“Camera system unavailable”

[Hawki1cr]

I have a 2014 1500 with the unconnect 8.4. For the past few months, my backup camera has been broken. All I get when I put it in reverse is a blue screen that says “camera system unavailable”. Prior to the camera failing completely, the screen was very blurry and the image on the screen was reversed. So if an object was on my right while backing, it appeared on the left on the screen.

I’ve tried researching this issue and have checked the connections in the tailgate. Everything is connected. Is there anything else I can do to diagnose the problem? I’ve got 50k miles on the truck so no warranty. Dealer wants $115 just to diagnose the problem. Has anyone been able to fix this on their own? Would replacing the camera itself fix the problem?

Any help is appreciated.

 

[RamCares]

I have a 2014 1500 with the unconnect 8.4. For the past few months, my backup camera has been broken. All I get when I put it in reverse is a blue screen that says “camera system unavailable”. Prior to the camera failing completely, the screen was very blurry and the image on the screen was reversed. So if an object was on my right while backing, it appeared on the left on the screen.

I’ve tried researching this issue and have checked the connections in the tailgate. Everything is connected. Is there anything else I can do to diagnose the problem? I’ve got 50k miles on the truck so no warranty. Dealer wants $115 just to diagnose the problem. Has anyone been able to fix this on their own? Would replacing the camera itself fix the problem?

Any help is appreciated.

Before you go this route, we'd like to get this over to a Uconnect Case Specialist. We can also check for any software updates. Send us your VIN within a direct message to get started.

Jasmine
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[Hawki1cr]

Jasmine, my vin is 1C6RR7TT4ES106448. I believe I’m up to date on software. I just updated the radio last year. But any suggestions are appreciated.

To those who have had to replace their backup camera system at the dealership, how much did it cost you?

 

[Hawki1cr]

So the camera started working kinda. It’s all blurry again with the reversed picture. The backup lines that are normally on the screen are also gone. Would this indicate a poor connection somewhere? Or a failing component? Any help is appreciated. I’d like to have a functional camera.

 

[Hawki1cr]

Bump. I’d really like some input. Is it something I can fix or should I take it in?

 

[Rado]

Jasmine, my vin is 1C6RR7TT4ES106448. I believe I’m up to date on software. I just updated the radio last year. But any suggestions are appreciated.

To those who have had to replace their backup camera system at the dealership, how much did it cost you?

I had the OEM Camera installed (did not have one before ) around $500/$550.00 That was camera,harness Flashed and install ! One thing to check is the wheel adjuster for dash lights, Turn it up and down, When mine was a bit blurry that took care of it! BUT never had any messages about the camera ! May have been just luck on my part ! But worth a shot ! I would look for any loose connections , but I am technically challenge so I take it to the dealer or my mechanic when I have a issue! Hope it is a easy fix and please update what you find, Sorry I am no help..... But will be following.. Good Luck

Rich

 

[Salesguy7]

Jasmine, I am having this same Camera System Unavailable message on my 2016 Ram 1500. Thanks for any help you can find for us.

 

[Rojascomputers]

I have a 2014 1500 with the unconnect 8.4. For the past few months, my backup camera has been broken. All I get when I put it in reverse is a blue screen that says “camera system unavailable”. Prior to the camera failing completely, the screen was very blurry and the image on the screen was reversed. So if an object was on my right while backing, it appeared on the left on the screen.

I’ve tried researching this issue and have checked the connections in the tailgate. Everything is connected. Is there anything else I can do to diagnose the problem? I’ve got 50k miles on the truck so no warranty. Dealer wants $115 just to diagnose the problem. Has anyone been able to fix this on their own? Would replacing the camera itself fix the problem?

Any help is appreciated.

I had the same problem all I did is push all my fuses and relays and worked. It seems like ram is not installing pushing the fuses and relays in all the way. Hope it helps.

 

[Rojascomputers]

Hey everyone push the fuses and relays in firmly and it should help. Ram is not installing them correctly and they are getting loose.

 

[Daddyc78]

Hawki1cr

Have you had any luck figuring this out? My 2014 2500 mega is doing the same but I’ve never gotten a picture back. I’ve tested the camera on my buddy’s truck and it’s fine, I’ve updated firmware, and pushed all the fuses in but no luck here. Any help would be great

 

[heefageLA]

When mine did this I found the red latch that held the tailgate connection down was not 'locked'.

I simply pushed the connection in and pushed the locking tab down and it has worked ever since.

 

[jacksondb1]

Took the tailgate off of a 2019 Ram for the spray in bedliner. Put it back on and plugged It up and it would not work. Customer brought it back in the following day. The camera connection plug under the bed {single wire} was not connecting. The connection will actually slide about 1/4 inch inside the plug itself therefore not making a connection even though the plug itself is connected. Try pushing the wires together inside the plug. Worked for me. No more stress. Good luck to all.

 

[Lee Spires]

Long story. I bought my 2014 1500 used about 2 1/2 years ago. Found out about 2 weeks later it had a backup camera, which wasnt working. Called the dealer and they stated that truck did not come with one according to the VIN, so I thought no more about it. About a month ago I upgraded from the 5.0 to the 8.4AN radio, meanwhile i looked at the camera in tailgate. Camera and wiring harness is "OEM". So after radio upgrade, i took truck to dealer to have it flashed so i would have backup camera. Service stated could`nt flash because no connection. Upon arriving home, put truck in reverse and got blue screen with "Camera System Unavailable", which i didnt before dealer. I have checked wiring, replaced fuse and even the camera. Removed negative battery cable to no avail. Any suggestions?

 

[bruce219]

I get the blue screen on mine if battery goes dead,after charging battery and driving for a bit i disconnect earth and leave for half hour and when I reconnect everything works normal again.

 

[texcwa]

Saw this post so thought maybe someone has figured out all the backup camera fixes. Just replaced both my batteries in my 2019 Ram 3500 and now the radio does not even recognize my OEM backup cameras (both tailgate and cab cameras). I don't even get the manual icon/control on my screen. Radio just stays in radio or navigation mode, no switching in screen (blue or black) at all when putting into reverse and no message saying anything about not recognizing backup? Anyone had same issue and found a fix? Tried disconnecting batteries again, did not fix it, tried pushing in and holding the volume and tuner buttons for 20 seconds (saw this in another forum) but did not fix it.

 

[GTyankee]

My suggestion is first go buy a spray can of CRC Lectri clean or other electrical CONTACT cleaner.


Open your tailgate access panel
carefully disconnect any electrical pigtails, look at the plugs for dirt & bent pins, then spray them with electrical contact cleaner & reconnect them. check your camera.

Next look at the back of your license plate, find the connections & clean & spray them.check your camera
While your down there, check your 7 pin trailer connection, whether you use it or not, clean it & spray it with cleaner

Next move over to the rear of your left rear tire, look around & you will find another connector, disconnect, clean, spray, reconnect & check camera

Good Luck

 

[EagleChief]

** EDIT ** - Apparently did read the whole thread before I posted. Sorry.

I know this is WAY old, but one thing to try....

Pull the inspection plate off of the inside of the tailgate (behind the handle). There is a connection there for the camera that can come loose. Clean it off, add some grease and plug it back in. That will hopefully fix the issue.

I was cleaning out my bed with a broom and as I was sweeping the gap between the bed and the tailgate, the broom snagged the wire and pulled the connection loose. Hooked it back up and all has been good.