How to Install a Backup Camera in Your Car
By Marc Howe on Jun 29, 2010 with Comments 0
Backup camera is a very useful device to avoid accidents while back out of driveways. It can be said as a lifesaver. It has seen that most of the accidents occur when back out of driveways. Here are few steps to install a backup camera in your car.
Required Items
- Electrical tape
- Sheet metal tape
- Drill (larger drill bits)
- Wire pull
- Hole edge protectors
- Back up camera kit
- Wire cutter or snips and cleaner
Hardware
There are two types of backup cameras available in the market. The first one is the wireless device and the second is a camera with wires. Wireless device can be attached anywhere at the desired location. Wired device needs running wires through the headliners of the car. Both the devices are equally effective.
Hardware Installation
Drill a hole in the cargo area for the installation of camera. Place a rubber gasket ring into the hole to avoid any damage to the wire or camera. Make sure that the angle and location of the camera should cover the maximum viewing area.
Now install the monitor base. The best place to install monitor base is over the rear view mirror bracket, additional support is provided by two-sided tape to the windshield. Controller unit will fix to the car sheet metal body frame with the help of metal sheeting tape. Do not forget to connect the grounding wire to the car’s metal body.
Wiring
Direct the wiring through the liners of the car to the rear cargo area with the help of wire pull. Once you have reached to cargo area spare some extra wire. Connect the controller unit and the camera with wires and with backup light or lamp. This will activate the unit on engaging the reverse gear.
Live wire and Override
Next is to install the diode override switch. For this you have to open the radio system, because this installation should be done behind it. Take the radio and dashboard away. To fix a switch drill a hole into the dashboard. For protection use a rubber gasket. Connect diode and switch with wires and finally into the power wiring system for the unit and radio. This is the time consuming process, as you have to open the radio system and dashboard for installations.
Testing
In the end wrap the connection in electrical tape and check all the connections once again. Once you are done, check the working of the unit before putting the dashboard and radio system back. If everything is working fine put dashboard and radio system back to its place.
Filed Under: Guides/DIY