Backup Camera

[kglueck]

My wiring diagram for the 2003 shows the camera being plugged directly into the head unit, not the nav ecu...

I think it is the same one as the camary/solara one requires. did you get the oem toyota or one of the eclipse bec 103(?) ones, if so the connector should just click into the correct one w/o hassle. If not, you (like I) will have to manufacture your own connector...see the nav threads here and on siennaclub.org for details on that. I used the computer connector idea w/ no trouble.

Kevin

 

[Luxury]

......did you get the oem toyota or one of the eclipse bec 103(?) ones, if so the connector should just click into the correct one w/o hassle.......

Thanks Kevin. I haven't purchased it yet. I have a temporary hookup with Toyota that I can get a deal on an OEM......but with how much msrp is, it may still be cheaper to get it from tweeter.com, which leads me to:

......As for the camera, I got it thru customer service at tweeter.com.........and due the the ease of installation, it is a no brainer. The 1:15 was total install time. There really isn't much to do behind the dash if you have the BEC103. Simply plug and play.

How much was it? Did it come with all the wiring you needed? Lastly, it seems to protrude from your spoiler....does that bother you at all?

 

[lojeff]

I bought the BEC103 at Tweeter for $220. It also came with a separate video unit to hook into an eclipse head unit. Since I have the camry nav unit, it plugged directly into the back of the nav unit. Plug and Play.

As for it sticking out, I don't mind it at all. I think the close up picture may be a bit misleading.

 

[kglueck]

How much was it? Did it come with all the wiring you needed? Lastly, it seems to protrude from your spoiler....does that bother you at all?

my camera was like $200 from ebay. I bought the pioneer nd-bc1 as it was a bit smaller than the others. (and was accessible at the time). my camera on the old vehicle only stuck out about 1/4" out of the bezel of the door. here are directions I used to install in the back door: http://www.siennaclub.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=3572&view=findpost&p=34907

and here are pictures of the install: http://vinny.tamu.edu/camera/

I liked my setup and will do the same again. it was a little more advanced of an install and took a bit of time, but I prefer it. jeff's install also looks good, but I prefer the door for two reasons. the first is that I didn't want it sticking out and visible for just everybody to come by and rip it off...and the second (and most important), I installed my camera so that I could back up to a trailer and not have to step out, so I wanted a clear picture of my hitch and ball. moving up to the spoiler, made it disappear partially behind the rear windshield wiper and also appear much smaller and harder to see.

You choose which way you like and I guarantee you'll get used to it and use it! I miss mine. I still glance at the nav screen when I back up into a parking space. I'll be reinstalling mine here again soon!

Kevin

 

[Luxury]

I bought the BEC103 at Tweeter for $220. It also came with a separate video unit to hook into an eclipse head unit. Since I have the camry nav unit, it plugged directly into the back of the nav unit. Plug and Play.

As for it sticking out, I don't mind it at all. I think the close up picture may be a bit misleading.

Does that mean you can use that "seperate video unit" to route video, say from a DVD player or laptop through it? Which part is the video unit?

Pic #1

 

[Luxury]

Or something in Pic #2

 

[Luxury]

Or maybe from Pic #3

 

[lojeff]

I have the bec103 so pic #2. Basically, this camera is made to plug into the white adaptor in the silver box displayed in pic#2. On the other side of the silver box, there are rca video outs which would then be plugged into any head unit or monitor with a video input.

Rather than using the white adaptor on that silver box, since I have the Camry nav unit, I can plug the camera directly into the white adaptor of the nav unit. Simple Plug and Play.

On a side note, when I first got the Nav unit, I thought it was a nice luxury to have and more of an unnecessary "toy". Four months later, I would never give it up. In fact, when we replace our other car, we will either buy it with a nav or add one afterwards.

That being said, it has only been about a month with the camera, but I really don't feel the same way about the camera. In my mind, it falls into the unnecessary "toy" category. If I was in a situation where is was towing, like Kevin, I would probably feel different. In fact, if I lived in an area where you had to parallel park more, I would be of a different mind. For parallel parking it is very helpful but I don't have to parallel park more than once a week. Perhaps for safety sake, though; One time seeing something or someone in the camera that is in your blind spot would make the camera worth it.

 

[kglueck]

Towing makes it nice, but the thing that takes the cake is being able to see right behind me and see if any of the neighborhood kids are right behind me when I back out of the driveway (I live in a neighborhood w/ LOTS of small children who seem to not know to watch for cars yet). I also do find it useful when parallel parking, too...don't do that too often, tho.

as for your other comment about dvd video. well, you COULD do that, however, the nav unit would require being put in "reverse mode" so that the nav thinks your backing up to see it. well. there is a group working on a module somewhere. I saw the link on siennaclub.org, lemme see if I can find it real quick...

yep...here it be...

 

[Luxury]

Kevin & Jeff: Man you really know your stuff! I just wanted to say a quick thank you to let you know that I appreciate it. There is really a great group of people on this forum.......I love it.

 

[kglueck]

no problem. there were plenty of nice people there to help me out when I needed it w/ this stuff. the least we can do is pass the knowledge on.

 

[Luxury]

......as for your other comment about dvd video. well, you COULD do that, however, the nav unit would require being put in "reverse mode" so that the nav thinks your backing up to see it. well. there is a group working on a module somewhere. I saw the link on siennaclub.org, lemme see if I can find it real quick...

yep...here it be...

I have a guy at Super Autobacs (Big Japanese/Worldwide Auto Store, that only has one location in the US and it is a short drive from my house) researching these same issues for me. If they will do it for cheap enough, I will definitely have them do the install. The mobile electronics manager said that soundgate is probably coming out with an adapter this month. He is supposed to get back to me in the next couple of days.

 

[kglueck]

cool. let us know what you decide to do!

 

[Calderone]

So installed my Bec104 in my 2003 limited 4runner with stock nav. Now the trunk will not open??? any ideas on how to fix it with out going to the dealership? When i disconect the battery it will open but once the battery is connect it won't! Also when you installed your camera was there an open plug behind the nav?

 

[Cleric]

What does the mounting for the factory camera look like? Never actually seen one (or at least never paid attention). If I did this, I would probably shoot for the stock look.

 

[Calderone]

the mounting for the camera is above the license plate to the left. If you look closly their are lines which you can cut out. thats where I placed my camera.
I plan on postings some pics of my 4runner but i am waiting for my rims, billet grills, shifter, TRD exhaust, and intake to come in. Everything should be in by the last week of april.


But what I really need help with is my trunk it won't open!!! Please help

 

[Cleric]

Are you sure you did not disconnect a wire during the install? That's a good place to start, also fuses, etc.

 

[Calderone]

The first thing I did was check the fuses and I am sure i didn't pull any wires. But I did remove a plug from the back of the nav to replace it with the camera plug. But would the nav have anything to do with the trunk door???

 

[gregtay]

Adding Camera this weekend...

I am finally getting around to installing my backup camera and XM reciever this weekend... wish me luck. (oh.. and if i find the time i will finally convert those pesky green nav lights to green.. the new LEDs have been sitting in a box for over a year!)
cheers and happy 4Running.