How to install a Reverse Camera

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Jan 28, 2018 | 07:36 PM

ProChargedVett

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Oct 2017

Posts: 20

Likes: 7

From: Edmonton Alberta

How to install a Reverse Camera

At the start of winter I installed reverse camera for backing up my C6, however the steps are the same for earlier models. It already had a Kenwood stereo head unit with a display for a camera. This video is long because it is a full step by step of exactly every bolt, wire, trim removal, and drilling required for the installation. I posted it on my teenage son's channel TANNERS GARAGE of how to automotive videos. This will help you do it yourself as opposed to paying for 3+ hours of labor at a stereo shop. I have other how to videos on this channel that were side projects that were done at the same time while the trunk was apart. Installing sound denoting and raising the trunk mounts for the targa top so that it does not rest on the trunk sub enclosures.

Jan 28, 2018 | 07:50 PM

Callaway DrDon

Pro

Joined: Oct 2016

Posts: 517

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From: Oxford Maryland

Getting ready for the same install on mine......video link?

Jan 28, 2018 | 07:55 PM

Elijah71

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jan 2015

Posts: 809

Likes: 101

From: MD

I just installed this winter a backup camera as well and took the car out yesterday and noticed the video on my Kenwood is backwards.
How can I get the video corrected?

Jan 28, 2018 | 07:59 PM

madsonp

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2017

Posts: 5,426

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From: Billings Montana. Out in the wild west

I installed both front and rear cameras on mine with the Pioneer AVIC-8200 NEX system. The front one I use to make sure I don't hit parking blocks.

Jan 28, 2018 | 08:24 PM

Fly N Low

Instructor

Joined: Dec 2016

Posts: 209

Likes: 42

From: Chestertown Maryland

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elijah71

I just installed this winter a backup camera as well and took the car out yesterday and noticed the video on my Kenwood is backwards.
How can I get the video corrected?

Some Kenwoods have the ability to "Mirror" the image in there adjustments. If thats not possible most cameras can be rewired to mirror the image. There will be a few very small wires sticking out of the harness near the camera. Follow the directions to connect or disconnect wires to mirror the image.
The wires will be about a foot or two back from the camera along the harness

Feb 24, 2018 | 02:32 PM

jdvann

Melting Slicks

Joined: Sep 2013

Posts: 2,264

Likes: 455

From: Stella, North Carolina

Quote:

Originally Posted by Callaway DrDon

Getting ready for the same install on mine......video link?

I just watched it here:

Great install, excellent video, but what are the 2 wires that you soldered to the reverse lights? The first was for the camera power itself but the second one coming from the front was for what? Was that wire for the reverse activation switch? Looks nice and simple just want to clarify what the wires were for. Thanks!

Last edited by jdvann; Feb 24, 2018 at 02:35 PM.

Feb 28, 2018 | 03:34 PM

ProChargedVett

Thread Starter

Heel & Toe

Joined: Oct 2017

Posts: 20

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From: Edmonton Alberta

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdvann

I just watched it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWsjibhXfp8
Great install, excellent video, but what are the 2 wires that you soldered to the reverse lights? The first was for the camera power itself but the second one coming from the front was for what? Was that wire for the reverse activation switch? Looks nice and simple just want to clarify what the wires were for. Thanks!

In the trunk I attached 2 red wires to the green reverse light wire and later in the video solder them once I made sure that everything worked. 1 of those red wires goes to the camera to power it when the car goes into revers. The camera also had a black wire which you can see me soldering to the ground wire for the lights. The 2nd red wire goes to the stereo which has an activation wire on it. That way when you go into revers, it activates the stereo to turn on the screen for the reverse camera. With this kit, the RCA camera wire had the red activation wire running with it. For some other revers camera kits, you may need to run a separate wire for this.

As per the comment by madsonp, if my car did not already have this stereo in it and I was replacing the factory stereo, I would choose a stereo that is capable of 2 cameras. Just like he said, I myself wish that I had a front camera as well for when I park and do not want to hit a sidewalk curb or parking block. The new C7 has the option of a front camera in addition to the rear for this very reason.