In 01-03 LS430 w/Nav, Can you add OEM backup camera?

When I did my bulbs for the license plate, I noticed tha there is a place already there for the back up camera. (its covered up)
[from the back of the car if you look up above the license plate, from left to right, you will see key hole > light > light > plastic cover]

Now it got me wondering if you can add the OEM camera as "plug-and-play"
Has anyone ever done this? I did search CL but didnt find anything specific.

over the last few months this is what I did notice around the web but it was never confirmed and was always debated...

*You can add the camera
*You cannot add the camera
*Gen 2/3 nav does not support back up camera
*Camera was ONLY in 04+ models
*It is possible to add it, but you need to spend $1500

Now, does anyone ACTUALLY has any experience with backup camera installation/replacement?

 

So some more info i found:

backup camera came on 2001+ UL
you might be able to plug-and-play it with the existing connections
you will need the camera, the wires, and some sort of computer for back up cam.

also NavTool makes a plug and play kit that plugs right in between the camera and the dvd box in the trunk... i wonder if it automatically switches when you put the car in reverse... i emailed the support, so will know soon

 

Thanks for the Info, RomanTPA

 

info? lol, im trying to get some info out of you guys !! lol


all i know is that there is a hole already cut out for the camera in the trunk
and that there is connectors for camera in the GPS unit (trunk part)
and tha there is an aftermarket converter box that does unknown lol

 

This would be a sweeeeettttt a$$ mod, im def. interested if u guys find a way

 

The Navtool interface allows you to add a video source and has an input for back up camera. The Navtool unit has a trigger wire that you hook to your reverse lights so it will automatically switch to the back up camera when in reverse.

 

sweet, so all i need it that tool and a camera? will the factory camera work?

 

For going out and getting this info, rather. Have they called you yet?

Def. Interested in this as well.

 

NavTool and a camera is all you really need if all you want is the ability to view it on your stock nav screen. Also not sure about the factory camera. It would need to have a RCA type video jack in order for it to connect to the NavTool unit.

 

wow should of just went to the manufacturers website...

Product Overview:

NavTool is not a navigation system nor does it replace your navigation system or navigation screen. NavTool adds video capabilities to your factory navigation screen.

NavTool video interface is 100% PLUG & PLAY no wire cutting required. NavTool converter comes with a vehicle specific harness that eliminates the need for cutting wires. NavTool PLUG & PLAY harness is made using OEM connectors.

All our video interfaces come with 2 video input, video 1 is dedicated for any video source, video 2 is dedicated for back up camera. When you put your car in reverse screen you will automatically see reverse camera on your navigation screen (back-up camera over rides either DVD or navigation)

NavTool is an externally wired plug and play video interface that is installed inline of the navigation computer navigation screen. It works simply by interrupting the video signal from your navigation computer when you activate the interface or activate 12V on the reverse camera line. When this occurs the navigation system video image will be replaced by the video input that is connected to the NavTool module.

NavTool is a video only input interface module, which means an FM modulator, FM transmitter or an auxiliary audio input interface adapter needs to be used to connect the audio signal from your external AV source to your audio system, if your vehicle does not have an auxiliary input already available. NavTool is video-in-motion enabled, so the video image will stay on the screen even with the car in motion, however we do not recommend doing this.

You factory navigation player cannot play DVD movies, you will need to install external video source such as DVD player, game console, or iPod video.

Vehicle Specific Installation Information:

THIS INTERFACE SHOULD BE CONNECTED AT THE NAVIGATION COMPUTER AND NOT BEHIND SCREEN.
This kit includes the NavTool module and a plug and play wiring harness that plugs into the navigation computer under the seat. You can view a photo of the wiring harness on top of this page.

Simply plug the vehicles OEM wiring harness into one end of the wiring harness provided with the NavTool module, then plug the other end of the NavTool harness into the location where the vehicles wiring harness was. Then connect 12V power, ground, and backup camera wire if installing back-up camera. The installation is really that simple. Since the unit is plug and play and only requires extra wiring for 12V and ground, it will not void your vehicles factory warranty in most cases.

 

just ordered one.. will see how it goes

and getting this thing too

 

Please provide us with a DIY.

that's actually a nice price for a video interface.

 

lol you think im going to leave you guys hanging?
i will add the write up to the ML DYI that i started.


BTW, the navtool was $190 brand new and the camera was $50, there are 100s of cameras on ebay for under $25 but i got that one because it looked like the best fit and size for my LS, also it required the least ammount of light to work in the dark

EDIT: writeup will follow as soon as i get the stuff, which will be in 3-30 days lol

 

glad you found your own answer

didn't look like most of the 01-03 guys tackled this project and us 04-06 guys didn't know the answer

 

*subscribed*