2009 Regular cab backup camera stock? New head unit? Have no idea what I'm Doing.

I purchased my 09 with an aftermarket head unit (poorly installed). Not being a Tacoma owner before, I noticed after the purchase what seems to be a camera lens in the tail gate? This has me wondering if at one time I had a backup camera. I have been looking over the forums in an attempt to see if my truck originally had a back up camera and can not find a straight answer.

If I do have a camera, is there a way to wire it into an aftermarket head unit? If so do you have recommendations on best head unit for an 09? Also, is there any way to test and see if the camera is functioning at all etc? I just purchased a new rear bed cap that I plan on outfitting with all kinds of cool gadgets and having a back up camera would be amazing for when we are traveling etc.

 

if there is a lens in the tailgate handle, you have the factory backup cam. If it was a shotty install, they probably didn’t get the extra parts needed to retain factory features like the camera.

 

There’s probably a harness / adapter to make the factory backup cam work with your head unit. Have you looked up the head unit manual to see if it can? If so, it may either be just not hooked up or or they didn’t get the right adapter

 

I haven't gone in behind the dash and unit yet. The installed unit doesn't have a screen. I was hoping to upgrade to something else with a screen if there's a chance I could get the functionality back assuming the camera might still work. Just wasn't really sure where to get started.

 

Go to Best Buy, tell them you want a touch screen radio and you want to retain the backup cam, steering wheel controls, etc.

 

Okay thanks, I'll give it a shot.

 

Do you have one of the Tacos that had a backup cam displayed on the rear view mirror?

 

No I don't believe so. When I purchased it was a bone stock 09 regular cab with cloth seats. No bells or whistles etc. I noticed the camera on the tailgate by accident a few weeks after getting it. Before I went digging I wanted to see if it was worth it or not without knowing much about what I was getting myself into.