Audi B9 A4 Reversing Camera Issue

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#2696134 21-Apr-2021 15:19

Google translated it for me. I don't think that TSB covers the issues you're experiencing (the horizontal banding/flickering), more to do with overlay of steering guidelines, lack of an IR filter on the camera causing colour distortion, lens flare effects from bright reflections, and loss of resolution due to "de-fisheyeing" the image from the camera. On the latter point - if that system has in fact got "rectilinear" correction, it's not very thorough, the image still looks very fisheye, but I don't think that's a problem.

A question though - was that video you posted shot in 100% daylight - or were any street or outside house lights also on? That flicker could be from LED or fluoro lights - even if they're only providing partial illumination. Some phone cameras and more sophisticated video cameras can automatically process the image to remove those effects, but a simple reversing camera - probably not.

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#2696138 21-Apr-2021 15:23

I agree, this doesn't cover the issue, so I was surprised they suggested it was the issue.

The video I showed you was in the afternoon, around 4pm I think.

The issue happens day or night.

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#2696149 21-Apr-2021 15:50

It kind of looks like electrical interference, like the cable between the reversing camera and the infotainment is starting to fray

Fred99

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#2696157 21-Apr-2021 16:00

So it really has to be electrical interference from "something" not earthed as it should be, or maybe some dirty 12v power in the system. Will the camera still work with the engine off and the ignition on? If the flickering is still there, then maybe it's an issue with alternator etc. Is there much engine speed related noise with the radio tuned to a weak AM station? If it's got a towing kit fitted, then is it OEM or aftermarket?

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#2696221 21-Apr-2021 18:30

Do you have anything documented from while the car was in warranty? I had some transmission issues with my VW Golf that was nearing the end of it's factory warranty and made sure it was noted on the service print out in case it wasn't resolved before the warranty ran out. It was a case of the VW dealer admitting to an issue but VW had not yet published a 'fix'. In the end, they did end up fixing it about 5 months before the warranty ran out, but felt better that before it was resolved it was at least documented.

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#2696509 22-Apr-2021 08:40

Fred99:

So it really has to be electrical interference from "something" not earthed as it should be, or maybe some dirty 12v power in the system. Will the camera still work with the engine off and the ignition on? If the flickering is still there, then maybe it's an issue with alternator etc. Is there much engine speed related noise with the radio tuned to a weak AM station? If it's got a towing kit fitted, then is it OEM or aftermarket?

Hmm there is a towbar fitted by the original seller, but I am not sure if it's OEM or third party, I think it's third party.

I wonder if that's causing the issue. Never occurred to me previously. I might give them a call.

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#2696513 22-Apr-2021 08:46

tow kit is wired to brake lights, can it cause electrical interference seen? due to pressing on brakes when reversing?

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#2696516 22-Apr-2021 08:53

Batman:

tow kit is wired to brake lights, can it cause electrical interference seen? due to pressing on brakes when reversing?

I'll test this at the next opportunity, however, my recollection is that it happens whether or not the brake is applied.

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#2696517 22-Apr-2021 09:01

Oops my mistake above, if the camera still flickers when the engine isn't running, then probably not a possible fault with alternator etc.

The towbar itself won't affect the camera. The electrical/electronic kit they used might. Because of the canbus system, the lights aren't just "hard wired" / looped off the rear light cluster like old school cars. There's an electronic control box linked in to the system, the OEM one probably "talks to" the canbus system for signal. Aftermarket ones may just loop off the tail light power to draw a very low current (much less than a light bulb or LED lights) to trigger a (probably solid state) relay, as if the trailer lights were looped off the tail lights directly, they draw too much current, the canbus system assumes there's a fault. Just a "maybe" that the trailer light system is involved. Some of the specialist geeks at car electrical firms might know. People used to old school car electrics (including me) may be just guessing. I don't know, but there's probably a reason (apart from profit motive) why the OEM kits can be very expensive, the aftermarket kits a small fraction of that price.

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#2696519 22-Apr-2021 09:04

So my wife confirms regardless of stationary with brake, or moving forward or backward, the flickering is still present. Not sure if that eliminates the towbar wiring as the cause.

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#2696523 22-Apr-2021 09:14

networkn:

So my wife confirms regardless of stationary with brake, or moving forward or backward, the flickering is still present. Not sure if that eliminates the towbar wiring as the cause.

May not eliminate it, as the towbar wiring kit probably also includes the reversing lights, this because some trailers with override brakes have an electrical solenoid actuator to automatically disable the brakes when you reverse, otherwise you've got to get out of the car and flip the lever toggle thing on the coupling before you start reversing, then remember to get out again and flip it back to get the brakes working again. The reversing cam uses the reverse light power to "know" the car is in reverse, and/or may use that to power itself. So even if there's no trailer attached, the electronic box is always working/connected to the car electrics.

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#2696553 22-Apr-2021 10:40

networkn:

Batman:

tow kit is wired to brake lights, can it cause electrical interference seen? due to pressing on brakes when reversing?

I'll test this at the next opportunity, however, my recollection is that it happens whether or not the brake is applied.

actually ignore me i think my understanding of the tow wiring is very basic. there has to be more to it than the brake lights lol

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#2696679 22-Apr-2021 13:41

I am pretty impressed with the Towbar company (who I will name if it's resolved). Called them and explained the issue. They asked a series of questions and agreed to send their senior auto electrician onsite next Friday AM to investigate and resolve if it's anything related to them.

Considering they have changed owners in that time and it's been 3 years, pretty happy with their response. No attempt to blame or wiggle out, just helpful customer service and prompt too.

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#2696683 22-Apr-2021 13:50

Good. It may be a long shot, but nobody else you've spoken to has helped. I'd probably have a case of beer or bottle of wine handy to give them in thanks even if they don't solve the problem - but took the effort to investigate.

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#2696685 22-Apr-2021 13:52

Fred99:

Good. It may be a long shot, but nobody else you've spoken to has helped. I'd probably have a case of beer or bottle of wine handy to give them in thanks even if they don't solve the problem - but took the effort to investigate.

Was just discussing that with my wife.

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