Hey RAV4 enthusiasts, I found an interesting titbit on one of the safety features called the RAV4 backup camera. This is because the tiny little camera at the back of the boot trunk is an amazing safety feature. It helps you seamlessly reverse your RAV4 without having to turn behind and ease the overall driving experience.
But what if it isn’t functioning properly? This seemingly minute feature in the middle of the trunk lid can have its fair share of problems too. So, in this article, I am addressing these problems, their workaround and much more. Let’s dive in!
Common Problems With The Toyota RAV4 Backup Camera Not Working
Finding problems with your RAV4 backup camera is a sure bummer. But detecting signs can aid repair of these problems. Take a look at these and connect the dots with what you find in your SUV:
1. Yellow Ruler Not Displaying
The sudden vanishing of your trusty old yellow grid lines is another unfortunate indicator of a backup camera malfunctioning.
Cause: This usually speaks of a disconnected battery.
Solution: An easy solution is to connect the terminals (positive first) to the battery posts and tighten the fasteners. You’re good to go now!
2. Camera Not Working
The blacking out, rigidity of the same view, or minimal flashes of sight can be the worst enemy of a peaceful backup camera functioning.
Cause: The reason behind this problem is usually a fault in the wiring or fuse of the camera system.
Solution: Checking the fuse or wire of the system can help diagnose the exact problem. Replacing the faulty component should also follow the inspection.
3. A Blue Screen is Showing
A blue screen is a common telltale sign of a fault in the backup camera’s functioning.
Cause: It usually points to the faulty screen and shows up when the camera is not receiving much of a video input.
Solution: To solve this problem, you’ll have to replace the camera itself.
What to Do When The Gridlines Don’t Show: Step-By-Step Instructions
There are two ways of fixing this problem. Both of these issues are focused on achieving the same thing: resetting the “Steering Center Memorize.”
So, here I’m going to be sharing both ways of doing this so you can implement whichever one suits you most or is the easiest to remember.
Solution # 1
Keep the engine on while doing the following steps:
- Enter the Service Menu by holding down the “Audio” button while turning the headlights on and off three times.
- Click “Function Check/Setting.”
- Click “Camera Settings.”
- Hold down “Steering Angle Setting.”
- Click “Next”.
- Center the car’s steering wheel and click on “Steering Center Memorize.”
- Rotate the steering wheel towards the extreme right and then towards the extreme left.
- Press the “Max Steering Angle Memorize” button
- Press the “Back” button.
- Turn off the RAV4.
- Wait a few seconds and then restart your vehicle.
Solution # 2
This requires the vehicle to be on and in normal mode and the wheel to be kept straight. Follow the instructions:
- Turn off the audio by holding down the “Power Volume” button.
- Next, press Menu, select “Display” and press “Screen Off” to turn it off as well.
- Now, press the “Seek” button five times.
- Then, press the “Track” button five times as well.
- The “Settings Menu” will show up; now click “Function Check/Setting.”.
- Next, choose “Camera Setting” and select “Steering Angle Setting.”
- Press “Steering Center Memorize” and turn your vehicle to the extreme left and then extreme right.
- Press “Max Steering Angle Memorize.”
- Select “OK” and restart your car.
You may try these both to get a picture of how they work so you may remember either one when needed. If, however, these solutions don’t work, contact your Toyota dealer or local mechanic.
Other Potential Causes
There are also various other potential problems that can show up. However, regardless of the signs, here are the common culprits that you should be suspecting:
- Dead/dead car battery
- Broken fuse
- Poor electrical connection
- Faulty camera
- Broken connector
- Dirty camera
I recommend you seek a qualified mechanic to check the issue. It typically doesn’t take much time to nail down the issue. About an hour is enough. A professional mechanic can help you determine the root cause and ensure a proper solution. Remember to ask for a detailed estimate before you fix anything. This helps to ensure you don’t have to pay more for repairs.
How to Reset the RAV4 Screen?
To reset the RAV4’s display screen, hold the “Audio” button for 10-15 seconds. Then, the system will reboot itself. Once this is done, you will see that all software glitches will have gone away.
Potential Modification
Given the lens of the camera can be a hub for dirt and snow, many RAV4 owners complain about having to continually wipe down their backup cameras. But I have a solution for you: a backup camera washer.
Backup Camera Washer
A backup camera washer gives automatic assistance for cleaning the outer of your camera. These washers can be installed without much hassle and provide a thorough lens clean-up.
To learn more about other modifications possible on your Toyota RAV4, click here.
Note: The 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE has a factory-installed rear camera washer. This adds a plus to the owners of this trim.
Common Problem With Front and Rear Cameras
One common issue that I have seen RAV4 owners get is the “front camera unavailable” warning icon.
This usually shows on the dashboard and is a result of a software glitch or obstructed sensor. One solution is to ensure the sensors are all wiped down. If this doesn’t work, instead, you may try restarting the system. Try out these solutions and comment on which one worked for your RAV4.
A Note on Driving
Ensure you drive the vehicle carefully, as accidents too can cause such features, along with many others, to malfunction. So, this is a soft reminder to use your RAV4 while abiding by all the necessary rules that ensure a safe drive.
Also, I would advise that the drivers not use the backup cameras as the only way to see if the coast is clear. It is advised to turn behind and assess if there is anything in the way. This helps prevent any obstruction that the camera might not have picked up. If you can practice this into a habit, you may prevent potential mishaps from happening.
The 2019 Toyota Recall
Back in 2019, Toyota officially had a recall over the backup camera issue due to electrical connectivity issues. The recall included RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid manufactured between May 27 and July 27. The repair included a replacement of the audio unit for no cost to the RAV4 owner.
Is Installing a Backup Camera a Federal Mandate?
The U.S. Department of Transportation rolled out a law in May 2018 that mandated the installation. This law insisted that all automobile manufacturers install backup cameras as a standard safety feature. Doesn’t it speak to the utility of this amazing feature?
FAQ
What causes a backup camera to stop working?
A major reason for malfunctioning backup screens is damage to the hardware. Look for cracks, scratches, or dents in the camera lens or wiring. You may need to replace the camera or wiring if you find any. Clean the lens. Another possible cause could be a buildup of dust or mud on the rearview camera.
Where is the backup camera on a Toyota RAV4?
The backup camera is located on the rear center of the trunk lid. Disclaimer: Not all features are available on all vehicles and model grades. Please see your owner's manual for further details and important safety information.
Where are the sensors on RAV4?
The types on the RAV4 can be located behind the front grille and windshield. These sensors detect information that is necessary for operating the drive assist systems.
How to turn on backup camera sound RAV4?
To turn it on, press the button just to the left of the steering column. The button indicator will light up to show it's on, and you'll see confirmation that the system has been engaged by a light with the sonar "logo" on the dash.
Where is the OBD port on RAV4?
The Toyota Rav4 OBD port is below the hood release lever on the driver's left side. Look for a white connector just beneath the edge of the panel. The Toyota Rav4 OBD port is below the hood release lever on the driver's left side.
Does the 2014 RAV4 have a backup camera?
Yes, the backup camera on the Toyota RAV4 is a standard safety equipment on every 2014 Toyota RAV4.
What is RAV4 in full?
The vehicle's name is an abbreviation of "Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-Wheel Drive" or "Robust Accurate Vehicle with 4-Wheel Drive," although not all models come equipped with the four-wheel drive system.
Do all RAV4s have a backup camera?
Yes, a backup camera is standard, while the top trim adds dynamic guidelines; there's also the ability to upgrade to the Bird's Eye View Camera with 360-degree view in low-speed drive, Perimeter Scan, and Curb View.
What to do if the rear parking sensors aren’t functioning?
If the rear parking sensors have a malfunction, it may be due to dirt or debris being accumulated on them. Wiping these sensors or getting the electrical connections checked usually fixes the problem.
What can I do if the radio screen starts going dark or freezes?
The radio screen going dark or freezing is usually a telltale sign of a software bug or loose connection. In this scenario, I would suggest performing a system reset by holding the power button for about 10 seconds. If this doesn’t solve the issue, you will have to go to a mechanic.
Source
Check out the following pages to learn more about the malfunctions of backup cameras and how to fix them:
How to Troubleshoot a Backup Camera That’s Not Working
Toyota Recall Backup Camera Problem
Conclusion
The backup camera is a great safety feature for RAV4 owners. However, just like any other function, it too can malfunction and cause problems. Simply finding the “Steering Center Memorize” and turning your car towards the extreme left and right will help recalibrate the system. This will solve the issue of the yellow gridlines not showing.
In other cases, you might need to ensure the wires are working and the battery is connected. If either of these doesn’t solve the problem, you want to replace the camera entirely.