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While poking around the Internet to see if someone has disassembled these cameras (I could find nothing so far), I ran across a YouTube video describing how to use the front camera washer system. I said above that I did not have this option on my truck. Well, I made a liar out of myself. I did what the video said, and sure enough, the washer fluid squirted all over my camera. I could not find anything in the owners manual that describes this.
I find it interesting how many times I (and I'm sure others out there also) own their truck for years and discover they have something they didn't know they had. I drove my 2011 F-250 for 6 years before I discovered it had the telescoping steering wheel. I've had this truck for 4 years now, and find I have this little jewel of functionality. What else is out there to be discovered!??!
Okay, here we go. This was a really easy project. Took less than an hour. It could take less for someone who isn't slowed by medical issues. But nevermind that. Tools needed are:
Tool to remove the plastic pop-buttons (whatever they're called). I used a trim tool to pop them out.
Long screwdriver - I happen to have a 36" (or so) flat screwdriver. Or something else to pop the trim clips loose at the bottom of the grill. (reference the video I referenced in post #42 above. It will show you where you need this).
Hex socket or driver - to remove two screws for the camera cover.
Some kind of tool (I used a flathead screwdriver) to pop the connector off of the camera.
10mm socket/driver/wrench.
First thing to do is clean the black cover (if you don't keep it clean). I just shot it with a little Purple cleaner. This just keeps your hands a little cleaner. Next, pop up and remove all the buttons for the grill cover: This shows them all removed. Now you can remove that top cover to show the one beneath.
Next, remove the 10mm bolts. There's like 6 or 7...the ones along the front of the underneath cover.
Now the grill is ready to remove. (NOTE: please forgive me for not including pictures here...I'm a horrible documenter!) This is where you have to be careful. It pulls straight out. There are several plastic tabs. Be careful doing this. I broke two of the tabs. Not vital I don't think, but yeah...be careful. Once you pull it straight out, there are 4 or 5 metal clips at the bottom inside of the grill. This is where the long screwdriver (or other tool) comes in. Again, reference the video from post #42 above to see these clips. Just push down on the clip as shown in that video, and they will pop right out. Now the grill should be free. The wire to the camera and the hose for the washer (I don't have the washer, but do have the connection and the hose) will need to be removed. The hose just popped off the washer. The wire to the camera has a push clip to pop it right off. Now you can take the grill to a place to work on the camera.
First remove the cover to the camera. This is where the hex piece comes in. Sorry I didn't get the size for it, but if you have a set, it's easy to find the right one. Here is a picture:
As a quick reference, the "tube" on the top is the washer unit. This had the washer hose connected to it. The "tube" at the bottom is actually the wire connector for the camera. Once you remove the camera cover, the camera is beneath it. It just sets right in it's little spot. Lift the old camera out, and set the new one in.
Go in reverse to put everything back together. Easy peasy. I will throw the caution out again about being careful when pulling the grill out. There are a lot of plastic tabs, and well, just be careful. Other than that, there is really nothing to it. Below is a side by side picture of the old and new camera. You can see the old one is all washed out and white around the lens. The new one is perfect. The picture is crystal clear, just like it was new...which uh...it is. Anyway, hope this helps anyone wanting to do this. $53 for the camera, and an hour labor...if you want to call it labor. This was really one of the easiest things I've done to my truck.
Oh yeah...the old and new camera. Sorry I didn't get a before and after of the screen shot...like I said, I'm a horrible documenter. Anyway, any questions, lemme know.
awesome! thank you. Just got my email from tasca that my camera is on its way.
While poking around the Internet to see if someone has disassembled these cameras (I could find nothing so far), I ran across a YouTube video describing how to use the front camera washer system. I said above that I did not have this option on my truck. Well, I made a liar out of myself. I did what the video said, and sure enough, the washer fluid squirted all over my camera. I could not find anything in the owners manual that describes this.
I find it interesting how many times I (and I'm sure others out there also) own their truck for years and discover they have something they didn't know they had. I drove my 2011 F-250 for 6 years before I discovered it had the telescoping steering wheel. I've had this truck for 4 years now, and find I have this little jewel of functionality. What else is out there to be discovered!??!
Ed,
Do tell, what is the secret button/switch to a make this work?
If you have the front camera displayed hit the windshield washers and it will wash the camera also.
This. And if you have the 360 degree cameras, any of the cameras will also wash the front camera. But if you want to see it in action, select the front camera.
Anytime you press the windshield washer button it sprays both the windshield and front camera lens (when equipped). I wish it wasn't a combined event. Or, are you guys saying that when the camera button is pressed first, it only sprays the camera and not the windshield?
I thought that was a washer next to the camera. Never really investigated it though. The new one and one side one will be replaced under warranty on Friday on mine.
The old style was on there and said no longer for sale. But it looks like the new one has a different connector though.....wonder how that is going to work.
I just called my dealer and they said that the Ford camera recall was “on hold” from Ford, pending a new fix to the issue. I brought up the front camera and they said that the front was going to be covered once the “new fix” was released. Has anyone else heard this?
I just called my dealer and they said that the Ford camera recall was “on hold” from Ford, pending a new fix to the issue. I brought up the front camera and they said that the front was going to be covered once the “new fix” was released. Has anyone else heard this?
Nope, and I doubt the front will be covered outside of warranty, since they only recalled the rear because it's a safety issue. The rear is a federally mandated view, the front is not.
Nope, and I doubt the front will be covered outside of warranty, since they only recalled the rear because it's a safety issue. The rear is a federally mandated view, the front is not.
Doesn't the front camera work with lane assist, or adaptive cruise control? Or, are those handled by a radar emitter?
Doesn't the front camera work with lane assist, or adaptive cruise control? Or, are those handled by a radar emitter?
Adaptive cruise has some sort of radar box located on the bumper. Lane keep alert and ACC could also use a camera located near the rain sensor, behind the rear view mirror. I don't think either of those features use the front viewing camera located in the emblem.
No, the front camera is not used by anything other than the driver. The one above the mirror is used by ACC, Collision alert, auto headlights, and there is a second one for rain sense. It would not get recalled, but may be under a TSB. They are probably trying to find a wholesaler that can make replacement cameras dirt cheap that wont turn to fog after a year. I have already had both side cameras and front replaced under warranty on mine, the rear wasn't due to the recall, but even the bed camera has a bit of fog to it now.
