[OT?] Reverse camera not working

It's a long-shot, but I've got something you could try.

I have a Skoda Octavia, and occasionly it falls victim of what I presume is a software bug. It dosn't have a camara, just the reversing sensors and on-screen graphics.

If I switch the ignition on while it is in reverse, the sensors and graphics work, but when I come out of reverse, the screen is blank, and I can't use the radio. The cure seems to be to repeat the operation.

So, turn off the ignition, select reverse gear, turn on the ignition and select neutral.

I'd be suprised if it works, but it's something to try.

Just tried - nothing...

Garage it is then.

Check some joker hasn't stuck chewing gum on the lens? ;)

As a matter of interest, what is the advantage of a camera over ordinary reversing sensors and the use of the mirrors?

It's much easier to get into a parking space.

Are you sure the sensors are working. twice the sensors on my Skoda Roomster have fallen back inside the bumper.

Jonathan

I'll take your word for it. Personally, don't see how. My ideal is a nearside mirror that tilts down to show the kerb. The reversing sensors tell you when close to anything behind.

I haven't got either, but I would have thought that it was easier if you can *see* what's going on rather than having to interpret bleeps from sensors - particularly if you're about to reverse into a concrete post.

My camera view (Mazda) includes lines showing where you will get to in a few yards' time ; you can see both sides at the same time rather than going from one mirror to the other. You can also see what is actually behind. Sensors can go off with a high kerb.

You get a much better view with a well done camera and you can do much better with a camera than any sensors can do.

Nissan's 360 degree system used on the Qashqai is impressive. I've been in one. The camera view is birds eye ...

However, it's not rocket science. Could do the same on the raspberry Pi's GPU with four web cams attached?

Such a system would work well on lorries for avoiding crush incidents. Probably already is one. If not, have Nissan got exclusivity on this tech?

It's much easier to back up to a trailer hitch.

and, what is more, as I realised tonight, you don't have to get out and wipe the raindrops off the mirrrors and adjacent windows to see what's behind you.

It's absolutely brilliant for coupling up a trailer. You can get within a couple of cms first go, rather than having to keep getting out to check. It also gives visual reassurance that the sensors are working properly!

They are still in place, but I must admit that I don't trust them at present.

I specced a reversing camera for my latest car. I have a stiff neck (disc problem) and lack of vision to the left (missing eye). Fine for normal driving, but reversing is (literally) a pain.

I recently 'helped' a woman driver out of a parking space. She had to reverse out but the rear sensors told her that she was just about to hit something. In fact there was a good two thirds of a meter clear in which to complete the turn.

Gender sensor in seat ...