HowTo: rear backup camera mod

[Ti-Ben]

Hello,

I tried to find the information to do the reverse camera mod, but couldn't find it for the 4th gen section. This is not a very detailed How to, but with minimal DIY skills, it is a 1-2 hours project. Note that the radio doesn't need to be removed. Total cost for the project is 6$. If you see ''not proper English'' sentences, send me a pm to let me know, English is not my first language! I got a 2008 Limited, I guess that it works for 2006-2009, don't know about 2003-2005.

PICTURES TO COME

1- Buy a rocker switch.

2- Remove glove box compartment.

3- Find Red wire with Yellow stripe in J33 connector. This is the signal that goes to the navigation system to enable the camera. Don't cut it, but skin the insulation and solder a new piece of wire that will go to one side of the switch.

4- Find Yellow wire with Red stripe in J25 connector. This is the voltage that goes to the reverse switch. Again, don't cut it, but skin the insulation and solder a new piece of wire that will go to the other side of the switch.

5- Run the wires to where you want to install the switch. I chose to install it in the glove box compartment. If you prefer, there is an OEM switch available that fits in the center console next to the Hill Descent Control.

And there you go, the backup camera is available on demand! Cool feature when towing or going offroad.

Have fun.

 

[talonjade]

fantastic work thanks!:lol::lol:

 

[wolf4runner]

looking to get this mod. thx for this

 

[Snesley Wipes]

Sounds cool! Like to see it confirmed in action though.

 

[Snesley Wipes]

Anyone able to verify this yet? What about grounding?

 

[kevinpt]

Yea I have the jbl Nav in my 4runner. This is one of the first mods I want to do

 

[CXS]

I was just reading a thread in the 5th gen forum talking about doing this so I found this for 4th gens. This looks a lot easier and while I have no reason to doubt the OP it would be great to hear from anyone else who has done it.

 

[J.A.]

I was just reading a thread in the 5th gen forum talking about doing this so I found this for 4th gens. This looks a lot easier and while I have no reason to doubt the OP it would be great to hear from anyone else who has done it.

I've done it a while back, albeit a little differently (using a relay). The reverse signal wire is indeed red w/ yellow stripe. More details here Toyota 4Runner Video on Nav and Anytime Backup Camera Mods

 

[CXS]

Yours does a lot more J.A. and while I would like the additional functions your provides my head starts to hurt as I read it. Anything beyond snipping a couple wires and adding a switch is rocket science in my book.

BTW, thanks for your informative site! I've had it bookmarked and visited it for longer than I can recall.

 

[J.A.]

Yours does a lot more J.A. and while I would like the additional functions your provides my head starts to hurt as I read it. Anything beyond snipping a couple wires and adding a switch is rocket science in my book.

BTW, thanks for your informative site! I've had it bookmarked and visited it for longer than I can recall.

I know the total mod I did is extensive but just focus on the backup camera mod portion only which can be done independently. You would just use one switch and the one relay to the right on my schematic. I really do believe that you need a spdt relay for this mod to isolate the circuit when activated so the reverse signal does not mess anything up while not actually in reverse.

 

[CXS]

Do I understand correctly that you're saying the 5th gen thread is good but that you would suggest a relay be included?

 

[J.A.]

Do I understand correctly that you're saying the 5th gen thread is good but that you would suggest a relay be included?

Sort of. You can use a spdt switch like the 5G thread OR do what I did and use a spst switch with a spdt relay.

 

[CXS]

Thanks J.A. I'll give it s try once it warms up enough to spend some time in the garage.

 

[eddiebx]

I recommend you go with either an SPDT switch or SPDT relay, and not the SPST switch method.

If you go with the SPST switch you're going to want to isolate it with diodes otherwise the ECUs might think the car is in reverse while you have the camera activated on demand.

Not sure if this would affect the 4th gens but I recall someone in the 5th gen thread having this same issue with an SPST switch and it triggering a 4WD check light.

 

[FL0rida CrAcK3r]

3- Find Red wire with Yellow stripe in J33 connector. Don't cut it, but skin the insulation and solder a new piece of wire that will go to one side of the switch.

I was wondering if you can explain why you can't cut the wire? Is it absolutely necessary to only skin the wire?

What if you cut the wire, then used a small piece of 16guage speaker wire as an extension, and skin the speaker wire in the middle?

Would this not work?

 

[CXS]

My camera is mounted close to my hitch and I'd like to do this to keep an eye on the hitch but I'm just getting more confused. Anyone care to write this up as simple as possible?

 

[J.A.]

My camera is mounted close to my hitch and I'd like to do this to keep an eye on the hitch but I'm just getting more confused. Anyone care to write this up as simple as possible?

The dual throw relay isolates the signal so that it does not back feed into the ecu which may cause some issues.

Here is the Backup Camera Only portion of the mod I have done which can be seen in detail at Toyota 4Runner Video on Nav and Anytime Backup Camera Mods, hope it helps.

 

[CXS]

Thanks again, I'll be giving it a try.

 

[Snesley Wipes]

Parts purchased...will try and do this with a factory switch next weekend.

 

[CXS]

Cool, let us know how it goes!