2016-2024 Ram Tailgate Camera Problems: Blue Screens, Flickering, and Fixes

Symptoms of a Failing Ram Backup Camera

When the tailgate camera on a 2016-2018 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, or 2019-2024 Ram 1500 Classic begins to fail, the symptoms are usually obvious on the infotainment screen. Understanding these signs can help you determine if the problem is the camera itself, the wiring, or another part of the system.

• Black Screen: When you shift into reverse, the screen goes completely black. This often indicates a total loss of power or signal from the camera.
• Blue Screen: A solid blue screen is a common symptom on these Ram trucks. This typically means the display is powered on and trying to receive a signal, but no valid video feed is coming from the camera. This often points to a wiring or connection issue.
• Flickering or Distorted Image: The video feed may cut in and out, flicker, or appear scrambled and fuzzy. This suggests a poor electrical connection or a failing camera sensor.
• "Camera Unavailable" Message: The Uconnect system may display a text warning that the camera system is not available.
• Upside-Down or Mirrored Image: In some cases, the camera's internal processor can fail, causing the image to be flipped or inverted.
• Poor Image Quality: The image may become foggy, washed out, or have a purple tint, which can be caused by moisture getting inside the camera lens or the lens itself degrading over time.

Known Issues, Recalls, and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)

While many camera failures are due to age or wiring damage, there have been some official communications from the manufacturer regarding these systems. Problems are often traced back to the wiring harness that runs from the truck body to the tailgate, which flexes every time the tailgate is opened and closed.

Recalls

• NHTSA Campaign ID Number 18V398000 (Manufacturer Recall U56): This recall affected some 2018 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 models. The issue was that the backup camera image could be lost while backing up, increasing the risk of a crash. The remedy involved a software update or component replacement performed by a dealer.
• Other Software-Related Recalls: Newer model years outside the primary range of this guide have also seen recalls for software glitches that can cause the rearview image to not display or to stay on the screen too long. While these don't directly apply to the 2016-2018 hardware, they highlight the system's sensitivity to software issues.
• Wiring Harness Recall: A very small recall (affecting a single vehicle) was issued for a 2022 Ram 1500 Classic due to a defective wiring harness that could short circuit and disable the camera. This underscores the importance of the harness in the system's reliability.

Common Failure Points from Owner Reports

Forum discussions among Ram truck owners consistently point to a few key problem areas:

• Tailgate Wiring Harness: The most common culprit is the wiring harness. The wires can break or chafe where they pass from the truck bed into the tailgate.
• Electrical Connectors: The small coaxial connectors for the video signal are a frequent source of problems. There are typically three key connection points: one under the truck near the spare tire, one inside the tailgate behind the access panel, and another right at the camera module. These can become loose or corroded, leading to a blue screen or intermittent signal. Applying dielectric grease to these connections is a common preventative measure.
🎬 See this quick fix for common Ram camera connection problems

Buying a Used Ram Tailgate Camera: What to Check

A used OEM camera can be a cost-effective solution, but it's important to inspect it carefully to avoid buying a part that's already failing.

1. Check the Lens: Inspect the camera lens for deep scratches, haziness, or any sign of condensation behind it. A foggy lens indicates the seal has failed, and the camera will provide a poor image, especially at night or in the rain.
2. Inspect the Connector Pins: Look closely at the electrical connector on the back of the camera. The pins should be straight, clean, and free of any green or white corrosion. Corroded pins are a major red flag.
3. Verify the Part Number: While several part numbers supersede each other, ensure the camera you're buying is listed as compatible with your truck's year and model. The OEM part numbers include 68274731AB, 68274731AC, 68274731AD, and the latest version, 68274731AE.
4. Ask About the Donor Vehicle: If possible, find out the mileage and condition of the truck it came from. A camera from a low-mileage, well-kept truck is always a better bet.
5. Why Used OEM is Often Better: For a part like this, a used original equipment (OEM) camera is often preferable to a cheap new aftermarket one. OEM cameras are designed to integrate perfectly with the Uconnect system, providing the correct image quality, color accuracy, and dynamic gridlines. Some aftermarket cameras can have lower resolution, poor night vision, or may not display the gridlines correctly.

Cost to Replace a Ram Backup Camera

The cost can vary significantly depending on the route you take for the repair. Labor costs at a professional shop are typically estimated to be between $110 and $161.

Installation Guide and Difficulty

Replacing the tailgate camera is a straightforward job that most DIYers can handle with basic tools.

• Difficulty Rating: 2 out of 5
• Estimated Time: 0.5 - 1 hour
• Tools Needed: Torx bit set (usually T25 or T30), socket set, trim removal tool.

Step-by-Step Replacement

1. Lower the Tailgate: Open the tailgate and place it in the down position.
2. Remove the Access Panel: On the inside of the tailgate, there is a large metal or plastic access panel. Remove the Torx screws holding it in place and carefully pry it off.
3. Disconnect Wiring: Locate the wiring harness for the camera and the electronic tailgate lock. Disconnect the electrical connectors.
4. Remove the Tailgate Handle: From inside the tailgate, you will see the nuts holding the handle assembly in place. Remove these nuts. The handle assembly, which contains the camera, can now be removed from the outside of the tailgate.
5. Swap the Camera (If Needed): In some cases, you may be replacing just the camera module within the handle. In others, you'll replace the entire handle assembly. Follow the instructions with your new part.
6. Installation: Installation is the reverse of removal. Mount the new handle/camera assembly, tighten the nuts, reconnect the wiring, and reinstall the access panel.
7. Test the Camera: Turn the ignition on and shift the truck into reverse to confirm the new camera is working correctly before finishing up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)