Troubleshooting Wiring On 2014 Ford F-150 When Backup Camera Is Not Working

Updated 04/26/2016 | Published 04/22/2016

Question:

re:Hopkins Backup Cameras and Alarms - HM50002 on a 2014 F-150 with 7 point hitch hookup. Before running the display wire and display into the dash, I did the following dry run to make sure the system would work. I plugged inline the 7 point plug that came with the camera to the trucks 7 point system according to your video. I also hooked the display wire up and the camera wire up to the leads coming from the Hopkins 7 point harness. I had my wife start the truck and put it in reverse with the brake on of course. I went to rear of truck and pointed the camera at an object and looked at the display. There was nothing on it. I pulled off the protective sheet and messed with the displays controls to see if anything would come on but nothing. This is the second system I have tried doing the same thing with no results. So it has to be something I am missing although I cant figure it out. The factory backup camera in the tailgate worked fine. I removed the tailgate to make room for my camper. When I put a meter to measure the DC volt output, I only get milivolts from the backup lamp factory pin. I am grounding it correctly to the correct pin as well. I doubt the camera system is defective, because this is the second one Ive tried. The first one did the same thing. Do you have any suggestions on what I am doing wrong? Thank you,

asked by: Randall

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you have a wiring issue on your truck somewhere. Since you said you are getting very little current when you test the reverse pin on your 7-way connector that would be where you want to start.

Use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 to check the power going into the 7-way connector on the truck side. If it still reads very little as you said, then it is further upstream in the wiring. It could also be a ground that is loose. Look for signs of corrosion or a pinched or broken wire.

I think you are correct that it is not the backup camera system since you said this is the second one you have gotten with the same result.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L