Look for backup cameras at consumer electronics stores.
If you’d like, you can use a standard video monitor instead. However, keep in mind that it may not have all the same features as devices designed for use with backup cameras.
Most internal monitors shut off and disappear when not in use, making them a perfect option if you want to preserve your car’s looks.
Most installation kits include these cables, but some may require you to purchase them separately. Some camera models use wireless transmitters instead of standard video cables.
Make sure you place the screws in a safe place so you don’t lose them.
Removing this panel will expose the car’s rear wiring chambers.
To figure out where to make the hole, hold your camera up to the area you intend to mount it. Then, note the spot where its splitting cord sits. Create a hole that’s large enough to fit your camera’s power and video cable. If you come across any obstructions, try to remove them. If you can’t, see if you can make a hole nearby. For most jobs, you’ll need a drill bit that has a diameter between 1⁄8 and 1⁄4 in (0. 32 and 0. 64 cm).
Choose a grommet that’s just large enough to fit inside the drilled hole.
Your camera cable should run from the outside of the car to the inside of the car.
These cords look different for every vehicle so, if you can’t find them, consult your owner’s manual for model specific information.
For safety, make sure you do this while the car is turned off.
Make sure you poke your positive (usually red) bare wire through the positive reverse light wire and the negative (usually black) bare wire through the negative reverse light wire.
For certain trucks, you may need to run the video cable through the vehicle’s frame rail. In most cars, you’ll find the fuse box underneath the steering wheel.
Most external monitors use a suction mount, though others may come with a more complex mounting system.
Some internal monitors may come with their own mounting system that you’ll have to attach to the car’s front windshield.
If you’d like, use a trim removal tool to pop out the headlining panel directly above your windshield. Then, run your cable through the exposed chamber.
If your RCA and video cables have the same ends, you may need to purchase an RCA male to female converter cord. You can find these at most electronic stores.
A fuse tap is a small cable that converts a bare wire into a fuse signal. You can find them at most auto part stores. If you’d prefer, you can leave the bare wire cable off and connect your camera’s power cable to a cigarette lighter adaptor. Then, plug this adaptor into your car’s cigarette lighter receptacle for power.
After attaching your fuse, consider taping all your wires together using electrical tape to get them out of the way.
Your camera’s power and video cable should be sticking out of the hole you drilled in the license plate mounting area.
In most cases, you can attach a rear-view camera to the back of your license plate using the screws you removed from the car earlier.
If you haven’t already, reattach your car’s interior trunk panel and other trim panels by pressing them back onto the vehicle.
In many cases, rear-view camera malfunctions are caused by loose or improperly connected wires.
