How to Install an Aftermarket Backup Camera

Hindsight is 20/20, so for a perfect view of what's behind you, Popular Mechanics associate auto editor Ben Wojdyla shows you how to:
* Select the right wiring
* Choose the right route to run the wires
* Make electrical connections
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Who says you can't work on your own car anymore? Follow Popular Mechanics associate auto editor Ben Wojdyla as he leads viewers, step by step, through repairs, upgrades, and troubleshooting tips. Got car questions? Email Ben, and he may answer them on the show.

[@joey7422003]

These systems are sold at amazon, auto parts store etc . Personally i would have used a fuse tap to draw the power for the screen from an auxiliary fuse slot on the fuse box . I helped my aunt install one of these on her mini van but had problems finding a good grounding spot which needs to be on the car chassis to complete the circuit. If you look around you will find a screw with allot of wires running to it that is probably a grounding spot or some cars actually have a ground wire you can tap into. Personally i found the tint on this mirror to be to dark for normal diving.

[@1531W]

This is the best of the instructions I have found so far. He even uses the appropriate safety PPE when doing the job. There is hope yet for America!!!. Thanks

[@themikeymikechannel2947]

You can also use any back up camera with night vision and with bnc or rca to a DVR system around your house and or view when away from home plus if you paint the shell of the camera and blend the color with the house they become unseen!!!! **A CHEAP HOME SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM IDEA** What great idea huh?????(💡)

[@muhammadbaqar1024]

I love it. Each and every video provides tons of good information all you need to find out your specific car model.

[@iOrganizeEverything]

Wow! This is great! I am shopping for a new car and disappointed that the one I am buying doesn't have a backup camera! I can certainly do this myself! Thanks!

[@fuzzbuns]

Ben, I really think we could benefit from you showing, rather than telling, various aspects of this installation, such as grounding. I personally have little experience with electronics and I would love to see your videos extended a minute or two so that all the steps can be shown.

[@Parsec994a]

The editor really loves the hit golf ball noise on transitions.

[@ndelima1]

Great vid Ben. you've answered my question on how to run the cable into the car from the number plate!

[@gacj2010]

You were so helpful as I have a 2015 Altima and it has that trunk trim that you removed. I didn't want to drill a hole in the trunk lid because of rusting so I think this works right for me. My question is: when you replace the license plate lights , will there be enough room for the camera wire that goes through the trunk to still fit.

[@dtrrtd774]

+gacj2010 I was also wondering what the sharp sheet metal edges of the license plate light opening will do to the wire when the light is reinstalled. Probably cut through the insulation later if not sooner, since no grommet or insulation was used.

[@stunkyhump6228]

Like he demonstrated in the video on how to find a permanent hot. Find a power source that is on only when the key is on and your set. If you don't have a test light that's not a big deal, they're only a few bucks @ parts stores.

[@WShade]

Good stuff Ben. But, first as with all electronics wire it up to make sure it works prior to install. Have a good weekend.

[@VISHWAS16519]

I need to know more in details on the connections for the power you draw for the license plate camera and the mirror screen. Could you please put those in details. Thank you.

[@Illmatic662]

Wonderful video Ben, I hope to see more from you in the future!

[@mikex8254]

you can wire rear view cameras to a switch so you can manually keep it switched on and off continuously and use it as a constant rear view display

[@beowulf555]

could you show more detail on how you are getting power from the back up light? How did we connect to the reverse lights?

[@globalzou8619]

Hi, friends, your technique is very good!

[@xbox360rocksful]

The funny thing is you have to program the wireless camera to your devise. I have a kenwood KVT-516 7" flip out screen and I just bought a esky water proof+IR night vision. So the only thing I have to do is plug and play.

[@fallofdutee]

He installed the wireless transmitter on the live 'reversing' wire so that is only powered up and therefore transmits to the mirror when in Reverse. There is always power to the mirror with ignition on. That's my take on it :)

[@user-ry9rb5xx6s]

thanks for super clear instruction

[@JohnDoe-gm5qr]

I would want to put some double sided tape on the back of the transmitter. You can use screws IF you can find a safe place to run them in (obviously you don't want them poking through the exterior of your car). In some cars there may be places that the transmitter can be attached without screws, even zip tie it to something and then it won't rattle and make you think that something has started to come apart, that can be a little bit annoying. What ever you zip tie the transmitter to, make sure it won't get crushed by something. With the wire make sure the cloth isn't going to sag. That looks ugly when it sags.

[@bryanjames9997]

Yes what was the camera product name. I too will be a owner of a honda civic so I'm glad u used one it let's me know that it will work very well in my future purchase vehicle.

[@andriyk7222]

thanks a lot for your video instructions! very helpfull

[@rajeshbeechookrajesh3922]

How to install rear camera in dodge caliber 2007

[@tousshong9438]

Good video but we DYI people needs a more close up when you splice the wire or connect it to the backup wire. You needs to show which is +/- and connecting to which one would helps. Thanks

[@5Qu1Z33r]

Nice work Ben! On the issue of interesting subjects to film - how about installing a turbo kit on something? That should be an awesome video!

[@Danhtran1122]

Very nice, thanks for the instruction video.

[@indysingh753]

Hi, great video. My lcd monitor only has pos. & neg. lead, no trigger. Can I also power the monitor with the red wire from the RCA cable or will that cause overload? Thanks

[@InternetDude]

You should always use a pair of pliers to squeeze down on those scotch lock connectors to ensure they're tight. That last one you showed was not squeezed down all the way, you could see some of the metal sticking up. Good otherwise.

[@dtrrtd774]

+InternetDude Also would recommend filling the scotch lok connector cavity with dielectric grease to reduce the likelihood of the connector corroding and failing over time, since it's exposed to air and moisture. Solder and heat shrink would be best for long term reliability but very few installers would take the time to do that when the quick connectors should probably work long enough to take it beyond any warranty period, as long as it's an interior connection and not exposed to weather.

[@gioc4596]

Hello Ben, could you please let us know the make and model of the mirror and back up camera kit you showed on your video. Thanks in advance.

[@HaiNguyen-un7bc]

Fantastic! Thanks

[@Borishal]

Many thanks.

[@cyprianoldakowski3518]

Where would I connect the trigger wire? I have a camera and a monitor that is in a mirror that clips on my original mirror. The monitor has a trigger wire and from my understanding that trigger wire is what gets the monitor to turn on. I don't want the monitor to be on unless I'm reversing since it's on a rearview mirror

[@rolandemmet6354]

Hello, great video, enjoyed it, real easy to understand! Was just wondering.. if my vehicle has an existing led-screen (navigation etc) Will the camera automatically Connect to it?

[@brandonfaris1]

is there some kind of relay in the back of the mirror to were if it's not there you won't get camera feed?

[@saraprice1000]

I have the same it works great but I just got a ken wood Ddx IT has a reverse camera option wire can I make it show up on the deck screen as will

[@stevenphilips683]

Nice , thanks !

[@jkl7097]

Can the monitor get connected to the reverse light. I get a lot of feed back when the monitor has power ran to it all the time. I figure if the monitor is hooked up to the reverse light it will only come on when I go in reverse, when it is needed.

[@5Qu1Z33r]

Yeah, i thought as much. So, maybe changing spark plugs? Coil on plugs if possible :D

[@fargo2499]

Thanks

[@Seicane-Car-DVD]

Thanks ,very great

[@ChristopherAMacleod]

Thanks!

[@parvb]

Good job on video!!!

[@jfloes90]

And to think I was going to pay like 2g for the tech package that came with this.... Thanks man

[@conlazymeo]

good topic

[@AsianPhuFan]

I'm not sure if this has been asked yet but...where can I buy a specific one like the one in this tutorial? And great video by the way. Cheers, Phu

[@markslusz5590]

You don't show how the black wire to the transmitter mysteriously becomes blue. Can you please explain where the blue wires come from and how they connect to the backup lights and black transmitter wire. Thanks.

[@cshephard1982]

I have a subaru brz so my reverse lights are at the bottom of the bumper so what should I do?

[@ronjaythirtytwo]

AWESOME Vid. Really made it look easy to install...what is the name of the camera shown in this video?

[@christopherc.5247]

No, you can add a backup camera to just about any car. I'd try to come up with an exception but this being the internet, I'm sure someone will disagree or find a way to do it.

[@scstudios8]

How did you get the wire from the license plate to fit through where the license plate light mounts? Did you chop a hole in the light?

[@stevenscott4995]

I have a 2006 Mercedes S430 and rearview mirror is kind of thick. how can I mount the new mirror on it without falling. i'm not sure if the velcro straps will go all the way around

[@subusure]

Thanks Ben. Were you able to fit the the licence plate lights back after passing wire through the hole?

[@tizzee11]

for the negative wire from the camera do you ground that or connect it to the other wire of the reverse light?

[@lil1filipino]

Do you have a video installing a back-up camera on forester 2011 that connect to the audio interface?

[@dennishuyckhuyck]

my backup license plate wire is 4 wire. Had it installed years ago.. Small 4 pronged white plug in the camera. other end was a harness they had to make for my new truck.. VCI-SRVCB item. from what I can see most cameras come with power, grnd, and the yellow video cable. can i use one of these cameras? hlp pls... Dennis

[@JosephLee2012]

Is there a video for installing the wireless rear-view camera for the Chevolet Tahoe?

[@Gloriousdestinations]

Great video! I was wondering how does the camera know the car is in reverse?

[@alexvancomerbeck]

+William Tao If the camera is powered by the reverse light, it will only get powered and send a signal to the monitor when the car is in reverse.

[@inkk13]

I was going to get the kind with a monitor not a mirror. I'm making the ceiling liner out of stained wood to match the rest of my truck. I plan to make a mount kind of like how some cars have a sunglasses holding area for the monitor to stick in. My question is, if I buy a monitor with a swivel base, can I install it upside down? Or will I need to also install the camera up side down? Or will this not work at all? I've had a camera on an old truck but never tested this If you know thatd be great

[@cristiansimpson78]

because you connect the power of the camera to the reverse ligth, so if you put the reverse the ligths and the camera turn on.

[@saquibhussain6000]

Can you please share the product details of what you used in this video?

[@lorenabrown9311]

I just got a 2009 infiniti g37 and already have a reverse camera that was install from the previous owner but is not working, my car has the same mirror that is showing on this video but isnt working either, looks very dark that makes almost impossible to see outside, what do you think is the problem?

[@venita01]

by placing the mirror over the rear view mirror does that affect the auto dimming unit thats on the original mirror?

[@Native722]

How is the washout in direct sunlight on these rearview camera screen?

[@tw5443FlyingTiger]

nice video, thanks for sharing.

[@joelacosta4980]

what camera did u use

[@pack-]

is there anyway to do a wireless set up like this to something like a radio? blutooth..? something like that?

[@bboysupafly1]

can you rig it to be a surveillance camera instead of a backup camera? for a vehicle with no rear view window.

[@tinamorrison7796]

my chevy van was driven down a dirt road. after my jvc backup camera did not work except when it rained. do you think it could be the connection to the rear back up light is loose?

[@pierluc_cr]

What is the gauge of the light cables? What size of tab is needed?

[@Comanchedrive]

Hello Ben, excellent video. What is the Mfg name of the backup camera did you installed in the Honda Civic?

[@nsood6]

Ben - could you specifiy the color of the backup light's wire? I have the same system you used, ready to go, just need to figure out which wire to splice into. I see your using an Accord. I am too, but mine is newer. Hopefully the wire colors are the same? also, where did you splice your ground? thanks -Neil

[@garretttucker5838]

Which system did you use? I like it a lot

[@eveneser12]

berry helpful! Thank you so much for your help!

[@vicayuro2643]

how do you install back up cam (wireless) to a bmw 325xi? thank you

[@Cife86]

Well thing is, you never know if the "hot" wire will stay that way. I wired a dash cam to the fuses box and tried several fuses which went on only with ignition ON. But after a while of driving, sometimes after a couple of days the camera went on and off from time to time while driving. In the end I gave up and connected it to the cigarette lighter.

[@dukemd69]

Classy video, Ben. Clean and neat. Thanks. Is it just as easy to install a WIRED system?

[@aadishsood9977]

I have etois cross i have installed reverse camera in it but now its monitor clips broke I want to install a monitor in which my rear view mirror will come out and it fix in its place plz suggest me which monitor will be useful to me

[@CarAudioInc]

I just so happen to have the same car. Love everything except for that ugly ass strap-on mirror lol.

[@prodandmullen]

What about for a Nissan 350z? The back up lights aren't in the taillights but in the rear bumper. How could this process be changed accordingly?

[@shinanto]

do you have a video for installing in mazda cx7

[@giovanitlatenchi9467]

How where you able to remove the trunk trim? Can you do a how to video?

[@tyreecannon1683]

I did a similar install but for some reason it's only tends to work on the warmer days outside but everything has a good power source do you have a clue what it could be ?

[@wtcanant]

Thanks for the video Ben, it is fabulous! I got a question though, if i want to connect the receiver to my aftermarket in-dash navigation (on top of the central console), where do you think I should get power from? I am trying to hide all wires underneath the dash, thanks!

[@gammatnt]

you should see my scion tc, it is like a lego box. Almost every thing pull right off.

[@oTemptation]

And what's the name or where can I buy this?

[@ncross1978]

instead of running the power for mirror down A pillar cant you just go short distance up to dome light or the temp/compass display

[@YourTechGuide.]

Where did you place the ground wire from the rear taillight?

[@fd3able]

Is there any other way to wire it so that it comes on when you put it into reverse besides wiring straight to the back up lights?? Also if the monitor is being powered from the 12v outlet (cig lighter) could you keep it plugged in all the time or would you have to shut it off. I am curious to know because I have had cars where the lighter/charger worked while having the car on and off and I now have a car where it won't work unless the car is on. please advise?

[@monstermanbelow2]

i have a question. i have an 06 jeep liberty and want to install a backup camera on it, where would the best places be to place the camera as the license plate is off to the bottom right.

[@monsterpete1]

Is it possible to connect the camera to lets say dvd type stereo in dash instead of mounting it to the mirror? Thanks

[@xl23456789]

What if there is airbag on pillar A, how do I remove the cover to hide the wire safely ?

[@charlotteharliboyd1189]

how did you put the license plate light back in without damaging camera wire ?

[@hatchetrob]

you just push it over the wire. the wire should fit in under the bulb housing.

[@ericmechling9171]

how can I do that to a 1998 Chevrolet S-10 4x4 and a 1997 Ford f-150 4x4 both are Automatic

[@Teddykhil]

Hi, I'm from Australia and like the look of this reversing camera/mirror that you've installed. What's the Name and Model number of this particular mirror. I've looked at heaps and this one, being wireless and I think of better quality would be a better price/value item. Cheers, and thanks for the vid's. Kev.

[@vivekhb13]

how to take the sensor of my camera thro the trunk in C230 Mercedes.Please let me know

[@hawaii137]

Is there a product link you can provide?

[@lil1filipino]

like a normal backup camera installed by the company because here in Philippines it's not available option for the forester.

[@jimhollister4788]

Do you not have to ground the transmitter you only hook up one wire to the transitter

[@ramcharitarramoutar212]

If you are not getting a respond from from your camera . What could be the caused? It was working before then stop. the wireless pickup from cameras outside but not from the one install in the care

[@christopherc.5247]

A backup system can be added to any car.

[@jayareselos3767]

What is the solution for flickering? I atached mine to cigarette plug