How to Install a Backup Camera in your Car
Cars,  Auto Parts

How to Install a Backup Camera in your Car: Here’s How to Do It Right

Backing up a car takes special skills. Especially if you are just starting to drive, it can make you anxious, especially when you are left on your own. Even if you turn your head on your back, there can be blind spots and you can still be prone to collision. Luckily, with modern technology, especially in the form of backup cameras, backing up becomes a lot easier.

Interested to know how to install a backup camera in your car? While a lot of you might instantly think of paying a pro to do the job, you can save a lot of money if you opt to do it on your own. After all, it is not as difficult as it seems. Even as a beginner in car-related tasks, you can easily do it. Keep on reading the rest of this post and I will share with you how exactly it can be done.


What You Will Need to Follow This Tutorial

To follow the steps that will be mentioned below, be sure to prepare the materials that will be listed below:

  • Wireless backup camera
  • Wires
  • Marker
  • Hand-held driller
  • Pliers
  • Screwdriver

In most cases, the wireless backup camera that you will purchase is already complete with the wires and connectors that will be needed for its installation. If you have to buy the wires yourselves, make sure that you know which type is suited for the camera.


Step-by-Step Guide on How to Install a Backup Camera in Your Car

Before reading the steps that will be outlined below, here is a short video that pretty much sums up what you are about to read:

  • Once you have gathered the required materials and safely parked your car, remove the spare tire if you have one at the back. This will leave you with more space as you drill a hole in the spot where the camera will be installed. It will also reveal the holes where you will be running the wires.
  • Place the license plate frame on the bumper and use a pen to mark the position of the camera. It should be at the center.
  • Drill a hole exactly on the area that you have marked. The size of the hole will depend on the size of the wire that you will insert. Most of the backup cameras today have small wires, so you do not have to create a hole that is too big.
  • Attach the license plate frame. At this point, the camera must also be attached to the frame as well.
  • Next, connect the wires from their original position to power up the lights that illuminate the license plate at night.
  • By now, you have to deal with the wiring of the actual backup camera to have it powered.
  • Depending on the car where the camera is installed, you have to lift the panel at the trunk to expose the wires and to make it easy to bring it to the passenger compartment.
  • Look for the hole where you will have to insert the wire. Use a wireworm to make it easier for you to pull the wire from your backup camera. Go under the car and make sure that the cables do not tangle and that it will not interfere with your spare tire.
  • At this point, you can now run the wires to the front of your vehicle. Open the panel on the side and run the wire through its position.
  • Attach the wire to the wire that connects to the stereo and tuck it neatly on the sides.
  • Connect the camera’s power wire to the power wire for the radio.
  • The next connection that you have to make is the ground wire, which is usually the one in black, as it is also shown in the video above. Loosen the screw and add the terminal of the wire for grounding. This is where the radio and the camera will derive their ground.
  • Connect the video feed of the camera to the input that you can see at the back of the interior. In the video above, this exists in the form of a yellow RCA connection.
  • Next, connect the wires from the radio to the wires in your vehicle.
  • Rejoice; you are finally done connecting the wires, which is pretty much the challenging part of the process. Tidy up everything, making sure that the connections won’t tangle. Reassemble everything that you have earlier removed. It is now time to put it to the test and see if you did a great job.

Pro Tips

To ensure ease of installation and proper functioning of the backup camera, below are some of the most important tips that you have to keep in mind:

How to Install a Backup Camera in your Car

Via: https://www.pinterest.com/explore/backup-camera-installation/

  • The steps mentioned above are based on the short video that I shared in the earlier part of the article. Take note that these instructions do not have a universal application. At the end of the day, the best thing that you can do is to consult the manual and follow the assembly instructions from the manufacturer.
  • If you are having a hard time remembering the wires, it will be best to put color-coded tapes on the end. This makes it easier to determine which wires should be attached to each other. 
  • It will be good if you have a crimper ready. This is one of the most useful tools for any car lover and DIY enthusiast, as it can cut wires in seconds.
  • Use zip ties to keep wires together and to prevent them from tangling. Otherwise, there is a chance that they can easily dismantle, and you will have to reconnect them.
  • Want to make your life easier? Why not opt for wireless backup cameras? They can be quite expensive, but they are better in the sense that you do not have to deal with complicated connections to complete their assembly.

Conclusion

In sum, installing a backup camera does not need to be a complicated task. As is shown from the steps that have been briefly discussed above, even without a helping hand from an experienced mechanic, you can easily accomplish the installation. Make sure to pay attention to each and every step to enjoy the optimal functionality and superior performance of the backup camera.

Have you installed your own backup camera? Are there tips that you would like to share? Let us know by leaving a comment below.