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2018 Outlander Sport Infotainment Screen Flickering and Backup Camera Not Working

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Rachel A. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:33 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ES

Hey everyone,

I'm having a really frustrating issue with my 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ES. For the past few weeks, the infotainment screen has been acting up. It'll flicker on and off, sometimes going completely black for several minutes before coming back on. It's totally random, doesn't seem to be related to bumps or anything.

The biggest problem is that when the screen acts up, my backup camera also stops working. It just shows a black screen or a 'no signal' message. This is a huge safety concern, especially when parking in tight spots.

I've tried restarting the car multiple times, and even disconnected the battery for about 15 minutes, hoping it would reset something, but no luck. Has anyone else experienced this with their Outlander Sport or a similar Mitsubishi model? Any ideas on what might be causing this or what I can check myself before taking it to the dealership?

Thanks in advance for any help!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

It sounds like you're dealing with a common electrical issue that can affect modern vehicle infotainment systems. The flickering screen and inoperative backup camera on your 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ES point to a few potential culprits within the electrical and electronics system.

Here are some steps and potential causes to consider:

  1. Check Fuses: Start by checking the relevant fuses. There's usually a fuse specifically for the infotainment system (often labeled 'AUDIO' or 'RADIO') and sometimes a separate one for the backup camera or accessory power. Consult your owner's manual for the exact fuse box location (usually under the dash or in the engine bay) and the specific fuse numbers. A blown fuse can cause intermittent or complete failure.

  2. Software Glitch/Head Unit Reset: Modern infotainment systems are essentially computers. Sometimes a soft reset can resolve temporary glitches. While disconnecting the battery is a good step, some systems have a specific reset procedure (e.g., holding down the power button for 10-15 seconds). Check your owner's manual or search online for a specific reset procedure for your Outlander Sport's head unit.

  3. Wiring Inspection: Intermittent issues can often be traced back to loose or corroded wiring connections. While difficult to access without specialized tools, a visual inspection of the wiring harness behind the head unit and near the backup camera (often in the tailgate) might reveal obvious damage or loose plugs. This is more common in vehicles that have had aftermarket installations or body work.

  4. Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): Although a generic OBD-II scanner might not show codes for infotainment issues, a more advanced diagnostic tool (like those used by dealerships) can often pull 'B' (Body) or 'U' (Network) codes from the infotainment module or other related control units. These codes can pinpoint communication errors or internal faults within the head unit or camera module.

When to See a Shop:

If checking fuses and performing a soft reset doesn't resolve the issue, it's highly recommended to take your vehicle to a qualified Mitsubishi service center or an automotive electrical specialist. The problem could be due to:

  • A faulty infotainment head unit itself.
  • A failing backup camera module.
  • A damaged wiring harness that requires professional repair or replacement.
  • A deeper software issue that requires a firmware update or reflash.

These issues often require specialized diagnostic equipment to accurately pinpoint the root cause and ensure proper repair, preventing further electrical complications.

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