Here at Camera-Source, we are frequently asked by customers how to move the video signal from the factory mirror camera display to a recently implemented navigation unit. If your truck came from the factory with a rear camera in the display mirror but you have added a navigation system and want the image displayed there instead, read this post.
Here at Camera-Source, we are frequently asked by customers how to move the video signal from the factory mirror camera display to a recently implemented navigation unit. If your truck came from the factory with a rear camera in the display mirror but you have added a navigation system and want the image displayed there instead, read this post.
In essence, this transition is quite simple. There are two wires in your rearview mirror camera harness that contain the video signal (video+ and video-) and all you need to do is relocate those wires to the back of your new navigation system. Your new navigation system should have an RCA input for rear camera, in which an RCA connector with two wires inside the coax jacket (video + and video -) can be plugged.
If you have a2009-2013 Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra (2014 heavy duty, also), we offer a product that will allow you to do this without cutting or splicing any wires. This plug-and-play factory camera mirror-to-navigation conversion kit is available in a few different configurations that will allow you to move or split the video signal. Moving the video signal will do just that: cause the signal to display on the navigation radio only, whereas splitting it will allow it to be viewed in both locations. You can find all the options in our wiring section by clicking here.
We do not have a plug-and-play product for GM SUV and Chevy Avalanche customers, but the following guide will help you do the same thing-- it just requires wire splicing. Follow the steps below to move your camera video signal from the mirror to the navigation unit:
- On the existing rearview mirror connector, you will find a blue wire (video -) and a white wire (video +). Those wires are located in pins 7 and 6 of the mirror connector, respectively.
Purchase a 10' RCA cable and cut one end off. - Strip the casing and you will find two wires inside that represent video + and video -. Use an ohm meter to test continuity to ensure you know which one corresponds to the right signal. The outer shell of an RCA is negative, while the center pin is positive. Typically, the video+ wire inside the RCA coax is an insulated wire, whereas the video- is just bare.
- Splice the positive wire into the white wire on the mirror and the negative wire of the RCA into the blue wire on the mirror. You can either cut them off from the mirror harness to move the signal or tap them in if you want to split the signal.
- Route the RCA to the back of your navigation radio and connect into the RCA input for rear camera. You can tuck it between the headliner and glass, then route it behind the driver's a-pillar cover and down through the side of the dash so the cable is hidden.
If a plug-and-play rear view mirror camera setup doesn’t work for your SUV or truck, a workaround is possible. For those who are looking for the plug-and-play solutions, Camera-Source has a wide range of backup camera products for many truck makes and models. It’s an easy fix!
