Reverse Camera Black Screen? Causes and Fixes
A reverse camera showing a black screen has lost power, lost its video signal, or is sending a signal the screen cannot read. The first clue is whether the screen switches over when you select reverse. If it switches but stays black, look at the camera's power and video. If it does not switch at all, look at the trigger wire.
The screen switches but stays black
- No power to the camera: most cameras take power from the reverse light circuit. Check the fuse and that the reverse lights work.
- A broken video cable: the cable often breaks where it bends through the boot or tailgate hinge. A loose video plug behind the stereo does the same.
- A poor earth: a corroded or loose earth can leave the camera without power.
- The wrong camera type: some head units only read certain camera signals. A camera on the wrong format can show black or a rolling picture. Check the camera setting in the head unit menu.
The screen does not switch at all
The head unit needs a trigger signal to know you are in reverse. If that wire is disconnected, or the reverse signal changed, the screen never switches. Check the trigger connection behind the head unit.
Black screen after a new stereo
This is the most common case we see. Factory cameras often use a different plug or voltage from an aftermarket head unit, so they need an adapter to work with the new screen. Many Toyota imports, for example, need a Toyota camera adapter. If the camera worked before the stereo was changed, the adapter or its wiring is the first thing to check.
After LED reverse bulbs
If the camera takes power from the reverse lights and you fitted LED bulbs, some cars no longer give a steady supply. The camera may stay black or flicker. Our guide to a flickering reverse camera covers the fix.
When to get it checked
If the fuse and reverse lights are fine and the plug is secure, the fault is in the cable, the camera or the head unit settings. A technician can test each one. See reverse camera installation, and how a reverse camera is wired for the three connections involved.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my reverse camera screen black?
The camera has no power, the video signal is not reaching the screen, or the screen is set for a different camera type.
Why did my reverse camera stop working after a new stereo?
Factory cameras often need an adapter to work with an aftermarket head unit. Without it, or with a loose connection, the screen stays black.
Can a blown fuse stop a reverse camera working?
Yes. If the camera is powered from the reverse light circuit, a blown fuse stops both. Check that the reverse lights work.
Is a black reverse camera screen expensive to fix?
Often not, because it is usually a connection, adapter or setting rather than a dead camera. A proper test finds which.