backup camera install on 2009 vibe base

[thepuppyprince]

Hi all,

I have a license plate camera and a rear view mirror display (mostly) installed on my 2009 base-- everything except for the actual wire cutting/soldering. My thought is to make the wiring as simple as possible: have the display and camera powered by the reverse lamp. I am fine with it only coming on when I am in reverse, and it was easy routing the wires through the headliner-- avoiding the dash entirely.

I already have an RCA cable and +12V power wire routed from the tail light area to the mirror-- and my idea is to just ground the mirror to the existing onstar ground wire that is already up there (although I have to figure out which one it is). Then at the tail light, I connect the reverse lamp cable to: the camera. mirror 12v, and reverse trigger wire for the mirror--and ground the camera somewhere near the tail light as well..

My question is: is there any risk in powering the mirror and camera from the tail light lamp wire-- will it blow anything up or not provide enough current? The mirror says that it uses 4W... I am going to get a multimeter to test everything before I make the connections. I guess if it does not work, then hopefully there is an ACC wire near the tail light to try the other way.

Basically I am just looking for a sanity check before I attempt this. I've soldering before, but have not messed around with my car other than replacing the tail lamp assembly, and the infamous volume knob replacement.

Thanks!

[thepuppyprince]

BTW this is what the wires look like from the old onstar mirror. Is it a good bet that the top grey/brown wire is ground? I dont see anywhere else convenient to ground to up there.

[tpollauf]

First off ... Welcome to GenVibe "pup" Open up a separate post and introduce yourself and post picks of your Vibe (include updated location so we got an idea of your whereabouts!) I have the complete THREE volume "95% accurate" Helms service manuals which I can look up the exact wiring location to that connector. You'll have to wait till Saturday though because I'm out of town till then. We have two 2009's and purchased the books seven years ago. Let me know if interested. Others may chime in sooner to offer you assistance. Good luck

[thepuppyprince]

Thanks! Yes, if it is not too much trouble that would definitely give me some peace of mind.

[thepuppyprince]

Ok here is the final result. It didn't blow up (yet)!

[tpollauf]

Do you still need the pin location of the connector in question? It looks like you're good to either way I've got mixed feelings on the display being part of the rear view mirror. I know Ford uses this method on some of their cars & GM uses the dash monitor instead. I think I'd prefer a separate monitor, this way you'd have full view of the rear view mirror if you needed clarification of what's behind you to compliment the monitor. Either way it looks good.

[thepuppyprince]

Do you still need the pin location of the connector in question? It looks like you're good to either way I've got mixed feelings on the display being part of the rear view mirror. I know Ford uses this method on some of their cars & GM uses the dash monitor instead. I think I'd prefer a separate monitor, this way you'd have full view of the rear view mirror if you needed clarification of what's behind you to compliment the monitor. Either way it looks good.

No that is ok, thanks! I was able to figure it out after I picked up a multimeter.

I would prefer a separate monitor as well, but a standalone unit would just get stolen and I did not want to replace the radio. I don't really use the mirror much when I am backing up (I am usually looking backwards). In any case the visibility is not great through the hatch and I never feel comfortable backing up. I mostly bought the camera for parallel parking in tight spots, but we will see if I begin to trust it in other scenarios.