Had my HU replaced to the typical freezing/rebooting problem and now I have a different issue.

I'd say 10-20% of the time I drive my back-up camera is not displayed on the HU, only a black screen.

Anyone else had this problem and if so, how did you fix it?

I have a dealer appointment in a week or so but I KNOW it's going to be one of those - they have to replicate the problem or how can they KNOW it's the head unit without me paying for a diagnostic - runaround.

Just tell them your concern and they'll know to check for updates. If you're under your 3yr 36k youll be ok. I actually believe there is a software up date for this particular concern.

Thanks for the reply. At the 41k mark at this point. The HU would be under warranty because it was recently replaced but anything else wouldn't be.

Did the problem start after you had the unit replaced? Loose connection maybe? I'd start with the software update.


2011 4Runner Trail with KDSS
1992 Land Cruiser

Mine does the same thing but seems like less than 10%. When it does it, it lasts for a day or two then back to normal. Hopefully an update would fix it.

Yep - Only started with the new head unit. I'll ask for a software update first.

Hi pbcolt,

There's something that you might check before you visit the dealership... On the passenger-side of the transmission there's a switch that tells the ecu and Back-up cam that you're in reverse. There's a green wire from the D/S fusebox that supplies the power to that circuit. Then there's a Red wire that comes out of the switch and goes the the HU. The next time the back-up cam/screen fails you could pull the connector off of the switch and Jumper these two wires together; which will bypass the switch all together.

If this is causing the trouble then this will initiate the back-up cam and viewing screen even though it was not working when you had it in reverse before. If the rearview camera is working again, then the problem was an 'intermittently' defective neutral position safety switch. The problem with this test is that you'll have to run it when the backup camera isn't working to isolate the issue; which likely only happens when you're on the run!

PS: Should it turn out that this is the problem, you can pick one up on ebay for $50 bucks:

Neutral Safety Switch 84540 51010 Fits Toyota 4Runner Tacoma Lexus GX470 SC430 | eBay

Best to you!

Thank you very much for taking the time to reply! I'll definitely check that out next time it isn't working.

Dealer says the back-up camera itself is shorting and intermittently not sending a signal. The dealer "pulled panels and did some electrical testing" to come to their conclusion. The good news is that because I am out of warranty and the dealer agreed this is a problem that really shouldn't happen on a 2.5 year old truck, the dealer called Toyota and Toyota has offered to cover the cost of the part - I just need to pay the two hours labor for install.

Thank you so much for posting this! I am new to the forums and this is a HUGE concern for me-my backup camera just not going on/black screen-as I have a really messed up back and neck from 2 accidents (not my fault! Not in my 4Runner woohoo!). I have problems turning to look begind me. You guys are awesome and knowledgable. Thx again and Merry Christmas!

Late to the party, I recently purchased a certified preowned 2016 SR5 4Runner that is suffering from this issue. I brought it back to them, they updated the software and the problem still remains. Was just wondering if anyone had other specifics as to the issue/resolution?

Thanks,

Steve

Hello. There is a lot of info in this thread and none of it seems to work whatsoever. My camera intermittently worked. I then just recently replaced my battery. And now it doesn’t even activate the reverse screen when I go into reverse. It’s as if there is no camera. The radio screen doesn’t even blink . I since done a disconnect and a reconnect of the the battery and that doesn’t work . And I really do not see any wires, green or red going into the transmission at all. I’ve searched all around it.

I’ve been searching for a solution to this for about four years. To no avail. Am I just screwed?