Backing up is super easy nowadays when you have backup cameras! It makes parking and reversing carefree, and there is less chance of hitting something with your car.
However, since we are so used to this beautiful technology, it’s normal to feel stressed out when it’s not working.
In this article, find out the most common reasons why the screen for your backup camera suddenly became blue and find out what you can do to fix it and enjoy parking and reversing with this divine piece of technology!
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What Is Causing For Ford F-150 Backup Camera To Have A Blue Screen?
Images distorted or a screen that goes blue is among the most often reported faults.
Often, a driver would notice a blue screen randomly, even when the camera was previously functional.
Your backup camera probably needs to be fixed if you have a 2020 Ford Explorer because of a circuit board problem. Since it was a widespread recall, you should bring your car to the dealership for a free repair.
Unfortunately, you will have to pay for a replacement camera out of pocket at a dealership if you own any other Ford Explorer model or Ford F-150.
Although drivers claim that restarting their car fixes it momentarily, the problem persists sporadically until the camera is changed.
Let’s see what are the main causes of having a blue screen backup camera.
#1 Cause: Defective Camera Parts
Although hearing this is annoying, the backup camera in your F-150 may be the only source of the issue.
While there is some unpredictability in technological failure, a damaged rearview camera may be the result of moisture buildup, an accident, or a manufacturing defect.
This component is still under warranty if your camera malfunctions soon after buying your truck.
After adding any components to your truck’s tailgate, new issues with your backup camera may arise.
Any installation performed in this region might accidentally cause the backup camera to malfunction because it is located on the tailgate.
So, the number one cause behind having a blue screen where you should get a picture of the back of your Ford F-150 is the faulty camera parts.
#2 Cause: Blown or Shorted Fuse
Like any other electrical issue in your truck, a short or blown fuse might be the cause of your backup camera’s dysfunction.
How To Repair A Blown Or Shorted Fuse?
If it turns out that the backup camera fuse is blown, look for it in the fusebox and replace it.
If you believe the problem is a shorted fuse, the backup camera repair process is more difficult.
A short might have an adverse effect on the truck’s battery. A way to insulate the wire and a circuit test light are needed for this.
Put one end of the test circuit on the negative terminal of your truck’s battery and unplug it first. There will be a light that illuminates these systems to signify a short.
You would typically take one fuse out of the fuse box at a time while checking your truck for short and wait for the short warning light to go off. We are just concerned with the backup camera in this instance.
If the light turns out when the backup camera fuse is taken out, you just located the short.
Now, tracking the short’s precise position requires a little more effort.
Looking carefully at the circuit to see if you can find any exposed wires is an excellent place to start. If you do, they only want some insulation to prevent them from leaking further.
#3 Cause: Misaligned/Incorrect Shifter
A misplaced shifter is another potential cause of a faulty backup camera in your Ford F-150.
When backing out, the rear cam will only be visible if your truck is alerted that you have placed your vehicle in reverse.
To determine if that is the issue, look for the gear indicator light on your truck’s dashboard.
If your backup camera doesn’t reflect that you are in reverse when you are, it may not be working due to a misaligned shifter.
How To Fix A Misaligned Shifter?
Even though this is a straightforward fix, you will need to remove a portion of the steering column’s plastic shroud.
Using a tiny thumb wheel, you can control the gear selector’s location. Roll the wheel until the appropriate gear is chosen to correct it.
The shifter linkage in your F-150 may have other issues, but this is the most frequent one.
After checking these potential problems, if your backup camera is still not functioning, you should take it to the mechanic.
In the end, electrical issues more frequently arise with backup cameras than mechanical ones.
Even if you are a skilled mechanic, you might need to be more adept at soldering, rewiring, and restarting, so consider taking it to the mechanic.
Other Ford F-150 Backup Camera Problems
Camera problems can have a variety of causes and solutions. The most typical are listed below.
#1 Common Problem: Backup Camera Works Intermittently
There are a few things you may do if your backup camera generally functions but periodically shuts off and displays the message “see a vehicle dealership”:
- Remove the trim lining from the inside of the trunk door by opening the trunk.
- Determine the location of the wire connector that links the camera to the vehicle’s electrical system.
- Check the electrical system for corrosion, mildew, and water damage after disconnecting it.
Applying electrical lubricant to the connector’s pins and repeatedly disconnecting and reconnecting the wiring system will stop any water damage if there isn’t any apparent damage.
After that, you should remove the boot, which is the component that the camera links to inside, and seal it all around with engine sealant.
It can be reconnected after drying. By doing this, any water that may enter the trim and harm the electrical system will be avoided.
If your wiring system starts to rust, you’ll need to replace it entirely or take off the connectors and rewire the system without them.
You’ll need a mechanic to do this work, even though disconnecting the connections is less expensive than replacing the entire system.
#2 Common Problem: A Cloudy Camera
A cloudy backup camera may signify that water, mud, or other particles have accumulated on the lens.
Luckily, this can be fixed quickly.
All you need to do is pick up a non-abrasive cleanser and a lint-free cloth—a microfiber towel works wonderfully.
You should be fine after wiping the camera lens.
If it doesn’t resolve the problem, you may make sure that no fuses are blown by checking the fuse box. Your backup camera’s image quality can suffer if there is a blown fuse. You can change a blown fuse yourself at home.
If nothing of those solutions works, you should schedule a visit with the store.
That’s it! Hopefully, you now know what is the problem with your backup camera, and you solved your blue-screen problem!
Luna Meschiari is a full-blooded car nut who is well known to local garages, as each article is meticulously researched and peppered with the latest piece of information. Guess what car she’s driving right now? A RAV4 2021 Hybrid. But her heart also sleeps for pickups like the F-150. Get to know Luna better on the about us page.
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