2013 Backup Camera Help/Info Needed

I'm having a time with my backup camera. Today I tried my 3rd new camera and it was no go. However I purchased it from 1aauto.com and after a call to them they are unable to confirm if this camera is a 6 volt or 12 volt camera. The first camera I tried from Amazon was definately a 12 volt camera which I found out after receiving it. The second was a 6 volt from Camera Source and was a 6 volt but it was very universal and after plugging in their odd harness I was unable to read 6 volts at the harness.

So I am getting 6.78 volts on the black wire at the end of the harness that plugs into the camera. That makes me think the camera is the issue. I also ohm the harness that goes from the camera to the connector at the frame. All four wires in that harness are good.

My 2013 has the factory radio. It is a 6 volt system. I cannot find a 6 volt camera anywhere. So I assume Toyota is the only source for one? Not really up for spending hundreds of $$ for a backup camera.

So my questions are.
Short of plugging my backup camera into another Tacoma is there any way to confirm my original camera is bad?
Anyone know of a source for a 6 volt camera?
Anyone know of another issue that would cause the backup camera to not work? My reverse lights do function as normal so it's not the switch on the transmission.
Is there another thread here that deals with this issue?

Just as a side note the little bit of information I got from the representative on the camera I got from 1aauto ( TRQ brand) it stated backup cameras from Tacomas typically operate on a 12 volt system so I assume this is also a 12 volt camera

 

It is a 6v camera, there's not really any way to tell if the camera is generating a signal without an oscilloscope.

Have you tried finding a used one?

 

I would prefer not to do the following but probably the only source for a 6 volt camera is Toyota to the tune of $250.00. No thanks.

Would there be any issue tapping into the passenger side reverse light wire to get 12 volts to power a 12 volt camera? Wouldn't think the camera is a large power consumer as to overload the reverse light circuit. I can get a very similar to original looking 12 volt camera from Amazon for $30.00 and then going forward if I have an issue it would be no problem. However I'd like to confirm my present camera is the issue.

Anybody done such a mod?

 

My kit came from Camera Source. Plug & play no issues. If you have voltage then the problem might be on the signal side, either from the camera or at the display unit or the wiring in between. It’s a pain to check the head unit wiring but you might have to go there.

 

Mine displays on the mirror. Definately would like to try my original camera in another Tacoma. Then I'll know.
Anybody with an 09-13 and near Pittsburgh PA willing to help me out?

 

The wiring still connects on both ends so if it doesn’t display both are suspect.
Sounds like your idea would work though I’d want to be certain the camera has a very low draw. If you tow then it’s nice to have the anytime camera mod which argues for a relay with separate power and the use of dual triggers(reverse circuit or switched) with a diode on each one.
If the camera is 6v does that mean the display is also or is it just the signal feed that is 6V?

 

I'm not sure if the display is 6 volt or 12 volt. I suspect the display is 12 volt. The mirror displays other info such as outside temperature, compass direction,, so I imagine the voltage is converted just for the camera feed. I don't tow so don't really need the full time camera mod.

Haven't seen any threads where another component in the system was bad except for the reverse swith and mine is good.

 

If the rest of the mirror display works that’s a good sign but I wouldn’t say it’s absolutely conclusive since those are different inputs than the video. Just suggesting you check the video input connections to the mirror as well.

 

So just to be clear are you suggesting to check if they are physically connected or if the mirror is receiving a valid video signal? Not sure how to check if it is receiving a valid signal and if the camera is not functioning is the mirror capable of receiving the video signal?

 

Physical connection at least. First check the plug. Then there are threads(search mirror display) that identify which wires are camera power and which are video so if you unplug both ends(mirror and tailgate) you should be able to check continuity on the video pair to see if it’s been cut, damaged, or corroded somehow.