Backup Camera Signal Malfunction
 

2010 ES350
88,000 miles

The backup camera doesn’t always show up or has a really bad signal. I’ve been noticing this issue for the past 2 years since I purchased the car, but I believe it happens more frequently during the summer.

For example, when shifting into Reverse the camera monitor will not turn on at all unless I restart the car/head unit . Other times, the signal is very poor and shows a bunch of colors/distortion. Today I tried opening and closing the trunk to see if there is a loose connection in the hinge, but it didn’t make a difference until I restarted the car.

Does anyone have pointers on where to start checking for issues?


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Distorted signal
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No signal
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Works normally after a restart

Same issue on my 2008 GS350. I usually opened the trunk a few times or slapped the camera area a few times. Most of the times it could fix the issue. I suspected it was caused by a loose wire connector somewhere in the loop but it is very hard to diagnose as you suggested. One way you can do is to remove the trunk liner and re-insert all connectors. (I've tried doing for my GS but it is very difficult to take it off. I guess it is easier on ES)

Update November 2024:

Issue was always intermittent.

After checking the wiring and the camera, I suspected the camera's logic board was the culprit because it would occur almost consistently when it was hot outside.

My theory is the solder points on the logic board would become loose when exposed to hot outside temperatures.

Found out Lexus had a revised part number for the camera which was used in the later models years.

Original PN: 86790-33030
Revised PN: 86790-33031

You can tell the old from the new based on its connector coming of the back of the camera.
The old one has a round cable, while the newer one has a clipped in style connector.
Found one used on eBay and swapped it out mid July of 2024. The issue hasn't come back yet - I'm calling this one fixed.

Image quality is about the same. The new one is a bit brighter and lacks Anti-Aliasing, not sure if that has something to do with the head unit's compatibility as this was a simple plug and play swap.

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