Troubleshooting Hopkins Rear View Camera System # HM60195VA in 2012 Ford F-150

Updated 06/30/2015 | Published 06/27/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Hopkins Rear View Camera with Backup Sensors - 2-1/2" LCD

(34)

$211.40

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(62)

$13.33

Question:

Hopkins backup camera. I installed the backup camera and the camera will not come on at all. I have a 2012 Ford F150 w/ OEM 7 Blade tow connector. connectors seem to be in all the way and and I remove them there is dielectric grease on both sides. I start the car and put into reverse and nothing. what should I do? Can I exchange the camera??

asked by: Andrew L

Expert Reply:

Thank you for your purchases from etrailer. I do not see the Hopkins Rear View Camera # HM60195VA among them but we're glad to help you troubleshoot.

The two parts of this rear-view camera system each need to have a power connection in order for the system to operate. The in-car monitor portion will plug in to the included extension cable which is routed to the rear of the vehicle where it will connect to the camera wiring. The rear-mounted camera unit taps into your truck's reverse light circuit, which is what powers it and the monitor and also what triggers it to operate.

You want to make sure you have tapped into the correct vehicle wire, the reverse light circuit wire. Wire colors are not a reliable method to confirm a function since wire colors can vary between production runs. A circuit tester like # PTW2993 will let you confirm which wire to use. Please see the linked video.

Have a helper carefully hold the brake pedal and engage the emergency brake while shifting the truck into reverse. Test the various taillight wires until you find the ONE wire that carries a signal only when the truck is in reverse gear. Make a solid connection to this wire to activate the system.

expert reply by: Adam R