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2005 Prius Backup Camera Install help

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by UGC, Feb 7, 2011.

  1. UGC

    UGC Member

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    As you know, the 2005 did not come with an option to have a backup camera. So, I bought everything to install one. I am just a little nervous to start tearing down the dash area and am wondering how to run the video wires all the way to the back hatch. The 2005 does not have the camera PREWIRED into the wiring harness.

    What I bought was an OEM backup camera replica off ebay for $80 bucks (Toyota wanted $850 :eek:) and the coastal mod to connect it to my screen display to get that factory look. I do have the NAV screen, and was told that would work because of the higher resolution vs an 05 without NAV.

    I have done a search, but did not come up with much. And after I post this, I am still searching.

    Does anyone have a link to a step by step on how to tear down the dash area? or someone that HAS installed an OEM style backup camera on the 2005 model Prius that could share any tips?

    Thanks.
     
  2. osofast10

    osofast10 New Member

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    i too woudl like information on this..
     
  3. vitiligo

    vitiligo Priusdiva

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    I found a place in Elgin IL called J&R Auto salon to install my backup camera and Nav tool interface ( what you need to add camera, dvd or ipod to current Nav system) for $250.
     
  4. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    I think the bolded part is incorrect. I don't believe the higher res screen became available until the 06 model year and that was only on 06 to 09 models with backup camera. I've been in a really stripped down 07 or 08 (no SKS, no backup camera, no audio input jack) and it still had the old low res screen w/old graphics.

    Part of the reason for my assertion is because I've wanted CAN-view, but from http://www.hybridinterfaces.ca/
    I have package an 06 NL which has nav, backup camera and all thus the higher res screen w/new graphics and all and DON'T want to spend the extra $ for an extra LCD, which also might get stolen.

    Also look for the word camera at http://priuschat.com/forums/knowled...andard-optional-equipment-some-countries.html.
     
  5. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

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    See Prius MFD Touchscreen Repair for MFD removal and pictures.

    It is easier to route the cable up the driver's side of the car due to the ducting for the HV battery fan on the passenger side.
     
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  6. UGC

    UGC Member

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    I figured that I would have to route the wire above the headliner to the front of the car, around the windshield, to the MFD. Since that is where the wiring harrness enters the car from the hatch back area.

    Are you saying it would be easier to drop the wire down and route it below the left rear door and up to the front?

    Thank you very much for your help by the way.
     
  7. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    The higher resolution MFD was installed in the 06 - 09. It is not in the 05, so I don't know what quality you will get with a backup camera in an 05.
     
  8. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

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    Sorry, I mounted an aftermarket one in the center of the bumper and was going off my recollection of that. I'm not sure which way I would do it if it is mounted in the hatch. That said, it is not too hard to route stuff along the floor if you can get it there. The door sills are easy to remove and cover a wiring harness to which you can zip tie the video cable.
     
  9. UGC

    UGC Member

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    From what I have read (trying to find the reference, but no luck), they made 2 different resolution MFDs in 2005. If you have NAV, you have the higher of the two.

    The resolution of the 2005 with NAV was still less than the 2006-2009. Agreed.
     
  10. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    I believe that change was on the 06 model. I think the 04 and 05 are identical MFDs
     
  11. UGC

    UGC Member

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    OK, NEW PLAN....

    I am buying the rearview mirror with the monitor built in. I will use the backup camera I bought (it will look OEM), and I will still install the coastal tech mod for the audio inputs (listen to pandora via my phone).

    After talking to you guys, I got a little worried that I may not like the resolution after the install. I am going to keep this car for a long time, so money well spent.

    Thanks a million for everyones help. After the install, I will post a few photos.
     
  12. UGC

    UGC Member

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    Done. Here is what I went with. The backup camera is an ebay special ($80), and it looks OEM. The mirror I went with looks just like the OEM mirror, has homelink, and you can not tell that a video monitor is in it until you put the car in reverse. Very high resolution screen, made by Gentex. Super nice, and I'm happy.
     

    Attached Files:

  13. FirstFlight

    FirstFlight Member

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    I have the same thing mounted on my 2005 as well. Let me know if your mirror is dark enough at night. Mine doesn't seem to get dark enough to dim the lights from the drivers behind me.
     
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  14. nelsgee

    nelsgee New Member

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    looks nice. great job. can you post a link to which camera you purchased? how's the angle of the camera? can you see any part of the rear bumper?
     
  15. UGC

    UGC Member

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    Only a very small amount of bumper shows on the bottom corners of the monitor (refer to photo in above post). Also, the Gentex mirror has the "Vehicle location lines" on the left and right, so it shows that if you keep backing up, this is where the vehicle will end up. After using it now for a little while, I like this better than the original camera my wife had in her 2008 prius. I think that if I had to, I could drive by just the camera. Those lines are very accurate.

    I bought the camera from truckfancy on ebay and had no issues.

    Here is the link:
    Toyota Prius Rear View Backup Camera / Car Reverse GPS - eBay (item 150530374131 end time Apr-05-11 13:19:24 PDT)

    NOTE: I am not trying to sell anyone this camera. I am only posting a link to what I bought.
     
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  16. nelsgee

    nelsgee New Member

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    ugc - the camera you bought from truckfancy does it have a triangular mounting base or a rectangular one? i ask this because when i looked for one on ebay it seems like there are two types. the ones that come off a prius that sells for around $300 seem to have a triangular base. then there are the aftermarket cameras that have a rectangular base. these look like they could fit in the license plate lamp lens housing. how does yours mount? i don't suppose you could post a close up pic of your camera?
     
  17. UGC

    UGC Member

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    It has a rectangular base.

    Even though the 2005 did not come with the option to buy a camera, the knock out is still on the car. This is where this camera fits. On your 2005, look to the left of the license plate (refer to my photos), and you should see it.

    Or, better yet, look on a 2006-2009 that has a camera, and compare that to your 2005 and you'll see what I'm saying. I still haven't figured out why toyota put a knock out plate for a backup camera on a vehicle that did not even offer the option to buy one, but they did.

    I will try to take a close up photo of the way the camera is mounted for you also. (it fits in the slot that is already on the car)

    *EDIT*
    Here is an older post of mine that details a little more info:
    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-main-forum/84266-backup-camera-confusion.html#post1177294
     
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  18. UGC

    UGC Member

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    Here is a shot of how the camera is mounted.
     

    Attached Files:

    APEES likes this.
  19. APEES

    APEES Junior Member

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    UGC,
    Please see my post. How do you screw the camera. Do you have to drill a hole? Also, How do you open the back panel? Please describe
     
  20. manoosie

    manoosie Junior Member

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    Where did you get the rear-view mirror? Did you end up running a wire all the way to the mirror, or does this work via wireless?