design flaw with back up camera?

So with it being winter and us in Illinois having that god awful polar vortex I noticed some issues with the back up camera.

During the polar vortex my backup camera literally froze over, probably didn't help with the 30 MPH winds and it being -20 degrees. So when I put it in reverse, the camera activated and I couldn't see anything due to ice covering lens. So I got out and tried to pry off the ice with my fingers and it was stuck solid, so in this long tight driveway that reaches around from the front to behind my house, I had to pull forward and do a 5 point turn and I was on my way.

The next few days it wasn't as bad and the camera wasn't frozen over but the snow kicks up as I'm driving and the white crap covers the lens. So today, I was at the store parking lot and got in my truck, and of course the lens was covered when I put it in reverse, so I had to get out and wipe the lens clear so that I can see where I'm going.

Anyone else have this problem? I think the location of the backup camera should be lower so that it would prevent issues like this. Any tips on how to keep lens clear?

 

It's the same on every truck/suv/car. Never had one not get full of ice/snow/salt.

 

Why do you think they put wiper blades on the rear windows of SUVs?

It gets dirty back there.

 

Mine has a rather serious problem...












https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...in-your-rearview-camera.592220/#post-19811708

 

Oh shit it’s been infected

 

I had similar issues with my rear camera when it snowed a couple of weeks ago.

This is the first time I've had a backup camera. So don't know what kind of expectations there should be.

I will say that I was surprised how clear the picture was after I washed my truck afterwards. I've never tried it but I think the current placement of the camera is good where you have a good view of your hitch. Which looks like it would help when trying to back up to a trailer.

 

I can’t anymore.

 

@4x4Runner

 

I have a 2017 Lexus GSF and it doesn't have the lens issue because its placed above the license plate. So I never have issues going in reverse with my car because I can see whats behind me on the screen.

 

New VWs fixed this by putting the camera behind the vw logo. It pops up when in reverse. I’ve never cleaned that camera and it’s still a clear picture. The Tacoma I’d have to constantly clean to actually use it. I usually don’t bother...

 

This is why they also give you those silly things called mirrors.... when you look into them they do this magic thing...... let you see what's behind you.

 

That or have it placed lower. When it's not clear, it makes going reverse much more difficult so I think Toyota should be aware of this issue.

 

Volkswagen made one that was behind the VW logo, and flipped out when you went in reverse. I'm sure that helped it stay clean. Personally? I just use my mirrors. If my mirrors are too dirty? Get out and clean them. While out there, clean the backup camera, and don't use the mirrors.

 

some guys have said putting the Rain-X for Plastic on the plastic lens cover helps, but I haven't tried it myself. I haven't had any freezing over, but I get that slush build up and it's annoying. I just get out and wipe it off or try to remember before I get back in.

 

You don't drive that GSF in the snow, do you? I drive my 15 GS 350 f-sport awd and the cam get's all f'd up.

 

No if there's snow on the road that isn't plowed yet.

I'll try that, didn't think of that.

 

The mirrors were frozen over too... But why use the mirrors if the truck has a back-up camera? Thats the purpose of the camera is to allow you to see where you are going reverse..

 

I'll wait for my mirrors to thaw before I try to clear the camera. Before this truck, I would even ice scrape the things!

 

Try a cup of hot water
That seems to melt ice and the trucks have heated mirrors if you just push the button.

 

Nope.

1) I've been in Florida since 1952. Snow isn't much of an issue there. Although my tenure in N Fl was disrupted by nasty sleet a couple of times.

2) While the camera can certainly be useful, I had dozens of vehicles and 100's of thousands of miles w/o one. I still know how to turn my head and use my mirrors. I once backed an IH TravelAll over 1/2 a mile on top of a dike that was about a foot wider than the track of the truck. At about 15mph. Enough to scare the bejeebers out of my ex-Marine DI boss.

3) When I visit snow country, I work hard to make my overnight parking where I drive out, not back out.

Consider mirrors, head turning and planning ahead as redundant systems for those disappointing moments the gee whiz stuff falters.