RearView Camera Washer System
The 2013 Altima can be equipped with the RearView camera located above the rear license plate. The RearView Camera Washer system is part of the new advanced ITS RearView Monitor system which is standard on the SV and SL models. A dome lens adds to the sophisticated image-processing software on this new Altima's backup camera system.
The LDW, BSW, and MOD functions which are optional on the 2013 Altima use a RearView monitor system with an ITS RearView camera lens, that must be kept free of dirt and road debris to function properly. To ensure the camera remains clean, it is equipped with a rear camera washer system with a self-cleaning capability. The system includes hoses that transfer fluid from the windshield washer reservoir in the engine compartment to the back nozzle, releasing it onto the camera lens, and an air pump that blows air to dry the lens.
RearView Camera Washer Control Unit
The RearView camera washer control unit judges the signal status from the combination switch for washer operation. It then supplies the power and ground signal to the front washer motor. The IPDM E/R turns on the integrated front wiper relay. The washer motor is grounded through the RearView camera washer control unit. The CU decides to spray the windshield or the RearView camera.
RearView Camera with Washer
If the Intelligent Technology Suite (ITS) control unit doesn't receive the correct camera image signal reference value from the RearView camera, it determines the camera can't see properly. It then sends a signal to the RearView camera washer control unit to operate the front windshield washer pump motor, which has a second function to spray washer fluid through a port onto the RearView camera lens. At the same time, the rearview camera washer control unit dries the camera lens by sending a signal to the rearview air pump compressor. The signal releases a burst of air to clear off debris and finish the cleaning process. The air pump will stay on for a short time after the washer pump turns off. If the cleaning operation doesn't work, the ITS control unit receives the incorrect communication signal from rear view camera and will not be able to perform the function of detection capability when excessive dirt adheres on the camera lens. If this occurs, the BSW and/or LDW light will blink and the "Unavailable Clean rear camera" illuminates. If the message appears, clean the camera lens with a soft cloth, and then turn OFF and restart the vehicle.
CHECK CAMERA LENS
Is camera lens contaminated with foreign materials?
YES>> Clean camera lens.
System Checks
The RearView Camera Washer system works only when the vehicle is driving at speeds above 18.6 mph (30km/h). The only way to test the system while the vehicle is stopped is to use the CONSULT active test function:
1. Perform WASH ACTIVE on Active Test using CONSULT-III plus.
2. Perform air and washer tube connection check by AIR & WASH ACTIVE on Active Test:
a. Washer fluid output count on the RearView camera is 3 to 5 times
>> OK.
b. Washer fluid output count on the RearView camera is 10 times
>> Check tube with yellow marking.
c. Washer fluid output count on the RearView camera is 1 time
>> Check tube with green marking.
d. No washer fluid output
>> Check tube with blue marking or check valve.
NOTE: The Active Test cannot be operated with the trunk open. There is a switch in the trunk latch that must show closed.
BSW/LDW Temporary Disabled Status
Under the conditions below, the BSW and/or the LDW system will turn off temporarily, and the BSW and LDW indicator will blink. Either of the following messages will appear in the vehicle information display:
- Trunk open
- Washer fluid is low
If the trunk is open, the rear view camera lens may not be at the right height to be able to properly perform the detection function.
If the windshield washer fluid is low when the ignition switch is ON, the washer level switch receives 0V input washer level signal (closing the switch). The Driver Assistance system control unit sends an output signal to turn ON the master warning light indicator if the low windshield-washer fluid warning or if the door/trunk open warning are displayed.
When the above conditions are corrected, the BSW and/or LDW system will resume automatically.
Do not fill the washer fluid reservoir with washer fluid concentrates at full strength. Some methyl alcohol-based washer fluid concentrates may permanently stain.
Pre-mix washer fluid concentrates with water to the manufacturer's recommended levels before pouring the fluid into the window washer reservoir.
The recommended fluid is Genuine NISSAN Windshield Washer Concentrate Cleaner and Antifreeze or equivalent.