Reverse camera - help not working

[pat25d]

Hi All,

I have a 2010 Golf Wagon and I recently installed an RNS510 (which I got working perfectly) and also a reverse camera which I just can't get working and I am going crazy.

I followed the guide here: * DIY: Retrofitting a backup camera (BUC) onto a Golf/Jetta Sportwagen - VW TDI forum and Audi TDI forum - myturbodiesel.com

The problem is, that when it is in reverse, the RNS changes to show the camera, but it is a black screen and no actual output from the camera.

I have tested the constant power (12v when ignition on) and reverse power (12v only when in reverse) and both connections work fine.

I have also tested the continuity from the connector whcih goes from the RNS to the camera, and the continuity of all pins from the RNS connector to the end of the cable are fine.

The only conclusion I can draw is that the camera itself is dead, but how can I test this?

Does anyone in Perth have any VW RVC? (doesn't need to physically fit in the car, just needs to fit the connectors so I can test)

Or does anyone have any other ideas before I try to challenge the ebay purchase of the camera?

[ian]

Can you get excess to the video wire that comes from the camera ,if so try to connect a normal digital camera to it while in reverse .

[phantomcamel]

Did you get the car coded after installation? If not you might just have to get the system coded so it recognizes the camera. Ring the guys at JCA/Westside Car Audio - they sell the units & do installation

[pat25d]

Can you get excess to the video wire that comes from the camera ,if so try to connect a normal digital camera to it while in reverse .

The camera outputs RGB not composite so that wouldn't work. Also the connector is an OEM VW so to find a source that outputs RGB, then custom make a harness to match would be a massive effort.

[pat25d]

Did you get the car coded after installation? If not you might just have to get the system coded so it recognizes the camera. Ring the guys at JCA/Westside Car Audio - they sell the units & do installation

Yep got VAGCOM cable and coded it. The RNS changes in reverse, the screen just goes black.

[pat25d]

Did you get the car coded after installation? If not you might just have to get the system coded so it recognizes the camera. Ring the guys at JCA/Westside Car Audio - they sell the units & do installation

Just called Westside and the guy was kinda helpful but couldn't really help. They don't keep cameras in stock so I'd still have to order a new one to test if it was a dodgy camera.

[Idle]

Does the camera lift and open the badge when you engage reverse?

Also the +12V should be constant on, not only when ignition is on.

Also check carefully that you have the 12V connections right way round — it's easy to confuse them and if you have one wrong it won't work.

The RNS does need to be coded to recognise the camera — anyone with a VCDS (VAGcom) cable can do it in a minute or so.

[pat25d]

Does the camera lift and open the badge when you engage reverse?

Also the +12V should be constant on, not only when ignition is on.

Also check carefully that you have the 12V connections right way round — it's easy to confuse them and if you have one wrong it won't work.

The RNS does need to be coded to recognise the camera — anyone with a VCDS (VAGcom) cable can do it in a minute or so.

Wagon doesn't have the badge latch, its a handle. The handle latch works fine.

Yes the power is constant sorry, not just when ignition is on.

Cabling is all using OEM harness so doubtful I have got them the wrong way around.

Coding is all done, I have Vagcom cable.

[Idle]

Wagon doesn't have the badge latch, its a handle. The handle latch works fine.

Yes the power is constant sorry, not just when ignition is on.

Cabling is all using OEM harness so doubtful I have got them the wrong way around.

Coding is all done, I have Vagcom cable.

I've only been involved with Golf camera setups and didn't know there was a difference between the wagon and Golf latches — sorry.

OEM connections are usually polarised and pretty foolproof, but I'd still go over the connections around the camera (check polarity as well as continuity) carefully before declaring it faulty, with particular attention to possible voltage drop and grounding.

Also, if you can, check the video cable connections in case there's a break/bad contact somewhere in one of the lines or on a pin.

Can't remember the number of times I've had to distort a connector to ensure contact.

Beyond that, I think I'm as flummoxed as you are.

[pat25d]

OEM connections are usually polarised and pretty foolproof, but I'd still go over the connections around the camera (check polarity as well as continuity) carefully before declaring it faulty, with particular attention to possible voltage drop and grounding.

Well I double checked everything and it seems my harness had + and GND reversed.

Spent 30mins trying to get the pins out of the plug, but ended up just cutting the wires to test it.

Switch the red and black/brown and YAY it worked. Just gotta solder them together now and heatshrink and i will be all good!

[pat25d]

I've only been involved with Golf camera setups and didn't know there was a difference between the wagon and Golf latches — sorry.

OEM connections are usually polarised and pretty foolproof, but I'd still go over the connections around the camera (check polarity as well as continuity) carefully before declaring it faulty, with particular attention to possible voltage drop and grounding.

Also, if you can, check the video cable connections in case there's a break/bad contact somewhere in one of the lines or on a pin.

Can't remember the number of times I've had to distort a connector to ensure contact.

Beyond that, I think I'm as flummoxed as you are.

Thanks again everyone (especially Idle!) for your help.

I was going crazy!

[Idle]

Good news!.