• If you currently own, previously owned or want to own an Avalanche, we welcome you to become a member today. Membership is FREE, register now!

Replace Factory Backup Camera with Aftermarket

chethammer

Full Member
Joined
Sep 21, 2015
Messages
15
Can't seem to find if anyone has done this on the forum.  It shouldn't be too difficult, but I want to get the wiring correct without too many mishaps.  If there is an existing thread, please point the way.  Thanks
 
Not sure I have seen anyone replace the factory camera yet since it has good optics. Maybe someone had an accident or something and will describe the replacement process? There should be some old threads on this site about adding a backup camera to an AV that didn't come with a camera and I would guess that instillation would be about the same.
Is your camera inoperative or are you just replacing the factory camera to one with better optics?
 
Food for thought, If the new camera has guidelines does it have to be mounted so it looks straight back or can it go in same spot as factory camera where it looks slightly down? You may have to pick a different mounting spot so it looks straight back for the lines to be of any use. What year is your Av and does it have backup sensors in addition to the camera?
My 2004 had an aftermarket backup camera setup and it looked straight back (not much depth perception) on my 2008 it was factory in the tailgate bezel and I find it has much better depth perception when hitching up a trailer etc. The backup sensors help but so far I haven't felt the need for lines on the camera. I guess it couldn't hurt to add them though if alignment works?
 
The new camera is basically the same size as the original, but slightly larger and tapered to the lens end of it so that it will probably go in the original mounting spot without enlarging the opening.  The lines are more of a guide for me when I'm backing down my driveway because its curved. The factory cam doesn't give any idea of what way the rear end is pointing.  I know that doesn't sound completely right....but I guess the lines give you an idea of where stuff is in relation to the trucks rear end and they move in the same direction as the rear end so it helps.  

I have a Rosen Car Show Navigation Unit so it all else fails I can do a complete rewire of the camera to the unit.  That is actually quite easy.  What would actually be easier is if I can wire the new cam to the old wiring successfully because it is already hooked up all the way to the Nav.  Wiring stuff and taking it apart and cutting into the plastic isn't a problem.  Done all that.  I put a factory heads up display in my 05 Grand Prix.  Now that first cut was HARD!
 
I'm very interested to hear how this works out.  I've spent a good amount of time going through the options on my headunit trying to figure out how to turn the guidelines on. :laugh:
 
Ok, with luck and planning it turned out pretty darned good.

Parts List
1.  Backup Camera (of course)
2.  New tailgate spoiler clips (absolute must)
3.  New double sided tape for the spoiler
4.  electrical tape (because the wires are too thing for connectors)

I used the pigtail from the factory camera and wired it to the new camera.  Cut a yellow RCA video cable to use the RCA Jack to wire into the pigtail to get the video feed.  Strip the cable and you'll see a Yellow shielded wire.

Black wire camera - black wire pigtail
Red wire camera - red wire pigtail
Yellow wire RCA cable - Yellow wire on Pigtail
Shield wire RCA cable - Brown wire on pigtail

This has the nice side effect that allows the camera to be used when the car is not in reverse with my stereo.  The Car Show has a data trigger that turns it on as long as there is a switch power source.  The factory camera has a relay that keeps this from happening through some sort of feedback system which was explained to me by Walt at ADC Mobile, but since my ADD kicked in I remember half of it. 

The camera works perfectly and has a great picture for a $30 camera and the lines make backing up so much easier. 
 
This is the Camera that I used.  I bought it from Amazon so I hope the link doesn't get pulled.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005Q65JHM?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00

I might try to get a slightly smaller boxier one later on to fit the hole better.  It actually fits pretty decently and I didn't have to cut anything so I should probably leave well enough alone.....(but I never do....)


 
I hate to keep pestering you, but I'm going to anyway. :D  Do you have any pictures of the install?  I really want to do this, but I want to retain as much factory parts/look as possible.
 
I hate to say it, but I didn't take any pics because the process was fairly straight forward.  I learned how to take the spoiler off from some other threads on here, but in a nut shell you take off the inside of the tailgate using a torx bit, on the back side of the latch are a clip and a nut which have to be undone.  Then take a flat very stiff putty knife (steel because I don't think plastic would hold up) and run it along the back top side of the spoiler to get the double sided tape to come undone.  On a side note if you figure a way to get the old tape off easily let me know.  Take the back edge of the spoiler and pull it towards you (standing in front of the tailgate just like you were going to open it.  You won't break the spoiler, but you will break all six of the clips underneath it.  You'll have to order a bunch of them.  I got them from ebay and they worked perfectly.  The part number for the clips is GM #11611626 and here is an ebay link because the dealer charges $4/clip.  http://www.ebay.com/itm/111902536539?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Now, don't do like I did and lose the bolt to the nut that goes on the inside of the spoiler just below the latch.  It's in the stone in my driveway...somewhere.  If you have the factory camera it will be attached to the spoiler so you can unhook the pigtail and take the spoiler off.  The camera is right on the back side of the spoiler and is held on by two screws.  You'll have to jury rig a little platform for the new camera to stand up on because the factory mounting spot is a little tall, but a piece of wood or thick plastic will do (probably about 3/8 inch will work).  Get a big roll of the double sided tape from Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0026HOTZ2?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00

Splice the camera, mount it, reverse the spoiler process. That's it. 
 
Back
Top