Kia Optima Backup Camera Not Working [How to Fix]

Your Kia Optima backup camera doesn’t show your rear-view image anymore?

If this is you, you are in luck. I’ve written this article to show you how to fix your backup camera in simple steps. Whether you are an amateur or a car enthusiast, you’ll have no problem applying the tips I’ll share here.

But first, you should know why your Kia Optima backup camera is malfunctioning.

Your Kia Optima backup camera may stop working because of a faulty UVO unit, a dirty lens, a blown fuse, or a water-logged system. Frayed wires and a damaged system can also prevent the device from working properly.

Keep reading to learn how to fix these issues.

Table of Contents

How to Fix a Faulty Kia Optima Backup Camera

Reboot Your UVO Unit

If your Kia Optima backup camera displays a blank screen when you turn it on, you might think that there is an issue with the camera. But this isn’t always the case.

Rather, it might just be that your UVO unit, or Kia Connect, is malfunctioning. Since the UVO controls all the electronic devices on your dashboard, any of them may misbehave when the UVO is in bad shape.

You can quickly resolve this problem by rebooting your UVO system. A reboot will remove any bugs preventing the system from working properly.

Here’s how to reboot the UVO system in your Kia Optima:

Locate the reset button below the Seek/Track button on your infotainment system.
Use a pen to press this button until the UVO system restarts.

Your backup camera should resume working after the reset. However, if the camera fails to work, continue to the next tip.

Change The Camera’s Fuse

A blown fuse can also prevent your backup camera from working.

Your backup camera’s fuse is responsible for controlling the amount of power received by the camera. If this fuse gets blown, your backup camera won’t get enough power. As a result, the camera will stop working.

You’ll have to change your backup camera’s fuse to eliminate this issue. But first, you should confirm that the fuse is blown.

Search for your backup camera’s fuse in your driver’s side footwell. You can find the exact location by studying the fuse diagram on the cover of the fuse box. The fuse that controls your Kia Optima backup camera is labeled as Backup Lamp Fuse on the fuse diagram.

Once you find the fuse, pull it out and inspect it. You can tell that a fuse is blown if the metal strip inside the fuse is broken.

After confirming that your fuse is blown, it’s time to replace it. Ensure that your replacement fuse has the same color and amperage as the original fuse.

If your backup camera refuses to work after you’ve replaced its fuse, check out the next tip.

Remove the Moisture in the Backup Camera

Your Kia Optima backup camera might be showing a black screen because water has leaked into the camera. Because your backup camera is located at the back of your vehicle, water droplets easily fall into the gaps in the device.

Like other electronic devices, the backup camera’s system shuts down immediately when it comes in contact with water. The cheapest way to fix this issue is to shrink out the water in the backup camera.

Start by pulling out the backup camera from your car. Then, search the body of the camera for water droplets. Apply a heat gun on the areas with water droplets.

If the screws on the backup camera look rusty, the water might have leaked into the camera’s circuit. In that case, you’ll need to strip off the camera’s body and heat-shrink its base.

After removing the water in your backup camera, apply a silicone gasket sealant to the camera. The sealant will prevent water from entering the backup camera in the future.

Your backup camera should display your rear-view image now.

Clean Your Camera’s Lens

Is your Kia Optima backup camera showing a fuzzy image? Then, the camera’s lens might be dirty.

When you drive through rough roads, some of the dirt flowing around your vehicle may get into your backup camera’s lens. This debris corrupts the image your backup camera produces, thus causing the screen to display a blurry picture.

To solve this problem, you’ll need to clean your camera’s lens.

Follow these steps to clean the lens on your Kia Optima backup camera:

Remove the backup camera from the car.
Dab a microfiber cloth in a non-abrasive wash.
Rub the lens with the wet cloth.
Next, dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol.
Wipe the lens with the cotton swab.
Cut a piece of clear tape to the size of the lens.
Cover up the lens with this tape.
Finally, seal the tape with an all-purpose adhesive and return the camera to your vehicle.

If your backup camera still displays a fuzzy image after this, try the next tip.

Replace Your Camera’s Connector

Another reason why your Kia Optima backup camera may stop working is that the wires on the camera are frayed.

Your backup camera’s wires tend to break quickly because they are located near the trunk. These wires become weaker whenever you open or close the trunk. Over time, they will break and eventually separate.

If your backup camera’s wires are broken, the camera won’t get the power it needs to work. This will cause the camera to stay off.

The only solution to this problem is to replace the camera’s connector. Since a new connector comes with a long wire, you can easily fill up the space left by the broken camera’s wires with the connector’s wire.

Take these steps to replace the connector attached to your Kia Optima backup camera:

Detach your old camera’s connector from your trunk.
Get the new connector.
Use a wire stripper to remove some of the insulation on the connector’s wires.
Also, strip a small amount of insulation on your camera’s wires.
Fan out the exposed wires and twist them together.
The next step is to apply solder to the twisted wires.
Heat your soldering iron.
Then, place the soldering iron under the twisted wires.
Feed the solder from the top of the wires.
Repeat this process across the joint until every area of the wires is soldered.
Now, wait for the wires to cool down.
Finally, wrap the twisted wires in electrical tape.
Connect your new connector to your trunk.

Now, turn on your car and shift your gear to Reverse. Then, wait for your backup camera to work. If the camera doesn’t work, try the next tip.

Replace Your Backup Camera

If you’ve tried all the tips above, yet your backup camera doesn’t work, chances are the camera is damaged. In that case, you’ll have to replace your backup camera.

The following guide will show you how to replace your Kia Optima backup camera:

Open up your trunk.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws on the roof of the trunk.
You’ll find two pushpins on the roof lining.
Pull out the pushpins with your Phillips screwdriver.
Then, take them off with a flathead screwdriver.
Next, pry out the trunk handle with the flathead screwdriver.
You’ll see two bolts inside the handle.
Remove these bolts with your screwdriver.
Now, you’ll be able to detach the leather trim panel on the trunk’s roof.
Locate your camera’s connector on the roof.
This connector usually comes in a yellow color.
Once you find the camera’s connector, disconnect it from the trunk’s connector.
You may notice that the camera’s connector is still attached to the roof.
If so, press the clip on the connector to detach it from the roof.
Yank out the white clip holding the camera’s connector in place.
Now, close your trunk.
Pull out the backup camera from the outer part of your trunk.
Grab your new backup camera.
Open up your trunk.
Re-attach the camera’s connector to your trunk.
Then, place the leather trim on the roof of the trunk.
Re-install the bolts and clips on the trim panel.
Close your trunk.

Your backup camera should be working perfectly now.

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Wrapping Up

You can fix your faulty Kia Optima backup camera by rebooting your UVO unit or changing the camera’s fuse. Removing the moisture in your backup camera and cleaning its lens may also do wonders for the camera. Other ways to repair the camera include a connector change or a camera replacement.

If your backup camera fails to work after you’ve applied these solutions, contact your dealer.