How to install a rear-view camera

By Lawrence Minnie

We all love tech especially when it makes our lives easier. But what happens if the tech you want isn’t fitted to your car? Well, we do DIY installs! Today we show you how to install a DIY reverse camera kit in a few easy steps.

Making life easier and safer with a reverse camera installation

Many new cars sold nowadays have a number of features that make piloting your car that much easier. One of these items is a rear-view camera, which helps you see what you normally can’t from the driver’s seat.

Rear view cameras are usually hidden neatly away near the number plate and send a signal to the infotainment screen when you engage reverse, so that you can see how close you are to that tree stump at the end of your driveway.

Many cars from the late 90’s and early 2000’s and even cars as late as last year don’t have this nifty piece of technology, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t get it at all.

With a little bit of online shopping and some perseverance, we were able to source a DIY rear view camera installation kit, and fit it in just under two hours.

We should however warn you that, if you are not comfortable working on the wiring harness and infotainment system of your car, this may be best left to a professional installer.

You will need:

DIY rear view camera kit

Screwdrivers – Philips and Flat head

Panel removal tools

Multimeter

5m AV cable – Depending on size of vehicle

Video-In Capable Infotainment system

Let’s get started!

1. Find a location to mount the camera. We opted to use the actual reverse light location, as the kit we bought was made for this particular vehicle, and to use in this location.

2. Feed the AV out wire from the camera through the body work.

3. Find the power and ground wires for the reverse light. This will turn the camera on, which will then send its signal to the screen when reverse gear is engaged.

4. Connect the camera to the power circuit.

5. Route the video feed cable through the body work and interior of the car.

6. Connect the video feed RCA plugs and cable tie in place.

7. Using the necessary panel removal tool kit, remove the infotainment system from the dashboard to access the video-in plug.

8. Once everything is connected, it’s time to test the video link.

9. Replace all the panels, and ensure the wiring is all secure.

10. Enjoy the security of having a reverse camera to see what you otherwise wouldn’t be able to see.