When the Rear Vision Camera is active on some 2018 Sonic models, there may be a distorted, flickering, or rolling screen or the screen may be red/blue or black. (Fig. 12) In many cases, distortion or blank screen displays are due to signal interruption.
Fig. 12
The Rear Vision Camera system operates when the transmission is placed into Reverse and 12 V is applied to the reverse lamp control circuit by the Body Control Module (BCM). The rearview camera monitors the circuit and when 12 V is seen, the rearview camera will activate. Video signal + and video signal – circuits carry the video image from the rearview camera to the infotainment system screen. The video signal circuits are shielded to prevent any interference that could lead to a degraded video signal resolution.
If the rearview camera displays a distorted or colored screen image, check for a pinched instrument panel wiring harness on the passenger-side of the vehicle between the instrument panel carrier and the A-pillar. (Fig. 13)
Fig. 13
Instrument Panel Wiring Harness
Remove the instrument panel side trim cover to access the instrument panel wiring harness. Refer to M4 on the Instrument Panel Harness Routing grid in the Service Information. (Fig. 14)
Fig. 14
If the wiring harness is pinched or shows signs of damage, repair the harness as needed.
– Thanks to Frank Jakubiec
