Adding an aftermarket backup camera

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by Outland Special Clearance, Jul 5, 2026 at 10:23 PM.

  1. Outland Special Clearance

    Outland Special Clearance New Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Despite the Prius having the best rearward visibility ever, my wife is used to having a backup camera, so I am adding one to my car.

    The kit says to wire the power to the reverse light. Since this camera is intended to be mounted on the license plate, that will be difficult.

    Is it safe to wire a camera and its transmitter to the license plate lights?

    This should be off when the car is off, so it won't drain the battery, but it will require turning the headlights on to use the camera. Also the camera will be on when the headlights are on. This might be okay.

    What I'm wondering is if there is any electrical reason I shouldn't do it this way, or is there some easy way to get a wire from the hatch to the reverse lights that I am missing?

    Or better yet, is there something on that hatch that only comes on when the reverse lights are on?
     
    #1 Outland Special Clearance, Jul 5, 2026 at 10:23 PM
  2. 6079smithw

    6079smithw Junior Member

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    Jan 12, 2024
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    Location:
    N. Nevada
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    We did the same install on my neighbor's 2007. The wiring harness has the 12V lead for the optional camera so the factory only has to deal with a single harness.

    Give this a try: Open your hatch and pull the plastic panel off. Use a trim tool for best results. There's a wiring harness running along the bottom inside of the hatch door. Look for a solid red wire leading to the light socket in the lower part of the hatch. This wire only powers up when the car is in Reverse

    Have someone shift to Reverse while you use a meter or test light to verify you have the right wire. (Make damn sure that person is stomping the brake pedal while doing this lol) That will be your 12VDC supply. Your ground wire will be White with a Black stripe or you can use a horseshoe terminal on any body bolt. Our camera was built into a license plate frame so we simply drilled a hole near one of the license plate lights and fitted a grommet for the leads. This worked well for us, hope it's of help to you. Good luck!
     
    #2 6079smithw, Jul 6, 2026 at 12:27 PM
    Last edited: Jul 6, 2026 at 12:34 PM
    ColoradoBoo likes this.
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