Why Is My 2014 Ford Fusion Backup Camera Not Working?

Is your 2014 Ford Fusion backup camera not working? We’ll cover all of the steps for troubleshooting the issue before taking it to a mechanic.
Written by David Ghanizadeh-Khoob
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
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If your Ford Fusion backup camera is not working, then you’ve come to the right place. Whether your camera is showing a black screen, foggy image, or a “camera unavailable” warning, we will help you troubleshoot the issue.
Backup cameras are pretty durable pieces of equipment. But after nearly 10 years of exposure to the elements and getting jostled around every time you open your trunk, problems are inevitable.
There are many potential reasons why your Ford Fusion backup camera is not working. That’s why
Jerry
, the driving expert and
car insurance
comparison tool, has compiled the most common causes and the most accessible solutions to try and help you save money on fixing your faulty backup camera.
Before we go, we'll even share some tips for lowering your Ford car insurance costs.
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Why is my 2014 Ford Fusion backup camera not working?

With no shortage of complaints online, it seems like backup camera issues are pretty common among Ford Fusion drivers. The good news is that with common problems comes a wealth of knowledge to help with troubleshooting solutions.
Before you take your car to a mechanic or a dealership to sort out your backup camera woes, it might be worthwhile to try to figure it out yourself. You may be able to fix the problem for little or no money at home. 

Common backup camera issues for the 2014 Ford Fusion

There are several common backup camera issues for the 2014 Ford Fusion, and many factors that might contribute to those issues. 
The first thing that is worth trying, regardless of what your camera is doing wrong, is to reset your systems. There are a few ways to go about this:
  • Reset the camera settings: On your display screen, you can access your backup camera settings. Sometimes if you turn off all of the backup camera options, go back to the home screen, and then go turn them back on, this will reset the software and your camera will work again
  • Soft system reset: You can do a soft reset of your stereo and infotainment system pretty easily. Turn on your car. Hold your stereo’s power button for about 10 seconds until it turns off. Then, hold down the number six button and the power button simultaneously for about 10 seconds to turn the system back on
  • Hard reset: This should reset all of your Ford's electronics. Disconnect your battery (starting with the negative terminal), then turn your car on (don’t try to start the engine) and turn on your headlights for a few minutes to drain the remaining power. Turn the car off and reconnect the battery terminals (positive first this time)
  • Reset the cameras: This one is a bit more involved. If you remove the camera, you should find a small reset hole that you can press with a pin to reset the camera itself
These reset options may fully resolve the problem or provide a temporary solution. If they don’t work at all, then it is likely that there is a software issue, a damaged or loose connector, or your camera needs replacing.
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Backup camera has gone black

If your backup camera engages but just shows a black screen, there are a handful of common causes. 
First, the solution may be as simple as turning up the brightness in your settings or checking to make sure nothing is obstructing your camera lens. It seems obvious, but sometimes the simplest answer is the best answer.
If your camera is unobstructed, the next step is to check for available software updates. To update your SYNC system, you will likely need to extract the update file to a USB drive. You can check for available updates, and find the file for it on
Ford’s website
. Once you have the file on a USB drive, Ford gives a
step-by-step guide here
for updating your system.
If none of these fix your camera, then things get a bit more complicated. Often, the display going black suggests that the camera is either not receiving power, or was damaged
There could be a problem with your display, the camera, or the connectors. If you have the tools and the gumption, you can start checking the fuses and wires that carry power to your camera and your stereo system. Check your owner's manual for a guide to your fuse box, and wiring diagrams for your backup camera.

Flickering image or “camera unavailable” message

This is perhaps the most common backup camera complaint for the 2014 Ford Fusion and other models around the same year. It seems like a soft or hard reset often resolves the issue. In some cases, the wiring was loose and needed to be replaced or reinserted. In other cases, the camera needed to be replaced. 
In any case, the troubleshooting protocol would be the same as above. Check for obstructions, try resetting, look for software updates, then start checking for faulty wiring. If none of these work, it might be time to buy a new camera or head to the dealership for assistance.

Foggy backup camera

The most common cause for a foggy backup camera is simply a dirty lens. The camera is constantly exposed to the elements, so it is bound to build up a layer of dirt over time. Cleaning your lens is easy. You’ll just need a soft cloth and a gentle cleaning solution. Give it a thorough wiping, being careful not to dislodge it at all.
If your camera is still foggy after cleaning, the next most likely cause is a blown fuse. Check your owner’s manual to identify the relevant fuse and look to see what state it’s in. The good news is replacing a fuse is relatively easy to do at home.

Rear camera continuously on

If your backup camera is continuously being displayed when you aren’t reversing, this can be a pretty big distraction.
Usually, fixing this simply requires readjusting or resetting your settings in your infotainment system. If that doesn't work, then restarting your Fusion or doing a soft reset should do the trick. If that doesn’t work either, you might have a software issue that requires some attention from a professional.

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Hopefully, you now know to start troubleshooting your Ford Fusion backup camera issues. With
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The whole process takes just a few minutes. No need to call sales reps, wait on hold, or sift through pages of fine print. Switching with Jerry has helped users save an average of over $800 per year on their insurance–more than enough money to replace your backup camera.
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FAQ

Several factors can contribute to your 2014 Ford Fusion backup camera not working properly. Common causes include a damaged camera, loose wiring, a blown fuse, software issues, or simply a dirty lens.
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