2004 Silverado 1500 Install Reverse Camera?

Hey All! I have a 2004 Silverado 1500 (LS, Extended Cab, 5.3L (T) Engine) and I was at a local store the other day when I saw a backup camera on sale, so I decided to buy it. It says on the instructions to connect the camera to the reverse lights in the rear. It will then transfer the signal to the screen VIA wireless technology. My question is that it ask that I connect the screen to power, ground, and reverse cable as well. Now, I've never done one of these before, but it seems pretty easy to install the power and ground, but I don't know where the reverse cable is at in the dash area. Anyone have any ideas, schematics, or a clue as to how to find it? (P.S. I don't have a voltmeter [yes, I'm an electronics major, but someone cleaned me out a few weeks ago, and I haven't purchased another one yet)]. Anyways, instead of fumbling around with a voltmeter checking the signal with the truck in reverse, I thought someone might have any idea where to look. I've searched the threads on several websites, and most say it's a light green cable, but I want to know where to search for it.

On my 2003 there is a main junction block under the dash next to the parking brake. Take off the retaining nut and remove the cover. In the lower left hand corner of the block is a plug with the light green wire you need which is the reverse wire, the wire should go +12V when you put the truck in reverse. Basically this is the same place you would plug your connector in for electric trailer brakes. Also I've been told that there is a reverse wire in the harness for the rearview mirror, to cancel out the selfdimming feature when in reverse, never did check to see if this was true. Like I said this is where it was on my 2003 so Im not sure if it would be the same for you, but I would think it would be. Hope this helps.

On my 2003 there is a main junction block under the dash next to the parking brake. Take off the retaining nut and remove the cover. In the lower left hand corner of the block is a plug with the light green wire you need which is the reverse wire, the wire should go +12V when you put the truck in reverse. Basically this is the same place you would plug your connector in for electric trailer brakes. Also I've been told that there is a reverse wire in the harness for the rearview mirror, to cancel out the selfdimming feature when in reverse, never did check to see if this was true. Like I said this is where it was on my 2003 so Im not sure if it would be the same for you, but I would think it would be. Hope this helps.


I wouldn't see why it wouldn't be the same. I think the trucks changed from 2003 and up, so I think 2003 -2006 are the same. thanks for the tip. Not sure about the rear view mirror myself, but I'd rather go straight to the electric trailer brakes than the mirror.) Thanks for the help! I'll post pics of the install as soon as I can get to it (I was going to do it today, but wouldn't you know it, it started raining here in northern california).

Yeah Im sure they would be the same also I don't think they changed much, if anything between those years. I would wire it at the block also, definitly the better and probably easier way to go. That would be great if you post pictures too, I've been thinking of getting one myself but haven't found much info on installs and personal opinions of users with our trucks..keep us posted!

I too would like to hear how it works out for you. There's been times that i'd like to have one on my ext cab long box. Curious about the pic quality of the units, and to hear if, after a couple weeks, you actually find you use it, or if its more of a novelty.

Evan

Why wouldn't you 'pull' power from your back-up lamps? It seems to me that if you were to get power from the lamps and then wire the ground, you wouldn't need any other power source. When you put the truck in reverse, the camera would get power and come on instantly.

Would be a whole lot simpler and cleaner than going to the dash, or fuse block. All the needed wiring would be within 2 feet of the camera.

T

Why wouldn't you 'pull' power from your back-up lamps? It seems to me that if you were to get power from the lamps and then wire the ground, you wouldn't need any other power source. When you put the truck in reverse, the camera would get power and come on instantly.

Would be a whole lot simpler and cleaner than going to the dash, or fuse block. All the needed wiring would be within 2 feet of the camera.

T


Well for starters the screen will be going on the dash area. I can connect the camera to the reverse lights on the back, but I still need to connect the screen, and the screen has an option for auto-turn on with a lead from the reverse lights. So when I put it in reverse, both the camera and the screen will turn on by themselves. That's why I need to connect it near the dash. Anyways, I will be doing this project this weekend (NO RAIN IN THE FORECAST!) so I'll keep everyone posted.:popcorn:

On my 2003 there is a main junction block under the dash next to the parking brake. Take off the retaining nut and remove the cover. In the lower left hand corner of the block is a plug with the light green wire you need which is the reverse wire, the wire should go +12V when you put the truck in reverse. Basically this is the same place you would plug your connector in for electric trailer brakes.

Has anyone verified where this plug is at? I see the junction block and the retaining nut, and I have removed the cover, and I see a plug in the lower left hand corner, but I want to be 100% sure that the green cable there is for the reverse. The plug is white, is that the correct plug?

Can anyone answer? I'm am on the finishing stretch of the install, the sooner I finish, the sooner I can create the how-to DIY on here.

Directly below the steering wheel is the BCM- access by removing the knee bolster cover--2 or 3 screw and it snaps out--you'll see the BCM with 6 plugs pointing towards you-- you may want to remove the metal plate above it- for easier access (4 10mm nuts)-- anyway there is a light green wire in position "F" of the C5 BCM plug-- this plug is black and has only 6 slots- which only 3 wires are present- you want the light green next to the gry/blk (coutesy lamps) which is next to an orange wire-- (orange wire- which by the way is battery hot wire- already fused and ready to tap into if you so desire for a battery hot)-- the light green wire is the back-up lamp supply- so it is also fused accordingly- and supplies 12 volts when the vehicle is put into reverse- you could always test with a test light if you don't have your DVM handy-- I do remote starters- and find the BCM the most convenient place to tap into for stuff like this.....have fun

Directly below the steering wheel is the BCM- access by removing the knee bolster cover--2 or 3 screw and it snaps out--you'll see the BCM with 6 plugs pointing towards you-- you may want to remove the metal plate above it- for easier access (4 10mm nuts)-- anyway there is a light green wire in position "F" of the C5 BCM plug-- this plug is black and has only 6 slots- which only 3 wires are present- you want the light green next to the gry/blk (coutesy lamps) which is next to an orange wire-- (orange wire- which by the way is battery hot wire- already fused and ready to tap into if you so desire for a battery hot)-- the light green wire is the back-up lamp supply- so it is also fused accordingly- and supplies 12 volts when the vehicle is put into reverse- you could always test with a test light if you don't have your DVM handy-- I do remote starters- and find the BCM the most convenient place to tap into for stuff like this.....have fun

Wouldn't happen to have a pic would ya? :sorry:

sure- the green wire is the one on the far right in link below:

http://64.85.6.121/diagrams/Images.asp?ImageID=1447&link=BULLDOG

The link doesn't work.

how is this?

http://idle-hourranch.com/2004BCM.JPG

Awesome! Props for the good image! I will make sure to thank you in my DIY instructional when I post it!

I too am doing the same thing and have a 2006 Chevy Silverado 1500. I bought the cheap wireless backup cam off Ebay. NO instructions of course. It has two wireless receivers. I hooked the back transmitter into the backup light in the rear. The screen for the dash I wired to a cigarette lighter insert. My problem: works perfectly in reverse but when it is supposed to be off when driving or in park it blinks black then blue constantly. I would like to hook transmitter end that goes to the screen directly to the reverse lights under dash which I see you were talking about but neither of the pages with pics would come up. Did you figure out where to hook your power wire to the reverse lights under dash? Second question, where did you hook the ground wire. I am not the most mechanically skilled so if it sounds like a dumb question, it probably is but need to try something different. Thought the cigarette lighter end option would work but apparently not. Thanks for any help and any pic would be a GREAT help! Thank you in advance!
Dan