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How To: Add A Backup Camera To Your OEM Radio W/Pictures

243K views 236 replies 77 participants last post by  WhiteLightningKY 
#1 · (Edited)
Hello,

This has been a long time coming, I meant to post this a while ago but got really busy but here it is:

Mods, feel free to sticky this :)

Have you bought a Volt without a backup camera and would like to add it as if it came like that from factory ? Do you want the video to come up on your radio’s screen ? If you do, you have a lot of options, you can either buy a plug and play harness will come pre-wired for you so all you would have to do is plug in the Camera's output into the Radio's Video input cable.

If you would like to do it yourself you will need the following:

*A Rear View Camera
*One Female RCA Cable
*Wire Quick Connectors - Taps


Step 1:


Install the rearview camera system and run the Video RCA cable to the front of the car, specifically behind the radio. You can wire the camera’s power wire to the reverse light, that would be the easiest way, and that way it will automatically turn on when you are in reverse only. Please note that the only cable that you need to run to the front is the video RCA cable I am sorry I don’t have pictures of this as I have done this a while ago however there is nothing special on this step, just regular wiring.

Step 2:

You will need to remove the radio to get to the Connector on the back of the radio, please refer to my radio replacement thread below:

Gen 1 How To : Add A Factory Navigation System W/Pictures

Step 3 :

Connect the female RCA Cable to the radio’s 20 pin harness “ the harness that connects to the plug circled in red below “, the easiest way to do this would be to get quick taps to connect the 2 wires to the radio’s harness. You will have to connect the RCA cables ends to pins number 5 & 15 on the harness.

Furniture Rectangle Font Table Parallel



Rectangle Line Font Parallel Pattern


Step 4:

Connect the Video RCA camera’s cable to Video RCA input cable that you hooked up from the earlier step

This is simply all the wiring that you have to do on the radio’s side, by using quick taps you can remove them when you like with no issues. I put electric tape on the wire loom when I was done.

Step 4:

Reinstall the radio following the reverse order of removal

Step 5:

This is very important, the camera will not work unless you reprogram the radio, this has to be done at the dealer, you have to tell them to reprogram the radio to enable the rearview camera function. They usually charge an hour labor for this

To reprogram the radio for the camera the dealer has to follow these steps:

* Access TIS2WEB
  • Open SPS Programming
  • Choose the MDI Tool & Replace and Program ECU
  • Select the car type then connect the tool to the car
  • Choose Radio – Programming from the list "Normal Option" Then select the appropriate radio option weather it is a nav or non nav unit “ UFV or UFU etc.. “
  • Select the appropriate calibrations including the rear view camera from the menu "green check mark appears to the selected ones"
  • Hit next and you will get a page that will tell what exactly will be programmed then hit yes
  • This will conclude the reprogramming proccess


Please note if you have the camera hooked up properly, you will see video but if you went for the repgrogramming before you install the camera you will see a black screen when in reverse.

Also if you have a 2011/2012 and bought a camera with gridlines built in, you will see double lines, but you can disable the built in ones from the radio configuration menu by yourself.

These instructions were given to me by a tech friend a while ago who’s handwriting is horrible so please don’t judge me for minor typos :)

How To Upgrade/Replace Current Camera :

If you have a 2013 and want to replace the camera to get one that has reverse guidelines built in or if you just simply want a better camera, all you have to do is unplug the old one from the hole and insert the new one after connecting the following wires:

  • Camera Signal of the plug " Pin 1 & Pin 4 " to the Camera's Video RCA Cable
  • Pin Number 5 of the plug to the ground cable of the camera
  • Pin Number 3 of the plug to the power cable of the camera - Need to verify

You can use quick connects to tap in to the oem plug or you can cut your oem plug off, and connect the cables directly, that is completely up to you :

See This thread for 2013+

How To: Add backup Camera to MyLink equiped Volt (not for pre-MyLink cars) | GM Volt Forum (gm-volt.com)


Here is a list of the Frequently Asked Questions that might come to your mind so I’ll answer it to the best of my abilities :


1- What kind of camera should I get ?

You can virtually buy any camera that you want, make sure you buy a mirror image camera so it will display properly. If you have a 2011 or a 2012 Volt you don’t need to buy a camera with reverse lines built in, but if you do, it is not a problem as you can disable the radio’s built in reverse lines. If you have a 2013 get one with the lines built in as I don’t believe that option is built in to the oem radio’s program.

2- Can I wire the camera to a different power source ?

Absolutely, however be sure to connect it to switched power source that turns off when the vehicle is off so it doesn’t consume power while the vehicle is off, you may also power it at the plug for the reverse trigger at the BCM.

3- The connector on the back of my radio is beige/grey and not black what should I do ?

The color might differ between the Navigation and Non-Navigation radio, on the Nav Radio the plug goes to the beige/grey plug on the radio, so it is not an issue, just be sure to use the 20 pin harness.



That is all for now, if you have any questions, feel free to ask and I will try my best to answer them
 
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2
#2 ·
Similar question... How hard would it be to replace the OEM camera with a higher res version or a version that has back-up lines?
 
#8 ·
Meedo, I haven't found backup cameras on ebay specifically for the Volt but the ones for Malibu that replace the license plate light look identical, do you know if this would work?
Example: http://www.ebay.com/itm/High-Defini...r_View_Monitors_Cams_Kits&hash=item2a2d4860fa

With regards to wiring at head unit you say pins 5 and 15, but which is signal and which is ground?

Do you remember which color wires to tap in the reverse light?

I just want to get it right first time (obvious) so when I go to dealer I can test it right away.

Do we have to request to dealer any specific code or software module to install to make it work?

BTW I have 2014 Volt with standard radio, any reason why this shouldnt work?

Thx
 
#9 · (Edited by Moderator)
With regards to wiring at head unit you say pins 5 and 15, but which is signal and which is ground?

Do you remember which color wires to tap in the reverse light?
According to the schematic info taken from pg.7996 of the Volt service manual linked below in my signature, pin#5 on the A11 Radio connector end appears to be the -(ground). Pg.7412 shows the E5 Reversing Light only containing 2 wires for 12V (Light Green/White) and return (Black)...
 
#11 ·
Hi. Thanks for the writeup! I have one question. I tried to ask my Dealer a few days ago how much it would cost to change the software for the camera. I told him it is only a software update, no hardware or anything else on their part. He didn't quite seem to understand and didn't think it was possible. My question, is how are you getting the service people to perform the update/changeover?

Thanks,
 
#14 ·
Any idea if it's possible to connect into the same video input as the backup camera and have the video feed on the screen without being in reverse? I'm asking as part of my project to integrate an Apple TV into my car. So far, it appears that my only option is a device to allow multiple GVIF inputs and a selector, but that's about $300. Before I go with that solution I'd like to check my other options.
 
#15 ·
Normally, pin #3 of the B87 Rear-view Camera end connector is supplied 12DC voltage only when you are in Reverse (Reverse Lamp Supply Voltage). You would have to splice 12VDC into pin #3 in order to keep the backup camera on when not in Reverse. You could use the accessory voltage (ignition on) for that purpose...
 
#24 ·
I havent tried to fit the camera yet, one reason is there seems to be disagreement on which wire is signal and which one is ground.

I tested the camera and it seems to give clear picture (connected it to an old portable dvd player).

Can someone clear up the doubt between pins 5 and 15 which is signal and which is ground, someone who has installed a camera successfully.
 
#38 ·
Bought (and installed) this camera

High Kick HK-3188
•Universal Rear-view Camera
•Resolution: 560 TV Lines [ Resolution NTSC 712(H) x 486(V) / PAL 704(H) x 576(V)Pixels ]
•Lens Viewing Angle: 170(H)/120(V)
•High Performance Color Sensor Like CCD
•PAL/NTSC System
•Wide-Angle
•Compact Size
•Automatic White Balance
•Low Power Consumption
•Rear-view Parking Guide Lines
•Night Vision Water-proof
•Can be installed on rear or front of the vehicle

I added a position switch to make it configurable (can turn on/off parking lines and/or mirror for backup function vs normal view).
I've tested this except on the Volt display itself (not programmed yet). Camera works great and I think would meet most needs expressed here.

What I now need is some help with the programming. If anyone has some information regarding what module the dealer needs (TIS2web to USB) I would be ever-so-grateful!

Thanks,

Jim
 
#40 ·
I have a question: On Volts without an oem camera, where do the wires from pin 5 & 15 go to? I was wondering if it might be possible to access them over near the bcm or somewhere else where you wouldn't have to pull out the radio.
 
#41 ·
If you can find X450 (connector) then they can be attached there. Since I did not have the docs, I tried to "find" it, but could not. I believe the connections you are referencing are x275 (or the BCM).

I decided to go the radio route. Very easy and I have no regrets. My wife's Volt has the backup camera, but I really didn't feel the urge to disassemble it to try to find where the BUC plugged into...

Hopefully someone might have some info to share on the programming so we can tell the dealers exactly what is needed to activate this after the install. I had a helluva time with my Dealer about it and in the end they said no-go (Dimmitt Chevrolet- Clearwater, FL)
 
#44 ·
Well shoot.

Got my car back from the dealer. They reprogrammed it, but still no video. I've confirmed the camera works, and that I have power to it when in reverse. (did so by hooking up to an external monitor). Hooked to pin 5 & 15, once with 5 being positive and once with 15 being positive. So I am at a loss. Anyone have any suggestions?
 
#45 ·
I don't think the dealer reprogrammed the radio correctly. The camera doesn't show up in the configuration menu. Would anyone who has their radio reprogrammed confirm that the camera now shows up in the config?
 
#46 ·
I'm going to try to help some folks out here, and maybe I can enlist some of you out there to pitch in so we can solve this riddle regarding what programming is needed!

So... my wife has a '13 Volt which has the safety 1 package (and therefore the factory backup camera). Now since my '14 does not have this feature, I thought I would compare the software entries under the MyLink to each other with the idea that possibly we can unlock the mystery?

here are the entries for software in my '14 Volt:

23206558 E0.0E.15.02
22768311 E0.0E.15.02
22768303 E0.0E.15.02
22768304 E0.0E.15.02
22768305 E0.0E.15.02
22768306 E0.0E.15.02
22768307 E0.0E.15.02
22768308 E0.0E.15.02
22768309 E0.0E.15.02
22768310 E0.0E.15.02
77777777 E0.00.14.55
22950148 C1.0E.15.06
23206819 C1.0E.15.06
50000001 C1.0E.1E.40
23164544 00.01.25.13
23164647 30.5F.06.20

..and here are the UNIQUE software codes in my wife's '13:

23135479 E0.0D.0D.0D
22950164 CC.0D.2B.01
22950148 CC.0D.0D.0C
23135480 CC.0D.0D.0C
22951641 CC.0D.2B.01
22950156 CC.0D.2B.01
22950159 CC.05.15.12
22950170 CC.0D.0D.0C
22950153 CC.0D.2B.01
22768340 CC.0D.2B.01
22950162 CC.0D.2B.01
22950163 CC.0D.0D.0C
22950165 CC.0D.0D.0C
22950166 CC.0D.0D.0C
22950158 CC.0D.0D.0C
22950151 CC.02.05.B1


We "share" the following codes:

22768311 E0.0E.15.02
22768303 E0.0E.15.02
22768304 E0.0E.15.02
22768305 E0.0E.15.02
22768306 E0.0E.15.02
22768307 E0.0E.15.02
22768308 E0.0E.15.02
22768309 E0.0E.15.02
22768310 E0.0E.15.02
77777777 E0.00.14.55

IF any of you who also have a backup camera installed (Particularly those who have been able to have the programming performed as an after-thought) could also check for what software codes are installed and post them or compare and give us your observations, then maybe we can crack this thing!
 
#47 ·
I'm going to try to help some folks out here, and maybe I can enlist some of you out there to pitch in so we can solve this riddle regarding what programming is needed!

So... my wife has a '13 Volt which has the safety 1 package (and therefore the factory backup camera). Now since my '14 does not have this feature, I thought I would compare the software entries under the MyLink to each other with the idea that possibly we can unlock the mystery?

here are the entries for software in my '14 Volt:

23206558 E0.0E.15.02
22768311 E0.0E.15.02
22768303 E0.0E.15.02
22768304 E0.0E.15.02
22768305 E0.0E.15.02
22768306 E0.0E.15.02
22768307 E0.0E.15.02
22768308 E0.0E.15.02
22768309 E0.0E.15.02
22768310 E0.0E.15.02
77777777 E0.00.14.55
22950148 C1.0E.15.06
23206819 C1.0E.15.06
50000001 C1.0E.1E.40
23164544 00.01.25.13
23164647 30.5F.06.20

..and here are the UNIQUE software codes in my wife's '13:

23135479 E0.0D.0D.0D
22950164 CC.0D.2B.01
22950148 CC.0D.0D.0C
23135480 CC.0D.0D.0C
22951641 CC.0D.2B.01
22950156 CC.0D.2B.01
22950159 CC.05.15.12
22950170 CC.0D.0D.0C
22950153 CC.0D.2B.01
22768340 CC.0D.2B.01
22950162 CC.0D.2B.01
22950163 CC.0D.0D.0C
22950165 CC.0D.0D.0C
22950166 CC.0D.0D.0C
22950158 CC.0D.0D.0C
22950151 CC.02.05.B1


We "share" the following codes:

22768311 E0.0E.15.02
22768303 E0.0E.15.02
22768304 E0.0E.15.02
22768305 E0.0E.15.02
22768306 E0.0E.15.02
22768307 E0.0E.15.02
22768308 E0.0E.15.02
22768309 E0.0E.15.02
22768310 E0.0E.15.02
77777777 E0.00.14.55

IF any of you who also have a backup camera installed (Particularly those who have been able to have the programming performed as an after-thought) could also check for what software codes are installed and post them or compare and give us your observations, then maybe we can crack this thing!


FWIW: Was able to find your 23135480 A11 Radio using my 2013 Volt's VIN since they share the same part using GMs CALIBRATION LOOK-UP LINK. You would have to enter your specific vehicle's 17 character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and select 'Get CAL ID' to search all these...
 
#48 ·
Thank you sir! I think we are getting somewhere (?)

So here are the codes within that version/group (I think that is what the 2nd Hex address is anyway)

22950148 CC.0D.0D.0C
23135480 CC.0D.0D.0C
22950163 CC.0D.0D.0C
22950165 CC.0D.0D.0C
22950166 CC.0D.0D.0C
22950158 CC.0D.0D.0C

This is for 2013 MY including Safety Package 1.


Could someone out there who has a 2014 MY with safety package 1 please help by looking up their software codes (under your MyLink Configuration - Software Versions - menu)?

I believe we are getting close....
 
#51 ·
Guys....

Here is what I'm thinking:

I have a friend who works for a GM dealer. He has offered help with this. If I can find enough folks here who'd like to get this info, I'd be willing to split the cost of buying one of the "kits" from the links provided (about $200) where they will provide instructions to the dealer. I can document them and share them among the group.

If you'd like to help me with this, please PM me with your contact info and I'll try to make this happen.

Of course.... the best possibility for a solution would be someone who can do the same or can connect us to a GM/Chevy service dude who can tell us what has to be done.

Come on guys... let's git 'r dun!
 
#53 ·
Dealer Tried to Program - No Luck Yet

OK. Installed one of the after market cameras as described in this thread ... Easy enough. Just came from dealer and he did not have any luck determining how to change the radio programming to enable the camera. Dealer was cooperative and willing to try whatever it takes but the Sr. Tech did not have any luck.

Here's the question: Does the radio have to be a Navigation radio to support the backup camera or can a non-Nav radio be enabled for the camera?

Those owners who have successfully had their radio reprogrammed; do you have a Nav radio?

Those owners who had trouble getting their radio reprogrammed; do you have a non-nav radio ?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.
 
#55 ·
OK. Installed one of the after market cameras as described in this thread ... Easy enough. Just came from dealer and he did not have any luck determining how to change the radio programming to enable the camera. Dealer was cooperative and willing to try whatever it takes but the Sr. Tech did not have any luck.

Here's the question: Does the radio have to be a Navigation radio to support the backup camera or can a non-Nav radio be enabled for the camera?

Those owners who have successfully had their radio reprogrammed; do you have a Nav radio?

Those owners who had trouble getting their radio reprogrammed; do you have a non-nav radio ?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.
Good questions. Here are my thoughts...

> The safety package 1 absolutely work(s) in the non-nav radios. So this would seem to be a moot point.
> At least ONE demo (the Youtube demo) shows a bone stock Non-Nav Volt having this added (and programmed).

So I would think that having a non-nav radio is NOT the issue...
 
#56 ·
Dealer Reprogramming Still the Issue

OK, thanks. Makes sense since Safety Package 1 does not include / require Navigation.

Anyone else out there have any additional info on where the service tech has to go to change the programming?

Ken D.
 
#57 ·
OK, thanks. Makes sense since Safety Package 1 does not include / require Navigation.

Anyone else out there have any additional info on where the service tech has to go to change the programming?

Ken D.
Ken.... I proposed this before, and I'll put it out there again. I think the "best" way to uncover this is to have someone buy the advertised camera kit ($239) such as at AutoSpa (and there are at least one other). Then have the GM dealer (who is programming it from their instructions) provide the customer with exactly what those instructions are. I'm willing to do that as long as I can get a few folks here to chip in and share that burden (I'd like to be that guy who donates this to the forum, but I'm not a rich fella and $239 for "instructions" on top of my already installed camera makes this too steep to do for everyone else's benefit).

So if there are some of you guys who want to share some of the cost to make this available, let me know. OR... if you want to be "that" guy I'm in and would be happy to kick in $50 to get those instructions!

Either way, we all win...
 
#59 ·
Still working on it ...

I continue to research how to get the programming done. I have access to certain "resources" at my local dealer so we're working on it. Interestingly, the Volt rearview camera is grouped in with the K41 Front and Rear "Object Alarm" software modules (meaning the front & rear park assist features) and schematics in the service manual. Following this path there is an "Object Alarm Module Programming & Setup" section of the software programming. Maybe the configuration settings are not actually in the radio programming but in this section of the code. Can't confirm ... but we're looking at it.

The offer to chip in and pay the fare to have a dealer 3rd party outfit do it is enticing but how do we know they're going to be willing to reveal the programing instructions info even if we do pay for it to be done?

BTW, my Volt has the UFU Radio + UP9 Mylink, which is the base radio. Everything I see on YouTube and other posts indicates the re-programming can be done with this and any other radio.

Will continue to work on it.

Ken D.
 
#62 ·
I continue to research how to get the programming done. I have access to certain "resources" at my local dealer so we're working on it. Interestingly, the Volt rearview camera is grouped in with the K41 Front and Rear "Object Alarm" software modules (meaning the front & rear park assist features) and schematics in the service manual. Following this path there is an "Object Alarm Module Programming & Setup" section of the software programming. Maybe the configuration settings are not actually in the radio programming but in this section of the code. Can't confirm ... but we're looking at it.

The offer to chip in and pay the fare to have a dealer 3rd party outfit do it is enticing but how do we know they're going to be willing to reveal the programing instructions info even if we do pay for it to be done?

BTW, my Volt has the UFU Radio + UP9 Mylink, which is the base radio. Everything I see on YouTube and other posts indicates the re-programming can be done with this and any other radio.

Will continue to work on it.

Ken D.
There is 100% chance the GM dealer will share the information - with me anyway. The actual programming information is provided to the dealer ONLY via AutoSpa (which is/was one of the online kits that was spoken about early on on in this thread). I'm still in on this if necessary, but I'm cheap and don't want to go this route if we can avoid it and solve this on our own...

I watched the Volt technician when he reprogrammed the center console on my early 2012 pre-MyLink to support my swap out of a base radio (with backup camera) to the nav radio (with backup camera). So two things:

1. The base radio has support for the backup camera.

2. He used programming code RPO Code UFV. He was then prompted with a series of questions that included whether a backup camera was installed and whether the car has heated seats.

Perhaps that information will help those who are trying to figure out the programming code.
COOL! Maybe this will work? I sure hope so...

Many thanks. This info may be the best clue we have so far. I will check with my dealer to see if this is enough to get it done.

Ken D.
Thanks Ken.... you da man!
 
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