When troubleshooting any type of equipment the first step is to determine what the failure is compared to normal operation.
When troubleshooting a rear vision camera system you first need to know how the system is supposed to work. Once you know that, the rest of the procedure becomes a process of elimination.
There are four areas that need to be looked at; the Camera, Monitor, Cable, and vehicle power supply.
The following is an example of one problem and the steps to take in narrowing down the source.
The monitor is blowing the power line fuse.
WARNING! ALWAYS REPLACE THE FUSE WITH THE SAME TYPE AND RATING. NEVER REPLACE THE FUSE WITH ONE OF A HIGHER RATING THAN RECOMMENDED.
1. Replace the 5 amp fuse. Fuses, through vibration, age, or a quick spike, can open. Test the monitor.
2. If the fuse blows again, disconnect the main cable going back to the camera and replace the 5 amp fuse, also at this time check the power wires (Red and Black on the Intec monitors) for any cuts that would cause them to short together or the power wire to ground. Test the monitor.
3. If the fuse blows again the monitor would need to be serviced. It is also important that the remainder of the system be tested prior to plugging in a new monitor. A short in the cable or camera can cause a failure to occur in the monitor which could cause a fuse to blow. Examples would be cuts in the cable or damage to the connector between the camera and cable, or any physical damage.
Troubleshooting Tips
CAUTION: When troubleshooting or making adjustments remember that the components may retain voltage even if the power lead is disconnected.
1. Monitor does not light up:
A. Turn the brightness and contrast knobs fully clockwise.
B. Check the 5 amp fuses in the power (red) and reverse (blue) wires. If blown, replace fuses, unplug the main cable leading back to the camera and retest. If the fuses blow again the monitor will need to be serviced. If the monitor lights up at this point, check the main cable and camera for damage prior to plugging the main cable back in.
C. Check the power (red), reverse (blue), and ground (black) wires for solid connections and that the proper voltage is applied. Refer to the monitor operation guide for the proper voltage. Also check for any damage to those wires. Secure or repair wires as needed and retest.
2. The monitor lights up but no picture appears:
A. Check the cables and connectors for damage. The connectors should fit snugly together and the connector pins should be clean and free from debris. If corrosion is found the cable should be replaced and the camera or monitor should be returned to Intec to have the connectors replaced and the equipment inspected for water damage.
B. Remove the camera and, if possible, plug it directly into the monitor or use a spare cable run along the outside of the vehicle to connect the camera and the monitor. If the cable was found to be damaged, it may have damaged the camera or monitor as well.
C. Replace, one at a time, the camera and monitor with a known working unit.
3. There is a picture but it is not usable:
A. Check the camera front glass for excessive dirt or moisture on the glass. Clean if necessary. Also check the camera glass for moisture behind it. If moisture is found behind the glass simply wiping it out will not correct the problem. The camera needs to be resealed. In any case if moisture is found behind the camera glass the camera should be returned to Intec for service.
B. Check the voltage on the red wire at the monitor for proper voltage (see monitor operation guide for proper voltage) as well as the black wire for a solid chassis ground. Too low of a voltage, or a poor ground, can cause the image seen on the monitor to be of poor quality. Also check the main chassis ground, in rare cases a loose main ground has caused the image seen on the monitor to be unusable.
C. If the picture is distorted (such as a cable T.V. channel you don't subscribe to) you have a RED to GREEN mismatch (refer to the section on RED to GREEN).
D. If the picture on the monitor screen is reversed, (not a "mirror" image) refer to the section on Image Orientation.
E. Replace one component at a time, with ones that are known to be working, until the problem is corrected. Start with running a new cable along the outside of the vehicle or, if possible, plug the camera and monitor directly together.
4. I get lines (engine noise) on the screen when the engine is running. This is usally caused by a bad ground.
A. Check the equipment gound and main chassis ground. Make sure the ground is secure and connected to a clean surface.
B. Check the alternator output. Sometimes the alternator itself is failing and putting out the noise.
C. If the ground(s) and the alternator are fine then you may need to install a noise filter. This filter should be installed as close to the source of the noise as possible. It can be installed between the power and ground of the alternator or between the power and ground of the Car Vision® Display.
You may also use a power regulator/conditioner on the input side to the monitor.
5. My system only comes on in reverse. Intec's Safety Camera Systems are designed to be operated manually via the ON/SB button or automatically through the use of the camera triggers when connected to a positive triggered voltage source (i.e. the reverse gear switch).
A. Press the On/SB switch.
B. Check the Red power wire. Make sure it is not connected with the trigger wire associated with the camera that is coming on. The Red power
wire should be connected to a post ignition constant power source to allow for manual operation. Refer to your operations manual for a wiring diagram.
The troubleshooting tips above are intended for you to be able to narrow down the source of the problem to the system component. If at anytime this guide does not cover the problem you're experiencing, please call or e-mail Intec. An Intec service rep may be able to offer further troubleshooting information or may ask you to return the equipment for service.
When calling please have the model number of the camera and monitor available.