How to Install a Reverse Camera

Reversing cameras or backup cameras have proved their worth since their introduction in the modern car industry. As the industry continues, the reverse cameras have gone under many revolutionary phases and reached its current stage. The modern reversing camera is more sophisticated and more worthy of providing its services. To get a hold of reverse cameras’ advantages, check our ‘5 reasons to get a reversing camera’ blog.

As a necessary accessory tool for any car, you need to know the ins and outs of reversing cameras. Almost all the reversing cameras now allow the users to install the camera themselves. But before that, you need to know some additional information like how the reversing cameras work. We will include that in this article.

The type of reverse camera is an essential factor in determining the installation procedure. To check out different types of reversing cameras, refer to our ‘types of backup cameras’ blog. We are going to share an installation guide for reversing cameras in this article. We will mention the necessary tools and all the steps in the process.

How a Backup Camera Works

As this topic is not our primary concern in this article, let us keep it simple. The basic idea of backup or reversing cameras is very preliminary. A backup camera is mounted at the rear of your car, and when you put the gear into reverse, it turns on. Then it provides you with rearview images on the monitor. However, they do not just send these raw images; they send their mirror replicates. That is to ensure that you get the correct orientation.

How to Install a Reverse Camera

To keep things simple, we are assuming that you are a beginner and are approaching accordingly. Please note that the whole process usually takes around one hour. However, it may vary from person to person.

Necessary Tools for Installment

• Phillips screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Panel/trim removal tools
• Cordless drill
• Wire strippers
• 3/32 to 1/8 drill bit
• Wire connectors (Like Posi-Taps)
• Automotive Multimeter
• Zip ties
• Electrical tape
• A friend (An extra person)

For safety measures-

• Mechanical gloves
• Safety glasses
• Long sleeve shirt

Necessary machinery parts

• The reversing camera
• Monitor
• Wire cluster
• Rubber grommet

Steps of the Installment

Add the Camera

1. At first, turn off the car and make sure of it.
2. Disconnect the car’s battery terminals safely.
3. If necessary, remove the license plate. (It may be necessary in case of some cameras)
4. Now, position the backup camera on your desired part of the vehicle.
5. Use a marker to mark the area where the cord of the camera will be.
6. This step depends on the camera and vehicle type. You may need to remove an interior panel from either the hatch, tailgate, or the door, depending on the type. However, in the case of installation on bumpers, it is not necessary.
7. As you need to drill a hole through the exterior of your car, make sure that no cables, wires, or other parts will be damaged in the process.
8. To accommodate the camera’s wire and the rubber grommet, determine the drill bit size that bores a perfectly-sized hole. Usually, just a visual inspection does the work.
9. Use the selected drill bit to drill a hole in your marked area.
10. To protect the wire, you need to cover the rough metal edges. Add the rubber grommet into the hole to ensure that.
11. Now, run the wiring through the hole.
12. Now comes the attachment part. You can either attach through a separately purchased hardware or a supplied hardware.

Installation of the Wiring

1. Connect the wire cluster to the camera wire. It will split into three- a power wire, a reverse signal wire (not always present), and a video wire.
2. Find the existing loom of manufacturer wiring for the finest and cleanest look. Try pairing and routing the wiring next to that loom.
3. Now you need to find a power source for the backup camera. It can be from either a reverse light or a license plate light.
4. Use a multimeter to determine the negative and positive wires of the light source.
5. Link the positive and negative wires to the respective wires of the camera. You can do this with a Posi-Tap connector or a splice.

Splice a Wire

1. In case you do not have Posi-Taps, you will have to splice wires together.
2. Use a wire stripper and hold its positive light wire. Now, remove a plastic coating section and reveal the copper part.
3. Split the copper part into two.
4. Put the camera’s positive wire through that hole between the copper wire.
5. For establishing a sturdy connection, wrap the positive camera wire and twist it around the light wire.
6. Connect the wiring by taping up. This way, the connection will be protected.
7. Follow the same steps for the negative wire.

Signal for Reverse Gear

To get the camera active at your reverse gear, you need to send the camera signal when the gear is put into reverse. While the car is in reverse, use another person to find a signal source. The wire will hold a positive 12 volts. Repeat the above steps for splicing the wire with the signal source. Now, pair this signal wire with the wire for the video signal.

Routing the Wire

The next step is to route the wiring. You can either track the wiring under the vehicle’s floor or through the headliner. That depends on the car type. Now, remove a small part to run the wire. After you tuck the wires, reattach the removed pieces.

Connect the Display and Finish the Installation

Find a perfect spot to attach the power cable. Then, check if the fuse turns off with the ignition’s being turned off. Now, the installation is almost complete. Let us wrap it up. Reconnect the battery terminals and start your car. Then put the gear into the reverse and check if the monitor turns on and display feeds from the rear camera. If you have followed all the steps correctly, there should not be any problem. However, if there is any problem, go through the steps again and see which one you missed.