Anytime Rear Camera Mod for 2nd Gen Tacomas

JJ, I appreciate that sir. We're a community here and my intents are only to have an open conversation.

Your communication when ensuring I ordered the correct kit and following up on shipping updates was all stellar. I didn't reach out to you with questions and I hope no one reads this and thinks I'm saying you're communication isn't on point, it's been great. I simply chose to look up the answers to my questions as that was the path of least resistance versus finding your contact info and reaching out.

I shared a long winded opinion in the last post, maybe I can take my own advice and could be more clear in explaining what I'd hope to see in the product to help future consumers of your product: It's a simple mod; wire a switch into some wiring to activate a camera when you want. My main desire in buying your kit was to remove any guess work from the half of the mod that requires cutting and splicing into a factory wiring harness. That's the unique information I lacked for what needs done (not wiring a 3 post switch) and that's what I felt lacked in the instructions, which is what prompted the feedback here.

While I understand the unique challenges of instructions that effectively cover numerous different switch designs, truck options/model years/etc, I thought it was worth noting that as one of the potential challenges for DIYers on this mod. I don't want them to be surprised that the included instructions may not be the only information they need to complete the mod. Hoping as well, that since you have the knowledge to guide them through it when they do reach out to you, it might be worth the time (yours and theirs) to compile that knowledge into the provided installation instructions and expedite the install process for everyone involved.

Jake

 

Jake, I agree.

Thanks again for the feedback.
JJ

 

I know it helped me to follow the instructions simply by having waded through a few threads on this mod prior to ordering. Like anything else, familiarity leads to confidence and I started that process several months ago. I haven't received the kit yet but given what I've read in this thread I've no doubt that any questions I have will be sorted out with much less pain than most other internet transactions.

 

i'm afraid i am running into the same issue as @jmanscotch. i made this purchase paying a premium for a plug and play solution.

it was clear from the start that splicing is required. my kit was shipped super fast but instructions were missing. through email i was able to obtain instructions right away from OP. i began installing tonight and first got frustrated at seeing the instructions step 2 asks you to '...identify and locate in IN1 factory harness/connector'. i have no idea what the factory IN1 connector is. there is a somewhat vague picture:



from the picture and observing my truck it appears IN1 is the connector in the upper left corner by the fuse box. there is a yellow wire and a red wire in the picture and instructions state to cut the red wire. here is what i believe to be IN1 on my '12 Sport:



you can see where i cut the red wire then hacked it back together when i could not get the switch to operate. there are two other red-ish wires and from looking at the previous photo it looks like i should have spliced into the upper-left most one in the second photo.

i should have stopped and thought it through before hacking my harness but i was not thinking it through because i had instructions that said chop the red wire. strangely, of the three red wires on my harness one is more of what i would call red and the others are pinkish so i thought i picked the right one. negative.

OP, can you please confirm from my photo that the red wire adjacent to the yellow is the camera 12v feed that i'm supposed to tap into? i would love for the next cut to be the last.

 

dammit. i didn't wait. i cut into this one:



what i did was hack my parking lights. perhaps the door #3 red wire?

i'm starting to think i should read this thread. i am underwhelmed.

 

Lawson, I'm not sure where I mentioned to you that you would receive a plug and play harness. I have never offered a plug and play harness for Gen 2s with the rear camera displayed in the review mirror.

You also mentioned that the instructions were missing. The instructions were actually emailed to you before the kit actually shipped 4/19. It was the same email you responded to when you asked to have me send the instructions to you. I figured that it was just overlooked and resent you the link. But they were sent.

Can you send a picture of the harness as it sits behind the coin tray/kick panel?

JJ

 

i just noticed my instructions are for 09-11 so maybe i got the wrong file?

here's my panel:

 

No, as I indicated in the email the location is the same. You can actually test it. Pull the harness out, turn the ignition on, and put the truck into reverse and the camera should not work. Ignition off, plug it back in and retest and it will function as normal. And if there's still trouble identifying the correct line, a quick touch with a multimeter while the harness is connected and the truck is in reverse will easily identify it.

JJ

 

@Blais03 i might get this

Edit: disregard, not plug and play.

 

sounds like i may have missed some important info in that email. I could not find it in my inbox or spam folder. please resend.

the reason i purchased was so that i did not have to troubleshoot. my use of 'plug and play' meant i assumed the proper lead to tap into would be revealed.

 

Sure, I'll send it over now.

I'm not sure where you saw that the rear view mirror kit was plug and play, but as I mentioned last night, I've never offered that for the rear view mirror display.

JJ

 

sorry, i did have that message and it does provide a link to instructions and you state that the instructions are supposed to work for my 2012.

i'll summarize:

i bought a kit thinking some splicing is the only requirement to install a switch. upon viewing the instructions it is not clear which wire to splice into and i was wrong on my first two attempts. no working example of which wire to splice into has been provided. it is now suggested that i put the truck in reverse, jam on the parking break, and test the pins in the harness to determine which is hot in reverse and not otherwise. then i can complete the install.

i don't think there is anything wrong with this if you are working through kinks for a beta product but for a finished product my opinion is that you provide clear instructions that you know work. i think people generally look at kits such as yours as a means to shortcut some investigative work. this is certainly why i jumped in.

 

In my experience with @Logistics91 he is always open to questions. Hes very responsive and helps out even when it goes above and beyond helping with his exact product.

 

i'll take help from anyone in this thread who can identify the correct wire.

 

What wire do you need? I didn't read thru everything you wrote. Do you have a meter?

 

As I mentioned to Jake, it's nearly impossible for me to know every configuration of every Gen 2 Tacoma, which is why I make myself available to assist with identifying where and how your kit should be installed. I've sold numerous kits, assisted several people with their install, and have even replaced kits (free of charge) that were damaged during the install. Most installs are completed without any assistance from me. I know without a doubt the kit works and so do others. Obviously everyone's skill and comfort level with the install will be different, but with my help not one install has been impossible.

I have never denied assisting you with the install or in answering any of your questions. I've made myself readily available through all channels of communication. The email you sent regarding the install guide was responded to within 2 minutes and guide was resent. I'm not sure you can say that about any other seller on TW.

I apologize that you're having trouble with the install, as I've stated, I'm happy to assist you in anyway. But as far as this being a beta product vs a finished product, we are on page 15 of this thread (I also have two other separate threads for kits), I've offered kits for Gen 2s and Gen 3s for over two months, and this is the first conversation like this that has taken place.

JJ

 

Just chiming since I’m in process of installing.
My instructions for 2012-2015 says wire is behind glove box and not fuse panel???

 

Leo, that's for the rear camera that's displayed on the head unit. Rear view mirror display is on the opposite side.

JJ

 

Ahhh. Cool. Thanks for the clarify JJ.
Trying to work on it sometimes this week.

Just FYI. JJ has been quick to answer all my messages.

I’ve never done electrical myself

 

Appreciate it Leo.