Troubleshooting No Power to Monitor in Hopkins Smart Hitch Backup Camera HM50002

Updated 01/18/2016 | Published 01/16/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Hopkins Smart Hitch Backup Camera and Hitch Aligner System

(844)

$186.54

Loctite Bulb, Lamp, and Electrical Connection Dielectric Grease - 0.33-Oz Tube

(130)

$9.00

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(60)

$12.27

Question:

I installed the Hopkins Model 50002 towing camera a 2011 Ford F-150 using their wiring harness that plugs into the vehicles 7 pin connector. I was not receiving power to the monitor. I researched on the Ford forums which indicated I needed to install a 30amp fuse in slot 21 and a relay in slot 9 on the main fuse panel under the hood of the vehicle. They have been installed but still no power. Any suggestions as to what I need to do to get power to the monitor?

asked by: Dwayne

Expert Reply:

Both the camera and monitor portions of the Hopkins Smart Hitch Backup Camera # HM50002 receive their power from the vehicle's reverse light circuit. This circuit is accessed when the round U.S. Car connector is plugged in at the factory 7-way.

Both the camera and monitor should turn on and off when the truck is shifted into and out of reverse gear. If your truck's reverse lights work then no other fuses or relays should be required.

The monitor's cable plugs in to the camera assembly and is then routed under the vehicle to the cab. You can check that there is no dirt or other foreign material trapped inside the plug's contacts. This could interfere with transmission of 12V power from the camera unit to the monitor. An application of dielectric grease like # LT37534 is a good idea to help keep moisture, dirt and grease out of the connection.

You can also use a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to see if power is getting through the cable to the in-cab monitor. This will tell you if the issue is with power not reaching the camera or if the camera itself is damaged.

expert reply by: Adam R