If the backup camera on your Ford Explorer isn’t working, you’re not alone! If your camera intermittently shuts off, has gone black, or is foggy, there are a few things you can try at home before taking your car to a mechanic.

A popular SUV model, the Ford Explorer has been in production since 1991, making it the first four-door SUV manufactured by Ford. While overall the model has average reliability ratings, unfortunately, there have been serious issues with several model years. If you’re experiencing issues with your Ford Explorer, knowing when to DIY fix it or take it to a mechanic is an important step.

Here to guide you through troubleshooting your Ford Explorer backup camera is

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Why is my Ford Explorer backup camera not working?

When looking at backup camera issues with the Ford Explorer, it is common for vehicles manufactured from 2011 to 2019. Additionally, the 2020 Ford Explorer was recalled due to an issue where the backup camera's video output fails, causing the screen to go black.

Issues vary and tend to occur at any mileage, meaning your camera could stop working unexpectedly.

While, in the case of the 2020 recall you’ll have to

take your car to a mechanic

, with other model years, you may be able to troubleshoot and fix the issue yourself.

It may seem obvious, but one of the easiest ways to potentially fix your Explorer backup camera is by resetting it. There are several ways to do this, but first, simply try to turn off and restart your car. If that doesn’t work, try disconnecting your battery. You can also try to pull the fuse that powers your sync system and backup camera.

However, be aware while this may fix your issues immediately, it’s likely not a long-term solution.

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Common backup camera issues for the Ford Explorer

Since a wide number of customers report issues with their Ford Explorer backup camera, there are several causes and potential fixes for camera issues. We’ve listed the most common below.

Backup camera working intermittently

If you find your backup camera works most of the time, but will occasionally shut off and display a screen that says “visit a car dealership,” there are a few things you can do:

Open your trunk and remove the trim lining on the inside of the door

Find where the wire connector connects from the camera to the car’s wiring system

Disconnect the wiring system and check for water damage, mold, or corrosion

If there’s no visible damage, you’ll want to apply electrical grease to the pins of the connector and disconnect and reconnect the wiring system a few times, which will prevent any water damage. From there, you’ll want to disconnect the boot—the piece that connects to the camera from the inside—and apply an engine sealant all around it.

You can reconnect it and let it dry. Doing this will prevent any water from getting into the trim and damaging the wiring system.

Should you notice corrosion on your wiring system, you’ll either need to replace the entire system or remove the connectors and rewire the system without them. While removing the connectors is significantly less expensive than replacing the entire system, you’ll likely need a mechanic to complete this task.

MORE: What you need to know about dielectric grease

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Backup camera foggy

A foggy backup camera could indicate dirt, mud, water, or other debris has gotten on the camera’s lens. Luckily, this is an easy fix. All you’ll need to do is grab a lint-free cloth—a microfiber towel works great—and a non-abrasive cleaner. Wipe the camera lens and you should be good to go!

If that doesn’t solve the issue, you can check the fuse box to ensure that a fuse isn’t blown. If there is a blown fuse, it could be affecting the picture quality of your backup camera. Replacing a blown fuse is something you can do at home.

Should neither of those options work, you’ll want to make an appointment at the shop.

MORE: How to replace an automotive fuse

Backup camera misaligned

Have you recently gotten into a fender bender, hit a pole, or potentially backed into something? If so, your backup camera may have been damaged in the process. Any damage to the back of your Explorer can impact the camera.

You can double-check the outside of the camera yourself and determine if there’s any damage surrounding it. If there is, you can attempt to adjust the camera, but you’ll likely need to take it to a dealership or mechanic if the unit needs to be replaced.

Backup camera went black, blue, or distorted images

One of the most commonly reported issues, and what led to the 2020 Ford Explorer backup camera recall, is distorted images or a screen that goes blank. Often, a driver will notice a black or blue screen randomly, even if the camera was previously working.

If you have a 2020 Ford Explorer, your backup camera is likely not working due to a circuit board issue. Since it was a national recall, you’ll want to take your vehicle to the dealership for a free fix.

If you own any other model of Ford Explorer, you’ll, unfortunately, have to pay for a replacement camera out of pocket with a dealership. While drivers report restarting their car does fix it temporarily, the issue continues intermittently until the camera is replaced.

MORE:

Ford common problems

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FAQs

What would cause my backup camera to stop working?

There are a few different reasons why your backup camera is not working on your Ford Explorer. If you own a 2020 Ford Explorer, this is due to a manufacturing issue, and you’ll want to take your SUV to a dealership as there is an active recall.

For any other year, it could be corrosion on the wiring, a blown fuse, a dirty camera, or one that is damaged. If you aren’t sure what the cause of your issues is, you’ll want to visit a mechanic.

Why is my backup camera only working intermittently?

Due to Ford’s installation of the rearview camera, it is prone to water damage. As there is no interior weather protection, making it easy for moisture to enter and cause damage to the wiring connectors. Over time, this corrosion will affect how your backup camera works.

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