rear view camera

[hymer1942]

Morning folks, I have an AUTOSOUND rear view camera which until now has been fine, switched on as we set off on Saturday and it was fine good view of the bike on the back after about an hour I lost picture to just have a lit up screen, all wires seem to be intact, anyone got a clue what might be wrong or do I have to just but new.

[AliB]

It could be a number of things so you need to logically work through a test procedure.

Check there is power to the camera. Usually 12VDC which can be verified with any low cost multimeter.

Ideally you now need to verify the presence of a video signal. Without specialist equipment it can be difficult. If you have a portable TV the SCART or AV input will be compatible with the type of video signal output from the camera.

If you get a picture here the fault is in the cable, connections or the monitor.

 

Again using a portable TV, this time connected at the monitor end of the cable check for a picture.

If you get a picture the fault lies with the monitor or connection.

If your multimeter has a continuity function (most do) you can use it to check out the cable running through the van.

Identify the video positive and negative at either end of the cable. The video positive may be coloured yellow the negative may be a silver screening cable. With both ends of the cable disconnected check there is an open circuit (no continuity) between the 2 conductors. Twist together the 2 conductors at one end. Testing from the other end should now show a short circuit if the cable is in working order.

Finally you need to test the monitor. The only way to do this is to connect to a video signal directly, usually from a known working camera.

 

It could be frustrating to buy a new camera only to discover the fault lies elsewhere.

 

Have fun

 

AliB