Why Is My 2018 Jeep Compass Backup Camera Not Working?

Having problems with the backup camera in your 2018 Jeep Compass? Find ways to troubleshoot the issue yourself and save money on a mechanic here.
Written by Kathryn Mae Kurlychek
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Problems with your 2018 Jeep Compass backup camera? Don’t rush into a hefty mechanic bill; learn to troubleshoot the issue yourself to save time and money. 
The Jeep Compass stands apart for its superior handling in all-weather terrain and off-roading. But it’s also known for a number of electrical problems, which can include problems with the backup camera. 
If you’re a Jeep Compass driver dealing with a problematic rearview camera, you’re not alone—but before you take your car to a mechanic, it’s worthwhile to determine whether the issue is one you can troubleshoot yourself.
Here to walk you through the ins and outs of fixing your Jeep’s backup camera is
Jerry
, the top-rated insurance shopping app and
car repair
expert. In this article, we’ll cover some of the most common problems associated with the 2018 Compass backup camera, plus tips and tricks for saving money on expenses like your
Jeep Compass insurance costs
along the way. 
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Why is my 2018 Jeep Compass backup camera not working?

Problems with the 2018 Jeep Compass’s rear camera are not especially
common Jeep problems
—so when they occur, finding a solution can feel mind-boggling. 
If you regularly take your
Jeep Compass off-road
, it may be that a rock or debris knocked loose some wiring on your rearview camera—or if you received your Compass second-hand, it could be that the vehicle is overdue on a software update.
Simple issues (like a loose wire) can be fixed easily at home. Troubleshooting the problem yourself can save you time and money on a mechanic and help you tackle future problems with ease and expertise. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common rearview camera issues facing Jeep Compass drivers today. 

Common backup camera issues for the 2018 Jeep Compass

There are a number of reasons you may be experiencing issues with your 2018 Jeep Compass’s backup camera. Below, we cover a few potential causes and solutions for common backup camera problems. 

Backup camera has gone black

If your rear camera has gone completely black or is displaying a message that reads “check entire surroundings,” either your brightness is too low, there’s faulty/loose wiring, or it’s a manufacturing error
If it’s simply a matter of your screen’s brightness, changing the levels is a fairly simple process:
  • Start by putting your Jeep in reverse—just keep your foot on the brake pedal!
  • Navigate to settings on your touchscreen display.
  • Select Rear Camera.
  • Modify the brightness levels using the + and - buttons to your desired brightness level.
If changing your brightness levels doesn’t work, you’ll want to check around the backup camera for any loose wiring or unplugged wires. In some cases, you may have to remove your vehicle’s radio to access the rear camera mounting unit. 
If you can’t determine the cause of the issue, it may be a manufacturing error. When in doubt, it’s safest to bring your Jeep to the nearest dealer for further assistance. 
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Backup camera is too bright

Maybe, you’re facing the opposite of a too-dark screen—maybe your backup camera is blindingly bright. If the brightness levels on your display are too high, you can modify them by following the steps outlined above to reduce the brightness levels on your rear-view display.

Backup camera is glitching 

Black and white screens, weird lines, or unfamiliar messages? If your backup camera is glitching, the chances are your vehicle’s software is outdated
Outdated software can interfere with your backup camera’s performance, so it’s important you update the software as soon as possible. You can check out
Jeep’s Uconnect website
for software updates or take your vehicle to your local Jeep dealer, where a technician should be able to assist you in updating the software. 
Conversely, some Jeep wireless firmware updates can actually cause errors in your backup camera’s performance. Resolving backup camera issues following a firmware update may involve draining and
refilling your car's battery
, which you can do in just a few steps:
  • Pop your Jeep Compass’s hood and detach the positive battery terminal. To zero the capacitor's charge, hold it to the electrical ground strap for about 30 seconds or so.
  • Reattach the positive battery cable
  • Turn your ignition switch to the “ON” position, without starting the vehicle. This should power up your Jeep’s electrical components
  • Switch your headlights on then back off
  • Turn your ignition back to the “OFF” position
  • Start the engine
In some cases, this reset may be enough to restore your backup camera to operational capacity. If the camera continues to glitch, check for loose or faulty wiring and make sure there are no blown fuses

Save money on car insurance for your Jeep Compass

Sometimes, there’s no way around an expensive repair bill. But thankfully, there is a way to avoid high premiums on your
car insurance
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FAQs

There are a number of reasons you may experience problems with your backup camera, including software issues, loose or faulty wiring or cables, a blown fuse box, a manufacturer error, and more. 
The best way to determine the cause of the issue with your backup camera is by taking your vehicle to a mechanic.
Sometimes, the backup camera can appear black because your display’s brightness levels are too low. Other times, there’s an issue with loose or faulty wiring. A blank or black screen for your backup camera could also indicate your vehicle’s software needs updating.
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