BRZ Limited Backup Camera Step by Step (WARNING long post, many pictures)

[VTRTWIN]

Originally Posted by technoid

I also completed the install using these instructions. Thanks to Runny_Yolk for the terrific post.

Don't be afraid, it was easy enough.

Side Note:
I also tested a second camera with a splitter, plan to use this for a front mounted camera (curb view) The camera works, but I need to find the wire that triggers the radio to display the camera view. It is not detecting video from the camera, only displaying video when reverse trigger activates it.

I can confirm that a Pyle PLCM38FRV also works with the head unit, and has the ability to remove the lines and also is reversable for a forward or reverse view. This is a very cheap camera and appears to be well made, not currently using so no word on durability though.

The above got me thinking about whether the rear camera can be activated not only when in reverse, but also while driving forward with some sort of switch. My simple thought to do this is to tap into the hot lead to the head unit for the camera with an on-off switch to "trick" the head unit into thinking the car is in reverse. But before I try this and turn my car into a smoking cinder I thought to ask this esteemed group if anyone has actually done this and if so, how? Thanks.

[ChrisJ]

Thanks for the great help. I made a few bonehead mistakes, but learned a few things in the process.

My camera came with a red and black wire from the camera, and a red wire on the cable to the head unit. I had to solder the red wire of the camera cable to the red wire of the body harness cable, and then solder the cable to the connector at the head.

I grounded it to the cover of the speaker amplifier in the trunk.

The ground on the harness connector is really too short. An extra inch and a half makes all the difference. Or so they say.

I found the best place for the extra cable is in the door sill.

I found a really easy way to check if the camera works with a 6V head. Take a mini LED flashlight, open it and take the battery pack out. It should be three AAA batteries delivering 4.5 volts. The pack has a plus and minus terminal for easy checking. Mine powered right up with 4.5 Volts.

Lastly, you can test the camera without putting the car in reverse, which is kind of nice if you have the head unit resting on the shifter. Press Map --> Then press the three buttons together, then Failure Diagnostics --> System Check. If it comes up OK you're good to go. I can't say this works when a relay is in place, but it worked for me.

Happy modding, C

[notout86]

" I found the best place for the extra cable is in the door sill "

Each to his own but I am surprised that people continue to use the door sill method. Having used that myself (for parking sensors), as well as the method between the back seats and tucked up under the lower edge of the console, thence up behind the dash to the head unit, I found the latter much easier.

[notout86]

Originally Posted by VTRTWIN

The above got me thinking about whether the rear camera can be activated not only when in reverse, but also while driving forward with some sort of switch. My simple thought to do this is to tap into the hot lead to the head unit for the camera with an on-off switch to "trick" the head unit into thinking the car is in reverse. But before I try this and turn my car into a smoking cinder I thought to ask this esteemed group if anyone has actually done this and if so, how? Thanks.

See post #65 in this thread and the link in it. From that you will be able to work out your "view while driving forward" idea.

[tracerit]

can i confirm if this is the right cable to get?
http://ae64.com/images-e41/16-pin_ca...arness_LG6.jpg

stock BRZ with stock Fujitsu Ten HU and I'd be using it with the Rydeen Duo as well.

[DC2R]

Originally Posted by tracerit

can i confirm if this is the right cable to get?
http://ae64.com/images-e41/16-pin_ca...arness_LG6.jpg

stock BRZ with stock Fujitsu Ten HU and I'd be using it with the Rydeen Duo as well.

Do you need any special adapters for an aftermarket radio?

[tracerit]

Originally Posted by DC2R

Do you need any special adapters for an aftermarket radio?

Nope just the stock radio.

[SVXdc]

Originally Posted by tracerit

can i confirm if this is the right cable to get?
http://ae64.com/images-e41/16-pin_ca...arness_LG6.jpg

stock BRZ with stock Fujitsu Ten HU and I'd be using it with the Rydeen Duo as well.

Yes, that harness (the 'bypass' version) will work and is the one I recommend for a BRZ, FR-S, or GT86.

Originally Posted by DC2R

Do you need any special adapters for an aftermarket radio?

The purpose of these adapter harnesses is to convert the OEM HU's proprietary socket to a standard female RCA socket. Aftermarket HUs with rear camera capability normally will already have an RCA socket for that, so they don't need an adapter harness.

One exception is the Pioneer AVIC-X9310BT that Subaru Canada fits as the "OEM" HU in some models. It's identical to the aftermarket AVIC-X930BT, except it omits Pioneer's harness with a bunch of RCA jacks (including the one for rear camera). You can buy a replacement Pioneer RCA harness on eBay or Amazon to regain the missing jacks. Search "AVIC-X9310BT" here for more info.

[tracerit]

Originally Posted by SVXdc

Yes, that harness (the 'bypass' version) will work and is the one I recommend for a BRZ, FR-S, or GT86.

Just sent payment information. Thanks for confirming the correct cable. Looking forward to it!

[stoked_on_spool]

Great writeup! Thank you for taking the time and effort to bring this to the community!

*Ninja edit*

[zc06_kisstherain]

I installed mine with svdx harness and works perfectly

[notout86]

Originally Posted by zinzan

This is a matter of preference, drilling into a plastic trim piece vs poking a hole into the trunk release grommet. I preferred drilling into the OEM designed location for the backup camera, and not interfering with the trunk release button. If for some reason I ever wanted to remove the backup camera, the cleanly drilled hole could be covered with a pop clip or a rubber plug easily enough. Yes, it is off-centered, but most OEM backup cameras (like the one in my wife's Honda Odyseey) are off-centered, and the BRZ Head Unit is calibrated by default for the camera to be off-centered.

-Z

Our Toyota 86GTS h/u gave a distorted view with the cam in the OE position and I found it much better centred. I suggest always trying temporary mounts (BluTac) first.

[brz_enthusiast]

Pictures on the original post seem to have disappeared.

[a_dee]

Originally Posted by notout86

" I found the best place for the extra cable is in the door sill "

Each to his own but I am surprised that people continue to use the door sill method. Having used that myself (for parking sensors), as well as the method between the back seats and tucked up under the lower edge of the console, thence up behind the dash to the head unit, I found the latter much easier.

Got any step by step instructions on how to run the wires from the trunk via the rear seats and through the centre console?