If your Android headunit isn’t displaying your backup camera, you’re not alone. This is a common issue, and there are several potential causes. This guide provides a step-by-step troubleshooting approach to help you get your backup camera working again.
Powering Your Backup Camera: Two Options
The backup camera requires power to operate. There are two primary ways to connect the power:
Option A: Power from Reverse Light
-
Locate the Wires: Find the red and black wires on the video extension cable at the camera end.
-
Connect to Reverse Light: Connect these wires to the positive and negative terminals of your reverse light bulb. This powers the camera when you shift into reverse.
-
Connect to Headunit’s “Back” Wire: A wire within the video extension cable carries power to the head unit. Connect this wire to the “back” or “reverse” wire on your head unit. This signal triggers the head unit to display the camera feed when in reverse.
Option B: Power from Reverse Circuit
-
Identify Reverse Circuit Wire: Locate a wire in your fuse box or a wiring harness that becomes “hot” (receives power) when your car is in reverse gear. You might need a multimeter or wiring diagram to confirm this.
-
Connect to Headunit and Camera: Connect this “hot” wire to both the “back” input on your head unit and the power wire in the video extension cable. This sends power down the extension cable to the camera.
-
Insulate Exposed Wires: In this scenario, the red and black wires at the camera end will also be “hot” when the car is in reverse. Carefully insulate these exposed wires to prevent shorts in your reverse light circuit.
Check Head Unit Settings
Sometimes, the issue isn’t with the wiring but with the head unit’s configuration:
-
Camera Input: Ensure the camera input is enabled in the head unit’s settings menu. It might be labeled “backup camera,” “reverse camera,” or similar. If it’s set to “off,” you’ll see a “no signal” message.
-
Protocol Selection: Some head units require you to select the correct video protocol for the camera. Common options include CVBS (composite video), AHD, and HDA. Experiment with different settings if you’re unsure which one to use. Accessing this setting may require a long press on the screen while in reverse mode or navigating through a “Factory Settings” menu (which may be password protected).
-
Multiple Video Inputs: Some head units have multiple video inputs. Ensure you’re using the designated “reversing cam” input and not a general video input (“VIN”) intended for other sources.
Double-Check Connections and Wiring
If you’re still experiencing issues, double-check all connections and wiring:
-
Secure Connections: Ensure all connections are secure and free from corrosion. Unplug and re-plug connectors to ensure good contact.
-
Wiring Integrity: Inspect the video extension cable for any damage or breaks. A damaged cable can disrupt the video signal.
By systematically checking these areas, you should be able to pinpoint the cause of the problem and get your Android head unit to display your backup camera correctly. If you continue to have problems, consult your head unit’s manual or seek professional assistance.
