2012 Tacoma Back-Up Camera issue: FIXED!

I was mostly commenting so I didn’t forget about this thread. Hope the switch fixes it for you and if that’s the case I’ll probably be grabbing one too.

 

Thanks Tigerian. I'm hoping this new switch is the problem solver. Still my mind is turning since the switch assembly is for backup lights. But when I have backup lights the backup camera also works. When I don't have backup lights I don't have backup camera coverage. That's telling me the backup switch is somehow tied to the backup camera. Wish I had a schematic and knew electricity better other than a parts changer...... stay tuned.

 

Your not the only one! I just had this problem on my 2010 Taco last week. When I purchased the truck used 6 months ago it didn;t come with the camera. So I purchased and installed the OEM camera and the used OEM Rear view mirror with the screen for the camera on Ebay and it's been working great all this time. That is until last week, when I was parked in a local shopping center and placed it in reverse (manual transmission) and the camera didn't work. I tried shifting in and our of reverse and it wouldn't show up on my mirror. So when I arrived home I tried placing it in reverse and it still didn't work. About 30 minutes later I started the truck, placed it in reverse and the camera started working again. I didn't have this problem since.

So I'm curious if your switch solves your problem. If so, please post pics of where the switch is located.

 

Today I went to Toyota Dealer and picked up my ordered Back-Up light assembly switch ($44). Was a little on pins and needles hoping this was my problem of the Back-Up Camera and Back-Up lights not working. Took more time setting up lights and getting tools out than replacing the new switch. I now have back up camera and back up lights again!!!!!

It was a very simple unplug wiring harness and insert new switch assembly (27MM boxed end wrench). The switch is located on the right passenger side of the transmission. I'm glad this was the issue and nothing more. I appreciate the input from the members here, and hope this helps other members with same current issue. Thanks guys!

 

As I said above, I am having the same intermittent camera problem. When I place it in reverse (manual trans) .. the camera does not work in my mirror, BUT the rear reverse lights DO WORK. So I'm wondering if this is a bad wire somewhere or if a new reverse light switch will resolve the issue? When I place it in reverse, the green light in the mirror blinks about 5 seconds after pacing it in reverse and keeps blinking . When I take it OUT of reverse, the green blinking light in the mirror stops and then stays on. Anyone's thoughts on this would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

 

It could be a connection problem due to your blinking green light? And you still have back up lights. Try looking at your wire connections that lead to your mirror. And all the way back to your camera in tailgate. OR, roll the dice and buy a new back up switch. Your switch could be faulty. It's worth a try.

 

I had intermittent camera and reverse lights and replacing the sensor has fixed my issue.

 

Ding ding ding! You may have a winner here gutsy........

 

Subd for potential future failure. Since i have basically the same truck as you OP.

Maybe me doing this will bring a curse, or forever in working order lol.

Glad you got it figured out!

 

Ok .. so I turned the ignition to "on" placed it in reverse and left it there while I opened my tailgate and looked through the rear window toward my mirror and noticed that when I moved the harness it started working again and it went off and on as I bent it. So I had a lose connection. I removed the tape around the plastic to get to the 4 wires .. started wiggling each wire to determine which was the issue, but the camera image remained on no matter how I bent each wire. So I re-taped harness, tucked it in the hole, taped it under the bumper to hold it in place. I now have a working camera.. so far so good. Thanks for your suggestion Wags! I can't believe it was that easy!

 

Great thread @wags

Thanks for keeping it going when you were getting crickets early on!

Could you consider adding FIXED to your thread title- helps for folks searching for similar problems in the future.

Good stuff

 

It may have been easy, but it's a drag crawling under the vehicle searching for that one wire..... Glad you found the issue and it's fixed!

Yes, I will attach FIXED if I can. The back up camera is an important item that has spoiled a majority of us.

 

Anyone run into this but not find a solution? My camera either is sort of fine, big lines, screen flashes or is totally black. Checked the connection in the tailgate and pulled apart the one under the rear bumper. Still the same