Backup camera works intermittently
 

Hey audio gurus. I'm currently using a pioneer avic 5000 nex head unit, with a back up camera. The issue I'm having is that when I initially start my car and put it in reverse, the camera operates as it normally should. But, after driving to my destination and let's say I back into a parking space, the camera won't display but it'll go to the screen as it should but won't display the image. All of my connections are correct. I am using the wireless transmitters to transmit the feed. All of my connections are solid and soldered. I have the power signal and reverse input wire (purple/white tracer) run to the orange wire by the tail light connector and my ground to the black wire on the connector. All settinsgs on the radio are correct as well. Any help in diagnosing this issue is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

If I’m reading your description right, the backup camera transmitter is only on when the car is in reverse. If this is so I think that the backup camera receiver times out and turns off after not receiving signal from the transmitter for a certain period of time (many wireless systems do this). This might explain why it only works right after you turn on your car. First read the install directions for the wireless system and make sure there isn’t something in the directions saying that it needs a constant source of power while the car is on. If it says to hook it up to the accessory or ignition power then hooking it up to the tail light for power might be the issue. If the directions are vague on what is a suitable power source then I would wire in a temporary power source to the transmitter that stays on when the car is on to test this.

BTW what is the make and model of the wireless backup camera system?

You know, I never thought about running a constant power to it. I'm not sure if it timing out is a function or not, but it was working perfectly fine before hand. But anything is possible. As for the make of the transmitter, I'm not 100% sure. It's some chinese company. It was ordered off of amazon. The odd thing is that I turned the car off (idling) and than just cycled it to have the battery on, and it was working fine. Than I started the car and let it idle, and it wouldn't kick on. Do you think possibly running the ground on the transmitter to it's own ground may help also?

In theory, a ground is a ground. In practice/execution, it can make a difference. It sounds like VABAM is on the right track - I'd try his suggestions before worrying about a dedicated ground.

Camera power should go to a switched 12 volt and ground should go to a clean ground. I've seen this happen a few times where it won't work all the time if it's wired improperly.

Thanks for all of the replies. I'll tear into it this weekend and report my findings