Dead Camera after cold snap

[kirk hilton]

Hi u all,
well after the coldest period in the UK for 30 years, the display when reversing is blank (except a few seconds displaying the word "CAMERA") rather than a view of the road behind. There is a audible click at the back of the VX when R (reverse is selected), possible a relay but not sure. I suppose I have few questions but generally I'm hoping for help.

Is there a movable protective camera cover that covers the camera when not reversing that uncovers the camera when reverse is selected (has anyone had it fail?). It's still cold has anyone had experience of a camera coming back to life after a cold period? The camera is in the rear door how can I access the camera? I know you can see a set of two clips and a set of six hex bolts accessible after removing the spare wheel - what are they for? If there is a camera cover mechanism, what's it like, and can it be repaired? If the camera itself has failed in the cold has anyone replaced it?

I know lots of question but as the camera is only on the JDM VX I don't believe it has been discussed much on the forum. A search came up with zero.

Anyway hope you can help

Regards Kirk

[tom4bren]

Kirk,

I'm guessing since I don't have the JDM but ...

I doubt there is a protective cover over the camera. I'm guessing that there is probably not even a relay to power the camera. The camera probably receives power directly from the reverse lights.

The first step you should take is to check all of your fuses. Also check to make sure that your reverse lights are working. It's entirely possible that the reverse switch (turns on reverse lights) in the tranny is not functioning properly.

Even though you may not have a CEL, have the codes read. An error code could be stored that does not trigger the CEL (it happened on my TLC).

Tom

BTW, the electrical manual is in the download section. I think the reverse light section starts on page 112.

[kirk hilton]

Hi Tom,

thanks for the suggestion. I forgot to mention that during the cold period of course I've been driving the VX, and after a short trip to the dog kennel I parked up on my driveway. During the park up, the camera image did return briefly (until I turned off the ignition). The next morning the camera image was again blank and it has been the same for the past week or so.

I've also taken out the spare wheel to see what was behind it. There is a cable coming out of the enclosure that the camera is housed which has an inline connector 8 inches from the enclosure after a grommet.

As to the possible camera cover. If it doesn't move the plastic cover that covers the camera aperture can't be fully opaque (but it certain seems to be)

But that suggestion of the reverse light fuse is a good place to start further investigation. I appreciate you stateside guys might not appreciate the camera but here in the UK (and elsewhere I imagine) everything (roads, junctions, parking) is so much tighter (please not dirty jokes)

Kirk

[alanbradley]

Hi Kirk,

There is a cover that opens to allow the camera a view of the road. the most likely diagnosis is that the cover has stuck shut (I have the problem that mine sometimes remains open as the headunit doesn't necessarily send the "shut" signal) or isn't receiving the "open" signal, but as the H/U says "camera" then that's unlikely really.

somehow you need to trigger the camera and give it a bit of a push I'd say...

Hope that helps,

Alan

[tom4bren]

I stand corrected about the cover. It doesn't seem to be the best engineering approach but then ... I noticed they didn't ask my opinion.

I know how useful the camera can be. Our RV has one & the display went Tango Uniform recently. Lane changes must be done with extreme caution till fixed.

You might want to disconnect your battery for 30 min. Sometimes that corrects software glitches if that's the problem.

[circmand]

It happens with locks, door handles, etc I suggest a blow dryer for a fe wminutes as well as shifting from rev to nue a few times

[Sprey]

Yeap there is a cover as said above. Id do what circmad said and then give it a shot.

If you really want, you can actualy put a switch on the signal wires to the camera so when your driving along you can have it running too.

I can upload a diagram of how this is done.

But to actualy get to the wires is a real pain there beside the jack but theres a little metal cover thats in the way that you have to remove so that consists of undoing some of the plastic interior etc.

[kirk hilton]

Well, the warmer weather has returned but my camera hasn't. I've tried to push the camera cover, as suggested, but no joy. No really sure how it moves/pivots (back, left, right, up down) and there doesn't seem to be movement in any direction; I don't really with to force it. It seems to be jammed. Does the camera cover work on a solenoid or a motor driven gearing (would I hear the difference)? The best answer is poss to remove the blackish plastic rear door arch (?) insert that covers the camera and camera cover. Has anyone removed the door insert? How is it possible?

Any suggestions?

Kirk

[FuddyMucker]

Well tomorrow I will be replacing the camera for a better quality one with automatic night vision, the plan is to install it within the old camera body so that there is no noticeable diffrence from the outside.
I will document my progress.........

[Sprey]

Sweet Fuddy. With adding in a aftermarket camera, you might loose the flap that goes up and down over the stock one.

I drive with my camera on all the time, you do notice a tad of drips of it when it rains or dirt but otherwise it hardly get dirty.

if you have any problems with wiring etc just post up and can then try sort it out.

[FuddyMucker]

I have now got a fully working revercing camera

I have also typed up a HOW TO document with photos, it is in word and I don't know how to upload it to this site?

If anyone would like a copy then send me a private message including your email address and I will send you a copy.

[Ldub]

Maybe email it to the Boss?

http://www.vehicross.info/forums/sen...mailmember&u=4

Grats on the fix...

[FuddyMucker]

Boss I don't have your email address and that link says I don't have access with my log on?

[Moncha]

Thanks for the heads up Larry, and thank you for the how to on this.. I'll get it posted here very soon.

[kirk hilton]

Just an update about my dead camera ...

Although I nearly followed Fuddy's example and replace the camera I decided to remove the clarion camera (Fuddy's instructions were most useful in removing the camera) and sent it off to Clarion UK. After the very long cold winter I wasn't sure if the camera (CC-9301) or the Power box (CA-188) or inter-cabling were faulty.

Well it appears that it was the camera at fault. Clarion UK (in Swindon) confirmed it was the power regular that had blown and fortunately they would be able to replace it with a regulator from similar heavy duty camera (as the VX camera was a special for Isuzu a direct replacement is not available). The cost of mending the unit is £44.00 and would carry a 6 month guarantee, so hopefully I'll get a working camera back in the next few days and once reinstalled I'll once again have a working original camera (and fingers crossed it isn't the power box as well). But not bad for 44 quid for the investigating, the repair and the postage. A very friendly, helpful team down there as well - great customer care.