Backup/Reverse Light & Camera - Intermittent Inop

[aleccolin]

Since new my car has had an intermittent issue with the backup camera AND light not working, generally when the car is at full operating temperature like pulling in to park after a morning commute. I feel like it's possibly the switch in the trans (MT) since the issue affects both the light and the camera activation. The dealer replaced the camera because they're dumb, it works exactly the same now.

Just wondering if anybody has had a similar issue. I'm really only worried about the backup light, that's a safety issue. I can get the switch and put it in myself, I don't think any amount of logic could get the dealer to do it.

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[17Magnetic5.0]

I don’t know about the light but I know the cables that run to the camera are pretty tight and they can break where sometimes it’ll be touching and work and sometimes it won’t. Might want to check that out to be safe but I doubt it’s that because your light isn’t working either.

 

[C Cubed]

Had mine repaired today, Don't know if the back up light worked as I haven't driven at night lately. I would check to see if the harness is tight when the trunk is open, though. Mine turned out to be the "wire". "Repair wire in trunk where attached under deck lid". Good luck!

 

[ugstang17]

Since new my car has had an intermittent issue with the backup camera AND light not working, generally when the car is at full operating temperature like pulling in to park after a morning commute. I feel like it's possibly the switch in the trans (MT) since the issue affects both the light and the camera activation. The dealer replaced the camera because they're dumb, it works exactly the same now.

Just wondering if anybody has had a similar issue. I'm really only worried about the backup light, that's a safety issue. I can get the switch and put it in myself, I don't think any amount of logic could get the dealer to do it.

The reverse switch on the 14GT and lower goes directly to the ECU. Can-bus transfers the reverse switch condition to a body control module that turns on the reverse lamp and this also triggers the backup camera system. Again this is on the 14+ as I do not have a 15+ schematic to see the actual latest and greatest though I have 05-15 access. It is likely that this process has only gotten more complex with the 15+ S550's. Since the reverse lamp is also working intermittently (assuming it isn't working at the same time as the camera) then it could be "as simple as the reverse switch", or it could be the ECU itself (though unlikely), the associated BCM, or ALL ASSOCIATED WIRING. It's not always "just that simple".

As a side note I spent over 19 years as a field service specialist in several different industries. I still work in that capacity without the travel or having to deal with that occasional ungrateful, thankless customer. Most were great but you always have that one that has to be an over demanding, 'has all the answers', pretentious, prude. Don't be that guy.

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