Backup Camera Wiring Question
Thread Starter
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MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 149
From: SE Georgia
Backup Camera Wiring Question
What kind of plug/wiring does it use?
I was cleaning the passenger side door sills yesterday and pulled the plastic trim piece up. Found what could only be the Backup Camera wire running on-top of the main wiring harness.
I want to shift/split the camera to input to my JVC AVX820 Headunit...and still show in the Rearview mirror. But I have no idea what kind of plug/wire goes to the Rearview.
I could pull it apart and look, but not really in the mood to go this route until it's time to plug into the headunit
TIA
I was cleaning the passenger side door sills yesterday and pulled the plastic trim piece up. Found what could only be the Backup Camera wire running on-top of the main wiring harness.
I want to shift/split the camera to input to my JVC AVX820 Headunit...and still show in the Rearview mirror. But I have no idea what kind of plug/wire goes to the Rearview.
I could pull it apart and look, but not really in the mood to go this route until it's time to plug into the headunit
TIA
Thread Starter
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MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 149
From: SE Georgia
btw, I just bought a Kenwood DDX616 Headunit to replace my JVC, so this is the main push to do this right now. Figure I'll go in and do all the wiring hassle in 1 go, rather than 2 seperate instances
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,537
Likes: 27
From: Long Beach, Ms.
Almost all cameras use a RCA connector; 
This is a picture of a Ford camera from another model;
Explorer camera;
You may be able to use one of these to split the out put;
Or this;
Splitters image from https://www.cablesforless.com/p-129-...rca-plugs.aspx
You will probably need to split the signal right behind the camera and send an extension cable to the Kenwood.
This is a picture of a Ford camera from another model;
Explorer camera;
You may be able to use one of these to split the out put;
Or this;
Splitters image from https://www.cablesforless.com/p-129-...rca-plugs.aspx
You will probably need to split the signal right behind the camera and send an extension cable to the Kenwood.
Thread Starter
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MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 149
From: SE Georgia
awesome, thank you.
I was hoping it would be a RCA. My headrests use a S-video connection that converts to RCA at the headunit, so that had me wondering.
I have a bunch of those "Y" splitters laying around. Now need to grab a decent quality 10ft video rca cable.
thanks again
I was hoping it would be a RCA. My headrests use a S-video connection that converts to RCA at the headunit, so that had me wondering.
I have a bunch of those "Y" splitters laying around. Now need to grab a decent quality 10ft video rca cable.
thanks again
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2007
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Is it the stock camera? If it is, it does not use RCAs. It uses a harness but it has separate video+ and video- wires. 
Your best bet would be to tap into those at the door sill with the single end RCA cable from radio shack. It has an RCA end on one side and the video+ and video- wires on the other. This is what it looks like.
Your best bet would be to tap into those at the door sill with the single end RCA cable from radio shack. It has an RCA end on one side and the video+ and video- wires on the other. This is what it looks like.
Thread Starter
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MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 149
From: SE Georgia
yeah, it is the stock camera
I'll look and see what is up under the headliner. thanks for the Radioshack heads-up. Didn't know they made anything like that.
Is it a simple matter of wiring it like a normal + or - wire?
I'll look and see what is up under the headliner. thanks for the Radioshack heads-up. Didn't know they made anything like that.
Is it a simple matter of wiring it like a normal + or - wire?
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2007
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Yes you could just tap into those two wires. You will also probably have to tap into your reverse wire to send that signal to your head unit. That way you can set it to automatically come on when in reverse. The stock camera is always on but the mirror is activated by the reverse signal. So if your head unit allows, you will be able to view your reverse camera view at any time, not just when in reverse.
The video + and video - wires are both white coming out of the camera. I am not sure but I would assume that they would be the same color at the mirror. If you want to strip them back, the video + has a copper colored core and the video - has a silver colored core.
The reverse wire is located at the mirror as well or it is located under the passenger door sill plate in the massive group of wires there. The reverse wire is green/brown and will show 12V when the vehicle is in reverse only. There are 2 identical green/brown wires in the bundle. I'm assuming 1 goes to each of the backup lamps but I'm not certain so make sure you test before you install.
The video + and video - wires are both white coming out of the camera. I am not sure but I would assume that they would be the same color at the mirror. If you want to strip them back, the video + has a copper colored core and the video - has a silver colored core.
The reverse wire is located at the mirror as well or it is located under the passenger door sill plate in the massive group of wires there. The reverse wire is green/brown and will show 12V when the vehicle is in reverse only. There are 2 identical green/brown wires in the bundle. I'm assuming 1 goes to each of the backup lamps but I'm not certain so make sure you test before you install.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 336
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From: Pittsburgh!
On my '07 Navigator, one of the green/brown wires runs both back-up lites and the other runs something else... Ford only knows what.
So you'll need to find the right one... but as he said, it's pretty easy... just make sure it's only hot when in Reverse.
So you'll need to find the right one... but as he said, it's pretty easy... just make sure it's only hot when in Reverse.
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Thread Starter
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MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 149
From: SE Georgia
wow, thanks alot guys. I have a Factory Service DVD, so I guess I'll break it out and trace out those wires you guys are describing.
good point about the reverse trigger. hadn't even considered it yet. wasn't aware the camera was always powered. good info.
I'll do a write-up of the install once I do it. I ordered a bunch of goodies. Kenwood DDX616 radio, Pac CR-FRD1 Canbus Adapter, and a Pac Swi-Jac steering wheel adapter.
still need to grab a 5v resistor and some extra wire to do the camera install. I apparently have the factory sub in my Expy, so it's getting wired up as well. Wierd what you find when you actually start looking
good point about the reverse trigger. hadn't even considered it yet. wasn't aware the camera was always powered. good info.
I'll do a write-up of the install once I do it. I ordered a bunch of goodies. Kenwood DDX616 radio, Pac CR-FRD1 Canbus Adapter, and a Pac Swi-Jac steering wheel adapter.
still need to grab a 5v resistor and some extra wire to do the camera install. I apparently have the factory sub in my Expy, so it's getting wired up as well. Wierd what you find when you actually start looking
New User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1
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I have an f-350 with a factory backup camera with display in the rear view mirror.
I'm wondering the possibility of using the factory supplied camera with an aftermarket head unit for my display and deleting the rear view mirror display.
I've been looking for the answer and post #5 maybe my answer.
Is it as simple as splicing the video wire that feeds the display in the rear view mirror and then carrying on with another RCA to be able to plug into back of the head unit??
TIA,
Adam
I'm wondering the possibility of using the factory supplied camera with an aftermarket head unit for my display and deleting the rear view mirror display.
I've been looking for the answer and post #5 maybe my answer.
Is it as simple as splicing the video wire that feeds the display in the rear view mirror and then carrying on with another RCA to be able to plug into back of the head unit??
TIA,
Adam
Thread Starter
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MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 149
From: SE Georgia
still haven't gotten around to it. been playing with my Mustang instead lately. just did a backup install on her.
someday I'll get in there, drop the headliner and install all the stuff I've bought for it
someday I'll get in there, drop the headliner and install all the stuff I've bought for it
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 127
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From: All over
Have you guys even considered looking at a boyo camera system? You can get as a license plate or a separate camera. Some of you are using aftermarket head units. Its a lot easier then splicing into your existing system
Thread Starter
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MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 149
From: SE Georgia
I see your point, but I can't justify spending more $$$ to put a second camera in. Especially as the OEM camera is of alot higher quality than most you'll find on the market.