Up in Smoke

[RichRob]

Recently, while driving my Vegas to get tires, the cab filled with smoke, and message on Axxera radio screen said there was no connection to cameras, and nothing worked on the radio. There was no fire, but a cord that ran from radio to the switcher box was burnt up. Since I could not get any appointment with any of the nearby RV service centers, I brought the RV to Best Buy, where the tech told me the radio had to be replaced. I had a Kenwood radio installed and when I left Best Buy, the cameras would not come on, even though they were working fine before I left. Went back, the installer went over all the connections, and discovered that the switcher box had a faint burnt smell. I ordered a new one, and the Best Buy tech installed it. We ran a check with directional signals and placing gear in reverse. Cameras came on with no problem, until I drove away. I went about 50 yards, and I lost cameras again. Everything else on radio worked fine. Brought it back, the tech checked all the connections, and everything was fine, but cameras would not come on. The tech believes there may be a short within the camera themselves, which is a repair Best Buy would not due, since it is beyond a radio installation. Has anyone had this problem? I'm heading to Florida, from RI, in 10 days, so there is no way I can get an appointment at a service center, since they are scheduling 3 - 4 weeks away. Any suggestions for repair? I plan on driving without the use of cameras. I mostly rely on the mirrors anyway.

[16ACE27]

Did they verify power TO the switchbox? Cameras won't work without power.

[RichRob]

Yes, besides each time they were working fine, then stopped a short drive away. Also, none of the connections were loose.

[happy]

Maybe check Best Buy to see if they sell and install a new wireless camera?

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by RichRob

Yes, besides each time they were working fine, then stopped a short drive away. Also, none of the connections were loose.

Where is the video input connected to the radio? If on the AUX video input, the radio shuts that off when moving for "safety" reasons. It needs to go to the backup camera input and the trigger wire from the switchbox has to trigger the backup camera view.

[Chateau_Nomad]

At least the rear camera probably uses an extension cable. Not sure about the side ones. But every place there's a "plug-in" is a potential failure point. If it's not plugged together tightly, it creates resistance - which equals heat and potential electrical shorting/melted wiring/fires.