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Installing A Back-Up Camera

2014 Mazda5 Sport: Say Hello To Tom's Hardware's Project Car
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Back-up cameras are particularly handy on vehicles with high belt lines and poor rear visibility. It’s a simple feature that serves a practical purpose. Unfortunately, Mazda doesn't even offer a back-up camera on the 5, instead relying on ultrasonic sensors that beep annoyingly on higher-trim models. The good news is that back-up cameras are easy to find for very little money on eBay; they're also not difficult to install.

While aftermarket companies offer universal-mount cameras that replace your license plate frame or require drilling, we opted for one that provides a factory look. It’s generic and attaches to a Mazda-specific license plate light mount.

The back-up camera we went with is compatible with virtually any current Mazda vehicle, thanks to the manufacturer sharing parts across most of its model line-up. It employs a small plastic mount that clips onto the license plate lamp. I chose to attach the camera to the right side, though it really doesn't make a difference. But before you even get to that point, you need to take off the interior trunk trim. Mazda makes it easy on the 5, but difficulty will vary.

Normally, you’d run an RCA video cable up to the front of the car. But I decided to get a little lazy and use an Audiovox ACA300 wireless back-up camera transmitter and receiver. I’ve had the ACA300 sitting in a box of miscellaneous car audio equipment since 2008 when I had grand plans for a new-at-the-time Chevy HHR SS. If you don't want to run an RCA cable through your cabin, you can buy one for $25. That's quite a bargain compared to the $70 I paid six years ago.

The camera and wireless transmitter need power, of course. Fortunately, the white reverse lights are located on the tailgate. Again, I used wire taps to get power to them. Because the back-up lights are only on when the car is in reverse, the camera operates the same way and stays off unless it's needed.

I'm a real stickler about random panel rattles. To ensure I wouldn't have any issues with the wires, connectors, or wireless transmitter banging against the inside of the tailgate, I used electrical tape and zip ties for a factory look.

Next, you need a display to output the back-up camera's feed. If you don't want to splurge on a navigation system upgrade, you can install a rear-view mirror replacement or clip-on that includes a display for the camera. I went with a Sony XAV-602BT double DIN head unit upgrade, which will be covered in its own review.

The camera installation job only took about 30 minutes, and that was me being extremely careful with the interior tailgate panels.

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  • 0 Hide
    Gelid03 , June 13, 2014 4:40 AM
    Looks great cant wait for the rest of the planned mods.
  • 6 Hide
    Amdlova , June 13, 2014 4:40 AM
    nice mazda 5 you have sir :)  I liked the wireles charge.

    I want see some night vision on car. drive without lights...
  • 0 Hide
    Matthew Busse , June 13, 2014 4:59 AM
    I might have to upgrade the wife's 2010 =)
  • 0 Hide
    tuanies , June 13, 2014 8:29 AM
    Thanks guys. Next up will be a Blind-spot monitor system from Gosher's, ScanGaugeE, and some sort of wireless storage. Even have a set of Mazdaspeed 3 wheels ready to go, just waiting on tires :) 
  • 0 Hide
    SinisterSalad , June 13, 2014 8:30 AM
    I recently picked up a non-Nav equipped CX-9 Grand Touring AWD. I look forward to the head unit reviews. So far, I've put on an aftermarket trailer hitch, and half installed a Pyle backup camera system.
  • 0 Hide
    tuanies , June 13, 2014 8:32 AM
    Quote:
    I recently picked up a non-Nav equipped CX-9 Grand Touring AWD. I look forward to the head unit reviews. So far, I've put on an aftermarket trailer hitch, and half installed a Pyle backup camera system.


    How do you like the CX9 so far? The CX5 is still one of my favorites to drive. I've yet to get into a CX9 but I do love the Ford Flex, its platform mate.
  • 1 Hide
    SinisterSalad , June 13, 2014 9:08 AM
    It's been good so far. I got it at the end of April, so haven't had it too long. The only thing I don't care for is the headroom up front. I'm 6'3", and If I have the seat adjusted more upright like I prefer, my noggin hits the roof.
  • 0 Hide
    tuanies , June 13, 2014 9:14 AM
    Quote:
    It's been good so far. I got it at the end of April, so haven't had it too long. The only thing I don't care for is the headroom up front. I'm 6'3", and If I have the seat adjusted more upright like I prefer, my noggin hits the roof.


    How's the driving dynamics? The CX-9 is supposed to be fairly sporty compared to the usual dreadful driving CUVs.
  • 1 Hide
    SinisterSalad , June 13, 2014 9:16 AM
    It does drive very much like a car. I'm coming from a '02 Durango. I had also test drove the Acura MDX. Very similar ride at a lower price point.
  • 0 Hide
    tuanies , June 13, 2014 9:18 AM
    The first gen Durango's are awesome. I still love how they look. The MDX is nice. I drove the latest one and its a very nice car minus the annoying dual screen infotainment system. The price tag didn't help sway me either. As much as I enjoy driving expensive cars, I'm quite frugal when it comes to my own car :) 
  • 0 Hide
    SinisterSalad , June 13, 2014 9:25 AM
    It's an SLT+ with the 5.9l and a bad tranny. Interested?? LOL
  • 0 Hide
    tuanies , June 13, 2014 9:26 AM
    I don't need anymore cars, but you sure it's not just a sensor? My dad picked up a '97 Grand Cherokee 5.2 a few years ago with a bad tranny. Turns out it was a bad sensor or something. Been running fine.
  • 0 Hide
    danwat1234 , June 13, 2014 10:24 AM
    THANK YOU for the LED headlight install. I have been watching this tech and am intrigued at the LED headlight kits on Ebay for under $100 that look similar to the kit you bought. It's now competitive to HID kits, though not as bright especially compared with 55w HID kits.

    Maybe if you adjust your headlight up a bit with the adjustment screw the light pattern will be better?

    I would be skeptical that power into the LED is 35 watts. Most say 25 watts or so on Ebay. More watts is more heat and less lumens/watt probably.

  • 0 Hide
    tuanies , June 13, 2014 10:25 AM
    Quote:
    THANK YOU for the LED headlight install. I have been watching this tech and am intrigued at the LED headlight kits on Ebay for under $100 that look similar to the kit you bought. It's now competitive to HID kits, though not as bright especially compared with 55w HID kits.

    Maybe if you adjust your headlight up a bit with the adjustment screw the light pattern will be better?

    I would be skeptical that power into the LED is 35 watts. Most say 25 watts or so on Ebay. More watts is more heat and less lumens/watt probably.



    I wanted to like them so much but the way they're designed, you can't really get proper lighting out of them. If you're in the city and only need close range lighting, sure they'll suffice. However, I live in the country side and being able to see the signs way down is necessary. I ended up pulling them out and buying wiring harnesses to install H9 bulbs. They're 65-watt and 2100 lumens. Life span is shorter but they're only $15 a piece.
  • 0 Hide
    SinisterSalad , June 13, 2014 10:50 AM
    Quote:
    I don't need anymore cars, but you sure it's not just a sensor? My dad picked up a '97 Grand Cherokee 5.2 a few years ago with a bad tranny. Turns out it was a bad sensor or something. Been running fine.

    I've thought about the possibility of it just being a pressure sensor. The transmissions in these are notoriously bad, though. I haven't decided if I want to bother with it yet or not.
  • 0 Hide
    tuanies , June 13, 2014 10:52 AM
    I'd at least get the code read and if its just a sensor, replace it and sell the car for much more.
  • 0 Hide
    SinisterSalad , June 13, 2014 11:14 AM
    Quote:
    I'd at least get the code read and if its just a sensor, replace it and sell the car for much more.

    No codes are being thrown for it. :( 
  • 0 Hide
    tuanies , June 13, 2014 11:16 AM
    That's odd. Could just need a flush and new filter?
  • 0 Hide
    SinisterSalad , June 13, 2014 11:18 AM
    Did that less than 10k before this. Went from WI to Badlands and back just fine last year. Did everything to it as far as maintenance right before the trip out. Mechanics are family, so I trust them. ;) 
  • 0 Hide
    tuanies , June 13, 2014 11:30 AM
    Yea if its not throwing codes, could be anything from solenoids or clutch packs burning out :-\.
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