How to Connect a Reversing Camera with Only One Red Wire?
2 Answers
Insert the accessory camera wiring harness into the rear license plate light drill hole, then snap it directly into place. The red wire is used to connect the video signal. Remove the left-side decorative panel of the trunk, connect the integrated data and power extension cable to the camera wiring harness, and route it along the original vehicle wiring harness from inside the rear trim panel. Reinstall the trunk components, then tuck the extension cable into the plastic panel gaps along the door edge all the way to the driver's side door edge.
Last time I installed a rearview camera myself, I encountered a similar situation. A single red wire usually indicates it's the power positive line, which needs to be connected to the reverse light's power supply. Here's how to do it: First, locate the reverse light wiring harness at the rear of the car—usually visible after removing the taillight cover. The reverse light power is typically a red or pink wire. Once identified, connect the camera's red wire using a conductor or wiring terminal. Don't forget to ground it; the camera body or its cable should have a black ground wire that can be connected to a metal part of the car body, like a screw hole. Ensure all connections are secure to avoid poor contact causing camera failure. The video signal has its own set of wires, commonly with a yellow connector, which needs to be run from the camera to the display—don't miss this connection. For testing, shift into reverse to see if the camera powers on. If there's no response, the wiring might be incorrect or a fuse might have blown, so check these. DIY saves money but don't skip steps—wrong connections can cause short circuits, so it's best to have a multimeter ready to test voltage. I think adding a camera is quite helpful for safety, especially in poor visibility conditions like rainy days.
