I would like to add a backup camera to my Pioneer deh-p4200dvd head unit. Obviously the unit is prewired for this, but I'm not sure what I need to get it working.

Would a camera such as this work?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Night-Vision-Car...item4154841809

And then I would just have to hook up the reverse wire from the Pioneer radio harness so it automatically switches to it when I am in reverse?

 

I assume you mean the Pioneer AVH-P4200DVD? Yes, that will work. Just needs to be a standard composite video out from the camera, which that has. Although of course you may wish to make sure itīs image is reversed. You will just need to set the polarity used to indicate your vehicle is in reverse in the pioneer menu. Iīm unsure as to if itīs ground switched or 12v + switched for the PAC unit, which I assume youīre using.

You may wish to view this as well. A complete write-up on his backup camera that he used. I mention this, as it looks a ****-ton better than most of the usual license plate mounted ones. Full exchange here.

Assuming you have the PAC c2r-frd1, then itīs just the green (reverse light) to the Pioneerīs Violet/White lead. And of course giving the camera itself a 12v source back there. Switched 12v that is, you may need to run a line. 60mA may not seem like much, but...

 

Thanks for that write up! That's actually where I'm interested in mounting the camera. I do not have the PAC harness...I made my own harness out of regular Metra aftermarket harness.

 

Thatīs going to make it a bit more interesting then. Iīll look a bit more, but I donīt think that makes it to the stereo wiring harness. It goes: transmission switch>PCM>Instrument Cluster>SJB.

The PAC unit interprets the can-bus signal for you up there to make things easier. Reverse lamp functioning here. So, likely going to need to tap at the SJB on the white/yellow lead, or the DG/OG one (not sure what DG means color code wise offhand).

Hereīs the12volt.comīs (have to register to view threads)entry on it:
Reverse Light-----white/yellow----- + PKP or SJB, gry 52 pin plug, pin 13

But, Iīd certainly make sure in either case to check it out with the e-brake up manually with a DMM of course.

 

I remember seeing a reverse switch wire on the Pioneer harness and I expect to have to tap into the reverse light wire somewhere.

 

Should just need to run a wire from the SJB to the pioneer, see my edited post above. The12volt.com entry confirmed the wiring diagram above I gave. No need to run a line from the trunk area. Although, likely wish to use that to power the camera anyhow, at 60mA, should be ok, and give you power only when in use.