Backup Camera;
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 49
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From: Lehigh valley
Backup Camera;
Hi all. Tried to do a search but couldn't find anything recent. The latest posts i found were for 2011. Just picked up a 2013 f150 with the 302 package. The rear camera is terrible at night. It is the one in the rearview mirror. It is not viewable at night in low light. I even tried it at dusk. The color is washed out and the picture is very very grainy. Just traded an explorer with the rear camera, so I know how a normal camera operates in night conditions. Just wondering if any one has this problem or heard of it. Hopefully it's a bad camera and not (so called normal). Just picked the truck up on the 5th. Love everything else about it. Hate to think I spent the extra money for the camera if this is as good as it gets. I'm going to drop it at the dealer tomorrow to have remote start put in. They said they would look at it. Got my fingers crossed.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,946
Likes: 11
From: Northern California
You know I noticed the same thing...it looks very grainy at low light. I don't know if this is the norm for these cameras but you can definitely help it out by getting some more powerful backup lights. I will either go with the Cree bulbs in the stock location or give the V-LED license plate
VLEDS
VLEDS
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 49
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From: Lehigh valley
You know I noticed the same thing...it looks very grainy at low light. I don't know if this is the norm for these cameras but you can definitely help it out by getting some more powerful backup lights. I will either go with the Cree bulbs in the stock location or give the V-LED license plate
VLEDS
VLEDS
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,061
Likes: 39
From: Laramie, WY
I added the V-LEDS license plate frame with leds to my truck and it definately helps the camera at night. It puts out enough light for you to see backing up at normal speeds and also illuminates the camera view.
I sometimes back down a long dark unlit alley at night and it works fine for that.
One thing to mention is to use some clear silicone and seal up the V-LEDS license plate light after you install it. It isn't sealed and water can get in very easily. It also requires you to drill two new holes in your license plate when you install it.
There should be some info about it in one of the sticky threads called "Finally fixing those reverse lights"...just look on the last page.
I sometimes back down a long dark unlit alley at night and it works fine for that.
One thing to mention is to use some clear silicone and seal up the V-LEDS license plate light after you install it. It isn't sealed and water can get in very easily. It also requires you to drill two new holes in your license plate when you install it.
There should be some info about it in one of the sticky threads called "Finally fixing those reverse lights"...just look on the last page.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,392
Likes: 1
From: Dayton, TX
I added the 2.5 watt led reverse lights from ijdmtoy.com and also a fire and ice light bar. Really lights up behind the truck and helps the camera. Used them for over a year now with zero issues.
http://store.ijdmtoy.com/T15-912-921-Backup-Reverse-Lights-p/led_hp_t15_sku311.htm
http://store.ijdmtoy.com/T15-912-921-Backup-Reverse-Lights-p/led_hp_t15_sku311.htm
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 49
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From: Lehigh valley
Thanks. Will check this out. Just a little miffed though. I got the truck with the 302 package because of the camera. I traded a 13 explorer that had the rear camera also. I just can't believe that there is so much difference between the two cameras. Will wait to see what the dealer says. At least there is a fix. Thanks for the responses. ...Steve
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Official Ford Rep
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 6
Thanks. Will check this out. Just a little miffed though. I got the truck with the 302 package because of the camera. I traded a 13 explorer that had the rear camera also. I just can't believe that there is so much difference between the two cameras. Will wait to see what the dealer says. At least there is a fix. Thanks for the responses. ...Steve
What's the word from the dealership? Any updates you'd like to share with us? I'm always happy to do what I can to help as well; send me your VIN, dealer, mileage, daytime phone number, and full name in a PM and I'll take care of business.
Crystal
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Lehigh valley
Update on camera issue
Hi Crystal. Thanks for checking in. The dealer stated that the camera is within spec's. they stated that the camera position is different in the explorer and truck and that's why there is a difference in performance at night. They suggested adding additional lights, like others on this board have done. For whatever good it will do, I'll send you a pm. Thanks in advance. .........Steve
Official Ford Rep
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 6
Hi Crystal. Thanks for checking in. The dealer stated that the camera is within spec's. they stated that the camera position is different in the explorer and truck and that's why there is a difference in performance at night. They suggested adding additional lights, like others on this board have done...
Crystal
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