[KTL]

The backup camera wasn't an available option for the '06-'08 years, and since there had been a few discussions regarding the backup camera installation, I'll post my experience and pictures from before. I originally had installed a wireless backup camera with an external display, but have since changed to a Natika wired version connected to a Pioneer headunit.

The post is separated into 3 parts to separate the instructions and pictures out.

PART 1 - Camera

Remove the back door top and side panels.

The bottom panel's clips are popped out and back door light disconnected.

The camera is mounted similar to where the OEM is, next to the license plate light. A hole was enlarged to fit the threaded shaft of the camera through and wiring was fit through an existing location.

Split loom was fitted over the wiring to prevent it from being pinched while zip tied.

 

[KTL]

I wanted to tap into the backup wiring in the taillight, so I had removed these panels.

Part 2 - Panels

Pop up and remove the rear floor panel by the back door.

Pop up and remove the rear passenger scuff plate.

Move the rear seats forward and remove the hidden storage cover to expose the shallow storage area. Remove 4 Phillips screws, pop the panel up from the floor, and remove the storage.

Remove two 14mm and one 10mm bolts.

Remove the three Phillips screws.

Remove the rear seat pivot trim clip.

The entire lower panel can now be popped out and removed.

 

[KTL]

Part 3 - Wiring

The taillight assembly is held in by three 10mm nuts, two are exposed, but one is recessed, be careful not to drop it.

Pull out the back door grommet and fish the wiring through.

You'll need a good yank to pull the taillight out. I used t-taps to make the connections.
BLACK = Reverse +12V
WHITE/BLACK = GND

The camera video connector also has a red wire attached to it, which gets routed to behind the radio. The RCA/composite plugs into the radio while the red wire, which was tapped at the taillight, connects to the reverse input of the radio.

Test to make sure it functions properly before putting everything back together. The camera has the lines by default, but a wire loop can be cut to disable them.

 

[JuneBug]

Thank you for this! I made it a sticky thread!

 

[KTL]

Here are some auxiliary information pertaining to the wiring and OEM setup.

Interior Fuse Panel
PART 2 and 3 can be quite a task to get to the taillight just for the wiring, an alternative method would be extending the wiring and tap it by the interior fuse panel as indicated by this post.

OEM Camera to Aftermarket Radio
This post shows how the OEM camera video feed can be displayed to an aftermarket radio.

Aftermarket Camera to OEM Rearview Mirror
This post shows how the video feed from the aftermarket camera can be displayed to the OEM rearview mirror that supports it.

 

[SoNic67]

The Toyota OE camera as a differential wiring, as opposed to coaxial composite video that is usual on car stereos.
This is the video adapter that I bought for that:

PAC RPA-VA1

Video adapter and video signal filter

www.crutchfield.com

 

[KTL]

I bought the RPA-VA1 to try it out in the '12 HL with the factory camera. It took me a few hours to disconnect previous wiring, add some Molex pins and connectors, and solder new wiring. I didn't cut the RCA receptacle used for input to the converter, just made a new cable that interface with the CV+/CV- wires.

There is an improvement in picture quality, but not significant.

 

[SoNic67]

I am still to install mine. Was cold and rainy...

For my 2011, in 1/3 of my camera view I have the spare tire housing.

 

[KTL]

I was having connectivity problems with the image not always showing up on the screen, so I got rid of the previous t-tap and wire wrap, soldered on new wires with connectors to have solid contact. Also tightened the male RCA ground sleeve at the radio so it would grab onto the radio input better.

 

[SoNic67]

Do you have a wider angle picture of that connector? Is that by passenger side?

 

[KTL]

This was when I had used t-taps before. Yes, it's the passenger side.

Vehicle side wiring.

 

[SoNic67]

Oh, that's rear door?
I was looking to find it closer, like front passenger wheel wall.
Thanks!

 

[KTL]

My bad, I just realized what you had meant by a wider picture. 🥴 Here is a bigger picture of the back exposed area, I didn't see any sections that had connectors other than by the back door.

 

[SoNic67]

Hmm, my diagrams show a red and white wire for camera, black is power.

I meant somewhere here... I'll keep digging.

 

[KTL]

I think you found it. It's located at the EL2 connector, which is the top one in your third picture.

 

[Ted D Bayer]

I installed a backup camera, didnt take the tailight out, not that brave😉... I took out the reverse light bulb and holder, Toyota just couldn't give a half inch more wire ?? I managed a tap.
I used 90 degree camera, l think it has less distortion.

 

[Mtoyotaownr016]

Hmm, my diagrams show a red and white wire for camera, black is power.

I meant somewhere here... I'll keep digging.

View attachment 164812 View attachment 164813 View attachment 164814

Hello! Did you get the wire from the front passenger wheel well area? If so where exactly? I’m not the brave taking apart half the vehicle’s panels to run a wire. Thank you in advance!

 

[G-Unit!]

Hello, Is there anything regarding the installation of a back up camera that could effect the function of the radio? Specifically the AUX? I bought a 09 Rav and realized the AUX doesn't work. I've replaced the AUX jack as that's the most likely culprit. But it still doesn't go into AUX mode. The previous owner installed a back up camera....I'm just trying to figure out if there was a possibility that he screwed something up.

 

[KTL]

There is zero relation between adding an aftermarket back-up camera and AUX. Is the radio still OEM or an aftermarket?

 

[G-Unit!]

There is zero relation between adding an aftermarket back-up camera and AUX. Is the radio still OEM or an aftermarket?

Thank you for the reply!
It's the OEM radio, nothing has been changed.
Any thoughts?