I was noticing some cloudy, slightly dark blotches in the nav screen from the backup camera. I checked the camera lens on the back. Sure enough, the was some schmootz on part of the lens. I tried Windex, then eyeglass wipes with alcohol - nothing got it off. Then I tried mineral spirits - can't get it off.

Before I use anything stronger, can anyone tell me if that lens is glass or some form of acrylic?

 

It's in the owners manual. "The camera cover is made of plastic. Do not apply degreasing agents, organic solvents, wax, or glass coating agents to the camera cover. If any are spilled on the cover, wipe off with a soft cloth immediately."

https://owners-manual.mazda.com/gen/.../05170100.html

You will probably end up getting "The camera cover" replaced at a dealership. Florida sun damage?

 

I missed that paragraph, thanks. I guess the camera cover is much like the headlight cover - an acrylic that begins to get cloudy after a few years. Except in this case, it's only been two years. My Hyundai that I just traded for this didn't have any problem with either in the six years I owned it.

I wonder how difficult it is to replace the lens cover?

 

I just got off the phone with the Mazda dealer service dept.

She said the entire unit has to be replaced. The lens cover, by itself, is not replaceable. They send the old unit into Mazda. If they declare the unit was not bad enough to replace, the dealer will eat the cost.

 

Indeed a shame that the lens material is not more sturdy or protected.

 

I removed 90% of the small blops of cloudiness. Just takes some elbo grease (like a corner of a Mr. Clean sponge - not enough to scratch, but enough "cut" to remove the residue). Most people wouldn't notice anything in the screen anymore. It's good to know the schmutz was on the outside of the lens and not on the inside. I suspect something got on it from birth.

 

Great news. I love a happy ending. Now we all know it can be cleaned!

 

Tnks for post. PS: When it comes to cleaning this type of lens, I use a product that I picked up when I bought new glasses. It is called NX and can be used on computer LCD screens . Bought it a few years back and not sure if still available.However, just stop at any optical store and they should have something like it.
Hope this helps.

Jim

 

Don't mean to hijack this thread but, regarding the quality of the back up camera on my 2018 CX-5 GT, quite frankly--it's terrible! Very low resolution to be sure.
Anyone have a good alternative for the stock camera, either Mazda or aftermarket?

 

Don't walk. Run to the dealership with this issue. The back-up camera in our 2014 is as good as any I have seen.