Thread: Reverse light signal for reversing camera

After having the reversing camera on my previous Defender wired to the reversing light, next time around I decided to simply have a switch for the camera & screen rather than triggering it from the reversing light. This enables me to switch the camera on whenever I want such as when I'm in traffic, which is handy if the back of the wagon is packed up to the roof. It also avoids the 2 or 3 second delay each time I go into reverse when doing the defender dance to park the car in a tight spot.

For those looking for the wire I described earlier here you go.

Fantastic, I'll have a poke at that loom with the test lamp a soon as I can.
The red engine-lift bracket at the rear of the engine had chafed half way through the nearby heater hose on my car, wonder if this is a common problem, yours looks pretty close too. I replaced the hose and removed the bracket.

Originally Posted by POD

Fantastic, I'll have a poke at that loom with the test lamp a soon as I can.
The red engine-lift bracket at the rear of the engine had chafed half way through the nearby heater hose on my car, wonder if this is a common problem, yours looks pretty close too. I replaced the hose and removed the bracket.

How did you go with it?

Originally Posted by chook73

How did you go with it?

I have located the wire this afternoon, first chance I have had to get to it due to work schedule, even today I've had to abandon the job for family commitments. Will post again when I've been able to get it wired in. Need to get a good run at it with a cold engine bay to get the wiring done properly.

Right, I got a run at this job this afternoon and got it completed. The reverse signal is the green/brown wire at the engine loom connector near the heater tap. I connected this to the 'camera 1' switching wire from the monitor, so now the monitor comes on when I select reverse, and as it is on standby all the time the ignition is on, there is no delay. I can also manually switch it on at the monitor. I have not liked having to switch it on manually over the past week or so whilst waiting to get to the wiring. Also found I don't like having it constantly on. Each to their own.
I'm not entirely happy with having the monitor mounted to the sun visor. I made some spacers to lower the visor by the thickness of the monitor, about 26mm, so that the visor folds up flat. That's all well and good, but now when the visor is down vertically to view the monitor, it is too low. I think I'll relocate the monitor, not sure where yet.
Thanks again to Chook73 for the wiring diagram and photos, exactly what I was after.

Hi Guys.
I installed a reversing camera in my 2008 Puma some years ago. I picked up the power from the reversing light for the camera. Just had to run the AV cable back to the new stereo unit with the 7inch screen. When ever i put it in reverse the screen opened up and i could see what was behind me. This did however take a few seconds. Also i found that if you were forward and reversing it was a little annoying when the screen opened and shut a few times.So this in mind i connected the reverse power supply ( for the stereo) which previously came from the reverse selector switch onto a manual switch and off the accessories power supply. This way the screen only opens when i actually want it to and not every time i put it in reverse. If im pulling up to park and need the camera i just hit the switch as im pulling up and the screen opens up.Then as soon as i select reverse the picture comes up instantly.Also it means that when i put it into a forward gear again the screen does not close up and then have to wait for it to open again when i select reverse again.
Regards

eck

Originally Posted by POD

Right, I got a run at this job this afternoon and got it completed. The reverse signal is the green/brown wire at the engine loom connector near the heater tap. I connected this to the 'camera 1' switching wire from the monitor, so now the monitor comes on when I select reverse, and as it is on standby all the time the ignition is on, there is no delay. I can also manually switch it on at the monitor. I have not liked having to switch it on manually over the past week or so whilst waiting to get to the wiring. Also found I don't like having it constantly on. Each to their own.
I'm not entirely happy with having the monitor mounted to the sun visor. I made some spacers to lower the visor by the thickness of the monitor, about 26mm, so that the visor folds up flat. That's all well and good, but now when the visor is down vertically to view the monitor, it is too low. I think I'll relocate the monitor, not sure where yet.
Thanks again to Chook73 for the wiring diagram and photos, exactly what I was after.

Why not rebate the monitor into the visor?

Easy to do, and you can get another one later from a wrecker if need be (or have it re-upholstered)