Camera works, but image feed is "too dark."

Around a month ago, I started noticing that the reverse/backup camera image is not as bright as it should be -- it's still there, no lines, or anything, just darker than it should be...

Yes, I have cleaned it. I have googled it. I have not found much (course I have only been looking for an hour).

Otherwise, the other images on the MFD are fine.

I actually do not have the Prius today, or I would go out and try a couple of things, which I doubt will help, but gives me a reason to go out in the 28-degree weather, with that nice, crisp 30 mph south wind.

I assume adjusting the brightness wheel to the left of the steering wheel will not make a difference. And, I assume adjusting the screen settings will also not work, but I will give them a try.

All I have really been able to find in searching are no camera images or images with scrolling lines, which as I mentioned, I do not experience.

If it continues, guess I could try to harvest a camera from a wrecking yard.

If anyone has any experience or solutions.....
kris

 

Late yesterday evening, the Prius returned home and I went out in the ice pellet storm and adjusted the various controls on the MFD screen (contrast, tint, color and whatever I could find and while there was a VERY minor improvement, it really did nothing much. I forgot to mess with the wheel to the left of the steering wheel, but figure that will not do anything anyway. Also switched into and out of day mode, which did nothing.

The camera swap seems as if it will be the next step. A new one from Toyota is about $525 to $900 (just the part).

Aftermarket -- non Toyota are all over the place.

As Mr. Wong noted, Ebay does have some reasonable prices on used -- from around $20 and up. Not in the mood to mess with it any more in this weather, so, maybe in a month, I will try to swap it out with a used camera -- and -- of course, I will report back.

It seems as if it will be a pretty easy swap -- easier than the hatch latch replacement, anyway.
kris

 

Great minds MIGHT think alike.

I actually awoke during the night and thought I might need new reverse bulbs. Then, jzchen makes the same suggestion.

So, I finally replace the bulbs with the standard 7440 bulb.
It helped a bit, but not a lot. Which led me into the great pit of trying to find the appropriate LED replacement.
I looked, off and on for more than a week. It was not an easy task. The ones i thought should fit were all labeled as NOT fitting by the maker.

I finally took the plunge and ordered two LED for $11.50 -- including priority mail shipping. They fit, but just barely. And, the brighter light was just what was needed.

Do not know if the camera -- with age -- gets less sensitive to light or not....but the LED worked. When I say they werwe marginal in fitting, what I mean wAS THAT i COULD HAVE USED ANOTHER 1/2-INCH OF SLACK IN THE WIRING SO i COULD TILT THE BULB INTO THE OPENING,once it was in the opening, all was fine....so it would have helped to be able to move the bulb back another 1/4 to 1/2-inch to angle into the compartment, but, with care, it worked.

kris

 

Hey, there.

Never thought you were up to "bicker." Indeed, you are on my "good PriusChat users" list.

Yes, Bisco, I keep a list.

Anyway, they help. Quite a bit. I was also much impressed with JDM astar, whom I ordered the lights from....They said they would not fit, but from internet reviews, I decided to give it a try and I can see why they said no, but in real life.....

Anyway, could it be brighter? Yes, I think so. Is it bright enough? Yes, I think so.

What is it? Is the fact that the camera is older is that it is "dropping pixels or something?"

Got me.

Just know that it is much better with the LED. If anyone cares, this is what I purchased on EBay, direct from the maker -- again -- they say it is not appropriate for the 2008 Prius.

See post below for what I purchased.

 

It might have been that I was using a link straight from hubby's ebay account. I have since changed it.

 

O.K. It took a bit of time, but here is a link to what I bought -- which -- again -- the maker says DOES NOT WORK for my Prius.

JDM ASTAR 2x 54-SMD 7443 7440 White LED Turn Signal Backup Reverse Lights Bulbs | eBay

 

I am totally clueless on this whole LED thing. I was just getting into understanding the compact fluorescent.