Finding and connecting to the reverse light

As with the speed sensor, a wire tap and disconnect provide a convenient connection.

The navigation system also needs to be connected to your vehicle's reverse light; it has to know when you're going backwards for accurate positioning and route calculation. The easiest way to do this is to connect to the reverse light wire right at the tail light. As with the speed sensor, you can consult your wiring diagram in order to find it. You can also check each wire that goes into the taillight with a multimeter; connect the multimeter to a wire, have someone put the car in reverse (while keeping the brake engaged, of course), then see if you get a 12-volt reading. Repeat this process with each wire until you've found the right one. (Note: if you get a 12-volt reading, make sure it's because you've found the reverse wire, not the brake wire; you'll know it's the brake wire if you get a reading as soon as the brake is pressed.)

As with the speed sensor, either wire-tap the reverse light wire or strip and solder it. You can then run the connecting wire from the tail lights to the DVD-ROM drive. Depending on the vehicle you drive, this could involve removal of trim panels, lifting of sections of carpet, and even backseat removal (if you're running the lead from the trunk to the DVD-ROM drive in a passenger car).

The wire routing and concealment depends upon your vehicle and where the components of your system are placed. The instructions below address, in general, what panels may need to be removed and how they typically come off. Often, panels can be pried up at edges. Screws and retaining clips might also be present that will require removal (Figure 1). To prevent damage, always use care when removing panels.

Door Scuff Plate removal The plates are usually removed by prying up the edges to release clips. Some vehicles will have screws present which will need to be removed (Figure 2).

Seat Belt removal A seat belt may be located on the panel that needs to be removed. Most seat belt anchor covers pry off. The seat belt anchor is secured with a large nut or bolt (Figure 3).

Pillar Trimpanel removal Remove seat belt if present. Remove screw covers, screws and plastic retaining clips, if present. Pry up edges of panel to remove (Figures 4 & 5).

Kickpanel removal Look for screws and pry-out retaining clips to remove. Pry out edges of panel to release and remove (Figure 6).

Routing wire behind dash

Route wire behind dash and secure with plastic wire ties. Be sure that wire does not interfere with any moving parts to ensure safe operation of vehicle.

Routing wire for components and power connections

Determine desired locations for each component. Use the most direct route for wires. Remove panels necessary to route and conceal wires. Test system before reinstalling panels.

The reverse wire can sometimes be found under the dash or under the hood, but you'll have to consult your wiring diagram carefully in order to identify it correctly; tapping into it at the taillight tends to be much easier.

The easiest way to connect to your reverse light is in the back of the vehicle. As pictured above, however, you might choose to make a connection under the hood instead.