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Backup Camera Trouble

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Old Feb 25, 2017 | 09:24 PM
  #1  
koltonbittner's Avatar
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'13 E550 Sedan, '15 S550 Coupe, '15 RR Autobiography
Backup Camera Trouble

Just starting today every time I activate the backup camera I get a black screen with static flickers... any ideas to what the issue is? Maybe a fuse?


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Old Feb 25, 2017 | 10:15 PM
  #2  
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2013 E350 4Matic
I had camera flickering and randomly going dark. After few software updates, could not replicate, functions normal and other BS from MB service, they finally took out my camera and harness and found loose pin on camera and were able to replicate my issues. Camera and I believe harness were replaced , so far so good.
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Old Feb 25, 2017 | 10:28 PM
  #3  
Nascarfan's Avatar
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I had something similar and they tried a software update but that didn't fix the problem so they eventually replaced the camera. It was giving some code when it was scanned but can't remember what it was.
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Old Feb 26, 2017 | 10:34 AM
  #4  
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IIRC there is a thread on here where a member described removing the trunk lid inside cover and tightening the cable connection to address the issue. might be worth looking into.
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Old Feb 26, 2017 | 08:49 PM
  #5  
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2010 E350, Sold 1998 C230
I had problems with the camera flickering and occasional blank screens. Pull down the trunk lining and access the connector from the camera to the harness and pull it apart and put it back together several times. That should help to clean off the oxidation on the pins. It fixed my issue which sounds pretty similar. Good luck.
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Old Feb 26, 2017 | 10:15 PM
  #6  
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Checked again today and it fixed itself
I think the cold weather has something to do with it, I've been getting random issues that fix themselves and I don't keep my E in the garage
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Old Feb 27, 2017 | 07:26 AM
  #7  
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2010 E350, Sold 1998 C230
Originally Posted by koltonbittner
Checked again today and it fixed itself
I think the cold weather has something to do with it, I've been getting random issues that fix themselves and I don't keep my E in the garage
If its like mine, it will happen again. Fix it now, or fix it later. Your choice.
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Old Jul 14, 2017 | 11:14 AM
  #8  
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This is happening to me now so I'll have to give this a try. Are then any specific directions/pics of the problem area and steps to take?
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Old Jul 14, 2017 | 12:27 PM
  #9  
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Originally Posted by koltonbittner
Checked again today and it fixed itself
I think the cold weather has something to do with it, I've been getting random issues that fix themselves and I don't keep my E in the garage
I had that only once so far, and the SA did some f/w update(it is already latest).
Now, the rear camera goes completely blank sometimes.
I'll share pics and video later. I notified the issue last week and hadn't had a chance to make a reservation.
My Factory expires this 16th, but ELW is there till 2020 or 53kmiles more.

1. 2016, they have a service, they changed my harness for the rear camera and backup sensors.
2. Camera got re calibrated recently(after the glitching-issue and before blacking out)


After f/w upgrade

Last edited by raja777m; Jul 14, 2017 at 05:58 PM.
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Old Jul 14, 2017 | 01:26 PM
  #10  
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Bulletin explaining calibration was released that may or may not apply depending on complaint. In addition, pre-facelift camera retrofit will give a better understanding of system. See attachments.
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
LI54.65-P-066284_Ver_1.pdf (33.2 KB, 643 views)

Last edited by konigstiger; Jul 14, 2017 at 02:05 PM.
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Old Jul 14, 2017 | 01:39 PM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by konigstiger
Bulletin explaining calibration was released that may or may not apply depending on complaint, see attachment.
In my case this seems to be a different issue. Thanks for the help though.

By any chances would you have a diagram of how things would look once we attempt to take off the trunk lining and check the connection to the camera?
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Old Jul 14, 2017 | 01:51 PM
  #12  
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2014 C-Class
I had an issue like this a while back. Personally I think its an easy fix so I dont think you'll need a diagram
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Old Jul 14, 2017 | 04:12 PM
  #13  
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A big thanks. Funny I read this post this morning then got into the car to run an errand. No back up camera lol. Go figure. I pulled the trunk cover and did the repeat connector thing , all good. I've got the EW on the car but maybe saved a trip in to the dealer.
Talk about timing lol.
Incidentally, you can get replacement push-in plastic retainers almost anywhere. Since its where they are made anyway, awhile back I ordered about a dozen different types from China since I use them on a variety of vehicles. Some are simple push-in, others have the center plastic screw or push-pin. One of those handy little things to have around, so as in this case I wasn't too worried about popping them off of the inner trunk cover.

Last edited by Mud; Jul 14, 2017 at 09:35 PM.
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Old Jul 15, 2017 | 01:11 PM
  #14  
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'10 W212 4matic P2-Distronic / '14 Cayenne / '04 X5 3.0 / '13 Altima
I have the same issue
Dealer says it is my aftermarket battery, except that the issue started waaaaay before the aftermarket battery

My warranty is about to expire and I've got a list of things for them to do, and fixing the camera is on the top of the list
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Old Jul 16, 2017 | 08:31 PM
  #15  
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Same issue happened to me. I took a video of the last time it happened and my SA ended up replacing the camera under warranty.
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Old Jul 16, 2017 | 09:43 PM
  #16  
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can my dealer deny a repair because I put in an aftermarket battery?
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Old Jul 17, 2017 | 08:10 AM
  #17  
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Originally Posted by jahquan3
In my case this seems to be a different issue. Thanks for the help though.

By any chances would you have a diagram of how things would look once we attempt to take off the trunk lining and check the connection to the camera?
Just drop the trunk lining and it will make sense. Follow the wiring from the camera back and you will find the connector. IIRC there is some plastic trim that first needs to come down or be loosened up first.

Most of the time when you experience intermittent problems with car electronics, suspect connectors first. Its a fairly hash environment, even if its closed up with some layer of padding. Moist/dry, extreme heat/freezing cold and connectors start to build up a thin layer of corrosion that creates higher resistance and causes signals to drop. Opening and closing them several times will cause the metal contacts to scrape each other and clean up their act, if not permanently, at least for a while.
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Old Jul 17, 2017 | 08:46 AM
  #18  
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Great advice from all, I think I fixed it for now. Seems to be operating properly through a full day of driving and parking yesterday. Hopefully it doesn't come back since it was very irritating. I almost rather it be a black screen than flickering constantly.

Thx again.

Last edited by jahquan3; Jul 17, 2017 at 08:48 AM.
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Old Jul 17, 2017 | 05:21 PM
  #19  
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Originally Posted by kash2014
can my dealer deny a repair because I put in an aftermarket battery?
Can't see how the battery affects the rear camera, but no they shouldn't deny it b/c of that. Are they going to deny suspension claims b/c you bought tires from somewhere else?
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 02:06 PM
  #20  
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Originally Posted by Mud
A big thanks. Funny I read this post this morning then got into the car to run an errand. No back up camera lol. Go figure. I pulled the trunk cover and did the repeat connector thing , all good. I've got the EW on the car but maybe saved a trip in to the dealer.
Talk about timing lol.
Incidentally, you can get replacement push-in plastic retainers almost anywhere. Since its where they are made anyway, awhile back I ordered about a dozen different types from China since I use them on a variety of vehicles. Some are simple push-in, others have the center plastic screw or push-pin. One of those handy little things to have around, so as in this case I wasn't too worried about popping them off of the inner trunk cover.

same thing just happened to me. i read this post briefly on monday, and tuesday it goes black...... gotta try the connector deal.
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 02:40 PM
  #21  
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ha ha, if our cars have forums and if they discuss about us, owners.

Q. What did you do to your owner today:
Car 1: I saw my owner visiting/reading this page, so, I turned off the camera. Let him fiddle with the connectors for now.

My car: My owner just got me from the dealer, after 5 days, let me give him another trouble. He just missed a major bill, because he was under warranty.

i700Plus's car: I just had a heart transplant, my owner is just recovering from the 10k he spent on me, so, I showed some leak..!
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 03:13 PM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by raja777m
ha ha, if our cars have forums and if they discuss about us, owners.

Q. What did you do to your owner today:
Car 1: I saw my owner visiting/reading this page, so, I turned off the camera. Let him fiddle with the connectors for now.

My car: My owner just got me from the dealer, after 5 days, let me give him another trouble. He just missed a major bill, because he was under warranty.

i700Plus's car: I just had a heart transplant, my owner is just recovering from the 10k he spent on me, so, I showed some leak..!
Poor I700Plus...my heart weeps for the guy almost daily since I've met him on here
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 03:40 PM
  #23  
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Originally Posted by jahquan3
Poor I700Plus...my heart weeps for the guy almost daily since I've met him on here
true, especially on his 2nd adventure, my heart skipped a beat..!
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Old Jul 19, 2017 | 08:57 PM
  #24  
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Originally Posted by raja777m
ha ha, if our cars have forums and if they discuss about us, owners.
Half their threads would be about scared they are when their owners pick their noses and look at their phones instead of paying attention to the road. In our world, half the threads are about wheels.
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Old Aug 19, 2017 | 10:27 AM
  #25  
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Hello (my first ever post!). I have the same camera issue and came on here to get some insight. I have a 2011 E350 coupe with 52,000 miles. When I took it in due to the camera screen going black, they ran the diagnostics and ultimately said that I need a new camera, which is not covered by my extended warranty -- what a waste! Price Quote for Labor and Parts: $1,300, about $1,000 of which was for the camera. Does anyone know where I can find a cheaper camera to fit? Thanks!
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