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Backup Camera install

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by PsyGuy, Feb 17, 2023.

  1. Feb 17, 2023 at 9:55 PM
    #1
    PsyGuy

    PsyGuy [OP] New Member

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    Hi everyone, as the title says I tried installing a backup camera and tapped into the power and ground on the taillights for the reverse bulb. For some reason I’m not getting power. I don’t have a wiring diagram so I’m not sure if I tapped into the right wires lol. Anyone happen to know?

    I’m thinking that I may have reversed the polarity. I have a 2005 DC 4x4.
     
  2. Feb 17, 2023 at 10:46 PM
    #2
    NickB_01TRD

    NickB_01TRD You don't need less cars, just more driveway.

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    Have any pictures of current setup?
     
  3. Feb 17, 2023 at 10:54 PM
    #3
    weadjust

    weadjust New Member

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    PsyGuy[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  4. Feb 18, 2023 at 8:13 AM
    #4
    shifty`

    shifty` I’ll teabag a piranha tank

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    Check this thread with basically same title: https://www.tundras.com/threads/backup-cam-wiring.72996/

    Check the 4th reply. It has links to threads that outline other installs. Compare to your install.

    And if you're an uneducated sucker who used these scotchlock/t-tap connectors to install your camera, they're probably your problem. They're trash. They don't always splice the sheath, but they always mangle your wires, and allow air and oxygen to start attacking the copper. Complete garbage! Use the Posi-Tap pictured under the 'butcher taps' here instead:

    upload_2023-2-18_11-16-47.jpg
     
    Last edited: Feb 18, 2023
    PsyGuy[OP] and JasonC. like this.
  5. Feb 18, 2023 at 2:21 PM
    #5
    PsyGuy

    PsyGuy [OP] New Member

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    I used butt connectors. I made the mistake of using those T-tap connectors a while ago.
     
  6. Feb 18, 2023 at 2:22 PM
    #6
    PsyGuy

    PsyGuy [OP] New Member

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  7. Feb 18, 2023 at 5:38 PM
    #7
    shifty`

    shifty` I’ll teabag a piranha tank

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    (see signature for truck info)
    Next question: How do you know you're not getting power to the camera?

    A few things are required for your camera to work, although it depends model-to-model for camera/head unit:
    • Power/Ground to camera
    • Camera video signal back to the head unit
    • Head unit may expect to be fed a trigger wire to the reverse circuit so it knows when to display camera
    Now, the caveats with that last point: Some cameras come with a power lead that runs all the way up to the head unit, to feed into the reverse trigger wire on the head unit. Some don't. Likewise, I've seen a couple of head units that toggle on video when the video lead goes hot. You need to RTFM on your camera and your head unit to see what's expected in your case, because this isn't some standardized, universal thing where all manuf'ers use the same methodology.

    If you hooked into the reverse lights, it means your camera will only get power when the truck is in reverse - a pretty standard config. You know the camera is getting power in this config if your tail lights are on, and you chose wires correctly.

    In theory
    you should be able to hook the video output of the reverse camera to any small TV/display that accepts standard AV input, and when the truck is in reverse, the camera powers up, and you can confirm video is coming out at the most basic level. This is a simple test which should work with most cameras. I recommend you try it before going any farther.

    Here's my camera install if it helps: https://www.tundras.com/posts/3199439/
     
    Last edited: May 22, 2023
  8. Feb 18, 2023 at 8:13 PM
    #8
    PsyGuy

    PsyGuy [OP] New Member

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    I ended up figuring it out. Like you mentioned, the wiring was good, but the head unit input was done incorrectly. For some reason it has two backup camera video inputs and the second one ended up working. Thanks everyone for the input!
     
    shifty`[QUOTED] likes this.

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