Back up camera?

Has anyone tried to install an aftermarket backup camera? There are a few types that use the power from the license plate light mounted to the license plate frame and room for a small screen above the cup holders.

Electricbowtie said:

Has anyone tried to install an aftermarket backup camera? There are a few types that use the power from the license plate light mounted to the license plate frame and room for a small screen above the cup holders.

Click to expand...

Good question, Electricbowtie. I've also wondered about adding those little button sensors to the bumpers that signal if you are getting too close to the curb. Would they affect my warranty? Would they be a draw on the electrical system affecting range?

The sensors may be an easier install than the camera. I doubt there is any noticeable battery drain since they would only come on when in reverse.

Korean version of Spark (Spark-S and Spark EV) has backup camera and turn signal on the side mirror:

http://www.chevrolet.co.kr/vehicle/spark-s.gm
(scroll down to the middle of page you will see a close up view)

http://www.chevrolet.co.kr/vehicle/spark-ev.gm
If you watch the rear view of Spark EV it has a backup camera mounted on the right of plate too.


if these accessories can be purchased in the US...

Boy, a wide-angle rear cam would be a great addition. The rear visibility is pretty poor with those chubby C pillars and rear headrests. If anyone does this, please post details.

TadiBrothers sells a variety of kits that might work. A little spendy but if cost is no object...
http://www.tadibrothers.com/Catalog/BackupCameraKits/7-Mirror-with-Wireless-CCD-Steel-License-Plate-Frame-Backup-Camera

Curiosity got the best of me and I did a little Googling. As mentioned, it seems GM has done the legwork here in creating parts and software, just hasn't combined it into reality in the US models. It must be VERY nearly production, as it's even in the owner's manual (page 9-31 and 9-32). This is kind of a notepad really, not a solution, but if anybody else wants to run with it and see if we can figure out a way to enable a "factory" rear view camera, there's some strength in numbers here.

Camera and Housing

I found this document:

http://www.gmsva.com/inc/files/editor/files/spark-launch-kit.pdf

That includes a few notes about the camera system (RPO code DBZ ???) and references this part number:

95066871 - Rear View Camera w/Chrome Rear Closure (DBZ)

I THINK (but haven't been able to confirm) that this part number would contain the camera shown in this picture above the license plate of this Korean Spark EV:



Software

It seems there must be a way to turn this function on in software, as some Spark owners have already had the "wrong" software installed for their infotainment screen display this error message:



http://chevysparkforum.com/topic/1146-service-rear-vision-system/

The software on the radio is updated with a USB stick, so in theory with the right program on the USB stick one could update the radio to use the rear camera (IN THEORY, no idea if this is possible).

Electrical

Typically, OEMs (including GM) use a power, ground, and video signal between the head unit. I expect the camera would need a wiring harness created to do this, as I doubt GM pre-wired for this option. Of course, since they were planning on it, it's possible that there's a wiring pigtail in the rear hatch just hanging out waiting for a camera. I wouldn't bet on it though!

Here are some other useful or interesting links:

http://chevysparkforum.com/topic/1459-why-did-mylink-tell-me-my-rear-view-camera-has-malfunction/
http://chevysparkforum.com/topic/851-mylink-backup-camera/
http://sandyblogs.com/techlink/?p=1668

I reserve the right to update/modify this post in the future if I find better info!

Bryce

Depending on the car sometimes they include the wiring in the harness for extra uninstalled options. Once we get our Spark I'll poke around a bit and see if the pigtail is there.. Who knows..

So i pulled removed the right license plate light from the hatch to see what was behind and only found a single harness to the light. I was thinking of tapping into the power there, since many of the license plate mounted cameras work that way, but that style would NOT work, since it obstructs the hatch handle in the center, so I will need to look for other options that are offset like the Korean model. I also noticed that the light was installed backward (shining away from rear plate) so i swapped it around.

Wondering if something like this could be mounted using the same screws as the license plate light.

http://www.amazon.com/Version-Esky-EC170-08-Waterproof-High-definition/dp/B005Q65JHM/ref=lp_1253823011_1_10?s=car&ie=UTF8&qid=1390005890&sr=1-10

Need to find something at Fry's to try out so I can easily take it back if it doesn't work.

Ideally you would want to tap into the power of the reverse light, that's how I installed my aftermarket camera on a honda civic that I own. If not then it will only power when you have the license plate light on depending on how it's wired internally. On the civic, when the rear light receives power my head-unit detects the power change and automatically switches to the camera.

I used one of these that's more universal and mounted it on the license plate.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0049LBJ56/

It's not as nice looking or as trim and flush as the one you posted but it works great and the quality is good also. I have it hooked up to a pretty snazzy Pioneer head-unit and it basically takes in any Video-type input cable that will come from any camera.

Another possibility I stumbled on today:

95378883 - 2014 Spark Rear View Camera, Prime

The Rearview Camera system is designed to allow the driver to see certain stationary objects located behind the vehicle while traveling in Reverse at low speeds.

2014 Spark Rear View Camera, Paint to Match - price does not include charge for painting. For Use on Spark Non EV Models

Click to expand...

According to the local parts guy, the car must have the following RPOs for compatibility:

A91 - LOCK CONTROL RR CMPT TAILGATE, REM CONT ELEC OPEN/CLOSE R/COMPT LID PULLDOWN
CD6 - WIPER SYSTEM,RR WINDOW,PULSE SYSTEM REAR WINDOW WPR SYS
DBZ - HANDLE O/S, LID/TAILGATE, SATIN CHROME CHROME LID/TAILGATE O/S HANDLE
RWR - ACCESSORY CAMERA, REAR VISION ACCESSORY REAR VISION CAMERA

MSRP is $350.

Bryce

I've been getting some more information on this, hoping to find a factory-ish installation.

95071250 - Part number for the instructions for the rear view camera accessory kit (includes info on where to route new wire harness and need for BCM programming)

The service manual shows that pins 7 and 8 on the radio connector are inputs for the camera. This harness routes to a 6 pin connector that resides next to the 10 pin connector between the body harness and hatch back harness. I haven't had a chance to look at my car to see if this 6 pin harness is there yet.

If you go to this website, you can see all of the calibration numbers for different parts of your car (kind of neat to see what could be reprogrammed in there):

https://tis2web.service.gm.com/tis2web

Important to note:

95300891 - Rear View Camera Calibration

If we can get a Korean spec Spark EV VIN, we should be able to enter it in that database to see what the rear view camera calibration number is and compare it. Since the Korean Spark EV is available with a rear view camera (I believe standard), and that calibration number can be used on our American cars, that might be a path to success. If anybody can get a Korean Spark EV VIN that would be really helpful!

I will continue investigating this, but it feels less mysterious the deeper I dig.

Bryce

Cool, Bryce! Good work.

My Spark is in the shop after only ten days of ownership. The hatch latch stopped working with the package shelf in the up position so I can't much of anything at the moment.

On the rear view camera front, some further digging on the GM TIS website shows a couple of different "USB download" part numbers for the radio depending on the following model designators:

1CV48 - 95405843 (1CV48 is gas Sparks?)
1CX48 - 95281509
1CY48 - 95281509
1CZ48 - 95281509 (1CZ48 is all Spark EV?)
RCD48 - 95405843
RCE48 - 95405843

I have no idea what this means, at this point. I only mention it because I thought it was a little strange to have different radio downloads for almost no difference in vehicle configurations available. I'll go look later to see if I can figure out which software version my radio has (it's buried in a screen somewhere). Looks like 95405843 has come in some Chevy Trax / Tracker / Opel Mokka and Aveo LTZ vehicles (same screen, some have rear view camera as an option) and 95281509 has been used in the Spark EV, according to some googling.

I still haven't been able to find a VIN for a Korean spec Spark EV (to get the number for the rear view camera calibration). I haven't even been able to confirm if they've hit dealers there yet. If anybody has some gearhead friendly contacts in Korea, you'd be helping me out if they could visit/call a showroom to see if they have a Spark EV to get a VIN from.

Bryce

I did notice a line in the Spark EV owners manual (pdf) showing the software control to turn on and off the rear camera "guide lines" here:
http://www.chevrolet.com/content/dam/Chevrolet/northamerica/usa/nscwebsite/en/Home/Ownership/Manuals%20and%20Videos/02_pdf/2k14spark_ev.pdf

on page 5-41


There is a camera kit (for the ICE Spark) here:
http://www.shopchevyparts.com/electronics/2014-spark-rear-view-camera-prime/95378883-p-92279374.html

The prices are good but the shipping to the west coast was ridiculous. Nice site and well organised though


Steve

leetbuilder said:

There is a camera kit (for the ICE Spark) here:
http://www.shopchevyparts.com/electronics/2014-spark-rear-view-camera-prime/95378883-p-92279374.html

The prices are good but the shipping to the west coast was ridiculous. Nice site and well organised though


Steve

Click to expand...

http://www.gmwholesaledirect.com/oe-gm/95378883?search_str=95378883

FWIW: This F-CAMERA KIT (95378883) is avail link above at $276 and other dealerships could be cheaper if you shop around!

Has anyone actually gotten this installed and working yet?

Scott

Excellent topic, please keep the information moving. I didn't realize until reading this post the EV was devoid of the rear camera.
Any chance the 2015 spark EV or the Canadian models may have the rear camera?

buickanddeere said:

...Any chance the 2015 spark EV or the Canadian models may have the rear camera?

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Not sure about the 2015 model but for sure by the 2018 model as the NHTSA has issued a final ruling requiring rear cameras in new vehicles by 5/2018:

http://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Pr...nal+Rule+Requiring+Rear+Visibility+Technology

Why a mandatory camera ?
I wouldn't use it. I walk around the back of my truck before I get it to make sure nothing is there (course I usually back in anyway). I don't like the distorted view. When you drive big vehicles you tend to be more careful, I think.

I think people are too dependent on stuff like that and don't look all around before driving.
If you turn around and LOOK, you see all around you and even things on the side.

just my 2 cents

tigger19687 said:

Why a mandatory camera ?
I wouldn't use it. I walk around the back of my truck before I get it to make sure nothing is there (course I usually back in anyway). I don't like the distorted view. When you drive big vehicles you tend to be more careful, I think.

I think people are too dependent on stuff like that and don't look all around before driving.
If you turn around and LOOK, you see all around you and even things on the side.

just my 2 cents

Click to expand...

I whole heartily agree that if you don't know exactly where your vehicles backside is without a camera, you butt should not be in the driver's seat.
Try telling the average Joe that a walk around the vehicle prior to jumping in is a good idea. The news is full of regularly occurring tragedies with children and seniors being run down as the driver is intent of trying to back out into traffic. Then there is spotting leaks , damage and etc.
b.t.w. why do so many people drive head first into parking spaces then struggle to back out? If you back into the parking space then drive out. You will see obstacles in the vehicles path and easily pop into a space in traffic that would be impossible for a backer outer.
I do like the rear camera as a novelty and it's an amusing game of skill. To back into a parking space with mirrors and an over the shoulder look and find the correct spot. Then verify with the camera if the bumper is an inch or two in front of or over the line. The camera does have it's place for hitting the right spot within a 1/4" when connecting the trailer to the truck.
I would put a trailer hitch and drawbar on the Spark but not for trailering. It's a good place to tow from if the vehicle is stuck in the snow.
The drawbar and ball also protect the rear bumper from other drivers who park by "feel" . My last new vehicle had parking lot rub marks on both the trailer ball and the front kangaroo bar within a week of bringing the vehicle home new from the dealer.