Prospective Buyer: Factory Backup Camera Questions

[Augster]

I finally came across a 3rd Gen EL Limited (2008) with Nav that had all the wish-list options I've been looking for, but it has the factory backup camera projecting its image in the rear view mirror instead of the Nav display. I've noticed this on some of the earlier models of this generation, but I'm not sure if it's universal or an option to have the image within the rear view mirror.

The vehicle is out-of-state so I can't examine and tests its operation, but when the rear view mirror has the backup camera display, can it also be displayed on the Nav display? Is there a setting that the user can make to direct the backup camera to either device?

If there is no user accessible setting, can the system be modified to get the Nav to display the backup camera?

The image is too small on the rear view mirror for my old eyes; in addition, having it on the Nav display allows passengers to also be able to view the backup camera for an extra pair of eyes for safety (when I had my lifted 2010 Platinum F-150 with Nav/backup, my brother-in-law caught a short person walking behind the truck on the display as I was backing up looking out the rear window and wasn't able to see the person; although the back-up sensors also alerted me to the obstruction).

 

[GAINMOB]

good luck

 

[Augster]

I guess I figured out the answer.

According to the 2008 Owner's Manual, the backup camera (if equipped) only presents the image on the rear view mirror; there are no instructions whatsoever to indicate that the image can be displayed on the Nav screen.

Oh well, it has every other option I've been on the lookout for, and for an incredible low price. Besides, I've haven't yet seen any newer model with all these options so it likes this is the one for me.

 

[k9education]

Yes, you can output the video to the Nav system instead. I believe you would just need to reroute the +/- video wires to the headunit.

This is for an '11 Expedition (sorry, I don't have info for '08), but the concept should be same and the wire colors are probably the same. http://www.filedropper.com/backupcam

 

[Augster]

Yes, you can output the video to the Nav system instead. I believe you would just need to reroute the +/- video wires to the headunit.

This is for an '11 Expedition (sorry, I don't have info for '08), but the concept should be same and the wire colors are probably the same. http://www.filedropper.com/backupcam

Thanks for this! When I get the time, I'll compare with the wiring schematics that are on my 1996-2008 Service Information Manual DVD. It all depends if there is an auto-switching circuit in the 2008 Nav head unit that will automatically change its display to another source (backup camera). I'm just curious if it's all there and it's simply a wiring difference, why Ford didn't implement it for the 07-08 MYs. I'm afraid there will be more than meets the eye, but hoping you are right...

 

[Flexpedition]

I believe Lockpick or a another company that makes "hacks" for OEM Navigation & movie watching has/had a solution for this a few years ago that was plug & play. The price (then) was stupid, like $300 or something. So your research proved correct - there isn't a menu to change this by the consumer.

IMO, the screen is where it outta be and you'll be surprised how use you get to it. Whenever we drive something else with the camera displayed in the center stack, like our G37 or a rental car, it largely gets ignored.

Old man alert in 3, 2, 1..... if you aren't looking in the rear view mirror, probably shouldn't be backing up anyhow.


Here is a link to this lockpick place, snoop around:
https://www.coastaletech.com/fordapplications.htm

 

[Augster]

IMO, the screen is where it outta be and you'll be surprised how use you get to it. Whenever we drive something else with the camera displayed in the center stack, like our G37 or a rental car, it largely gets ignored.

Old man alert in 3, 2, 1..... if you aren't looking in the rear view mirror, probably shouldn't be backing up anyhow.

Hey, I certainly qualify being an old man! But in reality, I always rotate my body and am looking out the back window directly, like how I was taught back in the day in driving school; hence, for me, having the backup camera displayed in the rear view mirror would hardly be used.

When I had my F-150, when reversing during the day, I would first look at the camera image on the Nav display to first see if there is any obstruction, then swivel my head backwards and back up, relying on my direct LOS (Line Of Sight) and audible Reverse Sensors to warn me of last second obstructions. If I had passengers, they may be looking at the Nav display to assist me.

But at night, I would rely on the Nav display because it provided superior low-light visibility. For my eyes, the tiny image on the rear view mirror is essentially useless.

 

[Flexpedition]

Fair enough. Lockpick might have discontinued their offering, but I found a solution for you below that makes the Lockpick look like a bargain. Surely there are other products out there.

https://navtv.com/products/category...amera-interface_ford_expedition_2008_usa.html

 

[Augster]

Fair enough. Lockpick might have discontinued their offering, but I found a solution for you below that makes the Lockpick look like a bargain. Surely there are other products out there.

https://navtv.com/products/category...amera-interface_ford_expedition_2008_usa.html

Looks like a solution! But crikey: $800! Still, if there is no other option, I would put it on my Wish-To-Do-List.

 

[svfetter]

My Backup camera goes to the mirror on my 2011 as well as I do not have navigation. Seemed small at first but you would be surprised how fast you get used to it. I can back my Expedition up to my boat trailer and center it perfectly on the hitch every time. Give it a chance before spending a lot of money.

 

[Augster]

My Backup camera goes to the mirror on my 2011 as well as I do not have navigation. Seemed small at first but you would be surprised how fast you get used to it. I can back my Expedition up to my boat trailer and center it perfectly on the hitch every time. Give it a chance before spending a lot of money.

Oh yea, I'm not going to plunk down big money right away. I'll live with it for awhile (I plan on keeping it for at least 5-7 years), but if it really becomes an issue, only then will I spring for the aftermarket solution.

 

[k9education]

Thanks for this! When I get the time, I'll compare with the wiring schematics that are on my 1996-2008 Service Information Manual DVD. It all depends if there is an auto-switching circuit in the 2008 Nav head unit that will automatically change its display to another source (backup camera). I'm just curious if it's all there and it's simply a wiring difference, why Ford didn't implement it for the 07-08 MYs. I'm afraid there will be more than meets the eye, but hoping you are right...

Sorry, to clarify ... I meant that you could simply re-wire it provided that your headunit has the capability to display a backup cam. The 2008 Nav system didn't offer that so provided you could get it to work on the stock unit at all, it would probably be a bit more complex. However, if you use a newer stock Nav unit (2010+) or an aftermarket unit you can simply re-wire as stated.

Old man alert in 3, 2, 1..... if you aren't looking in the rear view mirror, probably shouldn't be backing up anyhow.

Hey, I certainly qualify being an old man! But in reality, I always rotate my body and am looking out the back window directly, like how I was taught back in the day in driving school; hence, for me, having the backup camera displayed in the rear view mirror would hardly be used.

I felt the same way about the backup cam before I had one and for the first few weeks, I didn't even look at it. Heck, I didn't even realize my camera was busted until my wife told me. However, over time I started to use it more and more. I still look out the back window when backing up most of the time as that's what I've been doing for 20 years. When I'm out in state/federal park lands where is a lot of potentially damaging brush though, I always check the camera. Ditto for busy parking lots where a kid could run behind my truck below the view of the back window. Considering that I have an EL, the backup warning beep and camera are great for parking as well since sometimes I have to get, literally, within 1-2" of the other vehicle just to get (mostly) within the spot.

 

[Augster]

Considering that I have an EL, the backup warning beep and camera are great for parking as well since sometimes I have to get, literally, within 1-2" of the other vehicle just to get (mostly) within the spot.

This is one of the primary reasons why I now always want a backup camera and/or sensors, no matter the size of the vehicle. When I had my 2001 SuperCrew, I once backed into a tree at a parking lot. Same with my 2008 BMW (light pole on extra large base that wasn't visible through rear view window because it was below my sight line). I thought I had more clearance, but apparently not!