Thoughtninja

Hi guys. I'm posting for my dad who's trying to install a backup camera that's going to function on the running light power circuit. He's already been told this is fine to do but he needs the wiring diagram or info on to what specific wire(s) to tap into. He's got it from there as he has electrical experience. Any diagrams, info, or advice is welcome. Thanks!

donbrew

Moved to the AV forum.

Why not just tap into the wire? Why not use the backup light, like the directions say.
What is difficult about finding the wire at the socket?

Thoughtninja

He wants the camera to stay on as he drives instead of just being activated upon reverse. He's a courier and usually has his cargo area full of packages and his rear view mirror doesn't help. We know where the brake light/blinker wires are but we're not sure where to tap in for the running lights power hence why we're asking on here. He had two people recommend he hook it up that way but they each don't know what specific wire to tap into.

Thoughtninja

Also yea we could just run it off the socket but he was hoping to tap in through the wires in the rear right hatch. If it comes down to it we'll tap in at the socket but I'm just asking what he's specifically asking for.

donbrew

The DRL's are only in the front. He doesn't think the tail lights are on when the DRLs are on, does he? DRL not equal to headlights. "running lights" are the corner markers and are only on when the headlights are on.

There is a relay and fuse marked in the fuse box for DRL.

So, you will be running wire from the underhood fuse box to the rear hatch. But, wouldn't putting it on the IGN circuit do the same thing better?

What is he expecting to see at night? Or, does he intend to blind followers with the spot light?

I'm a courier who frequently carries freight back there. That's why the side mirrors are there. A rear view camera would be way too distracting for me.

I have a laptop mounted in the front passenger seat with the GPS on it and an Android cell phone with data and GPS running, so that's not my problem with the idea.

Oldblue

Try the pink wire, before the reverse switch, it also is used to power the rear view mirror compass

oldracer

You could pretty much tap power from anywhere in the rear of the car and then run the camera to the head unit as a video player or other aux input that would have to be selected manually. Most head units use a combination of internal switching and power from the backup lights to activate the camera and when the video signal is sensed the display switches. That is how Pioneer and Kenwood do it, not sure about others/

donbrew

He's talking about using the backup camera fulltime. He thinks that running lights are always on for camera power when the car is in forward motion.

LawDog88

He *could* do that, but in order to do so, would have to manually set his light switch to *marker lights* or *full on* for it to work.

I wonder, does he have a Sunroof?

Oldblue

I just wired my new mirror with compass and auto dim, wired it to a terminal with two pink wires double checked to ensure they are keyed power and it powers the compass .

A big thanks to VinceP for the mirror!!