2013 Tacoma Base Model - rear view mirror / back up camera

Hi All,

I’ve been following a bunch of threads here, lots of great information!

I am struggling to find a couple things regarding the back up camera (pre wired) install on the 2013 base model.

I installed an OEM camera that I bought from RockAuto. But nothing came up on the factory head unit when I kicked it into reverse (manual truck).

I popped the sunglasses holder down and the harness is up there which is great. My questions are:

1 - can I bypass the harness for the rear view mirror so that my head unit (OEM) displays the reverse image?

2 - can I install an aftermarket rear view mirror? If so, any recommendations ? Or wiring diagrams?

3 - if I buy an aftermarket head unit, how would I incorporate the OEM back up cam if it’s not wired back to the head unit

thanks!

 

Instead of trying to integrate a backup camera into your rear view mirror, just buy a head unit that has that capability. I think that's probably the best way to do it.

Give Crutchfield a call and ask them your specific questions.

 

I also have a 2013. Mine had the camera and it displayed in the mirror till it quit working 6 months ago. So I've learned some stuff over those 6 months. I will respond with what I know to your questions.

1. Evidently there were a couple different head units available. Some I believe do not have the capability to display video. Also I believe your mirror does not have video ability.
2. You can install a mirror with video ability but you would be better off with an aftermarket head unit that can display a backup camera plus much more. They can do Apple Car Play, Videos and also Google maps which the factory head unit can't.
3. I just bought the Ainavito head unit on Amazon. It comes with it's own camera but there is a way to make it display the tailgate camera but I'm not sure how to do that at this point.

Here is a thread from another member on the Ainavito install.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2010-tacoma-head-unit-upgrade.854271/

And here is a thread on wiring mods for aftermarket head unit wiring mods.However without the video equipment in your rearview mirror I dont know if this is possible.
https://youtu.be/XxLttfV2WTM?si=8YdXRUZ3w46n3TmD

Anyway in the Ainavito trouble shooting guide it says if one has trouble getting the factory camera to display in their head unit then contact them for assistance.
I can get the head unit to display the camera with the Ainavito camera but am having trouble getting it to display with the factory wiring. At this point I suspect something has failed in my factory rear view mirror and want to see if there is a way around that.

 

If it helps: My 2014 Entune+ head unit has the integrated back-up (tailgate) camera display. I also installed an Auto-Dim rearview mirror with compass/outside temp display using the harness above the overhead console harness and I ran a separate wire to the grille area for the outside temperature sensor.

 

My 2 cents worth. I had a stock mirror in my 2014 Taco. All manual, no options...I did some searching on this forum and found Bob's Mirrors LLC. https://www.bobsmirrors.com I went to their website and filled out a form. Someone contacted me pretty quickly and I was fortunate enough that they had a used mirror in stock that gave me 95% of what I was looking for {Homelink, Compass, temp, and autodimming}. The one in stock didn't have Temp...first world problems....In chattiing with the folks there they asked me if i had the wiring harness behind the sun glasses holder. I checked and like you, did. I told them i wasn't really sure what i needed with the mirror {Install kit, adaptor, etc} but they sure knew. Mirror and adaptor cable came quickly with great programming notes. Overall I'd rate Bobs service 10 out of 10. Great communication pre and post sale. I'm not in anyway connected with them so this isn't a sales pitch, It was just really nice to work with someone who truly knows their stuff. Oh and they also do backup camera stuff so if you tell them what you REALLY want, I'm sure they can give you options.

 

Thanks, I think I’ll save this as a last resort as I don’t think I’ll benefit too much from an upgraded head unit. The stock radio is great for what I need (other than the back up display).

 

thanks for the detailed response! Ya, I was worried that the most popular answer would be to get a new head unit lol

I feel like I’m this close to getting the thing working, as stock. Just a few wires are what’s holding me back, or a rear view mirror.

 

interesting, did you have to do anything other than plug and play a camera? I don’t think there’s a specific relay? Or any CPU programming required?

 

Just a couple additional thoughts. You will pay as much for an aftermarket mirror with video function as you will for a new head unit and the new head unit offers so much more.
Also its possible the aftermarket mirrors require using their camera and wiring. Not sure they are compatable with the factory wiring.

 

For 2014, the Display Audio Head unit with Entune was standard on all models. The rearview camera output (camera located on the tailgate handle) is displayed on the Display Audio head unit instead of the mirror.

Welcome to TacomaWorld!

 

I also purchased my mirror and wiring harness/install kit from Bob's which included the wire to run to the grille area for the mirror's outside temperature sensor. The mirror was in "like new" condition. The instruction/install sheet included was excellent.

Trivia Bonus: For 2014, the auto-dim mirror w/outside temp display was listed on the sales literature as standard with some packages, (ex: SR5) but was not installed on the trucks. If a customer noted this and complained, the dealer would install the missing mirror at no charge.

 

Huh....Thats odd. Since the truck is "New" to me...don't think Toyota would fix it now....trucks only 11 years old!

 

Yes: probably not likely! Nice gesture for them at the time though, instead of just blaming it on a mis-print.

Welcome to TacomaWorld.

 

Thanks! I've been checking the place out for a monthish after I picked up my Taco...I'm on several other forums and this one seems pretty decent! It always amazes me the collective knowledge of a group like this. I always think of them as "The throbbing brain"...Star Trek type stuff. Like most forums, learn to use the search, don't ask "What oil do you run", etc....Hope to see you around one day

 

My '15 is a base model that had the basic stereo, no home link, GPS, ect. When I installed an aftermarket camera into the tailgate, it displayed on the stock radio.