What is really going on here? License plate lights wash out backup camera image while reversing at night

[Hootbro]

I bought one of these awhile back and it works great. Looks like he doesn't have one available right now but he probably will again. It's a real clean Plug and Play install and can be removed if you need to no wire cutting or anything permanent.

https://ebay.us/m/gCU5jO

I have bought and used this before on my past JT's. The seller makes and offers them in batches periodically.

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[ShadowsPapa]

I have bought and used this before on my past JT's. The seller makes and offers them in batches periodically.

Too bad he doesn't use the right wire size for the pins or the right crimp tool.
He needs to cut the wire size down, or get a new crimp tool.

 

[Hootbro]

Too bad he doesn't use the right wire side for the pins or the right crimp tool.
He needs to cut the wire size down, or get a new crimp tool.

Mine was fine.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Mine was fine.

That one literally fell apart after a few weeks.

One look at the wires and you can see what happened. The heavy copper strands are a mess.

Thus, me collecting the parts and putting my own together - might not finish the project since so far, my 25 hasn't had a problem.

With a much smaller relay and smaller wires since the license plate lights don't carry any real amperage, the wires could be a lot more flexible and fit in those little pins more easily.
The wires used could carry the full load of old-fashioned headlights.

I'd suggest 18 gauge tops, even 20, and silicone wire.

unless you take it apart - you'll not see what this one shows. Might hold, this one didn't. It literally fell apart with no help at all.

 

[Hootbro]

unless you take it apart - you'll not see what this one shows. Might hold, this one didn't. It literally fell apart with no help at all.

Sure it was the same seller? Guy sells other harnesses for doing the door proximity and electric door lock conversions that seem pretty well received also.

I did not go all American Tourister Gorilla on my harness when I received it but it seemed pretty well built. Sorry to hear yours did not pan out.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Sure it was the same seller? Guy sells other harnesses for doing the door proximity and electric door lock conversions that seem pretty well received also.

I did not go all American Tourister Gorilla on my harness when I received it but it seemed pretty well built. Sorry to hear yours did not pan out.

I used a link in the forum.............
I'd have to look at my eBay history. Swear to it? No, but do recall following a link in the forum.

I decided to let my own version sit and try something fast instead (parts for my version still sitting in a bag in my Jeep parts cabinet)

I had my 22 in the dealership for something - and they came to me and asked "did you know your license plate lights don't work"? (I guess some evidence they actually DO check things LOL)
Told them I'd take care of it (assuming maybe the relay failed?) and looked under the truck, and the wires were pulling out.

I've not seen anyone else with problems or complaints, so I just decided to move on and if I wanted one in my 25, I'd finish what I started a couple of years ago with the smaller relay, silicone wires, etc.
Not a priority.

 

[Hootbro]

.................and if I wanted one in my 25, I'd finish what I started a couple of years ago with the smaller relay, silicone wires, etc.
Not a priority.

Debating doing my own also mainly because I am cheap. If decide to do it myself, probably just going to hard splice it in rather deal with sourcing pass through connectors.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Debating doing my own also mainly because I am cheap. If decide to do it myself, probably just going to hard splice it in rather deal with sourcing pass through connectors.

A whole lot easier - marine heat shrink and good joints it would be easy that way. (and cheap)

 

[Gvsukids]

One unmarry and two marry cycles.
Oh, wait...... sorry, different topic.

Rebooting also helps.

 

[Tha Malig8r]

I know it probably won't help you with an older year model, but my 2025 operates the way you want from the factory. kinda caught me by surprise the first time i backed up at night and saw that the plate lights were off. I do have the backup delay checked in my settings, so my camera shows it when they turn back on. maybe one of the Alfa/Jscan gurus can figure out how to enable that on yours?

My 25 had the washout issue, used the tazer to have them cut off during backing up. Also have the camera setup to come on w/the turn signals and have noticed that the plate lights turn off then as well.

 

[Tha Malig8r]

I'd like to see if any other 2025 JT owners notice their license plate lights blanking while in reverse - BRAND NEW, from the factory, NO Tazer and no relay system, just as it was built new.
And - the build date.
Mine has no such "feature", nor do I find it as any option anywhere.
Something is a bit off or fishy here.

8/26/25 build date and mine didn't but do now thanks to the tazer.

 

[Sandman 4x4]

Seems like the government, with all the other demands would have the backup cameras come on when signals are used. If for nothing else but get ignorant driver to USE TURN SIGNALS!

 

[Sweetums]

Seems like the government, with all the other demands would have the backup cameras come on when signals are used. If for nothing else but get ignorant driver to USE TURN SIGNALS!

The Tazer will do that, I tried it for a day and turned the feature back off. It was distracting and generally pointless.

 

[Sandman 4x4]

If it helps the driver who ignores the turn signals then it’s not pointless!

 

[sharpsicle]

If it helps the driver who ignores the turn signals then it’s not pointless!

Once you try it, you'll disagree.

Turn signals activating a blind spot camera is better and actually reflects something. The rear camera is not.

The Tazer will do that, I tried it for a day and turned the feature back off. It was distracting and generally pointless.

Same here. Excitedly used it on my first road trip after getting the Tazer, and while I did like it, it was too much and usually useless. Plus it was too laggy for me and occasionally didn't work right.

Changed to a Stinger radio and added blind spot cameras and it's much much better and more useful.

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