Owners of 2011-2019 Ford Explorer models are well aware of a problem that causes the backup camera to simply stop working. This problem also continued into the 2020 model year for the Explorer and various other Blue Oval models, leading to a recall that was issued last year. Regardless, this video from YouTuber Ford Tech Makuloco does a nice job of explaining how to fix the Ford Explorer rear camera issue the cheap way, as well as a couple of tricks to prevent it from happening in the first place.
The video features a 2018 Explorer owned by a customer who replaced the backup camera completely but was still having problems with it going out intermittently before it quit working altogether once again. The screen is simply blue, and the vehicle isn’t throwing any codes to indicate that there’s a communication or circuitry problem of any kind.
After removing the trim from the inside of the rear hatch, our host didn’t have a hard time finding the source of the Ford Explorer rear camera issue – there’s significant corrosion/mold on the connector and harness on the inside of the vehicle. This connector does not have seals on it like the exterior piece, because it is inside the vehicle, but it’s still exposed to moisture.
The boot that is supposed to seal the wiring and prevent water from entering the interior is leaking, which is a big problem. Making matters worse, the unit that contains the rearview camera is part of a larger piece that costs $650, so the technician decides to save that money by cutting off both connectors and directly wiring the camera instead.
Those that own a 2011-2019 Explorer can prevent this from happening in the first place by applying some electrical grease to the connector, which will prevent the pins from corroding. Then, applying some sealant to the rubber boot will also keep it from leaking. In this case, the tech uses an electrical sealant because it can handle higher temperatures. Either way, as is usually the case, a little preventative maintenance can save owners a bundle of money.
We’ll have more cool tech tips like this to share soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Explorer news and non-stop Ford news coverage.
Comments
it’s not only the explorer I have a 2013 Ford edge sport and it is doing the very same thing it has the same camera as the explorer I think the Ford edge should be included in that
The camera in our Explorer is showing the image backwards on the monitor inside the vehicle. Any ideas? Had the monitor replaced about a year ago and replaced at the dealership. It works fine until a couple weeks ago. All of a sudden the image reversed itself. Help!
I have the same camera problem on my 2014 Explorer. Have you found a fix? Thanks
2014 ford explorer back up camera works intermittently. Had rear connections checked — no problem there. Can the ford dealer fix this by re-programing the camera?
Buy a new rear view camara, that will fix the upside down and lefty view
WTF did I just read?
obviously not a tech
My rear view camera works sometimes, sometimes not. Checked all connectors are clean no corrosion problems.
Ford Explorer 2013 XLT
So is Ford going to fix my 2015 backup camera. Works sometimes, sometimes not
Has Ford fixed any of the back up cameras on a 2015 explorer?
Has anyone had any luck with Ford replacing their camera under warranty? Mine is not showing any recalls, but I have a 2015 Explorer.
Sitting here now for same reason in waiting room 2015…they say camera which doubt!
I have a 2013 Ford Explorer Limited that camera only works 5% of the time.
If you take it into the dealership, do they fix it and cover the cost?
2017 Explorer backup camera was working 50% of the time over the past year. I removed the liftgate panel and there was no visible corrosion on the connector or signs of water intrusion. I repeatedly sprayed the connector with electrical cleaner and reseated it. Since cleaning the connector, backup camera has been 100% for several days.
I believe it is a USB camera and even a small amount of corrosion can disrupt the data connection.
has anyone discussed the solution for the Ford Explorer differential single bolt installation issue. They incorporated a ebrake temporary solution but I have yet to see a solution to prevent a possible failure of that bolt. There is a”potential” aftermarket bolt on bracket fix but that may void my warranty.
I have a 2013 Ford Exployer and my rear backup camera has intermittently been showing a black screen that says ” see dealership” to show objects on opposite side of camera screen to maybe working correctly 5%/10% of the time. I called Ford and they won’t include my Exployer year and model in this recall. They are charging me $205 to look at it and diagnose the problem. This is a big safety concern when backing up and objects are on the opposite side in the camera screen. Why isn’t these other years and models included in the recall?
I had the same problem with my 2014 Taurus. I dropped down the cover under the trunk lid, unscrewed the camers with the proper fitting star screw driver and popped out the little plastic fitting which holds the camera in. I popped the old camera out, unplugged it and plugged in the camera I purchased through amazon. I put everything together and it works like a new one—all for about $80. Repair shops wanted $700-$1,100. There is a short video on youtube illustrating the process.