2020 Outlander SEL: Infotainment Freezing & Backup Camera Failure

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Heather Y. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:35 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL

Hey everyone,

I'm having some really annoying electrical issues with my 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL. The infotainment system has started acting up pretty frequently. Sometimes it just freezes completely, and other times the screen goes totally black for a few minutes before coming back on.

Even more concerning, the backup camera often doesn't display an image when I shift into reverse. It's intermittent, but it's happening more and more, making parking a real pain. I've tried turning the car off and on again, but it doesn't seem to consistently fix it.

Has anyone else experienced similar problems with their Outlander? Any suggestions on what might be causing this or what I can check myself before taking it to the dealer? Thanks in advance!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

It sounds like you're dealing with a common set of issues that can plague modern vehicle electronics. Infotainment system glitches and backup camera failures in your 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL can stem from several causes, ranging from simple software bugs to more complex hardware problems.

Common Causes:

  1. Software Glitches: The infotainment system's operating software can sometimes encounter temporary bugs, leading to freezing or unresponsiveness.
  2. Loose Connections: Wiring harnesses for the head unit or the backup camera itself can become loose over time, causing intermittent signal loss.
  3. Blown Fuse: A dedicated fuse for the infotainment system, camera, or accessory power might be blown.
  4. Faulty Camera Unit: The backup camera module itself could be failing internally.
  5. Infotainment Module Failure: The main head unit or a related control module might be defective.
  6. CAN Bus Communication Issues: Problems with the vehicle's Controller Area Network (CAN) bus can disrupt communication between various modules, including the infotainment and camera systems.

Troubleshooting Steps You Can Try:

  1. Soft Reset: Consult your owner's manual for instructions on how to perform a soft reset of the infotainment system. This often involves holding down the power button for an extended period (e.g., 10-15 seconds).
  2. Check Fuses: Locate your vehicle's fuse boxes (typically under the hood and/or under the dashboard) and inspect fuses labeled for 'Audio,' 'Infotainment,' 'Camera,' or 'ACC' (Accessory). Replace any blown fuses with one of the correct amperage.
  3. Battery Disconnect: As a last resort for DIY, disconnect the negative terminal of your car battery for 15-30 minutes. This can perform a hard reset on all vehicle modules, potentially clearing temporary errors. Be aware this may reset radio presets and require re-entering security codes for some systems.

When to See a Shop:

If the above steps don't resolve the issue, or if the problem is persistent and affecting your safety (like the backup camera), it's time to visit a Mitsubishi dealership or a qualified independent automotive electrical specialist. They have specialized diagnostic tools that can read specific trouble codes related to your infotainment and camera systems. Common OBD-II codes they might find include:

  • U0140: Lost Communication With Body Control Module (BCM)
  • U0155: Lost Communication With Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Control Module
  • B1201: Camera Module Malfunction
  • B1202: Video Input Signal Malfunction

These codes will help pinpoint the exact component or circuit that requires attention, leading to a more accurate and efficient repair.