rear view camera

I asked the question several weeks ago but the answers were of little help. The image in the mirror is foggy and washed out as though there was too much light, such as you would get if the exposure was wrong on a photograph. The lens is not dirty or obscured. My dealer, over the phone, said they have never seen this problem. I live 3 hours from the nearest Toyota dealer so was hoping someone on the forum had any experience in this area. A friend of mine has the exact model truck so we swapped tail gates. this isolated the problem to the camera, as the image was perfect after the switch and when we put my tail gate on his truck his view was as it was on mine prior to the switch. The only advice i got from a service rep was to replace the unit for around $650. YIKES

 

You know you can adjust camera brightness and contrast via your head unit, right?

 

my truck is a 2012 model, the only instructions are to hold the N button to bring up a menu which offers on or off, color of green or white, language and compass/temp inversion. nothing like you are showing. What exactly do you mean when referring to "head unit"

 

Headunit = Your Entune radio... Unless you got your LCD display inside the mirror?

 

li double checked the procedure and there is only the instructions on the mirror. Thanks for trying.

 

To determine the camera itself is bad, did you view the images in all directions to rule out 'sunlight wash'?

If it's foggy in all directions (away from the sun) there may be moisture inside the camera lens..... depending on the truck's age/miles, this may be under warranty.

 

yes, it is foggy, glaring, in all directions in all light situations. Im afraid you may be correct with the moisture diagnosis. Unfortunately the vehicle is past the 3 yr warranty, unless it falls under the 5yr 100,000 mile warranty. The web site for parts shows only the complete unit, camera and mirror. Im hoping the camera mounted in the tailgate is available for less than the ridiculous $600 plus tag.

 

I'd remove the camera and take it apart to clean the optics.... If that were my camera.

 

Here's a used OEM one for $330. might also go lower with an offer
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Toyota-Tacoma-tailgate-handle-and-backup-camera-/271905198396?fits=Model:Tacoma

And an aftermarket one for $240

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Crimest...-Tacoma-Tail-Gate-Handle-Camera-/291484780967