No matter what brand of dash camera you choose, each has their own problems. We have compiled a list of the most common issues and solutions for cameras we have reviewed.
PS – Check out our top dash cam picks if you want to see what’s new and wonderful for 2019.
Your camera uses energy from its lithium-ion battery or in capacitor cameras a small RTC-battery (rechargeable coin battery) to save the time/date/settings in the memory. If your camera runs out of energy, your settings will be lost.
How Does a Camera Run Out of Power?
In healthy batteries after a few weeks of not turning on your camera will lose its charge. If you have issues with your RTC or lithium-ion battery, you may lose power immediately, and your settings are lost when your camera turns off.
Troubleshooting
Try recharging the battery for an extended period of time, several hours at least. For USB cameras this is easy if you plug it into a cell-phone charger. For other cameras, you’ll have to drive if you don’t have an electrical outlet adapter (very uncommon). If after charging, your camera quickly loses settings you’ll have to contact your retailer/manufacturer as it’s a warranty issue.
The most common cause is a faulty capacitor or lithium-ion battery. Your dash cam uses their energy to save the last file and turn off the camera properly. If there’s not enough energy, the camera instantly turns off which corrupts the file. See above for fixes which is to try charging the camera for several hours.
Easy First Fix – Turn Off Data
When your smartphone connects to your dash cam, it creates a new WiFi network. In modern iOS or Android versions, your camera may stop using that network if it doesn’t detect internet — which your dash cam will not provide.
Shutting down data or in some cases, turning on airplane mode and then turning on WiFi will fix the issue of your camera not connecting to your dash cam.
Check If Your 12V Adapter is Fully Seated
Check that your adapter is full pushed in on both ends. Some cars have loose connections, and your cable may have fallen out. If properly connected the next most likely cause is a faulty power adapter
Micro or Mini USB: First Steps
Let’s check if your cable is damaged. Get a cell phone charger to power your camera. You may have to use the cable from your vehicle. If it works, you have a problem with your 12V adapter. Check for a blown fuse.
Non-USB Adapters: First Steps
All you can do is check for a blown fuse. Most of these cables supply 12V directly to the camera. There’s very little that can go wrong as it has no internal circuitry, it’s a wire with a fuse.
Checking for a Blown Fuse
All the car adapters I’ve seen have a fuse inside the tip that inserts into your vehicle’s adapter. The tip likely can be twisted off, and your adapter opened so you can check the fuse. Be careful during disassembly as there are springs and other tiny parts.
Inside, the fuse is a clear cylinder with two metal ends and a thin wire in the middle. If the wire is broken, your fuse has blown and needs to be replaced. Once replaced, your camera should work.
Broken Camera
If you checked the fuse, and for USB cameras tried powering with a cell-phone charger, and nothing works — bad news, your camera likely is broken. You’ll need to contact your manufacturer where they’ll probably ask you to do these steps and send your camera in for warranty.
Some of these solutions may require you to change your firmware or disassemble the camera. Updating the firmware may cause your camera to stop working if done incorrectly and you may lose the warranty. Disassembling the camera will almost always void the warranty but you may have no choice as return shipping (especially China for cheap products) may cost too much money.
Reason: Plastic lens base and housing have expanded in the heat.
Solution: There is no known and working solution for this problem. This might be a permanent problem so if the camera is still under warranty, you should contact the seller regarding a refund or replacement.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Reddit
Reason:MicroSD card fills up rather than overwriting the oldest file.
Solution: Check if loop recording is enabled. If it is enabled try setting up a different loop time. If that doesn’t work there may be an issue with your SD card. Use another card you know that works. If you need a replacement see our SD card guide.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Dash Cam Talk Forums
Reason: Possibly a firmware bug.
Solution: There is no known solution to this problem. Trying different firmware might help.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Dash Cam Talk Forums
Reason: Lens need adjustment, wrong exposure values.
Solution: Adjust the camera so that you have about 1/3 sky and 2/3 land on the screen, even if it means that you have the car hood in view. Set the EV (exposure value) to +2/3 or if video seems too washed out, try +1/3.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Reddit
Reason: The firmware may cause the year to change to 2014 while keeping the month and day the same.
Solution: Flash a different firmware or don’t use the GPS module.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion:Dash Cam Talk Forums
Reason: Manufacturing error where the speaker was glued to the MicroSD card slot.
Solution: Warning! This solution will void the warranty of camera! Return to manufacturer/retailer if possible. The manufacturer has corrected the problem and no longer glues the speaker to the MicroSD slot. The only fix for those who have this problem is to forcefully remove the SD card or remove the glue by disassembling the camera which voids the warranty.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Dash Cam Talk Forums
Reason: Temperature is too low for camera to start and operate normally. In cold weather conditions (under -10C) camera does not start.
Solution: Camera will warm up and start. Operating temperature is from -10C to 60C.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Dash Cam Talk Forums
Reason: You might have a faulty SD card or your SD card is not completely deleting video files.
Solution:When deleting video files from the SD card in a computer, make sure you delete the files from the trash as well (while the SD is still in the computer). If you still have this problem, try using different SD card that works.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Dash Cam Talk Forums
Reason: You are possibly using incorrect GPS or you have a firmware issue.
Solution: Buy the right GPS. If you use the right GPS and still have this problem, it can be solved by installing new firmware.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Dash Cam Talk Forums
Reason: There can be a few reasons why you are experiencing random loop times. 1)You might have a defective unit. 2) You may be using a faulty SD card. 3) Motion detection doesn’t work correctly. 4) Your G-sensor is too sensitive.
Solution: To find out if it is a card issue , try to reformat the SD card you use or try a different SD card. If that fails, try turning off the G-sensor and motion detection. If nothing still, you may have a defective unit. Contact your manufacturer or retailer for warranty support.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Reddit
There are many variants to A118C cameras made by other manufacturers. As we cannot cover every camera please talk to your retailer or if there is a website check that for the firmware files.
Reason: Users have complained of a random color problem for the rear camera. There is no specific reason or explanation for why this happens, but usually it occurs when camera is operating in high temperatures.
Solution: There is no known working solution to solve this problem.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Dash Cam Talk Forums
Reason: Poorly adjusted white balance.
Solution: This problem may be corrected with a firmware update.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Dash Cam Talk Forums
Reason: Some owners have complained of interferes with Digital Audio Broadcasting radio. The cable connecting the front and rear cameras might be positioned or installed poorly.
Solution: Repositioning the cable has helped reduce the problem. Some owners have added a ferrite core to reduce the problem.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Dash Cam Talk Forums
Reason: You might be using a faulty SD card or your SD card not fully compatible with Blackvue cameras.
Solution: Try to format your SD card first. If that fails use a different SD card. Transcend High Endurance SD card also has great track record of performance and reliability in Blackvue cameras. You can also purchase the Blackvue branded micro-SD cards which are guaranteed to work but can be expensive.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Dash Cam Talk Forums
Reason: Smart network features on Android will change WiFi networks if it doesn’t detect an internet connection.
Solution: Check advanced WiFi settings on your phone and disable networking swtiching.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Dash Cam Talk Forums
Reason: Your SD card has failed and can no longer record videos.
Solution: Try using a different SD card you know that works (not Sandisk Ultra cards). See our guide for more info on great dash cam cards.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Dash Cam Talk Forums
Reason: You might have a faulty camera or a firmware issue.
Solution: Try installing V1.011 (legacy firmware) firmware and check if it fixes the problem. If not, you might have a faulty unit and we suggest you contact the manufacturer/retailer for warranty support.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Dash Cam Talk Forums
Reason: The time and date is updated via GPS. You are not getting a good signal through the windshield or you may have wrong time zone settings.
Solution: Make sure you set the right time zone for your camera. Move the camera to different position where it can receive a GPS signal.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Testla
Reason: You may have a faulty power cable or there may be damage to the rear cable. Check if the central pin is damaged or the barrel prongs are bent inwards.
Solution: If there’s a physical problem you may be able to fix it with a small needle or tweezers. If not, you’ll have to buy a new cable.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Radar Detector Forums
Reason: You might be using a faulty power cable or there is a internal fault in the camera.
Solution: Try a different power cable and check it’s seated correctly and there is power going to the 12V socket. if that fails you may have a problem with your camera.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Product Review Australia
Reason: You might have a faulty RTC battery
Solution: The coin battery inside the camera will need replacing. This requires you to open the camera and we suggest you contact your retailer or Blackvue for a solution even if the camera is out of warranty.
If you are out of warranty you can disassemble the camera and replace it yourself. Note you can damage the camera if you it incorrectly. Here’s a video from a user who has performed repairs on the DR500 which is similar to the DR650S and DR650GW. YouTube Link
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Product Review
Reason: You are hitting the mute switch by accident.
Solution: Voice activation can be switched on or off by swiping your finger across the left hand face of the unit. You may need to keep your hands further from the device.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Product Review Australia
Reason: Faulty SD card, formatting issue, or a wrong file format.
Solution:In most cases it means there is a SD card issue. Try using a different SD card, or format your existing card to FAT32.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Reddit
Reason: There might be a conflict between 60p refresh rate and streetlights.
Solution: This resolution may not be the best choice for night driving/recording. Use a different resolution and frame rate instead.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: http://forum.xiaoyi.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=45719
Reason: You have installed the wrong firmware for your device.
Solution: Install the original US/English firmware.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: http://forum.xiaoyi.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=37893
Reason: Your camera’s battery might be dead or your SD card is faulty.
Solution: Try using a different, known good SD card with the Yi dash cam. If the issue remains you have a dead battery. You will need to contact the manufacturer/retailer for a warranty.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: http://forum.xiaoyi.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=40694
Reason: Dash camera is out of focus or your SD card doesn’t have enough write speed.
Solution: Try cleaning the windshield and camera lens and adjust the position of dashcam. Adjust the lens.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Dash Cam Talk Forums
Reason: Bad or faulty memory card.
Solution: You need to try a different, known good SD card. Make sure you are using a name-brand memory card such as Transcend High Endurance 32GB.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: http://forum.xiaoyi.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=45498
Reason: It’s possible you have a bad charger or a faulty battery.
Solution: Try using a different charger. If that doesn’t work it is likely a battery issue. You will need to contact your manufacturer/retailer for a warranty exchange.
Reason: Operation system does not support the resolution of the video file.
Solution: Try a different player. Try downloading an older version of the software.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Dash Cam Talk Forums
Reason: Bad update.Faulty camera, problems with firmware. Camera might be overheating.
Solution: Do a reset by pressing the reset button (using a pin in the reset hole). If that doesn’t work, update the firmware. If it’s Chinese version, flash it with Chinese firmware. Update firmware by instructions here:Dash Cam Talk Forums.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: XiaoYi Forums
Reason: You are using wrong or an unsupported SD card.
Solution: Try using a different SD card. Preferably a name brand like Transcend High Endurance SD card.
Link to Original Solution &Discussion:Xiaoyi Forums
Reason: The camera has run out of power in its capacitors. Unlike other cameras, the DP200 does not have a small coin battery to maintain the time/date/settings and uses only the energy in the capacitors. After a few days this runs out and everything resets.
Solution: Use the camera more frequently.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Dash Cam Talk Forums
Reason: It is a rare problem and there is no known explanation.
Solution: There is no solution. You can manually press the ON button to turn on the camera if this happens to you.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Dash Cam Talk Forums
Reason: This is a v1.5 firmware issue which was fixed on the next update.g
Solution: Update your firmware to the latest version.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Dash Cam Talk Forums
Reason: This could be related to battery. You also may have a faulty SD card or a faulty unit.
Solution: Remove the battery, remove the SD card – do a hard reboot. If that doesn’t fix the issue try a different, known good SD card.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=1455620
Reason: Buttons on camera being loose.
Solution: Can be corrected by Thinkware replacing the buttons through a warranty exchange. You can also use tape to prevent the rattling.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Dash Cam Talk Forums
Reason: The Wifi between the camera and the Smartphone does not connect or disconnects quickly.
Solution: Press the WiFi button off / on one time on the camera. Close the app on the phone (even if running in the background). Restarting the app usually resolves the problem. Alternatively, uninstall and reinstall the app on your phone. Also update to the latest firmware.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Dash Cam Talk Forums
Reason: SD card that is not 100% compatible can potentially mess up the software on the camera. Might also be a firmware issue.
Solution: You can try to use a different SD card or specifically the Thinkware SD card. Download the firmware, unzip the file and copy contents to the root of the thinkware card. Insert the card and turn the camera on, the device will update. Power cycle the camera and then try reconnecting.
Link to Original Solution & Discussion: Dash Cam Talk Forums
Reason: You are using wrong hardware kit or you have incorrectly installed the hardware kit.
Solution: Confirm you are using the right hardware kit and that you have tapped into the right circuits (one switched and one permanently on).
We also have a full users guide where you can find out more information on optimal settings, firmware updates.
Reason: Firmware or Hardware Issue – connection problem between PCB and sensor board.
Solution: Stage 1: Reset the camera. While the camera is off, use a paperclip and hold the reset button down while plugging the power cable back in. Hold the reset button for 15 seconds and release. Wait 10 seconds and restart the camera. See if the issue is fixed.
Stage 2: Reflash the firmware. If the camera is still stuck it’s likely a firmware issue. Download the latest firmware to the root of your microSD card. Plug the camera into your computer’s USB port and wait one minute until it reboots into the “mass storage” display screen. Be aware that the latest firmware is v2+ and if you have an old v1 firmware you will need to load the bootloader first. See our firmware video here.
Stage 3: Return the camera. If you have tried the above and there is still a problem with the hardware and you will need to return to your retailer or Viofo.
Reason: Unknown
Solution: Please use detailed instructions on dashcamtalk to solve this issue Dash Cam Talk Forums.
Reason: Light bounces off your dashboard and onto the windshield.
Solution: You need to use the Viofo CPL filter which helps to reduce glare at night and cuts down on windshield reflections. You can also purchase a non-reflective mat for your vehicle like the Dash Mat which cuts down reflections at their source.
Reason: Faulty or not compatible SD card
Solution: It’s a SD card issue. Transcend 400x and Samsung EVO U3 are recommended cards for the Opia 2 and other cards may not be fully compatible. Try using a different SD card and if you have a chance buy one of their recommended SD cards.
Reason: Vibration of the camera
Solution: Some users have experienced a “jelly” type of video in their cameras.
This is caused by the vibration your camera receives from your car.
The simple way to remove this rolling shutter effect is to try to remove/reduce vibration.
1)Change the install position.
Sometimes different position on windshield can experience different level of vibration. Reposition and reinstall might help.
2)Try different bracket.
Some users have applied shorter or longer 3M brackets. Some use suction mount without problems. Try a different mount. That could solve your problem.