2023-2025 Honda CR-V Rear Camera Black and White Image TSB

Owners of 2023-2025 Honda CR-V vehicles may experience an issue where the Honda CR-V rear camera black and white image appears when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. This condition can occur intermittently, with the display switching between color and black and white modes.

This problem is addressed by Honda Service Bulletin 25-071, which provides a software update for the vehicle's audio unit.

Symptoms

The primary symptom owners will notice is the rear camera display showing a "black and white image" when the vehicle is in reverse. This can happen sporadically, and the display may even switch back to color during the same reverse maneuver.

Possible Cause

The root cause of the Honda CR-V rear camera black and white display is an incorrect software threshold setting within the audio unit. When the color burst signal from the camera is low, this software threshold processes the image as black and white instead of color.

Important Warnings for Owners

Honda provides several critical warnings regarding the software update process:

• Loss of power during the update can cause irreparable damage to the audio unit. It is essential to maintain a stable power supply throughout the procedure.
• If a "TIMEOUT err" or "UNDEF err" message appears during the firmware download, the USB flash drive may be damaged or faulty. A new or different USB flash drive should be used.
• The audio unit software should only be updated if the software information displayed on the screen matches the information table provided in the bulletin.
• Updating with incorrect software will damage the audio unit and require its replacement.
• DO NOT disconnect the USB flash drive until the software update is complete.
• Honda explicitly states that the information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment, and training. These procedures should not be attempted by "do-it-yourselfers." Contact an authorized Honda automobile dealer to determine if this information applies to your vehicle.

Required Materials and Tools

To perform this software update, technicians will need a blank USB-A Flash Drive formatted to FAT32. Additionally, a power supply such as a Midtronics DCA-8000 Dynamic Diagnostics Charging System in "Reflash Mode" or an Associated Equipment Corporation ESS6100 100A Smart Charger in "Power Supply Mode | DIAG+" is required to maintain constant voltage during the update. The ESS6100 must be connected directly to the vehicle's 12-volt battery.

Warranty Claim Information

For authorized Honda dealers, the warranty claim details for this service are as follows:

Operation Number	Description	Flat Rate Time	Defect Code	Symptom Code	Template ID	Failed Part Number
0100A1	Update the audio unit software	0.3hr	03265	03273	A25071A	8A100-3A0-A02

Software Update Procedure Summary

This procedure involves several key steps to resolve the Honda CR-V rear camera black and white issue, as detailed in Honda Service Bulletin 25-071:

1. Preparation: Ensure no other devices are connected to the vehicle's USB ports. Connect a stable power supply to the vehicle's 12-volt battery and apply the parking brake to prevent headlights from activating. Push the "ENGINE START/STOP" button to ON without pressing the brake pedal.
2. Enter Diagnostic Menu: With the audio unit OFF, simultaneously press and hold the "PHONE" and "CONNECT" buttons, then press the "VOL/AUDIO knob" five times to access the diagnostic menu. From there, navigate to "System" and then "Version" to check the current software versions. The target software versions are: Software Version 01.10.030, System Micom 01.01.187, Video Processor 01.01.058, and Media Processor 01.01.046.
3. Download Firmware: Using a computer, open the Honda Firmware Downloader (version 1.8.0 or later). Input the vehicle's VIN (in CAPS) and the Service Bulletin Number 25-071. Download the required software update file, H1P2Z047.kwi, onto a blank, FAT32-formatted USB flash drive. The download process may take up to 15 minutes. If a "TIMEOUT err" or "UNDEF err" message appears, use a different USB drive.
4. Update Audio Unit: Insert the USB flash drive into the vehicle's USB data port. With the audio unit OFF, re-enter the diagnostic menu by pressing and holding "PHONE" and "CONNECT" buttons, then pressing the "VOL/AUDIO knob" five times. Select "System" and then "Software Update." Confirm that the displayed software information matches the required versions. If they match, select "YES" to begin the update. The update process takes approximately 32 minutes, including a 16-minute software checking phase. Do not disconnect the USB flash drive during this time.
5. Confirmation: After the update, the unit will automatically reboot to "Audio is OFF" mode. Re-enter the diagnostic menu and confirm that the software versions have been updated to the specified levels. Push the "VOL/AUDIO knob" to exit the diagnostic menu, turn the audio unit ON, and hold the "VOL/AUDIO knob" for more than 2 seconds to bypass anti-theft mode. Finally, remove the USB flash drive.

Owner Action

If your 2023-2025 Honda CR-V is experiencing a "black and white image" from the rear camera, it is recommended to contact an authorized Honda dealer. They can verify if your vehicle is affected by Honda Service Bulletin 25-071 and perform the necessary audio unit software update. This update is typically covered under warranty.

Source: NHTSA ID 10250672