Rear Camera Install to Factory Navigation (2010 Sport Trac)

[CanAdrenalin]

Hi All... I'm brand new here, but definitely not new to forums. I'm on my 8th vehicle, and my second Sport Trac. Purchased a Limited V8 brand new back in 2008, gave her up due to transmission issues right off the lot and went to the German side. Recently gave up my German companion to go back to a vehicle that fits my lifestyle, which is now a 2010 Adrenalin with Factory Nav... I purchased this truck second hand from the Ford dealership this truck was originally purchased at from it's original owner back in 2010.

The previous, and original owner installed an aftermarket reverse camera that mounts to the license plate frame and feeds to a separate screen mounted on the dash. I am absolutely not happy with this setup and one of the first things I'll be doing is removing this screen.

What I want to know is, is it possible to mount a Ford Emblem Camera and have it feed to my factory nav unit? Or worst case scenario, can I install an auto-dimming rear view mirror with screen built in and use my existing camera? I'd prefer option #1 ...

I've already read through this link: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums...13&highlight=camera+install+factory+head+unit

Unfortunately, that setup is with the aftermarket nav screen which doesn't apply to me...

Any help for a newb to these forums would be great! Look forward to spending a lot of time here!

 

[rmcalis]

I recently added a rear camera to my OEM nav unit in my '10 STA. I used a high quality license plate camera. OEMAutoParts.com carries a wiring harness that will plug into the OEM head unit and accepts a RCA plug from the camera. I chose the license plate camera over the tailgate emblem because to make room for the camera, the emblem sticks out from the tailgate too far. Your head unit will have to be programmed to operate the camera, I think the dealer can do it, I had OEMAutoParts.com program mine.

 

[Tech By Trade]

I don't think there was a back up camera on the Sport Trac, but there is a procedure somewhere if you do a search on how to mod a f150 emblem backup camera to work. Other option is to buy one of the doorman handle back up camera. Both will involve punching a hole in the end gate and routing the wires.

 

[CanAdrenalin]

Do they program it remotely or did you have to bring your truck in?

 

[rmcalis]

You have to send the radio in, or take it to the dealer. Since the radio was already pulled, I sent it in. I didn't trust the dealer after they told me that adding a camera was not possible.

 

[John's_STA]

My depth perception cure

I went with the Ford Lockpick solution for my camera installation:
http://www.coastaletech.com/synclockpick.htm

You can hook up any cameras that uses RCA for the input. I actually used three cameras...front/back/passenger's side. I thought about using the emblem camera, but at nearly 3x the price of a plate camera... There was also drilling in the liftgate required if I did too. I did drill a hole for the side camera into the side mirror just outward from the courtesy light.

Worst part is the ground & power wires are soooo small, it is tough to remove the wire covering to get the connectors on. I routed the front and rear cameras wiring through the frame as much as possible for asthetics (used a wire coat hangar to help). There are a lot of holes in the frame to do it too. The wires were brought into the cab through a rubber drain hole plug under the passenger's floor panel.

Another issue was that I had to route the lockpick between the radio and glove box panels since there wasn't enough room right behind the radio for the additional wire bundles and lockpick itself.

I'm very happy with the results though and have them set to turn on automatically through the lockpick software (<4mph front, reverse rear, & rt turn signal for right).

Total cost came around $400 with lockpick, cameras (3ea), and lift fees (too lazy to lay on ground to route wiring?).

 

[CanAdrenalin]

So I just ordered this from oemautopartsco.com... Can you provide me with any more information regarding the programming? I don't want to send my whole nav unit to the states because customs will make it a nightmare for me, not to mention the risk of damage or it getting lost.

I recently added a rear camera to my OEM nav unit in my '10 STA. I used a high quality license plate camera. OEMAutoParts.com carries a wiring harness that will plug into the OEM head unit and accepts a RCA plug from the camera. I chose the license plate camera over the tailgate emblem because to make room for the camera, the emblem sticks out from the tailgate too far. Your head unit will have to be programmed to operate the camera, I think the dealer can do it, I had OEMAutoParts.com program mine.

 

[rmcalis]

It was my understanding that a Ford dealer can do the programming.

 

[smurphy1958]

hi, i am new to this forum but I want to say that I have a 2001 ford explorer sport trak pick up truck and I am the second owner. My sport trak does about 1500 miles a month, since i work out of state and right now it has about 214,000 miles on it. I did have to replace the starter about 2 months ago, BUT, that was the most major expense that I ever put into it. I keep it regularly maintained (oil, transmission, etc.) and my Sport Trak purrs like a kitten on the highway. It has a 15 gallon gas tank and I get over 400 miles on a tank....so you figure it out....MPG. It is a great truck and it looks beautiful; people always compliment it. I love this truck! I have had no problems with it, not with the engine and not with the transmission (I have heard about trans problems, but mine runs like a top) and does excellent highway mileage. I have thought many times of upgrading to something newer, but why fix something if it is not broke? It still gets me all over the USA and has never let me down. I think that I am going to drive this truck till it dies on me, just to brag about how many miles I got out of it. I think I will keep pampering this truck on regular service and see how far it will go to before it finally dies (engine or transmission) and truly, my goal is five hundred thousand miles! I think my little horsey might just do that! If you keep them up, and keep loving them, they will love you too. I am getting ready to start a betting pool about "HOW FAR WILL THIS FORD GO".
SPORT TRAK LOVER

 

[CanAdrenalin]

I thought so too... But finding a technician who is capable of this is proving to be like finding a unicorn. I find it very hard to believe there are only two people in the world, one being in Florida and the other in New York that are capable of this programming.

It was my understanding that a Ford dealer can do the programming.

 

[CanAdrenalin]

Does anyone have any further information on who can program my nav unit in canada?? I really don't want to **** my nav unit to Florida...

 

[c@rz]

How is the three camera views displayed in the cab of the truck? Are they displayed on the factory radio?

I went with the Ford Lockpick solution for my camera installation:
http://www.coastaletech.com/synclockpick.htm

You can hook up any cameras that uses RCA for the input. I actually used three cameras...front/back/passenger's side. I thought about using the emblem camera, but at nearly 3x the price of a plate camera... There was also drilling in the liftgate required if I did too. I did drill a hole for the side camera into the side mirror just outward from the courtesy light.

Worst part is the ground & power wires are soooo small, it is tough to remove the wire covering to get the connectors on. I routed the front and rear cameras wiring through the frame as much as possible for asthetics (used a wire coat hangar to help). There are a lot of holes in the frame to do it too. The wires were brought into the cab through a rubber drain hole plug under the passenger's floor panel.

Another issue was that I had to route the lockpick between the radio and glove box panels since there wasn't enough room right behind the radio for the additional wire bundles and lockpick itself.

I'm very happy with the results though and have them set to turn on automatically through the lockpick software (<4mph front, reverse rear, & rt turn signal for right).

Total cost came around $400 with lockpick, cameras (3ea), and lift fees (too lazy to lay on ground to route wiring?).

 

[John's_STA]

Camera views x3

So, here is an update.

There was NO additional programming needed by my dealership to install these cameras...the Ford Lockpick does it for you.

My Ford Lockpick solution has been working great. Only one time has it gone out and when I went to drive it the next morning it was back on track.

I used the original NAV unit for the screen.

Views of the camera are;
1. In reverse, the back camera comes on. Also, if I press the on/off button twice quickly, it comes on even if I'm going forward. Press it twice quickly it goes back off.

2. The front camera is on when I am driving forward under 4mph...and stays on when I am sitting at a light. That was a bit unnerving because sometimes I wanted to do something on the screen...HOWEVER, there is a couple solutions...press any button on the unit and the camera goes away (until you move) or my new favorite...take it out of overdrive when you are at the light. Just remember to click the button to put it back into overdrive after you're done or traveling over 4mph.

3. The side camera (I put it on my passenger's side) comes on when I use my right turn signal...really nice when I'm parallel parking and can't see the sidewalk out the window.

Of course, the system allows you to turn any of them on with a few clicks of the screen, or to disable them if you so choose.

I've seen some systems put all camera inputs on the screen at the same time...but for me that would be too small of a picture on the original NAV unit...maybe if I had a 20" monitor!

John

 

[CanAdrenalin]

Hi John...

I can't seem to access my rear camera through the options menu... I also can't enter navigation destination information while driving.

I have my GPS antenna connected to the bypass that is a part of the lockpick harness... Should I remove it from that?

 

[John's_STA]

Good Morning, C_A.
Couple questions...
1. Does your rear camera come on when in reverse?
If it is working...
2. Are you using the original NAV equipment, or did you install a different screen to view?
3, With the original NAV, have you tried the on/off button twice quickly?
4. How many cameras did you install?

The 'options menu' you refer...is that the original NAV options menu or the Lockpick menu?
1. If it is the original NAV options menu, I have not noticed a rear camera option either.
2 If it is the Lockpick options, you should be able to flip through the options one by one until it asks if you would like to view the rear camera. Sooo much more convenient to us the on/off button on the original NAV unit.

Since you picked your lockpick at a third party, hopefully it came with installation instructions...
http://coastaletech.com/media/New Ford Sync FIM Lockpick Instructions.pdf
Though the power and RCA connections are separate, the combining all the grounds was a bit of hassle...such tiny wires!

I routed the antenna through the Lockpick also, but haven't had the need to really ensure entries while driving. In the Lockpick menu, it asked the option if you want to disable/enable the navigation destination capability...not sure why it wouldn't work for you though.

My biggest concern is if your rear camera has never worked...I would look at the Lockpick options setting and then the wiring connections. If it does work in reverse, then you should be able to use the on/off button on the original NAV or the options choice in the Lockpick.

One final note, since you picked it up at a third party...not sure if it was an older model or the software wasn't updated...the older one only gave two camera inputs and the software can be updated using the USB connection, a laptop, and the software at: http://www.coastaletech.com/usbupdate.htm.

I personally haven't attempted to update my software since I haven't had any real problems.

John

 

[CanAdrenalin]

Thanks for the thorough response...

I am using the original NAV equipment, and yes the camera works perfectly fine when I place the truck in reverse.
When pressing the power button twice, it does activate the rear camera, but I just get a black screen... But like I said, when I place the truck in reverse, the camera works perfectly fine....
Also, I am only using the one camera.

This information is also provided in the installation instructions, which I paid close attention too and made sure I made the necessary connections:

"If you have a factory rear camera or if you have added one aftermarket, the Lockpick will allow you to view it
at any time. Select YES to turn on the rear camera and display it on your screen. To turn the camera off, simply
press and hold the PHONE button for 3 seconds. Note: If you have added an aftermarket rear camera to a
vehicle that did not have a factory rear camera, make sure that the power for the camera is connected to the
Orange/Black stripe wire on the Lockpick harness labeled REAR CAM 12V OUT. If you do not connect the
Lockpick wire as your aftermarket rear camera power source and instead connect your camera to a reverse
taillight, the screen will only display the camera picture while in reverse and nothing when activated manually.Vehicles with factory cameras do not have to connect any additional wiring for full use of the enhanced rear
camera function and viewing anytime.
If you do not have a rear camera and are experiencing a blank screen while in Reverse gear, set the Auto Rear
Camera to Off in the Additional Options menu. (next page)
The Lockpick also allows the selection of Front or Aux video inputs from the menus. Just select Yes when
prompted to display the camera/video of your choice and turn the video Off with the phone button as described
above."


What I am thinking at this point is that the rear camera is to be powered by the Orange/Black striped wire on the lockpick harness ONLY... As of now I have my camera connected to the Orange/Black striped wire & the reverse tail light bulb...

 

[John's_STA]

C_A, that does enlighten me on your blank screen issue.

Since your camera is powered by the reverse lights, it only has power when those lights go on.

However, I don't think you aren't limited to ONLY connecting the power to the Lockpick, but a 'hot' connection would be preferred.

If installing into the lockpick is a 'challenge', here are some other options:

If you install it to your license plate light or parking light wire, it should be available when you have your parking or driving lights on.

I can't think of any constant hot lines already routed back there...maybe one of the tow wires?

The other option is to route a new wire to the fuse box in the cab or in the engine bay.

I don't know if the option is really worth it though. For me... I dread the thought of having to pull out that Lockpick to do any additional wiring...I even have a constant USB cable routed to my glove box so I won't have to pull out the lockpick it if I ever need to update it.

I'm glad to hear it works in reverse though!

John

 

[CanAdrenalin]

C_A, that does enlighten me on your blank screen issue.

Since your camera is powered by the reverse lights, it only has power when those lights go on.

However, I don't think you aren't limited to ONLY connecting the power to the Lockpick, but a 'hot' connection would be preferred.

If installing into the lockpick is a 'challenge', here are some other options:

If you install it to your license plate light or parking light wire, it should be available when you have your parking or driving lights on.

I can't think of any constant hot lines already routed back there...maybe one of the tow wires?

The other option is to route a new wire to the fuse box in the cab or in the engine bay.

I don't know if the option is really worth it though. For me... I dread the thought of having to pull out that Lockpick to do any additional wiring...I even have a constant USB cable routed to my glove box so I won't have to pull out the lockpick it if I ever need to update it.

I'm glad to hear it works in reverse though!

John

Your last paragraph sums it all up as I also dread having to go back there again. I too have a constant usb cable routed to my glove box for that exact same reason!

 

[ingenuitor]

So, here is an update.

There was NO additional programming needed by my dealership to install these cameras...the Ford Lockpick does it for you.

My Ford Lockpick solution has been working great. Only one time has it gone out and when I went to drive it the next morning it was back on track.

I used the original NAV unit for the screen.

Views of the camera are;
1. In reverse, the back camera comes on. Also, if I press the on/off button twice quickly, it comes on even if I'm going forward. Press it twice quickly it goes back off.

2. The front camera is on when I am driving forward under 4mph...and stays on when I am sitting at a light. That was a bit unnerving because sometimes I wanted to do something on the screen...HOWEVER, there is a couple solutions...press any button on the unit and the camera goes away (until you move) or my new favorite...take it out of overdrive when you are at the light. Just remember to click the button to put it back into overdrive after you're done or traveling over 4mph.

3. The side camera (I put it on my passenger's side) comes on when I use my right turn signal...really nice when I'm parallel parking and can't see the sidewalk out the window.

Of course, the system allows you to turn any of them on with a few clicks of the screen, or to disable them if you so choose.

I've seen some systems put all camera inputs on the screen at the same time...but for me that would be too small of a picture on the original NAV unit...maybe if I had a 20" monitor!

John

I know I'm late to the game, but I would love to see this setup in action, perhaps ask you how long this process took you, any pitfalls to lookout for? Sounds like a great way to create your own safety and not have parking sensors. Which do not always work as well as seeing it yourself.

 

[John's_STA]

so far, so good

Hi Ingenuitor.

I don't have pics, but the cameras are simple license plate style and the side camera is a mini round one that I drilled a hole in the side mirror for...here are a couple links:

License Plate Cameras:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0077W6R38/ref=pe_175190_21431760_3p_M3T1_ST1_dp_1

Side Mirror Camera:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sony-CCD-36...Car-Front-Side-Rear-View-Camera-/111282626517

I used the Lockpick to tie them to the in dash NAV:
http://www.coastaletech.com/synclockpick.htm
*There is a new version that adds wireless features too:
http://www.coastaletech.com/syncair.htm

All front/rear wires were routed through the frame to a drain hole on the bottom of the passenger's side. I poked a small hole in the rubber grommet to help keep everything sealed. Don't forget to have a couple wire hangars to help pull them through the frame.

The worst part of installation was trying to get the radio back in because of the extra wires and lockpick box...most of that is pushed through an access hole and rests behind the glove box.

Two issues I have experienced...
1. The side camera RCA connection (kept at interior of passenger door) seemed to lose connection...a quick disconnect/reconnect reestablished connection. No issues with it since.
2. I tried to 'return to factory setup' once, but it won't let me...probably since I updated the firmware without returning it to factory setup first.

Works great...have patience, and route wires protected as much as possible. I blocked out a day for install by myself. It didn't take that long though.

Good luck!