The Truth

I get the blank screen of death 100% of the time when going in reverse from the backup camera and the dealer said I needed to have my backup camera modulator replaced and quoted me $1.1k in total lol. Obviously, not doing that so I bought a used modulator and plan on swapping out the old which I believe to be located under the rear bench? Question is is do I need the module reprogrammed at all by the dealer or a shop? The seller of the part suggested it might need to be.

Plutoe

Yes

The Truth

I assume you have replaced this before Is the module right underneath the rear bench?

Plutoe

Yes we have because we have spent time learning numerous MB systems and have the diagnostic tools to repair customer vehicles. We are a for profit shop. Take the time and subscribe to MB WIS. Your answer is included

Oda112

Find a decent shop that knows their way around Vediamo, DTS Monaco or Xentry and they should be able to do it for you for much cheaper than the dealership. You can find a used module on ebay for about 40$, labor and coding shouldn't be more than 1.5h of shop time.

The Truth

I ordered a used one off ebay over the weekend and it should be here Monday. Will have my independent look at reprogramming it. Thanks everyone!

Oda112

Let us know how it went. I've been experiencing the sporadic black screen of death as well but a russian tap on the trunk lid makes it go away for a few months. I even took the camera connector apart and cleaned the inside (it was wet), that worked for at least 6 months. I can't tell for sure if mine is a module or connector issue but I'm leaning more towards connector.

The Truth

Will do. Should have it in some time next week.

Davery

I am having the same black screen issue. Started off once and a while, but now is constant. I was hoping it is camera issue and ordered a used one off ebay. It should be here next week. Now I am wondering if it is actually the camera or the module.

Davery

So I installed the used OEM camera. I was told it worked, but I it is not working for me. No 'check your surroundings', just a black screen. Would another OEM camera need to be programmed?

The Truth

So I got my car back and the camera was working again which was nice, but frustrating for paying for the diagnostic. Dealer said they unplugged the backup camera module and plugged it back in which is located under the rear seat and it started working again. They said it will eventually go out and when it does, I'll need to swap out a replacement which I now have on standby. You might want to try unplugging and plugging your module back in as well and see if that helps

Davery

And that is located under the back seat, correct?

The Truth

Correct. This is what I heard from the dealer and a few other sources, however I have yet to see it myself.

Davery

I do not see it, but maybe I am missing something.

The Truth

Would you be able to comment on where exactly the Backup Camera Module is located? It seems as you have replaced one of these before.

Davery

It appears the module is in the trunk on the left side. I have not been able to figure out how to remove the interior trunk panels as of yet. I am really afraid to pull too hard.

konigstiger

Sedan location, camera b84/3 is wired into voltage supply module n66/10.

Davery

I was able to get an OEM used camera off ebay and it is working now.

goldenval

Good morning from Ireland. I'm just about to receive modulator, camera and wiring from ebay and now trying to retrofit all that to my E300 Hybrid W212, 2014. So far after connecting everything car is still showing black screen with Back button on it. I connected red-yellow wire to Fuse 84 and probably connected grey-blue wire incorrectly. Do we know where unit U58/Z38 is located? Also modulator I received has a part number A164 543 00 62 (ML-class). But in ebay's description it was said that should fit W212. Or will only A212... part number work on W212 car?

Thanks, Val.

The Truth

Well, I finally had the black screen stick. I ended up ordering two used replacement backup camera modules. After I installed one of the modules, I took it to the dealer and they had it for a few days and finally said the module I had given them was defective. Fair enough, so I went home with the car and found the other one I ordered awhile ago. I will be dropping it back off tomorrow at the dealer for them to try the reprogramming again on the other module. My question is, what's the chance of getting two used modules that are both defective? If this one doesn't work, do I bite the bullet and buy a brand new OEM module or could there be a different issue?

Arrie

It is amazing that your dealer is even trying to program a module that you did not buy from them (or other MB dealer) as my dealer would not touch the car with used module. Your dealer may be giving you a run-around with it too so you will have to get a new part thru them...?

The Truth

Well the second module I gave them didn't work either. They then tested one they had in their parts department and they said it worked 😒. I told them that I would buy a new OEM one and have them program it and they were ok with it. I agree with you, I'm a bit surprised but they're ok to go that route and even let me keep the loaner until the part comes in. Fingers crossed the third times the charm.

Arrie

Go what route? They got you to buy a new module so make sure the new one is what you pay for.

As you have installed these already go ahead and check the loaner module Serial and part numbers and after they install the new one check numbers again to make sure they installed a new module. And don’t tell them before the job you checked the numbers.

And don’t be surprised if the numbers match…

The Truth

The new route is I bought a new oem one online and having them put it in. They wanted to originally charge my $1400 for them to put in a new one after the $250 they charged me for the reprogram. Absolutely outrageous.