Backup Camera - Alfa help

[Markh1254]

I posted last month how I had installed the OEM backup camera kit in my 2017 2500 with the Uconnect 5 radio. When I shift into reverse I get grid lines and they move with steering wheel.

Since I often tow my ATV (Rzr) on a utility trailer I was thinking it sure would be nice to be able to turn on that camera periodically and make sure all is well with the Rzr tied down on the trailer.

I found on the "MORE" button on the radio I get the outside temperature, a clock and a box labeled "CAMERA". When I press the CAMERA button on the touch screen nothing happens. From what I've read in the owners manual, if I am traveling faster then 8 MPH, the camera will turn on for 10 seconds, then off. If I am traveling less then 8 MPH, the camera will stay on.

Unfortunately, mine does nothing! Have I missed a setting in the Alfa app? I've looked through the body computer settings and have everything related to "CAMERA" enabled.

Speaking of Alfa app, I red that I should save the configuration of my truck. Where is that done in the app?

Thank you again in advance!

Mark

 

[lpennock]

My 18 will only allow the backup camera at speed if it detects trailer brakes.

 

[gsbrockman]

My 18 will only allow the backup camera at speed if it detects trailer brakes.

Interesting.

So.....if the OP is towing his Razor on a single axle trailer with no brake axle, it would seem it’s not available.

 

[lpennock]

That would align with experience.

 

[Topzide]

@Markh1254 , When you connect to Alfa through the body module, you go to the engine button to get config. file from the truck. Not sure of exact steps since not connect to truck. https://www.ramforum.com/threads/alfaobd.123982/, this will have more info on how to save and maybe answers if you post them. These guys have put Alfa through it's paces with all type of mods! Good luck and sounds like camera may not see trailer since it's not activating the brake module.

 

[AH64ID]

My 18 will only allow the backup camera at speed if it detects trailer brakes.

That’s not how my 18 works. I can turn on either camera at any time with or without a trailer with brakes. The 10 seconds above 8mph seems correct.

Dads 17 works like my 18.

 

[lpennock]

That’s not how my 18 works. I can turn on either camera at any time with or without a trailer with brakes. The 10 seconds above 8mph seems correct.

Dads 17 works like my 18.

I just tried my 18 this weekend (at about 75mph) and the High mounted camera would come on but the back camera would not. Maybe it was because I was hooked to the in bed connector rather than the bumper connector.

 

[AH64ID]

I just tried my 18 this weekend (at about 75mph) and the High mounted camera would come on but the back camera would not. Maybe it was because I was hooked to the in bed connector rather than the bumper connector.

I have found no relationship between the trailer plug and the backup camera. I can use either camera at any time.

 

[bcbender]

I also can select any camera on the truck at any speed (kinda weird with the front cam on going 70 tho).. They do shut down after a few seconds at speed as has been said. No relationship with trailer or connection type as I have many w/without brakes.

My 10y old likes to put the high mount cam on to see what's going on when we are hauling stuff in the bed.

 

[Cummins12V98]

All I want is my backup camera out of the mirror and into the big display where it belongs.

 

[Markh1254]

I contacted my local dealer about enabling the camera option. Yes, it works when I am in reverse, but sure would like to keep an eye on my trailer when towing and can't seem to find any option in Alfa OBD. The dealer service adviser quoted me one hour labor to enable the camera option - $120/hour plus tax for a total of $155. When I queried him about the $35 tax rate his reply was tax at 8% state tax plus "shop supplies".

I can understand consumables being charged, but a charge for a scan tool as a "shop supply"? Isn't the $120 hour rate a burdened rate which includes wages, insurance, building utilities/maintenance and computers/tools? Maybe I'm wrong but this seems to be a dealers attempt to further his revenue stream. Thoughts?

Thanks
Mark

 

[Topzide]

@Markh1254. Anytime a job goes through the shop, there will be shop supplies! Some jobs need more were others little to none. This is how they try to balance it out regardless of what's being done.
As far as Alfa; Found 5 things to confirm:
1) ECU Config 3: Rear Camera Present
2) ECU Config 3: Radio Apps Present
3) Radio & Connectivity: Trailer Hitch Camera Present
4) Cust.Set.Menu 1: Rear Camera CSM Present
5) Cust.Set.Menu 2: Rear View Camera Delay CSM Present
Check these settings to see if they're enabled and if not, note them and enable to see if that allows you to see camera when towing. Hope that this helps. Unable to do on mine due to 3.0 radio in my truck. Found under Alfa settings for your truck. Good luck and report findings.

 

[Markh1254]

Well, no success. I've spent a couple of hours with Alfa OBD and got nowhere. I actually have numerous settings in the body computer in Alfa, which I've listed below:

VehConfig 1: Rear View Camera - Enabled
VehConfig 1: CHMSL Camera - Enabled (What is CHMSL - Cab Third Brakelight?)
ECUConfig3: Rear Camera Present - Enabled
ECUConfig3: DTV Front Camera Present - Not Enabled
ECUConfig3: DTV Side Camera Present - Not Enabled
Radio & Connectivity Trailer Hitch Camera Present - Wasn't Enabled - Enabled but no different
Cust.Set.Menu 1: Rear View Camera Gridlines CSM Present (What is CSM?) - Wasn't Enabled - Enabled but no different
Cust.Set.Menu 1: Rear Camera CSM Present - Wasn't Enabled - Enabled but no different
Cust.Set.Menu 2: Rear View Camera Delay CSM Present - Wasn't Enabled - Enabled but no different
Cust.Set.Menu 2: Surround View Camera Gridlines CSM Present - Wasn't Enabled - Enabled but no different
LIN Cust Prog Feat: Rear View Camera Static Grid lines Enabled - Not Changed
LIN Cust Prog Feat: Rear View Camera Dynamic Grid lines Enabled - Not Changed
P/T Chassis Net: FFCM/HALF Front Facing Camera Module - Not Changed (What is P/T and FFCM/HALF?)

I'm running out of ideas here. When I did toggle Radio Apps Disable the Rear Camera View on the Radio (5.0) button from the "MORE" screen changed to APPS and referred me to the vehicle website. Do I need to install a different APP to view this camera?

Mark

 

[Topzide]

@Markh1254, Not sure what would have to be done now? CHMSL is Cab High Mount Stop Lamp. Have you posted a question over on the https://www.ramforum.com/threads/alfaobd.123982/. These guys have really played with Alfa settings and added cameras along with fog lamps and changed clusters. Might be worth posting it there to see if someone has been down this road. Post your settings along with what you're doing to aid in the help they can give you. Don't give up, Alfa seems to allow us to do everything else with our trucks. I'm going to add a switch that will allow me to turn on my RR camera when not in reverse. It will be a momentary with diodes to keep voltage from back feeding the circuit. Only option I have with the 3.0 radio. We are all learning what we can do with these different trails. Did you allow the ECU to sit for a bit before checking the changes? Just remembered that there needs to be a time period before changes show up. Keep hunting for the fix!

 

[AH64ID]

CSM is Customer Select Menu...basically enables things you can select in the 8.4.

It usually takes some time for CSM enabled to activate. It took my truck 18 hours for the DRL option to be selectable on the 8.4, so I'd just give it some time as your settings look correct.

 

[Wiredawg]

Well, no success. I've spent a couple of hours with Alfa OBD and got nowhere. I actually have numerous settings in the body computer in Alfa, which I've listed below:

VehConfig 1: Rear View Camera - Enabled
VehConfig 1: CHMSL Camera - Enabled (What is CHMSL - Cab Third Brakelight?)
ECUConfig3: Rear Camera Present - Enabled
ECUConfig3: DTV Front Camera Present - Not Enabled
ECUConfig3: DTV Side Camera Present - Not Enabled
Radio & Connectivity Trailer Hitch Camera Present - Wasn't Enabled - Enabled but no different
Cust.Set.Menu 1: Rear View Camera Gridlines CSM Present (What is CSM?) - Wasn't Enabled - Enabled but no different
Cust.Set.Menu 1: Rear Camera CSM Present - Wasn't Enabled - Enabled but no different
Cust.Set.Menu 2: Rear View Camera Delay CSM Present - Wasn't Enabled - Enabled but no different
Cust.Set.Menu 2: Surround View Camera Gridlines CSM Present - Wasn't Enabled - Enabled but no different
LIN Cust Prog Feat: Rear View Camera Static Grid lines Enabled - Not Changed
LIN Cust Prog Feat: Rear View Camera Dynamic Grid lines Enabled - Not Changed
P/T Chassis Net: FFCM/HALF Front Facing Camera Module - Not Changed (What is P/T and FFCM/HALF?)

I'm running out of ideas here. When I did toggle Radio Apps Disable the Rear Camera View on the Radio (5.0) button from the "MORE" screen changed to APPS and referred me to the vehicle website. Do I need to install a different APP to view this camera?

Mark

CHMSL = Center High Mount Stop Lamp