Check Engine and VSC Lights when employing Anytime Reverse Camera

[matthewkristof]

07 2wd Sport here. Some time ago, I installed an Anytime Reverse Camera using a diode in the reverse line. This worked absolutely flawlessly when needing to check behind the rig without going in reverse. I had it wired up with my e7008 navigation unit and had zero issues.

Recently upgraded to an aftermarket Pioneer unit. Once I enjoyed it for a few months, I decided to hook up the Anytime Reverse Camera so I can once again utilize it. Worked fine during testing, but of course once everything is put back together I got problems. I noticed that when I pressed the button, it would illuminate the green R in the instrument panel, as well as the VSC and Check Engine lights (never did any of those before). I disconnected the negative from the battery, gave it a minute, reconnected, and everything lit up like normal. However, once I pressed the button again, the same lights would go on. I'm sure I heard a "tick" type noise at the moment I depressed the button and the new warning lights popped up.

All wires are soldered and sealed using heat shrink, so I know it's not a connectivity error / loose wiring. It worked fine before in my e7008, not sure why it's giving me problems now. Any help is totally appreciated. Thank you.

 

[mrpurplepenguin]

Do you have the schematic for the reverse camera mod you did? When I followed J.A.'s writeup, no diode was needed. Knowing what circuit you implemented will help with troubleshooting.

Assuming you're using a switch to feed +12V to the 'Reverse' input on the stereo, and a diode to block that from the rest of the vehicle wiring: it's possible the diode has failed and is now acting as a short, no longer blocking the reverse signal from your switch from the rest of the vehicle's electronics. This could make the vehicle think it's in reverse, illuminate the 'R' on the gauge cluster, and confuse the ECU (some sensors say you're traveling forward at 50mph but other sensors say reverse???) enough to throw VSC and check engine codes.

Can you scan the check engine codes and post them? That would also aid in diagnosis.

Hope that helps!