madtrucker2016, I encountered an issue where I lost the use of my back-up camera this week on my 2016 Ram. Something similar has happened on about half a dozen occasions over the past 3 years that I have owned the truck. After checking YouTube for similar problems with the Ram back-up cameras I took several steps in attempting to correct the problem. I did a Factory reset which did not resolve the issue. The camera picture was washed out. I took the further step of downloading an update that was available on-line and went through the steps recommended on YouTube to install the update from UConnect through a flash drive with the 2 files I downloaded from UConnect. UConnect also provides written instructions on downloading and installing the update, which worked after several attempts. At first, I did not extract the files, as instructed. If you do not extract the files, the UConnect system will not read the file from the flash drive. Anyway, that did not resolve the issue. Instead of the washed out picture I now got a green screen with nothing, and intermittently, a washed out picture again. So following another YouTube video, I took out the 8 torx bolts that hold the flat panel on the inside of the tailgate that covers the lock mechanism and camera. I could see nothing obvious with the wiring or connections. But I unplugged the larger wiring harness and after a quick look at the pins and socket I clipped the harness back together, ensuring that it was tight. A very simple procedure, really. I then started the truck and put it in reverse and the camera, for the first time in about a week, was working perfectly with a clear, clean picture behind. Just what that simple act of unclipping and connecting back the harness did, I am not sure. It is possible that a small amount of moisture had collected inside the harness, enough to cause a short in the system, I'm guessing. Unclipping it and connecting it back together may have been enough to disturb the moisture and cause the connection to start making proper contact again. As a last step before putting the cover back on, I used a good rust inhibitor/lubricant/water displacing penetrant to spray all the lock mechanism and any bolts I could see to prevent rusting and to lubricate the moving parts. I made it a point, since the product I used is a safe di-electric product, to spray all the wiring harness connections to prevent moisture from getting in and causing future shorts. The product will not conduct below about 40,000 volts but will not interfere with low-voltage current either. I hope this simple procedure resolves my problem once and for all. I noticed that many others have experienced the same issue with their back-up cameras on the Dodge Ram over a period of years. Before going to all the more complicated procedures mentioned earlier, try that simple fix. It may just work for you as well and hopefully save costly repairs or unwanted downtime.
