2019 Classic rear camera blue screen / failure

[northvibe]

Alrighty. Bought the truck new, had line-x do the bedliner and then some time later had some blue screen/flicker when backup camera would go on. Had the dealer check it out under warranty, they "fixed" it and now it is back .

When I wiggle the connector/loom between the bed and the tailgate, it will sometimes come back.
I took my tailgate off, unhooked the harness from the bed, removed some of the loom/tape, don't see anything noticeable. There is some metal tape on 3 wires that looks to be shielding for the camera wires. I ordered the harness for the bed to camera as a just in case. I have removed the tape back to the first plastic clip and things seem fine. I haven't used my DMM to verify continuity when the wires are moved. I am waiting on a neighbor to help watch the backup cam while I mess with the wiring loom to see if it is a certain spot.

I was hoping to find a bad pinch or solder joint I could patch and waterproof. The back of the plug does look like some corrosion is happening on the 3 wires clipped (not used) and if that spreads could cause issues inside the connector. I see that A LOT in pinball repairs. It seems like it happens after rain(ing). When the tailgate is opened, the wire loom "looks" pinched between the tail gate and bed, but it still can be moved up/down.

I'll be trying to troubleshoot this harness today, add dielectric grease to all the plugs and try to clean up that green/corrosion on the back of the one plug. I'll also check the plug under the truck. The camera plugs inside the tail gate felt and look good.

 

[northvibe]

Helper didn't have time, so I used alligator clips and verified continuity on the harness from the bed plug to the plug under the tailgate handle. Clipped each of the 8, then wiggled the harness and they all tested good. The "green" may not of been corrosion, but paint? I did dunk the plug in vinegar just in case, and clean it off with contact cleaner, let it dry. Put dielectric grease in the plug under the door handle, and at the truck bed... then tried to push the truck bed plug closed...holy f was that the hardest/tightest plug I can remember pushing back together.

This may of been the issue the whole time. Where that plug was "together" but unless you look inside the clip, it may not be fully pushed together and also have the red clip cover/lock it together. I had to use a large adjustable pliers to push/squeeze the plugs together and really get on it to hear the click. Pics attached of what I am talking about.

I rewrapped the wire harness in electrical tape. I'll have to get auto/outdoor rated tape and redo it, OR swap to my new harness but I think that plug was the issue. At initial test this has worked/fixed. So I'll have to update later to see if this actually fixed it.

 

[GTyankee]

I am not familiar with Rams newer than 2018

The Rams that i am familiar with have two connectors that Line-X use to remove the tailgate

One of the guys disconnected a connector that is located by the rear of the drivers side rear tire. It runs along the frame.
My thought was that particular connection would be used if someone was working on the exhaust.

Anyway that worker had disconnected that connector when owner of the shop & i walked into the taping/spraying room, then the shop owner lowered the tailgate & began unscrewing the tailgate inspection plate, the next thing they did was undo the connection that you posted above.
Then removed the tailgate & set it on saw horses & taped it off for spraying.
Then they taped off the truck bed & the rear of the roof & sides of the bed & then lowered the tarp that hangs from the overhead of the building, it drops between the cab & the bed to prevent over spraying.
They were about to begin spraying, so i walked outside & explored the mini malls for a while.

I had Blue Screen when i returned, they had forgot to connect the connection near the tire

My other 2009 Ram, see the wire above the rear license plate
That wire is the pigtail that goes up to the tailgate handle camera

 

[northvibe]

my 2019 classic is the same as yours, the 4th gen. I went under the truck and didn't think I saw/found a connector for the camera harness except the one at that plastic panel. I saw some plier marks on the wires, so I assume they had issue pulling that connector apart and used a pliers to help :s

Well it worked today and we had rain last night...sooooo fingers crossed. I'll keep my new harness as a spare I guess.

 

[Light299]

This is a known issue with 4th gen rams. There is a design flaw in the connector between the camera assembly and the first pigtail. After three trips to the dealer in as many months, replacing the camera and the first pigtail, I gave up. I started carrying the correct size torx screwdriver in the console so I could take off the inspection cover when it inevitably happened. A buddy recommended an easier fix though, which honestly has worked every time.... when it's not working, go open the tailgate then slam it closed hard. Crappy I know, but that's life with a dodge....

There is another ram forum and plenty of YouTube videos about this problem. Kinda amazing there hasn't been a recall since the camera is a federally mandated safety device.

Wait till you start having the key fob problems....those are REAL fun.

 

[northvibe]

Luckily my ford explorer (2020) is having stupider issues.... hoping this truck can make it 100k without too much issue. I would not like to have keyfob issues...those sound annoying. Is that the fob module replacement or worse?

 

[PoMansRam]

Maybe I just haven't stumbled upon them, but I haven't heard of many back up camera issues on 4th gens.

If the wiring looks good and the connectors look good, maybe there's a loose fitting pin, seeing at this the area that's been meddled with. You can probe the female end of the connector with a T-pin or the likes to see if every one that's needed has enough tension/friction.