Can the red wire of the rear camera be left unconnected?
3 Answers
The red wire of the rear camera cannot be left unconnected, as it is the reverse signal wire, typically connected to the reverse light. Once connected, when the vehicle is shifted into reverse gear and the reverse light is illuminated, the rear camera signal is activated. At this point, the rearview camera allows for a clear view of the area behind the vehicle on the screen. When selecting a rearview camera for your car, it's essential to consider the chip and waterproof performance, but the most critical factor is the actual quality of the image. The rearview camera is primarily composed of CCD and CMOS chips, which can be categorized based on the component used. CMOS chips are mainly used in products with lower image quality requirements.
Last time when I installed the rear camera, I specifically asked the technician - this red wire really can't be omitted. It serves as the trigger wire connecting to the reverse lights, functioning like a switch that only activates power when shifting into reverse gear. If you don't connect it, you'll find the screen won't automatically switch views, forcing you to manually press the central control button. Some car owners insist on incorrectly connecting it to constant power, resulting in a drained battery within a week. More dangerously, they can't see anything when reversing at night - I almost hit a child's bicycle in my neighborhood last time. If you really want to save money, either get a wireless model that doesn't require wiring, or spend an extra hundred bucks to have it professionally installed at a modification shop.
The red wire of the rearview camera is actually the reverse signal line, serving as a communication link between the camera and the head unit screen. When you shift into reverse gear and the reverse lights illuminate, this wire delivers 12V voltage to activate the screen. Without this wire, it's like making a phone call without speaker mode—you'd have to manually switch the display, which is hardly manageable while reversing. I've seen cases where people taped over unconnected wires, only for water seepage during rain to cause a short circuit and blow a fuse. It's advisable to use a multimeter to accurately identify the reverse light's positive terminal, ensure connectors are tightly secured, and finally wrap everything properly with anti-vibration tape. A modification shop owner mentioned they repair three to five cars monthly due to circuit damage from haphazard wiring.
