Imagine this, you’re reversing your Jeep and suddenly that backup camera goes black without warning! This problem has been a common complaint among owners for several years.
Well, what are the main causes of the Jeep backup camera black screen issue? Camera damage, connectivity issues, head unit issues, and software bugs are a few. To remedy this issue, you can try resetting the head unit, updating the software, and ensuring that the trunk lid is closed properly.
Today, we will explore everything you need to know about this issue, including its best fixes.
Electrical problems like faulty backup cameras can be hard to fix. But, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any quick fixes available. Luckily for you, we are here for the rescue.
We will kick things off by taking a look at the Jeep backup camera system before diving into the main reasons behind its malfunction.
Finally, we will tell you about some backup camera troubleshooting methods and quick fixes to remedy the issue.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Jeep Backup Camera: A Must-Have for Safety
Before diving head-first into Jeep backup camera black screen issues, we will give you a brief introduction to this safety innovation.
Backup cameras first started making their appearance in passenger vehicles during the 1990s. Similar to most technological innovations, it was initially considered a luxury feature that was only available in high-end vehicles.
However, as time went on, backup cameras started becoming a standard feature on more affordable vehicles. Eventually, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made these cameras a mandatory feature in 2014.
In addition to making parking your Jeep easier by giving drivers a clear view of what lies behind, backup cameras also help maneuver these four-wheel drive behemoths around tight spaces easier than ever. We will take a look at the benefits of having a backup camera on your Jeep later on in this article.
Being Jeep’s most luxurious offering (at the time) the 2010 Grand Cherokee was the first Jeep with a backup camera to come out of the factory. The mid-sized Cherokee followed in 2012, while the Renegade debuted with a reverse camera in 2015.
But, let’s be real. The most popular Jeep models aren’t luxury-focused ones, right?
The backup camera was slow to find its way to the more rugged members of the Jeep Family. The “JL” Wrangler received the feature in 2018. In addition, Jeep outfitted the Wrangler’s pickup-shaped causing – the Gladiator with a backup camera during its debut in 2020.
Jeep Backup Camera Black Screen: 4 Main Causes
When you pop the gear stick into reverse, you expect the infotainment screen to light up with a clear feed from the camera along with grid lines to guide you.
However, some Jeep owners aren’t so lucky and get greeted with a backup camera black screen instead.
Some of the most common causes that lead to a Jeep backup camera’s black screen include,
- Connection Issues
- Physical Damage to the Camera
- Software Bugs
- Head Unit Problems
Now, we will explore each of these issues individually to get a clearer understanding.
1. Connection Issues
If you have been left wondering “Why is my backup camera black?” after shifting into reverse, a loose connection in the wiring might be the one to blame.
Just like any other accessory in your Jeep, the backup camera also requires power from the electrical system. Loose connections interrupt the electricity flow, rendering the reverse camera useless and resulting in a black screen.
In addition to loose wiring connections, corrosion can also cause the backup camera to lose power. With the camera sitting exposed to the elements at all times, this happens more frequently than you think.
You can diagnose connection issues in your electrical system by checking the backup camera wiring manually or using a multimeter like this one by KAIWEETS.
2. Physical Damage to the Camera
As mentioned earlier, physical damage to the camera components can also result in a black Jeep backup camera screen.
If you unintentionally backed up into another car recently (no shame, we all have done that!) or were rear-ended by someone on the highway, there is a high chance of this being the culprit.
Although the camera might look fine on the outside, it can still have internal damage from the impact. In this case, you can go down two routes – getting an OEM replacement camera or opting for an aftermarket one.
3. Software Bugs
Modern vehicles, even off-roaders like Jeeps are akin to computers on wheels. So, even the simplest of software bugs can bring them to their knees.
Jeep pushes out over-the-air updates to their vehicles, which sometimes contain bugs. Installation of these bugged software releases may be the reason behind your Uconnect black screen.
4. Head Unit Problems
Sometimes, the cause of your Jeep backup camera’s black screen problem might not be the camera at all! Faulty head units are notorious for being headaches for Jeep owners and might be the reason why your backup camera screen has gone black.
Did you take a trip through the car wash shortly before the backup camera’s black screen started popping up? Or, maybe had your interior detailed?
During scenarios like this, moisture can seep inside the head unit, messing with the electronics and causing the screen to go black. On most occasions, the issue will fix itself after some time.
If it doesn’t fix the Jeep backup camera’s black screen, you might be in for a repair bill!
Now that you know the answer to the question “Why is my backup camera black?” let us move on and discuss some possible fixes.
Fixing Jeep Backup Camera Black Screen: 5 Possible Solutions
At the beginning of this article, we promised to bring you some easy fixes to remove the Jeep backup camera’s black screen. And unlike your ex-partner, we at Jeep Rover stick to our promises!
If your Jeep’s backup camera has decided it doesn’t want to work anymore, here are some things you should try.
- Check the Trunk Lid
- Soft Reset the Head Unit
- Hard Reset
- Do a Software Update
- Park the Jeep for Sometimes
Join us in exploring each of these fixes.
1. Check the Trunk Lid
Yes, you heard that right! Sometimes, the fix for your Jeep backup camera’s black screen can be as simple as closing the trunk/rear hatch properly.
Get out of your Jeep, and make sure that the truck is shut firmly. Don’t forget to ensure that it has latched properly too!
2. Soft Reset the Head Unit
If you suspect that a software bug is behind the backup camera black screen issue, we recommend trying your luck by soft resetting a head unit.
To perform the soft reset, step into the driver’s seat and start the Jeep. Now, press and hold the head unit power button for 10-15 seconds. The screen will restart, going dark and turning back on.
Shift your SUV into reverse and check whether the black screen issue has gone away.
3. Hard Reset
If you get the Jeep backup camera black screen even after soft resetting the head unit, you’ll have to take one step further and hard reset the system.
The Jeep has to be in “Park” for you to perform the hard reset. As the first step, press and hold the Volume and Select buttons together for 10-15 seconds. This causes the screen to reboot, similar to the soft reset.
Release both buttons as the system reboots, and you’ll be presented with the Uconnect home page. Now, you can check whether the backup camera has been restored by shifting into reverse.
4. Do a Software Update
Does the Jeep backup camera’s black screen keep returning after both soft and hard resets? Then, you are better off updating the software in its entirety.
You can update the Jeep Uconnect system in several ways. The easiest way is through over-the-air (OTA) updates.
While in an area with sufficient cellular coverage, check the infotainment system for any available updates. If you see one, simply select “Update” and the Jeep will do all the work for you.
On the other hand, you can also install the latest version of Uconnect through a USB drive. If all else fails, take your Jeep to the nearest dealer and ask them to do the update for you.
5. Park the Jeep for Some Time
We know what’s going through your head, but hear us out! Letting the Jeep sit for some time and letting the backup camera sort itself out is a proven fix that has worked for multiple owners.
Compared to spending thousands of dollars on repair bills, we would much rather take our chances with this easy fix, cross our fingers, and hope for the best.
Why Is My Backup Camera Screen Black?
The backup camera screen may be black due to a technical issue. It is recommended to check the camera’s connection, ensure it is properly powered, and verify if the camera lens is obstructed or dirty.
Additionally, checking the car’s fuse related to the camera system might be necessary.
How Do I Fix My Black Screen on My Jeep?
Check if the screen is powered on and the connections are secure.
Restart the Jeep’s infotainment system. If restarting doesn’t work, try a factory reset on the infotainment system. Ensure that the software is up to date and install any available updates.
If the problem persists, consult a professional for further assistance.
What Would Cause My Backup Camera to Stop Working?
Possible causes for a backup camera to stop working include loose connections, a blown fuse, a faulty camera, or a malfunctioning display unit.
Conclusion
It can be very annoying when the backup camera on your Jeep fails, and hopefully, we answered all the questions you had about this burning issue.
If your backup camera starts malfunctioning, don’t forget to try our quick fixes and pay special attention to the trouble-prone areas we discussed.
Have trouble with other electrical components on your Jeep? Here’s how you can fix the annoying “Key fob has left the vehicle warning“.
Do you have any other easy fixes for the Jeep backup camera black screen issue? Let us know in the comments section. Stay tuned for more troubleshooting guides just like this.
Last update on 2025-09-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
