How do I access the X5's reverse light circuit and ground wire?

[bagpype]

Is it not possible to connect the camera positive to reverse light positive and the camera ground to a ground? If so, which wires are they and where are they located??

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by bagpype

Is it not possible to connect the camera positive to reverse light positive and the camera ground to a ground? If so, which wires are they and where are they located??

It is not possible because the light control module uses pulse width modulation for the reverse lights. You have a few options, use a relay in combination with the camera positive, use a canbus interface with a new head unit, or grab a signal off the PDC module using a micro relay.

amancuso covered it in his post.

[bagpype]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

It is not possible because the light control module uses pulse width modulation for the reverse lights. You have a few options, use a relay in combination with the camera positive, use a canbus interface with a new head unit, or grab a signal off the PDC module using a micro relay.

amancuso covered it in his post.

I can do that. I installed my stereo following your exact directions btw. I have two questions, where and what color are the tail light positive and ground wires amancuso refers to in his post?

[crystalworks]

They run in the lift gate so you'll have to trace them where they enter the truck and make their way to the light control module or grab them inside the lift gate. Left side reverse light + = white/yellow and Right side reverse light + = blue/yellow.

[bagpype]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

They run in the lift gate so you'll have to trace them where they enter the truck and make their way to the light control module or grab them inside the lift gate. Left side reverse light + = white/yellow and Right side reverse light + = blue/yellow.

Forgive me for my ignorance but I’m not finding said wires. Are we talking inside the truck under the headliner or under the plastic covering on the lift gate itself?

[bagpype]

Originally Posted by bagpype

Forgive me for my ignorance but I’m not finding said wires. Are we talking inside the truck under the headliner or under the plastic covering on the lift gate itself?

Nevermind I found them!

[bagpype]

Next question. I don’t have a tv module. I’m trying to hook the camera up to my Avin Avant 4. The instructions in amancuso’s post mention wiring it to the tv module. Where should I wire the relay if I don’t have a tv module?

[crystalworks]

If you have an Avin 4 it will take care of powering the reverse camera AND doing the switching for you on the canbus. No need to access the reverse light wiring. Wires should be labeled. Cam+ or rev +, I forget which.

[bagpype]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

If you have an Avin 4 it will take care of powering the reverse camera AND doing the switching for you on the canbus. No need to access the reverse light wiring. Wires should be labeled. Cam+ or rev +, I forget which.

I swear I’m not an idiot but if it weren’t for you Crystalworks, I would probably hate this x5 by now. Thanks for always being such an impossibility huge help. If you’re ever in Atlanta the beers on me!

[Effduration]

Hey in my '05 E53, a previous owner wired in a reverse camera to one of the reverse lights. It works, but every 3rd or 4th back-up, I get a warning that says "Check back up lights".

If I did it, I would get the signal from the CAN BUS or reverse switch or other..These cars don't like wiring things into the lights for the reasons mentioned above.