How to Install the Reverse Camera Wiring?
4 Answers
Insert the original accessory camera wiring harness into the drilled hole of the rear license plate light; Pull out the waterproof wiring grommet; Remove the decorative trim panel; Peel back the sealing rubber strip on the left side of the rear door, and pull out the combined data-power plug along with the remaining extension cable; Restore the trunk, then tuck the extension cable into the plastic panel gap along the door rubber strip all the way to the cockpit door edge;
When installing the wiring for a reversing camera, as a seasoned professional auto repairer, I typically start from the camera position, which is usually mounted near the rear license plate. Gently pry open the trunk trim panel with a plastic pry tool, tuck the video cable inside, and route it along the side rail of the vehicle body, being careful not to let it touch sharp edges to avoid damaging the insulation. Next, remove the side panel of the center console, locate the reversing light power wire (usually green or brown), use a multimeter to confirm the voltage before connecting the wires, and secure them with electrical tape. Ensure all necessary tools are ready, such as screwdrivers, cable clips, and a multimeter. While routing the wires, make sure they are hidden under the trim panels to prevent future rattling. Finally, test the display in reverse gear; if it doesn’t work, check the contact points or grounding. Remember to purchase compatible cable lengths—if too long, cut and reconnect them. The whole process takes about half an hour, but beginners shouldn’t rush, as mistakes could blow a fuse or damage the head unit. For safety, disconnect the battery’s negative terminal before starting.
Having installed it myself several times, I'm now quite proficient. Prepare a reverse camera wiring harness and measure the distance from the rear camera to the head unit to avoid buying one that's too short. When removing the trunk lid liner, be careful not to damage the clips. Route the wiring along the original vehicle's wire loom and secure it along the way with nylon zip ties. The critical step is power connection: locate the reverse light wire (position varies by model, check the manual), strip a small section of insulation, then solder or tightly twist the new wire connection and seal it with heat shrink tubing for waterproofing. Plug the video cable connector into the corresponding port on the head unit, power on, and switch to reverse gear to test the display. If the signal is unstable, check for kinks or interference in the wiring. The whole process is time-consuming but cost-effective, requiring only basic socket wrenches and wire strippers. Common issues include oxidized or loose connections—reinforcing the installation with electrical tape can prevent detachment. After upgrading to a reverse camera, parking becomes more precise, saving you from costly scratch repairs.
As a beginner who just learned, I was quite confused at first during installation. Choosing the right cables is crucial—first measure your vehicle's dimensions to ensure the cables are long enough to cover from the trunk to the dashboard. Then disconnect the battery's negative terminal to avoid short circuits. Use small tools to pry open interior trim pieces, find gaps to tuck the cables, and avoid pulling them forcefully. Connecting the power to the reverse light is the trickiest part—identify the correct wire by referring to the color coding in the manual or asking a professional for clarification. If the reverse camera feed doesn’t display when testing, it might be due to loose connectors or misaligned video pins. After a few trial-and-error attempts, I summarized these tips: temporarily secure cables with double-sided tape, and route them away from moving parts to prevent wear. The entire installation takes about two hours and is suitable for patient DIYers. I recommend using a kit with pre-installed connectors to reduce hassle. Once the reverse camera works properly, it significantly boosts parking confidence.
