i just picked up an esky ec-170 backup cam. Does anyone know of a good place to splice into an ignition wire to turn the camera on? I don't want to use the reverse lights because then the camera will only work in reverse. I want to be able to view the video while driving so I need a power wire that goes hot when the ignition is turn on. I'm looking for something in the rear of my 2006 XL Denali.
Ignition hot wire for backup cam
- Thread starter abishoff
- Start date
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I'm assuming you're using a switch to toggle it on and off? My aftermarket had a hot wire and a turn on wire so it came on automatically in reverse but can still be turned on manually with the head unit. You can just use a 12v test light to find a switched hot wire back there, they're only about $5 and come in handy looking for blown fuses as well.
Not using a toggle switch. The wiring come with a red(power) and black(ground) plus the video cable. I was planning to hook the camera up so that it's on all the time when the car is on.
Well THAT won't be distracting! If you ever get pulled over, you'd better have a way to turn it off or make sure to turn the ignition off. If you get caught with it on while driving it's a sure ticket. Anyway, good luck. I'd use the test light method. Even if someone says to use a certain wire somewhere, are you just going to trust them? I sure wouldn't.
i dont plan to drive around like that at all times, i just want the ability to view the video occasionally
ScottyBoy
Full Access Member
In the dash, in the ignition switch harness, look for a bundle of really thick wires. You will want to splice into the thick orange wire or the thick dark brown wire. These are the accesory wires. Do NOT just assume you have the correct wire, test these wires before connecting a camera to them!
The camera wire isn't that long and I don't see a need to run additional wires from the rear to the dash if there is something I can connect to closer to the rear. I have all of my panels pulled out at the moment because I'm putting in new carpet but, I believe there is a cigarette lighter port on the right rear panel that is a part of the rear AC harness. I'm gonna test that and hopefully tap into it since I've never used that port for anything.
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