Reverse Light Wire in back of car?

[Grant516]

Hi- trying to put in a reverse camera, as it's next to impossible to see anything on my 2005 Solara Convertible.

This one has an extra screen and is wireless, bought it because it was cheap and I could see if it makes much difference at all.

I do however need to install the camera in the back and link it to a reverse wire. I know where one is in the front of the car, but I'd imagine some reverse/tail light in the back would be an easier option.

Any suggestions/pictures that will make this less of a challenge.

Thanks a million.

[99BlackSandv6]

Run a wire from one of the reverse lights out back. Should be fairly simple.

[kingkakyle]

cant you just hook it up to the reverse light wire?

[Aotoyota]

I tapped mine from the shifter harness.

[Grant516]

reverse light sounds like the best bet... what would be the easiest way to access the wires behind the light?

I've only taken the inside of my Solara apart.

[99BlackSandv6]

I don't have a Gen 2 so I can't really help you too much on that.
I have installed one of these wireless cameras on a Chrysler 300M though, it was simple.
Maybe you need a buddy with some electrical know-how.

[Grant516]

I'm kind of handy with electrics... more-so I just need to know if that reverse wire is accessible from the trunk region, as I've heard pulling the tail lights out is a bizznitch and would negate the point of not running a wire through the car in the first place.

I did the stereo, nav, steering wheel, amp installation. Just really not familiar with anything outside of the car.

[kingkakyle]

so at the front? of the trunk which is the part closest to u when u upen the trunk
the plastic piece comes off and ull see the wires there
i dont know the color of the wire off the top of my head

[99BlackSandv6]

On my Gen 1, I just pop the panel off and all the wires are visible. You shouldn't have any problems. It's a simple install.

[Grant516]

okay... a little actually fumbling in my car revealed an easy-to-work-with wiring harnes that plugs into the lights.



There are 5 wires.

One Red w/ Black Stripe
One White w/ Black Stripe and Dots
One Green (solid)
One Green w/ White Stripe and Dots
One Green w/ Black Stripe and Dots.

Can anyone with some experience please let me know which wire leads ot the reverse lights, and which one would be my grounding wire?

That should take care of it all. My Solara is nothing super fancy... it's a SLE 2005 Convertible, but when this is done i'll have the Kenwood 7015 DVD/NAV & the reverse with spare monitor.

Which let me tell you, if you happen to own one of these convertibles... you sure as hell need this since seeing behind you in this car is next to impossible. : \

Thanks again for the advice fellows!

[Down2TheC]

I'll grab the EWD and try to find it. Meanwhile, why not hook it up for always on? Point it right and it could help clearing those blind spots when the top's up.

[Down2TheC]

Red-Black is the Reverse light.
Green-White is Brake light
Green is Tail Lights
Green-Black is hazards
Don't see the White-Black.

P.S. ignore the dots.

[Grant516]

Thanks a bundle.

I wonder if the mystery wire is the ground, or if I should just use the Tail light (green) for ground, since to my knowledge, as long as the car is on, they should be too.

Something I guess to work on today.

As for keeping them on all the time, something I considered... but I feel like it may serve as much a distraction while driving as it does help out.

Coming from my 2002 Solara Convertible, and 2 Celica Convertibles before it... I've NEVER felt comfortable trying to go in reverse in this car. Huge oversight from Toyota. :(

[kingkakyle]

the white and black one is the ground wire
i remember because milt said not to cut that one and i did by accident lol

[Down2TheC]

I would assume you're right since it's the last one in the bundle.

When i said I didn't see it, to be clear, I didn't search for it. I wasn't looking at the harness. I was paging through the separate diagrams of the tail, brake, reverse, hazards. They were all close together so I kept going.

Good luck with the upgrade. I park tail first for the same reason.