2022-2025 Honda Civic Rear Camera Black and White Display

Symptoms

Owners of 2022-2025 Honda Civic vehicles may notice that when the car is shifted into reverse, the rear camera displays a "black and white image" instead of a full-color view. This issue can occur intermittently, sometimes switching between color and black and white display. This is the primary symptom for the Honda Civic rear camera black and white problem.

Possible Cause

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

Corrective Action

Honda Service Bulletin 25-070 outlines a corrective action involving an update to the vehicle's audio unit software. This update is performed using a USB flash drive loaded with the specific firmware.

Important Warnings for Owners

Owners should be aware of several critical warnings related to this software update:

• "Loss of power during the update can cause irreparable damage to the audio unit." It's crucial that the vehicle's power supply remains stable throughout the process.
• "DO NOT disconnect the USB flash drive until the software update is complete." Interrupting the update can corrupt the audio unit.
• "Updating with the incorrect software will damage the audio unit and will require unit replacement." Technicians must ensure the correct software file is used for the specific vehicle.
• "Only update the audio unit software if the software information matches the information table shown above." This emphasizes the importance of verifying software versions before proceeding.
• Honda advises that "The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment, and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by 'do-it-yourselfers,' and you should not assume this bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Honda automobile dealer."

Warranty Claim Information

For authorized Honda dealers, the warranty claim details for Service Bulletin 25-070 are as follows:

• Operation Number: 0100A1
• Description: Update the audio unit software
• Flat Rate Time: 0.3 hours
• Defect Code: 03265
• Symptom Code: 03273
• Template ID: A25070A
• Failed Part Number: 8A100-T20-A43

Required Materials

To perform the software update, the following materials are needed:

• USB-A Flash Drive, formatted to FAT32 (Commercially available, Quantity 1)
• USB-C Flash Drive, formatted to FAT32 (Commercially available, Quantity 1)

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair, detailed in Honda Service Bulletin 25-070, involves updating the audio unit software. This procedure should be performed by a skilled technician at an authorized Honda dealer and includes several key stages:

1. Initial Inspection and Preparation

Before starting, ensure no devices (USB flash drives, smartphones) are connected to the vehicle's front or rear USB ports. Connect a battery charger, such as a Midtronics DCA-8000 in Reflash Mode or an Associated Equipment Corporation ESS6100 100A Smart Charger in Power Supply Mode | DIAG+, directly to the vehicle's 12-volt battery to maintain constant voltage throughout the update. Apply the parking brake to prevent headlights from activating. Push the "ENGINE START/STOP" button to ON without pressing the brake pedal.

2. Checking Current Software Version

With the audio unit turned OFF, simultaneously press and hold the PHONE and CONNECT buttons, then press the VOL/AUDIO knob 5 times to enter the diagnostic menu. Navigate to System and then select Version. Check the current "SW Version" and "Video Processor" numbers. If they are already 00.10.030 and 00.06.210 or greater, the update has been applied. Otherwise, proceed with the update.

3. Using the Honda Firmware Downloader

On a computer, use the Honda Firmware Downloader application. Ensure you have a blank USB flash drive formatted to FAT32. Enter the service bulletin number (25-070) and the vehicle's VIN (in CAPS) into the downloader. Search for the correct software update, which is version H1P2Z041.kwi. The software download may take up to "15 minutes". If a "TIMEOUT err" or "UNDEF err" message appears, the USB drive may be faulty and should be replaced.

4. Updating the Audio Unit in the Vehicle

Return to the vehicle and ensure the parking brake is applied and the "ENGINE START/STOP" button is ON. Insert the prepared USB flash drive into a USB data port (not a charging port). With the audio unit OFF, enter the diagnostic menu again (PHONE and CONNECT buttons simultaneously, then VOL/AUDIO knob 5 times). Select System, then Software Update. Confirm by selecting YES. The update process will take approximately "32 minutes", including a "16 minutes" software checking phase. During the "Checking" stage, verify that the software information on the screen matches the required versions: SW Version 00.10.030, System Micom 00.06.245, Video Processor 00.06.210, and Media Processor 00.06.210. If there's a mismatch, press CANCEL to prevent damage.

5. Software Update Confirmation

After the update is complete, the unit will automatically reboot to "Audio is OFF" mode. Re-enter the diagnostic menu (PHONE and CONNECT buttons simultaneously, then VOL/AUDIO knob 5 times) and navigate to System > Version to confirm the new software versions are installed. Exit the diagnostic menu by pressing the VOL/AUDIO button, then press it again to turn the audio unit ON. If the anti-theft mode activates, press and hold the VOL/AUDIO button for more than 2 seconds to bypass it. Finally, remove the USB flash drive from the vehicle.

Software Versions After Update

Upon successful completion of the update, the audio unit software versions should be:

• SW Version: 00.10.030
• System Micom: 00.06.245
• Video Processor: 00.06.210
• Media Processor: 00.06.210

Owner Action

If your 2022-2025 Honda Civic is experiencing the "Honda Civic rear camera black and white" display issue, contact an authorized Honda dealer. They have the necessary tools, equipment, and training to perform the software update outlined in Service Bulletin 25-070. Do not attempt this procedure yourself, as incorrect execution can lead to irreparable damage to the audio unit.

NHTSA ID: 10250000