Reverse light signal for reversing camera

[POD]

Finally got around to wiring up the reversing camera that's been mounted in my 2008 Puma 130 since before Christmas. I've found all the wiring I've done thus far on this vehicle to be a pain in the neck, everything's more difficult to get to than expected. I picked up the basic power signal for the monitor from behind the cigarette lighter, now I can at least switch the monitor on manually when required, next task is to connect the switching wire to the reverse light circuit so the monitor comes on automatically when reverse is selected.
Before I start searching for a suitable spot to tap into the reverse light circuit, thought I might save some time and hassle by asking where others have gone in. I'd like to avoid running another wire all the way back to where the tail lights are connected if possible.

[CTY90]

Hello.

I just reciently wired up a trailer plug for m old mans 2010 puma.
I found there was a factory plug located near the tail lights on the drivers side. (I had to move a plastic guard and rummage around, but I found it!)
This had all the wires I needed to wire up the plug I just tested with a multi metre to find the correct ones, and tapped into them.
I'm not sure if the earlier pumas have this factory plug, or if the plug has a wire for reverse... but worth a look.
Hope this helps.
Cheers.
Richard.

[robbotd5]

POD
When I fitted mine I tapped into the reverse light wire. Thus when you select reverse it powers up the camera. It then sends the AV signal back to your monitor ( in my case a JVC head unit) automatically displaying the image.
Regards
Robbo

[POD]

There's definitely a wiring connection for the trailer plug and I can tap into the reverse light circuit easily enough anywhere aft of the rear axle, I was more wondering if this circuit is accessible anywhere in the cab, for instance is there a certain wire in the loom near the fusebox or similar where I can pick up this signal. I'd like to avoid running more wires back through the cab and along the chassis if possible.

[PhilipA]

You can leave the monitor on all the time with an ign power supply, and only turn the camera on when reverse is selected.The camera takes very few amps so it doesn't worry the reverse light circuit.
That reduces the necessity for running more wires.
I have done that with my RRC for about 7 years now with no problems, although after all this time the monitor is getting cranky and sometimes flahes white at night for a short time after switch on.
Regards Philip A

[Reads90]

I have always done it by taking the power feed from the screen right to the back of the car and wire it into the reversing light same as the camera. Then the screen and camera turn on at the same time.

[POD]

The camera on this setup doesn't have a separate power feed, it takes it's power via the multi-core video cable from the monitor. I have power to the monitor from the cig lighter circuit, so the monitor is on standby when the key is on, currently I just have to push the power button on the monitor and I get an instant picture. Next step is to connect the 'monitor 1' switching wire to the reverse light circuit so it comes on when reverse is selected, no big hassle just I was hoping to avoid running yet another wire behind the roof lining and drilling another hole in the rear of the cab to feed this wire back to the reverse light connector. Looks like that's what I'm going to have to do. I guess I could have it on all the time, but I think that is not legal, also probably distracting at night.

[chook73]

If you have the puma wiring diagram you will find a pickup point at a loom plug just on the passengers side of the engine towards the back of the bay. I dont have my car here at the moment so I cant take a photo but its the easiest point to pickup and run into the cab.

I am pretty sure its the Orange and Slate cable but without the car I cant confirm 100%.

This is on a 2009 Puma so the 2008 should be the same.

[POD]

If you have the puma wiring diagram you will find a pickup point at a loom plug just on the passengers side of the engine towards the back of the bay. I dont have my car here at the moment so I cant take a photo but its the easiest point to pickup and run into the cab.

I am pretty sure its the Orange and Slate cable but without the car I cant confirm 100%.

This is on a 2009 Puma so the 2008 should be the same.

That's just what I'm after, I don't have a wiring diagram, will have a poke around there with a test lamp.

[chook73]

That's just what I'm after, I don't have a wiring diagram, will have a poke around there with a test lamp.

PM me your email and I will send it over

[towe0609]

I looked into this at the time I installed by camera, but in the end found I prefer to have the camera/screen on all the time the ignition is on, with a manual switch to turn it off. 99% of the time it is on, and I find it handy. Occasionally when highway driving at night, I prefer to switch it off.

I'm not suggesting this is right for you, but you might want to spend some time with it in "manual mode" and check your own preferences before worrying about the reverse switch.

[RVR110]

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.

[chook73]

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

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/01/141.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/01/142.jpg

[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.

[chook73]

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?

[POD]

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.

[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.

[eckwalsh]

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

[Tombie]

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)

[POD]

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)

Not a bad idea, will give it some thought.