A backup camera is one of the most useful things you can add to an older car or truck. The job looks scary because of the long cable run, but it comes down to two connections: video to the radio, and power from the reverse light. We walk you through it the way we do it in the bay.
How a Backup Camera Hooks Up
The camera needs 12 volts, but only when you are in reverse. Tapping the reverse light gives you exactly that. The video cable runs from the camera, through the inside of the car, to the camera input on your radio.
Your radio also needs to know when to switch screens. That is the reverse trigger wire on the radio harness. Tie it to the same reverse light wire and the picture pops up the moment you shift.
Pick Your Camera Style
All three styles work. The difference is how they mount and how they look.
A license frame camera is the easiest. It swaps in for your plate frame and needs no drilling on most cars. Plate bar cameras bolt behind the plate and almost disappear. Small mount cameras flush or surface mount anywhere, which makes them great for vans, trailers and odd bumpers.
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Check Your Radio First
Look for a yellow RCA jack labeled camera or rear view on the back of your radio, plus a reverse wire on the harness. Most touchscreen radios have both. If yours doesn't, it is time for an upgrade, and our car stereo install guide covers that whole job.
Install It in This Order
Mount and aim the camera first so you know where the cable starts. Find the reverse light wire with a multimeter, not a guess. It should read 12 volts only in reverse.
Route the video cable along the factory harness under the trim and carpet. Plug it in, connect the trigger, and test everything before a single panel goes back on.
Keeping a Factory Camera
Already have a camera from the factory? You can keep it when you swap the radio. An interface like the Metra AXBUCH-GM3 adapts the factory camera signal to your new radio. Our guide to keeping cameras, chimes and steering controls goes deeper.
Common Mistakes We See
- Powering the camera from a constant 12V wire
- Guessing the reverse wire instead of testing it
- Running the video cable next to the power wire
- Aiming the camera too high to see the bumper
- Skipping the test before panels go back on
- Pinching the cable in a trunk or tailgate hinge
Get Everything You Need
Cameras, radios and harnesses are in stock and ready to ship.
