Reverse camera license plate light bleed - my fix

[flameproof]

[EDIT/NOTE] By popular request, I added instructions and diagrams to this reply on page 2.

I'm sure you all know how bad the license plate lights bleed into the reverse camera image at night. For reference, this is mine before the mod:

And after:

All it took was a normally closed relay (like this one), and tapping into the reverse light wire of the hitch connector. There are ground lugs in the chassis that you can tie to so you're only running a wire for the positive side to the hitch cable. I broke into the positive wire of this connector:

And used spade connectors which I weatherproofed. These allow me to undo the mod by just disconnecting the bypass to the relay and restore the original connection. The nice thing about this fix is if the relay or any of the connections fail (unless of course the license lights themselves), the lights will stay on.

Total cost of this mod: around $15 including relay, cable taps, and spade connectors. There is a harness for sale on eBay for $70, but I'd rather take the low cost approach and use the $55 remaining for other nice things

If you want more details on the mod let me know.

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[Sarge502]

My fix...

tazer JL mini

automatically turns it off when in reverse if it's plugged in.

 

[flameproof]

Thanks! That would give me like $300 extra to spend on nicer things :D - are there even more expensive options which would make me feel better?

 

[Sarge502]

Tazer programmer pays for itself in the long run with the amount of control you have. Any changes in tire size, basic settings or preferences....no dealership flashes.

to each their own.

 

[flameproof]

Tazer programmer pays for itself in the long run with the amount of control you have. Any changes in tire size, basic settings or preferences....no dealership flashes.

to each their own.

You do have a point there! Now if I can find that elusive gateway connector...

 

[DailyDrivenTJ]

..
If you want more details on the mod let me know.

Just put it up already will ya? This is DIY section of the forum where you share how tos, not "now I have done it, I will tease you.'

I have the bypass harness I bought from eBay. Worth every penny as it took all of 10 minutes of my time and all plug in play.

 

[Dilly’S Willy]

You do have a point there! Now if I can find that elusive gateway connector...

Driver knee panel, near left side, just behind/below speaker box and metal brace. Small silver box. The first time is always annoying.

 

[flameproof]

Driver knee panel, near left side, just behind/below speaker box and metal brace. Small silver box. The first time is always annoying.

Awesome, thanks! I'll take another good look - I'm not small, so it's hard to get in there upside down without removing the whole seat, and since it's electric, it's an extra pain.

 

[AOGAudiman]

My fix...

tazer JL mini

automatically turns it off when in reverse if it's plugged in.

I found this feature only works about half the time....Maybe it's time for me to update/reboot/unmarry....do the Tazer reset thing. Wonderful device but it does do some weird shit sometimes..

 

[Sarge502]

I found this feature only works about half the time....Maybe it's time for me to update/reboot/unmarry....do the Tazer reset thing. Wonderful device but it does do some weird shit sometimes..

Yeah, probably just needs an update. I agree it does do weird stuff after a while. Usually an update fixes it, and I have noticed that particular thing being an issue prior to an update and reboot.

 

[AOGAudiman]

I'm sure you all know how bad the license plate lights bleed into the reverse camera image at night. For reference, this is mine before the mod:

And after:

All it took was a normally closed relay (like this one), and tapping into the reverse light wire of the hitch connector. There are ground lugs in the chassis that you can tie to so you're only running a wire for the positive side to the hitch cable. I broke into the positive wire of this connector:

And used spade connectors which I weatherproofed. These allow me to undo the mod by just disconnecting the bypass to the relay and restore the original connection. The nice thing about this fix is if the relay or any of the connections fail (unless of course the license lights themselves), the lights will stay on.

Total cost of this mod: around $15 including relay, cable taps, and spade connectors. There is a harness for sale on eBay for $70, but I'd rather take the low cost approach and use the $55 remaining for other nice things

If you want more details on the mod let me know.

Like this! Need a BOM, some pics and a wiring diagram. Interested in doing this. Thanks-

 

[93civej1]

so ...are you saying that when you throw the truck in reverse, the license plate lights turn off? Do they turn back on once you are in anything other than reverse? If so, that would be nice.

With that said, can JSCAN do that?

 

[ChrisNLA]

so ...are you saying that when you throw the truck in reverse, the license plate lights turn off? Do they turn back on once you are in anything other than reverse? If so, that would be nice.

With that said, can JSCAN do that?

Yes, when in reverse it activates the relay and breaks the power to the license plate lights. Put it back in any other gear and the license plate lights come back on.

I don't think JSCAN has this.

 

[Bennett]

Please share the how to. Would love to do this.

 

[DailyDrivenTJ]

Those who rather have a plug in play option.

Here is the link to the harness that is premade with no wiring or cutting involved.

I do 12v stuff a lot and make my own stuff but the components used on this is premium and design is well thought out.

https://ebay.us/m/uSPMWk

HTH.

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