Aftermarket Head Unit w/ Factory Backup Camera

[MantanaB6]

Is this possible???

I'm looking to add a carplay enabled headunit to my 2008 limited, and have found that the factory backup camera won't work "plug & play" with most aftermarket headunits due to a difference in voltage (6V for factory vs 12v for most aftermarket/modern camera's I believe)

I have done some digging and it doesn't seem that there is much info on a solid solution; maybe I just haven't searched well enough. Has anybody developed a tried and true solution for this? I am willing to get creative and am comfortable soldering if need be.

 

[JH225]

If you’ve got schematics of the factory camera wiring it should be possible! If voltage is truly the only issue, that can be fixed by a voltage step down board. Could probably find one on Amazon or Parts Express. 12V in and 6V out style.


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[MantanaB6]

If you’ve got schematics of the factory camera wiring it should be possible! If voltage is truly the only issue, that can be fixed by a voltage step down board. Could probably find one on Amazon or Parts Express. 12V in and 6V out style.


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Thanks for the response! I'm not sure if voltage is the only issue; maybe I'll just pull the trigger on the head unit and step down converter and figure it out once I'm in there...

 

[Syr4RinNC]

Its possible - I just bought a new unit from Crutchfield and they have some wiring adaptors and guides for 4r with factory cameras.

Ill see if i can find it

____
So they list this one Reverse Camera Harness - PAC

I know for me the adaptors came at a significant discount buying the headunit through crutchfield. The harness there is listed for 2012-2013 4runners, but it came as an optional part listed in my instructions for 4r with back up cameras

 

[MantanaB6]

Its possible - I just bought a new unit from Crutchfield and they have some wiring adaptors and guides for 4r with factory cameras.

Ill see if i can find it

____
So they list this one Reverse Camera Harness - PAC

I know for me the adaptors came at a significant discount buying the headunit through crutchfield. The harness there is listed for 2012-2013 4runners, but it came as an optional part listed in my instructions for 4r with back up cameras

Awesome, thanks! For some reason Crutchfield doesn’t offer that as an option for me, but I can just add it separately. What year is your 4Runner? I know there was some difference between pre- and post- ‘06 model years for the camera. Guessing post- would be most similar to the 5th gen...


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[Syr4RinNC]

They’re kinda like a small business - I’d call or email them and see what they say

 

[AceSpades]

Thanks for the response! I'm not sure if voltage is the only issue; maybe I'll just pull the trigger on the head unit and step down converter and figure it out once I'm in there...

No need for any step down board, you just need 2 resistors and make yourself a voltage divider circuit... I did the same on my Ford Explorer years ago because i would get a loud thud sound when power on the stereo, i found that the oem amp needed only 5V and my aftermarket radio provided 12V, so i made a voltage divider to get 6V

Here is the circuit, really simple. Substitute camera for my oem amp in my drawing

 

[AuSeeker]

No need for any step down board, you just need 2 resistors and make yourself a voltage divider circuit... I did the same on my Ford Explorer years ago because i would get a loud thud sound when power on the stereo, i found that the oem amp needed only 5V and my aftermarket radio provided 12V, so i made a voltage divider to get 6V

Here is the circuit, really simple. Substitute camera for my oem amp in my drawing

I'm not seeing a drawing, is anyone else seeing a drawing?

 

[MantanaB6]

I'm not seeing a drawing, is anyone else seeing a drawing?

Nope, also not seeing drawing.

 

[MantanaB6]

No need for any step down board, you just need 2 resistors and make yourself a voltage divider circuit... I did the same on my Ford Explorer years ago because i would get a loud thud sound when power on the stereo, i found that the oem amp needed only 5V and my aftermarket radio provided 12V, so i made a voltage divider to get 6V

Here is the circuit, really simple. Substitute camera for my oem amp in my drawing

Any concerns or issues with the heat generated by the resistors tucked back behind the headunit? Or did you mount the divider circuit somewhere else?

 

[JH225]

Any concerns or issues with the heat generated by the resistors tucked back behind the headunit? Or did you mount the divider circuit somewhere else?

It won’t be pulling much current at all, so heat is a pretty minor issue.

Resistors are definitely a viable option. I suggested a voltage step down board because they’re cheap and ready to go, not much thought involved.


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