is now faulty. They think that the fault was caused by constant resetting when the car is started. They have rewired and installed a new monitor - total cost $250 (ouch). (Kept the original camera which is good quality and works well.)

Hope this is a cautionary tale for everyone thinking of getting a system installed.

Cheers,
Des
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