Use this article if…
- Camera shows no IR, no wake, dead at the bumper - power/ground first, not decoder menus.
- Power OK but no picture → Black / wrong picture. MK4 → MK4 cameras.
Quick answer
A camera that never wakes is often getting no usable 12 V or a poor ground at the tailgate. Measure voltage and ground at the camera plug under load, not just at the fuse.
Problem
- Camera looks dead: no IR, no wake, no response.
Symptoms
- No washer/LED activity on the camera body in low light.
- Headunit reports signal sometimes - camera never wakes.
- Recent fitment of accessories on the same loom.
Cause
- Open fuse or adapter pin not delivering current under load.
- Tail-light tap that is PWM-only or current limited.
- Corrosion in joiner behind bumper.
- Wrong pin assumed on integrated harness.
Fix Step-by-step
- Measure camera power connector at the device with an appropriate load test - not just idle voltage.
- Confirm ground return is dedicated, not only through composite tailgate paths.
- Replace suspect fuse holders; prefer waterproof sealed joints for 4WD use.
- If power is stable and video still absent, return to format/input troubleshooting.
Notes
Related: Reverse trigger wiring.