Since its release, the 2021 Ram 1500 has experienced a host of electrical and backup camera problems, including a recall on more than 14,000 trucks. Whether your rear camera is displaying incorrect images, foggy pictures, or the wrong screen, here’s what to do to troubleshoot the issue.
Dodge Rams are among the most dependable trucks on the market, but that doesn’t mean they’re completely without fault. While Ram drivers love the refined handling and hefty hauling capacity of their trucks, over the years complaints have amassed of engine stalls, leaks and cracks, electrical issues, and more—and the 2021 Ram 1500 is no exception.
Problems with your 2021 Ram 1500’s backup camera can feel frustrating, but before you take your concerns to a professional, try saving potential time and money by troubleshooting the issue at home with help from Jerry
, the insurance shopping super app
for car owners. In this article, we’ll cover the most common problems associated with your 2021 Ram 1500 backup camera, plus how you can save on maintenance and cut down on your Ram car insurance costs
. Why is my 2021 Ram 1500 backup camera not working?
If you’re facing problems with your 2021 Ram 1500 backup camera, you’re not alone. Over 14,000 Ram 1500 trucks have been recalled for rear-view camera issues!
Specifically, Ram engineers have picked up on a bug related to the vehicle’s trailer reverse steering module. When the steering module doesn’t shut down correctly, it can lead to the rear-view display showing inaccurate images of what’s behind your vehicle—meaning you (and whatever you’re towing) could inadvertently wind up in a load of trouble.
Another issue? Ram drivers are also running into a rear-view display depicting the electronic throttle control warning light instead of accurate rear-view images.
If these problems sound familiar to you, you may be entitled to free maintenance to correct the issue at your local Ram dealership. To learn if your vehicle has been affected by this recall, you can navigate to the National Highway Safety Administration’s website
and enter your 17-digit VIN. Common backup camera issues for the 2021 Ram 1500
Maybe you’re experiencing a different kind of problem with your backup camera. Before taking your vehicle to a mechanic
, you should do your best to determine if the issue is something you can resolve on your own. Whether you’re stuck on a blank screen or just can’t seem to get rid of a blurry rear-view image, follow the tips and tricks below to troubleshoot your Ram’s rearview camera yourself.
Backup camera has gone black
If your backup camera display shows a black screen, resolving the issue may be as simple as adjusting the brightness of your display. To increase brightness, all you have to do is:
Put your vehicle in reverse
Turn the MENU/SELECT button on the right-hand side of your radio display to the right to increase the display’s brightness. As you do this, you should see the rear-view camera image come into focus on your display.
If adjusting the brightness didn’t help, the issue is likely electrical. Make sure to check for any loose wiring and ensure everything is plugged in properly.
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers Backup camera is blurry
Some Ram 1500 drivers have experienced a blurry screen with lines or blank blue screen when attempting to use the backup camera. In this situation, it’s likely the case that your camera’s connector or mounting hardware is loose, causing disruptions in the image display.
Luckily, it’s a problem easily resolved at home:
Start by removing the snap clip attached to your backup camera’s mounting harness
Remove the connector and add a small amount of dielectric grease to the back of the connector
Reattach the connectors and snap clip
Dielectric grease can be used to protect electrical connections in your vehicle and can be purchased at most auto shops. If you don’t feel comfortable tackling the task yourself, you can always take your truck to the nearest Ram dealership for technical assistance.
Backup camera is displaying incorrect rear view images
Blurry photos or blank screens are one thing—but if you’re receiving corrupted rear-view images or a signal error display, it’s most likely that the problem is related to your truck’s software.
Resolving a software issue will require professional expertise. It’s best to take your vehicle to a trusted Ram dealer that can perform the software update your vehicle needs.
The good news is if your backup camera display has been affected by issues relating to the reverse steering module, you may qualify for free repairs!
Save money on car insurance for your Ram 1500
If your backup camera has been affected by the Ram 1500 recall, you’re entitled to a free software update to correct the issue—but if you’re facing other issues, you may have to pay for the repairs out of pocket.
We get it: unexpected repairs can take a financial toll. That’s why Jerry
is committed to helping you save on your car insurance
. As a licensed broker and top-rated insurance app, Jerry does the hard work of gathering insurance quotes for you—and with over 55+ name-brand providers as our partners, you can be confident we’ll find you the best deal on your Ram 1500 car insurance costs
. All you have to do is download the app, answer a few questions, and let Jerry take care of the rest. We’ll deliver customized quotes right to your phone so you can shop and compare rates side-by-side. Once you pick your policy, Jerry’s team will do the work of finalizing paperwork, handling phone calls, and we can even help you cancel your old insurance plan!
“Jerry
was easy to use, and they saved me a lot of money on my truck. I would definitely recommend them.” —Johannes T.
RECOMMENDEDGet started now - select insurance you want to put on auto-pilot:
FAQs
.jpg&w=64&q=75){kind=avatar}
We value your privacy
