How to Connect the Reverse Camera to the Reverse Light?
4 Answers
The installed reverse camera generally has 2 wires. The red wire should be connected to the reverse light of the rear tail light, while the black ground wire can either be left unconnected or inserted into an empty connector slot in the rear tail light. Since the reverse light is activated when shifting into reverse gear, the reverse light and reverse camera should be on the same circuit. However, the specific reverse light wire in the rear tail light should be identified by referring to the maintenance manual or circuit diagram. If you plan to install a reverse camera, it is recommended to visit a 4S shop and consult with professionals to determine if expert installation is advisable.
I've modified my reverse camera a few times before, and the key to connecting it to the reverse light is locating the reverse light power wire. It's usually near the trunk area—use a test pen to probe for the positive wire, which lights up when the car is in reverse gear. Strip the wire insulation with wire strippers, connect it to the reverse camera's power wire, and secure it tightly with electrical tape. Don't forget to ground the wire by attaching it to a metal part of the car body. It's best to operate with the power off to prevent short circuits and blown fuses. Some worry about insufficient voltage, but most reverse lights provide 12V, which is enough. I recommend avoiding cutting the factory wiring—buying a dedicated adapter is more convenient and won't void the warranty. Once, my camera suddenly turned off, and upon inspection, I found the tape wasn't wrapped properly, causing a loose connection—just re-secure the wire. Regularly cleaning the connectors can also extend their lifespan, especially in areas prone to rain and dust, which can cause oxidation.
When installing a rearview camera manually, I always connect it directly to the reverse light because it automatically triggers the camera to turn on. First, locate the reverse light at the rear of the car, remove the light cover, and find the power wire—usually the red or brown wire is the positive. After confirming with a multimeter, strip a small section of the wire and connect it to the power terminal of the camera device, then secure it with a connector. The key step is grounding—just find any bolt and screw it on. Don’t forget to test: shift into reverse and check if the camera lights up. Safety first—turn off the engine throughout the process to avoid accidental electric shock. Basic tools are all you need: wire strippers, tape, and a wrench. This wiring method is super convenient—it even eliminates the need for a switch. Some might ask why not connect to another power source? It’s because of the smart linkage, preventing the camera from being forgotten when mistakenly parking without turning it on.
For safety, connecting the reversing camera must be done securely. The positive wire of the reverse light is crucial—it powers the camera when the reverse gear is engaged. Be careful not to cut your hands when stripping the wires; use insulated tools to prevent electric shocks. Ensure the connections are firm and then cover them with heat-shrink tubing for moisture resistance and durability. Grounding is essential—connect it to the chassis grounding point. Test the system to see if it works properly—if the camera has delays or flickers, check for loose wiring. I often remind beginners: car circuits are delicate, so avoid tampering with the battery’s positive terminal; choose the correct fuse rating to prevent overload. This wiring method is simple and reliable, but be mindful of waterproof sealing during rainy days to avoid short circuits caused by moisture.
