Finding Reverse Light Circuit on 2011 Honda CR-V to Install Back-Up Camera

Published 12/30/2014

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T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

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Question:

I have a Honda 2011 CRV EXL.I want to install a wireless backup camera and need a power source whenever the vehicle is in reverse. I understand it is a green black wire which goes to the backup lights.My guess it is in the rear right side so your video on accessing the area by removing the rear trim and the right rear body panel is useful. Is it possible the power source for a wireless backup camera is in the lift hatch tailgate near the licence plate light. How do I go about finding good information to minimize the panels I have to take out to install a camera near the licence plate light on the rear hatch lift door.

asked by: John M

Expert Reply:

The reverse lamps for a 2011 CR-V are in the taillight assemblies, not on the liftgate. You can access the wiring harnesses that feed the taillight assemblies by removing the interior panel on either side of the cargo area. Use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to probe the wires in the harness, as a helper puts the car in reverse with the engine off. The correct circuit should be hot, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding the correct wire. I don't have any specific information on wire color, so I can't confirm that its a green/black wire.

You'll need to route the wire through the liftgate, following the wiring for the license plate light. I have linked you to a install video showing a reverse camera being installed on a PT Cruiser. It's a completely different vehicle, but because the procedure for routing the wiring through the liftgate would be similar, you should still find the video helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L