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2016 Outlander Sport - Rearview Camera Intermittent, Blank Screen or Blue Screen

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Dan C. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:33 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE

Hello everyone,

I'm having a persistent issue with the rearview camera on my 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE. When I put the car in reverse, sometimes the screen on the infotainment system just stays blank, or it shows a blue screen with no image. Other times, it works perfectly fine. It's completely intermittent and doesn't seem to be triggered by bumps or weather.

I've tried restarting the car, but that doesn't always help. It's really annoying and a bit unsafe when parking. Could this be a loose wire, a faulty camera, or something wrong with the head unit itself? Has anyone else experienced this with their Outlander Sport? Any tips on where to start looking?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:33 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

The intermittent rearview camera issue in your 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE is a common complaint and typically points to a few specific areas within the electrical system. The blank or blue screen indicates a loss of video signal to the infotainment unit.

Common Causes:

  1. Faulty Rearview Camera: The camera unit itself is a common point of failure. Exposure to elements (moisture, temperature changes) can degrade its internal components over time, leading to intermittent operation or complete failure.
  2. Damaged or Loose Wiring/Connectors: The video signal and power wires running from the camera (usually located near the license plate light or tailgate handle) to the infotainment unit can become damaged, corroded, or simply loose. This is especially true where the wiring passes through the tailgate hinge area, as repeated opening and closing can cause wear.
  3. Infotainment Head Unit Malfunction: Less common, but the infotainment unit itself could have an internal fault preventing it from properly processing the camera's video signal.
  4. Reverse Light Switch/Circuit Issue: The camera is typically activated when the vehicle is put into reverse. If the signal from the reverse light switch is intermittent or faulty, it might not consistently tell the head unit to display the camera feed.

Diagnostic Steps & When to See a Shop:

  1. Visual Inspection of Wiring: Carefully inspect the wiring harness where it enters the tailgate from the body of the car. Look for any signs of pinching, fraying, or corrosion. Also, check the connector at the camera itself (if accessible without major disassembly).
  2. Check Power and Ground to Camera: A multimeter can be used to verify that the camera is receiving consistent power and has a good ground connection when the vehicle is in reverse. This requires some electrical knowledge and caution.
  3. Test with a Known Good Camera (If Possible): If you can access a compatible camera, temporarily connecting it can help determine if the issue is with the camera or further upstream in the wiring/head unit.
  4. Professional Diagnostic Scan: While generic OBD-II scanners won't typically show camera-specific codes, a dealership-level scan tool might be able to access the infotainment or body control module for relevant diagnostic trouble codes related to video input or communication.

When to See a Shop: If a visual inspection of the wiring doesn't reveal an obvious issue, or if you're uncomfortable performing electrical tests, it's best to take your Outlander Sport to a Mitsubishi dealership or a reputable auto electrical specialist. They have the tools and expertise to safely diagnose the exact point of failure, whether it's the camera, wiring, or the head unit, and perform the necessary repairs or replacements.

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