2011-2019 Ford Explorer Backup Camera Not Working? Check This BEFORE Replacing It!

In this video we show you the most common cause for a backup camera not working on the 2011-2019 Ford Explorer.
Before it happens apply this electrical grease to the connector-
amzn.to/3jjEIh7
Forscan is a free Ford Specific Diagnostic Software:
Download Here-
forscan.org/home.html
ELM 327 Adapter I Recommend-
amzn.to/2GC6dBj
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My Automotive Repair Shop BSG Automotive-
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Disclaimer:
The information, demonstration and any content contained in this video is for informational purposes only. The user and BSG Automotive (hereinafter “FordTechMakuloco”) makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the effectiveness or safety of the contents of this video. In no way should the contents of the video, including the tools used, be repeated or tried by anyone. Viewers should only seek the help of a trained professional located at a licensed auto repair shop for any fix, modification, alteration, or any change to their vehicle. FordTechMakuloco shall not be liable for any injury, damage, or loss to any person or property that may result from use of the tools, equipment, or any content contained in this video. In addition, there is no way to guarantee that the video is not altered or modified or is not in the final form submitted by FordTechMakuloco and therefore, FordTechMakuloco does not warrant that the video is unaltered or not modified. The links on this video to products are for informational purposes only and in no way are an endorsement of the safety or effectiveness of the particular product. Viewers understand that anything contained in this video or linked to or from this video is the sole responsibility of the viewer and in no way provides an express or implied warranty as to the safety or effectiveness of any linked tool, product, or video. Therefore, viewer agrees to release, waive, and discharge FordTechMakuloco or anyone affiliated with FordTechMakuloco, from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action whatsoever arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by the viewer, or to any property belonging to viewer, regardless of whether the loss is linked to the use of the contents of this video, or otherwise and regardless of whether such liability arises in tort, contract, strict liability, or otherwise, to the fullest extent allowed by law.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Before it happens apply this electrical grease to the connector- amzn.to/3jjEIh7 Forscan is a free Ford Specific Diagnostic Software: Download Here- forscan.org/home.html ELM 327 Adapter I Recommend- amzn.to/2GC6dBj As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@mustangjim1jim210]

Can you do a video on how to fix the left Digital screen with the Fuel guage that seems to go out when its hot?

[@markwiggins9106]

Do you have anything on the 09-14 F-150 rear camera issue by chance?

[@nickcalderon4993]

How did u remove the paneling?

[@samanthaneubert3555]

do you have the video of how you removed the connecter and then connected the wires together? my camera isnt working on my 2015 ford explorer sport. ive checked this and it had a little corrosion i tried the cleaner but still not working :/

[@bilderberg3000]

Is that basically anti oxidant grease like for making your connections in residential electrical? Your grounds and such?

[@jayteitelbaum9905]

Hey, thank you so much my 2013 Ford backup camera stopped working all of a sudden. Watched your video opened it up clean the connections applied electric grease and we are back in business.

[@MarioDallaRiva]

How ironic that the ads presented on your videos is often the Ford dealer service advert. The one where a tech describes multi point service in a dimly lit service area. Remember those days, Brian?? You're rockin' now. Well deserved too.

[@gman3563]

The copper wire natural will wick moisture up into that connector due to heating and cooling. You can repair that connector by letting it sit in distilled white vinegar for a few minutes to eat away the corrosion with the power off obviously and then take and rinse it with water and then blow it out with compressed air. then fill it with dielectric grease. If the pins are corroded off then this will not work but if you catch it soon enough you can save it and not have to replace or direct wire the harness. Had to do this on some aftermarket taillights on my truck.

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

They weren't thinking ahead when they made that. Such a simple solution to a engineering oversite. Thanks!

[@u2mister17]

Yes and no. The term armchair quarterback could apply too. Kind of like the southwest E-85er vs the east of Mississippi screw Ethanoler. Depends on moisture.

[@yolondawyatt4922]

Thanks for the video! My rear camera on my 2015 Expedition has gone out 2 times, I had it repaired and thought I would just check KZbin. THIS actually makes sense why it has happened more than once. Getting it fixed is adding up, appreciate the video. The last time I had it fixed in June 2021 and it is doing it again now in August 2022...JUST outside of the Ford 1 year warranty on the repiar. Thanks!

[@808smycarbreaks_9]

As someone who started as a quick lane tech about a month ago, these are really great tips for when I do become a actual technician, thank you!

[@Realwaltersobchak]

How’s the tech life been?

[@808smycarbreaks_9]

@@Realwaltersobchakbetter

[@PhillyDee215]

I would imagine Ford insulating a camera harness a lil better than that from factory🙄it takes great mechanics like us to make improvements for the manufacturers😉

[@PhillyDee215]

@ladawg81 😏😏😏

[@Inquietuss]

You assume they didn't do it on purpose take a look at the cost of a simple camera..... You can get a whole phone with a better camera for 300 bucks...

[@PhillyDee215]

@@Inquietuss I KNOW RIGHT😏

[@glasser2819]

every trouble is turned into repair profit

[@PhillyDee215]

@@glasser2819 4sure😉I love the work that comes in the shop💸but sometimes the things manufacturers do is just🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@Slammed06Sierra]

2015 Explorer, intermittent like you said. Gonna give this a shot before I purchase one. Thanks for the info

[@c431inf]

You are the man sir , just got a 17 explorer had same issue. I have to say if they had a 08 explorer with low miles I would have picked that up instead. My 08 260k miles runs like a top looks new no codes 🤙 had to hand it down to my son

[@mackcity8876]

Great video Maku. I don't own an Explorer but I must watch regardless. You've helped me too much with my 4.0L sohc :)

[@edman1015]

Thank You Ford Tech - this is good info and everyone needs to check their Ford Explorer - Jeep also has a water problem on some models like the Compass behind the left front wheel well - water is corroding the wiring harness and causing a no start problem.

[@bluesideseattle1]

Super helpful! My son's 13 Taurus camera has been upside down for a while, and tonight my 13 Explorer has developed reverse image and I almost drove off our driveway. What a sloppy problem, they are so slow on recalls and it's infuriating.

[@markk3652]

Another idea for some may be to detach the connector and harness from the mounting clips in the liftgate. Use the length provided in the harness and zip tie it up so that the connector and metal pins are not the low point for the water ingress any more. If the connection isn't the low point, water can't attack and corrode it.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Problem is the liftgate moves up and down so you can never truly avoid this by simply raising up the electrical connection.

[@jeffd9193]

@@FordTechMakuloco But it is most of the time in the down position and when it’s raining you won’t have it up for long.

[@OmegaRonY]

That's a good idea. More like a service loop.

[@CrazyPetez]

Good to know. I have a 2019 Edge ST. Always garaged. I’m saving this for future reference. Thanks!

[@dandeac1907]

Great video as always man, s550 mustangs they have issues with camera as well, the wire harness it’s to short and it breaks from opening and closing the trunk. Ford drops the quality a lot in last years

[@Isaac-ig2nk]

Thank you so much for the video!! Saved me an expensive trip to the stealership with my 14 Explorer!

[@jimmywilliams5459]

I had the same problem also but on a 2019 Ford Fiesta SE but it was actually the plug on the camera itself. I used some electronics cleaner and an air hose and hooked it back up and it works like a champ. I am glad you posted this about the water leaking because I get my car washed twice a week. I will clean those plugs really well with corrosion remover, pack the pins with dielectric grease and then wrap it in flex tape. I don't want to cut the plugs because the car is still under warranty but don't want to wait a month for them to get to it.

[@cuttingedge2187]

I just bought a 2018 PIU and this channel is god sent😂👍 awesome videos

[@anthonylazzari588]

I did mine 2 weeks ago on my 14 Edge. I was able to clean out the connectors really well and used dielectric grease. Its been working great after not working at all for months. Yesterday I used your coolant flush procedure to replace the corrosive orange coolant. Thanks for all the great money saving videos!

[@ghostinthetreeline]

What did you use to clean out the electrical connectors? A spray electrical cleaner?

[@anthonylazzari588]

I used WD-40 Specialist Electrical Contact Cleaner Spray and a small needle file to buff up the male connections.

[@ghostinthetreeline]

@@anthonylazzari588 Perfect! Thank you sir. I think I just got a new weekend project. Have a good day.

[@georgeriverasr.6298]

Thanks again for being a honest Mechanics!

[@michaelmurray121]

Blessed love Brian. Another money saver video ….

[@mikeaho4143]

Thanks for the tip Brian. A true money saver.

[@andrewhill7060]

Hey! Great video. I'm having intermittent issues with both my reverse camera and my power lift gate. Any common ground points?

[@zenjix77]

God bless you 🙋🏽‍♂️thanks for your great content .

[@johnlang5010]

Nobody better than FTM! Thank you.

My 2014 Explorer Limited 133540 miles just today experienced this same issue. I will have to check the wiring connections. You can tell Ford engineering did not do a complete field water pressure testing since there is leakage. Good vide! Great channel!

[@d3ltabrav0]

2013 model here, My camera works 70% of the time so I have no idea😢

[@nicholastreadway5005]

Big help and great instructional video man!!! 2013 Explorer has an intermittent problem. Fors said oh you need a new camera for about $1k. I was an on the floor wheel mechanic in the military for 12 of my 21 years and these dealerships barley does any GOOD troubleshooting especially when it comes to electrical components.

[@ron8566]

Holy cow - I have this same intermittent camera problem on my ‘14 Ford Escape. That rear panel is coming off this weekend to inspect the harness!!!

[@claytonrichards4030]

Def going to look at this on my 2017 expedition. Already caused a fender bender for us.

[@bbrewer609]

Another great video to help Explorer owners save some money while actually fixing the problem. Absolutely terrible engineering by Ford which shows there was no field testing of this setup in the winter or they would have designed it better, embarrassing for Ford actually. Thank you again for helping out, keep up the great work, love your videos!

[@mycatisromeo]

It wasn't designed by accident like that, it was designed on purpose. The reason..... I'll give you a hint.... ",We have a pallet of these cameras from China we bought. Each unit was $5.00 and we'll sell them installed at the dealership for $795. ....". Get the picture?

[@hawksrock3024]

I have a fix for all this.....DON'T BUY A FORD!!!

[@hawksrock3024]

@@mycatisromeo The truth is, it was designed by morons. The not truth is....anything with a camera costs $5.00

[@samuelugh5729]

@@mycatisromeo of course! beautiful Ford lol

[@samuelugh5729]

@@hawksrock3024 seriously!

[@Slamminbassplayer]

Great vid, buddy. I might need to replace the camera. Any links to good ones you can share? Also OBC adapter that you recommend? Thanks again!

[@merven5517]

This makes perfect sense! My camera went out, bought a replacement and it worked for a couple weeks to suffer the same fate.. This would perfectly explain why

[@johnleinen9409]

On Chrysler products lots of issues like this too, especially wire harness breaks because it's too short and pulls apart.

[@billrimmer5596]

Great find as usual!!

[@sgtsawhill1]

Thanks for the video! Got a 2012 explorer 3 years ago, camera never worked. All of a sudden it started working this week in -5F temperature. Now I know the camera works and will look for the bad connector. Thanks again!

[@juliancalderon8636]

Let me know if you fix that i have same problem

[@sgtsawhill1]

@@juliancalderon8636 found out the wiring was ok. It was the camera that was bad on my 2012 explorer. Replaced camera and is working every time. Paid $150 through 1A Auto

[@juliancalderon8636]

Thanks i think i will have same problem with my 2011

[@LilKing420s]

VERY helpful video! THANK YOU for sharing this information as we recently purchased a 2016 Edge Sport, the camera is still functioning correctly but a little preventative maintenance should keep us from having to drop the couple hundred bucks to get it fix! If only Ford engineers and FoMoCo could be bothered to catch these types of problems before they become problems... Keep em coming sir! Thanks again!

[@njuhusky]

Is there a video showing how the panel is removed?

[@chris_mic]

Het FTM. I have a question unrelated to this issue. 2009 Fusion S 2.3L. Any chance you have the part number for the expansion plug that is in the cyllinder head just above the water outlet box? Thought we had a leaking outlet but its actually leaking from the plug.

[@KillaMC305]

Great video! Do you know if the backup camera connection is related to the cross system fault? I've tried reconnectin and connecting the plugs under the car near the back bumper and now will try this connector under the lift gate and add some grease to see if that does anything. Right now my backup camera does not work and I also have a cross system fault.

[@DiscipleofChrist_faithministry]

I'm having a charging issue with my 2016 F350. I've been watching your videos, I have no corrosion in my wires that I can find after testing most of the front end apart. I don't know how to check the inline fuse, but I am getting very high resistance from the alternator b+ terminal to the battery positive and also from battery negative to alternator ground. Can you help point me in the right direction?

[@christianv6599]

How it going boss I was wondering what type of scanner do you use because I just got a 2010 mustang gt and I’m a technician so I’m still learning but I would like to buy a scan tool that I can use that my how that will specify my codes into details. I have both tc lights on and I have both abs lights on and my battery voltage system light come on and off sometime

[@niceguy4928]

If it’s the transverse 3.5 economist how long does the internal water pump usually last on a 17 model? Just a guess in your opinion. Thanks

[@RickSettle]

Great information on the corrosion. 3 years ago Ford replaced our complete PCIM with one that they said was a re-furbished, tested one, because new ones weren't available. I had a 90 day warranty. I don't normally drive it and the wife rarely uses the backup camera. One day about a year ago, I noticed that the camera image was reversed when I drove the car to a funeral. That was also when I found that the 4-way flashers don't work. Any ideas?

[@Wildwwill]

The camera on my wifes '13 works intermittently. I figured it had to be a dirty connection. Thanks for the insight.

[@slbmx2042]

I have a question my 2004 f150 with the 5.4 has a timing chain issue and the front crank seal is leaking oil the truck is making 25 psi oil pressure if I change all of the timing system will this truck be worth it. I know in one of your videos you said 25 psi is acceptable I just want to know what you think. Thanks

[@timf6916]

Wow, GOOD INFORMATION

[@davejoseph5615]

What other preventative things ought to be done on this vintage of Fords? Do you have a video covering various issues that some preventative maintenance could avoid?

[@thekyrobman]

In my case I have a 2014 explorer xlt and I have had all the issues so far. My camera has finally pretty much stopped working. If I clean that and do as you did will it start working properly?

[@donnierobertson3088]

Great job and video like always

[@pcsunbum]

Is there any kind of anti corrosive spray you can spray in plug to clean out and neutralize corrosion?

[@douglasarmes8750]

do you have a diagram for the cut out repair? I would like to have it in hand before I lop off the connector.

[@michaelmartinezjr7265]

Nice find man!

[@topcatrsb]

I have a 2020 Lincoln Aviator with same issue. Would this apply to my car too? Thanks!

[@MrLuisinho90]

My dad's 2014 Escape has a backup camera issue but it doesn't show a blue screen. It's more like an intermittent issue as it gets the video feed upside down like half of the time. I'll try and get a look at the inside connectors, maybe it can be solved this way?

[@damonsmith8488]

Would a 2011 F150 Lariat have the same connection problem? Would I take the tailgate piece to check for this connection?

[@Dirtyharry70585]

The lift gate foot sensor connector tucked up the rear bumper has the same issue, spray clean, grease, seal it, boom done!

[@luismarty1685]

Thanks for the tip sir.

[@dannyallred3057]

I have a 2017 explorer v6 non turbo what would cause the rpm to jump up and down just sitting or driving thanks in advance.

[@amacan01]

Could this also be a problem on a 14 F150 with the connector in the tailgate? Have check the one under the bumper and it is fine. Intermittent loss of camera.

[@daviddipasquale586]

I swear to god dude, these cars are made cheaper and cheaper every single time

[@nzmarco]

Hello, I have a Ford Fusion 2016 and the camera/display has been doing all sorts of strange things. Firstly, it started off displaying psychedelic colors on the display when in reverse, then the display was frozen showing a car parked behind me at some point for a day or two (like a still photo). Now, it intermittently works, but not on start up. Just wondering if this is a known issue? Thank you.

[@clementphilipsen5116]

I have a 2013 Escape SEL without a camera. Would it have a harness that would allow me to add a camera?

[@nickcichos2336]

Received the “see dealer” warning. Replaced with a cheap knock-off but such had solid white guidelines which made it appear my wheels were turned. Ran calibration with FORScan which said was a success but didn’t fix such. Installed a Dorman camera but couldn’t calibrate as I receive a “B115E:08 - LIN communication fault from the video camera”. Put OEM camera back in and ran calibration and received same warning. Does my camera need to be calibrated with a different scan tool or is this likely my issue?

[@Coyotemike302]

Would this apply to lincoln mkx as well?

[@Twobarpsi]

Another great video!

[@miguelr246]

Do you know if it's possible to hook up the OEM camera to an aftermarket smart radio? The kit that I'm buying comes with RCA cables, but cannot for the life of me find the RCA-In's on my 2017 Ford Explorer.

[@jamesc5729]

I get the random blue screen in the 2020, will check this out thank you.

[@benh554]

my 2014 f150 is having the same issue. Will this work for that too

[@davidjsouth231]

I've commented on some of your other videos. I have a 2011 FOrd Taurus Limited. Camera was fuzzy and lined first then it's upside down. Not sure of a fix.

[@rmorenberg]

always great info

[@johnpopolo5954]

I have a 2021 doing the same thing. I wonder if it's the same issue? It works on and off with blue screen. This is a K8A PIU.

[@douglasarmes8750]

I have a 2019 Flex and the back up camera stopped working.. blue screen, however sometimes I will work and then stop working... could this connector on the cam have the same issue... I see Ford has some of their vehicles on a recall.. but not the Flex. also I have a 2013 MKS and the camera shows an upside down image.. any ideas? your input would be greatly appreciated.

[@MattG171]

Great tip!

[@Eric-vb5od]

I have a 2010 f150 fx4 with no camera and want to add a factory set up to it. Do you know of a place where I can purchase a factory camera setup?

[@russ6794]

Will this apply to 2015 expedition as well?

[@PoliceforChrist]

Your awesome. Thank you.

[@fdevies]

Do you know a part number for the wire harness from the camera to that connector? 2016

[@AndrewTewes]

Have you run into any issues with the grid lines disappearing from the camera ? We are dealing with that on our explorer, I have re initialized the camera via the Forscan software, and that fixed it for a short amount of time, but now it happening again.

[@happycommentator6773]

Did you ever get a solution to your issue. Wife says the grids intermittently disappear on our 2013 Limited.

[@behelpful1435]

Is splicing the the wires together safe? Is there any risk introduced in that, like lower resistance? Particularly in this case. Do they sell non-dealer versions of electrical grease? This grease actually conducts? No minimal resistance added? Sorry for the novice question, I learned much from the video. Especially the drip loop concept in wiring.

[@barlowna]

It is safe. The only reason for a connector is so you can remove and replace the camera without cutting wires.

[@ehababumoailish6574]

Bro, my Explorer camera swapped right-left and reversed, normal computer scan (not Forscan) didnt show an error for camera, do you think is wiring / connector issue or its camera need replacement?

[@WilsonCheung88]

I've got a 2020 explorer and the camera has been going in and out since February. Dealer has been waiting for parts since I called back then as it's been a part of a recall. Maybe I can clean it up since it still works on and off.

[@ncut5547]

Hi so I have problem with my 05 f350 king ranch hvac panel I have no power to it everything else works elec windows..radio etc just no power to it I have tried another known good 1 and there's no difference...any help were to look would be much appreciated thks .

[@rfjohns1]

My 2015 Expedition camera works intermittently. I can get it to work temporarily by rapping the area a few times right around the camera with my fist. Does sound like the same issue?

[@sledhead8625]

I know this is off topic but can you tell me the location of the rear lift gate chime on a 2016 Ford Flex? It has gotten so quite that I can barely hear it anymore.

[@noufal8518]

I have been experiencing spongy pedal issues with my Ford Edge sport 2013. A year ago it started going spongy when I used emergency breaking. As soon as the air is released, it will be back to normal. However, later on it doesn't become normal after releasing the air. The master cylinder and brake booster have been replaced. The situation remains the same.Please let me know how I can resolve this issue I hope you can help me out with this issue. My dashboard does not display any warning lights.

[@mike5448]

Hi, I have the exact same problem, great work always.. I was just wondering if you can tell us which color wires connects with the other colored wires if we were to permanently connect them together. Thanks so much for your help!

[@gigan1972]

Huh... My Flex has been working intermittent, I will take a peak! Ty!

[@aliciamcgilloway3707]

I just got my 2015 ford explorer and I'm having intermittent outages with NY backup camera that seems to be happening more. Wish I knew that problem when I bought it I would have argued a lower price and even though they gave me a 3 month warranty they said that's not covered. His mechanic at the dealership looked at it and doesn't know what's wrong so he said it has to go to ford but that the back up cameras are on backorder and it could be a few months before they come in and they say ford should pay for it because he said its a safety issue, is that true or will I have to foot the bill?. This looks like an enexpensive fix but I don't know about cars so I can't do the fix myself I don't know what Im doing. I should go back to the dealership with this video and see if he can fix it then.

[@kyoungkj81]

On my 2013 explorer limited the camera works its just an inverted video on the screen. So everything on the left of the vehicle shows on the right-side of the video. How would I fix that?

[@debihayes4583]

My 2016 Ford Escape camera started with intermittent working, now it's showing upside down. Is this the camera or the wiring harness?

[@manuelp9784]

Hi there. *Ford Ranger 2015 TdCI 3.2L Reverse Mirror Camera shows a blue screen* Can you help?

[@Brian-gt4wz]

can you share the pin out color diagram for the body harness connector

[@richardricks8465]

I am having trouble finding the retainer clips for that trim piece. Can you point me in the right direction

[@michaelgarza5948]

I have spent more $$$$ on 2015 Ford Explorer. Than my 2013 GMC, 2017 Chevrolet combined!! Steering wheel, key fobs, camera, door panels unglued, pillar trim, ABS system, and motor mounts.

[@insaneseafarer]

In one of your videos, you suggested going from 5w 20 oil to 5w 30. I have 107,000 miles on my 2011 f250 6.2 gas. Is it ok to switch?

[@Bushy556]

Yes

[@roberthickoxjr]

Thank you

[@georgesolomon5696]

Can the corrosion be cleaned out with contact cleaner and a brush?

[@jeff7.629]

I believe Ford has a recall on the backup cameras for the Explorer. Recall 20C19F. Check with your local Ford dealership service department.

[@hersheys247]

Only years affected are 2020

[@mullinsjm1]

Wonder if this could be why my wife's fusion backup cam is on the fritz

[@Vortechtral]

Why does this only affect the Explorers and nothing else with backup cameras? Why would they change so much with one lineup from other vehicle lineups? Or is this a problem with all their vehicles and backup cameras?