Why Is My 2021 Jeep Wrangler Backup Camera Not Working?

Is your 2021 Jeep Wrangler backup camera not working? Here are a few troubleshooting options to try before you head to the shop.
Written by David Ghanizadeh-Khoob
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
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Is your 2021 Jeep Wrangler backup camera not working? You’ve come to the right place for troubleshooting options for some of the most common Jeep backup camera issues.
If you’re having issues with your Wrangler’s backup camera, you’re not alone. The good news is that with relatively new vehicles, a broken camera is pretty rare. The solution can often be done at home with just a few tools and some guidance.
In this article from
Jerry
, we will cover the first steps for troubleshooting common backup camera issues. Then, we’ll go into how you can lower your
Jeep car insurance costs
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Why is my 2021 Jeep Wrangler backup camera not working?

Since backup cameras are exposed to the elements, they tend to be pretty durable pieces of equipment. Fortunately, this means that it’s pretty rare that you would have to replace a backup camera within the first few years of its life. That said, as with any car component, things can go wrong, leading to some frustrating technical difficulties.
Before you
take your car to the shop
, though, there are a few things that you can try to troubleshoot the issue at home. The fix might be as easy as pushing a few buttons.

Common backup camera issues for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler

Many issues could be causing your 2021 Jeep Wrangler backup camera issues. We’ll break down a few of the common issues, and some potential causes and solutions.
The first thing you should try, though, is simply restarting the system. There are a few ways to go about this:
  1. Restart the stereo system: Turn the car on, hold down the power button for 10-15 seconds, beyond when the stereo turns off, then release and hold down the power button again until it restarts
  2. Disconnect the fuse: Check your owner’s manual to find the correct fuse, disconnect it and reconnect it to reset the camera’s power supply
  3. Disconnect the battery: With the car off, loosen and disconnect the battery terminals, starting with the negative terminal. With the battery disconnected, turn on the car and run the headlights for a few minutes. Then turn the car off, reconnect the terminals (positive first this time), and see if it resolves the issue
If these rebooting tactics don’t resolve the issue, you’ll have to do some troubleshooting. Don’t try anything that you aren't confident doing yourself, and when in doubt take your car to a Jeep dealership or your local auto shop.

Backup camera has gone black

There are a few reasons why your backup camera has gone completely black. The cause with the simplest solution is that your brightness is too low. To fix this you can go into your display settings and adjust the brightness to your preferences.
Another common issue is that your camera isn’t receiving power. If this is the case, you’ll want to check the fuses and wires that connect the backup camera to the battery and the stereo display. Check your owner’s manual for a wiring diagram and use a voltmeter to check the relevant wires and fuses. 
It is also possible that you just need to update your Jeep’s software. If you need to update your Uconnect software, you can
enter your VIN on their website
to find out if there are any updates available and to find a step-by-step guide on how to do the update.
If none of these solutions work, there is a chance that you will have to replace the camera itself.
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Distorted image quality

If your backup camera display is showing up in black and white, showing unusually high gamma values, or looks washed out, this is probably a wiring issue. You can look up a wiring diagram, check the wires with a voltmeter, and replace any faulty connectors. 
If your display is working well but not showing the guidelines, then this is a common issue that occurs when the software needs to be updated. As mentioned above, you can visit the Uconnect website to search for available updates and find steps to do it yourself.

Backup camera foggy

Is your backup camera showing a normal-ish image that looks foggy? This is most commonly caused by a dirty camera lens. The solution is as simple as you think. Grab a soft cloth and some gentle cleaning solution and give the lens a good wipe. Just be careful not to knock it loose or jostle it too much.
Is the display still foggy? If so, you might need to check the fuse box. A blown fuse can cause software issues that can affect the clarity of the camera.
If the fuses look okay and the camera is still foggy, you might need to get your camera checked by a professional.

Rear camera continuously on

This is a less common issue with Jeep backup cameras, but one that can happen. The usual solution is to go into your settings and program your camera to go back to normal, or just reset back to factory default settings.
Often restarting your Wrangler, or rebooting the system will take care of the issue as well. If none of these work, you may be experiencing a software issue. The software might just need updating, or you might have to contact a Jeep dealership or specialist to sort out the issue.

Save money on car insurance for your Jeep Wrangler

Troubleshooting your glitchy backup camera can be a headache. Anyone that has tried to compare a handful of car insurance policies in the past knows that can be a headache too. Thanks to the insurance broker app
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FAQs

Several factors can contribute to a Jeep’s backup camera not working. Look out for things like software updates, blown fuses, loose or damaged wiring, or moisture behind the camera lens.
Your backup camera could have gone black for a few reasons. This is commonly caused by a disruption to the camera's power supply or by a software issue. It is also possible, though, that the camera itself was damaged.
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