GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Your vehicle may have a rear vision camera system. Read this entire section before using the camera system.

The rear vision camera system is designed to help the driver when backing up by displaying a view, on the navigation screen, of the area behind the vehicle when the driver shifts the vehicle into REVERSE (R).

Turning the Rear Vision Camera System On or Off

To turn the rear vision camera system on or off, do the following:

  1. Shift into PARK (P).
  2. Press the MENU hard key to enter the Menu options, then press the MENU hard key to select Display or touch the Display screen button.
  3. Select the Rear Camera Options screen button. The Rear Camera Options screen will display.
  4. Select the Rear Camera Image in Reverse screen button. The screen button will be highlighted when on.

The delay that is received after shifting out of REVERSE (R) is approximately 10 seconds. The delay can be cancelled by performing one of the following:

    • Pressing a hard key on the navigation system or touching the navigation screen.
    • Shifting in to PARK (P).
    • Reach a vehicle speed of 7 mph (11 km/h).

There is a message on the rear vision camera screen that states "Check Surroundings for Safety".

Caution: The Rear Vision Camera (RVC) system does not replace driver vision. RVC does not:

   • Detect objects that are outside the camera's field of view, below the bumper, or underneath the vehicle.
   • Detect children, pedestrians, bicyclists, or pets.
Do not back the vehicle by only looking at the rear vision camera screen, or use the screen during longer, higher speed backing maneuvers or where there could be cross-traffic. Your judged distances using the screen will differ from actual distances.

So if you do not use proper care before backing up, you could hit a vehicle, child, pedestrian, bicyclist, or pet, resulting in vehicle damage, injury, or death. Even though the vehicle has the RVC system, always check carefully before backing up by checking behind and around the vehicle.

Area Displayed On Screen

Yukon XL Denali shown; Yukon, Yukon XL, Yukon Denali, Tahoe, Suburban, Avalanche similar


Object Number: 1697618  Size: B3

The image is provided by the camera located above the license plate or just under the endgate handle.

The camera uses a special lens. The distance of the image that appears on the screen differs from the actual distance. The area displayed by the camera is limited. The camera does not display objects which are close to either corner of the bumper or under the bumper. The area displayed on the screen may vary according to vehicle orientation or road conditions.

The following illustration shows the field of view that the camera provides.

Yukon XL Denali shown; Yukon, Yukon XL, Yukon Denali, Tahoe, Suburban, Avalanche similar


Object Number: 1697620  Size: B5

Adjusting the Brightness and Contrast of the Screen

To adjust the brightness and contrast of the screen, press the MENU key while the rear vision camera image is on the display. Any adjustments made will only effect the rear vision camera screen.

(Brightness) : Touch the + (plus) or - (minus) screen buttons to increase or decrease the brightness of the screen.

(Contrast) : Touch the + (plus) or - (minus) screen buttons to increase or decrease the contrast of the screen.

When the System Does Not Seem To Work Properly

The rear vision camera system may not work properly or display a clear image in the following situations:

    • The feature may be turned off. See "Turning the Rear Vision Camera System On or Off" earlier in this section.
    • In the dark.
    • When the sun or the beam of headlights is shining directly into the camera lens.
    • If ice, snow, mud, or anything else builds up on the camera lens. Clean the lens, rinse it with water, and wipe it with a soft cloth.
    • If the back of the vehicle is in an accident, the position and mounting angle of the camera may change or the camera may be affected. Be sure to have the camera and its position and mounting angle checked at your dealer/retailer.
    • Extreme high or low temperatures or extreme temperature changes can affect the image displayed.

Rear Vision Camera Error Messages

Rear Vision Camera System Unavailable: This message may display when the system is not receiving information it requires from other vehicle systems.

If any other problem occurs or if a problem persists, see your dealer/retailer.