license plate light/backup camera

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Lights, Neon, LEDs, HIDs
Forum Discription: Under Car Lighting, Strobe Lights, Fog Lights, Headlights, HIDs, DRL, Tail Lights, Brake Lights, Dashboard Lights, WigWag, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=136340
Printed Date: May 11, 2025 at 1:34 PM

Topic: license plate light/backup camera

Posted By: jasonthatsme
Subject: license plate light/backup camera
Date Posted: March 26, 2014 at 5:15 PM

Howdy folks. Been coming here a while, but this is my first post. So I put a backup camera on my van. The camera I bought is mounted with the license plate bolts. It has night vision. I didn't take in to account the proximity of the license plate light to the camera. The light totally washes out the picture. What I want to do is put a relay or switch of some sort that would cut out the license plate light when I put the van in reverse and the camera comes on. I'm sure there is a way to do this but it is beyond my limited knowledge of dc. Anyone care to help me with this? Thanks!

Replies:

Posted By: jasonthatsme
Date Posted: March 26, 2014 at 5:17 PM

Remember...limited knowledge. :oops:

Posted By: the12volt
Date Posted: March 26, 2014 at 5:30 PM

Using an SPDT relay, cut the license plate light power wire and connect as follows.

85 to 12V+ from backup light
86 to ground
30 to one side of cut license plate light power wire
87a to other side of cut license plate light power wire
87 not used, insulate terminal

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Posted By: the12volt
Date Posted: March 26, 2014 at 5:31 PM

https://www.the12volt.com/relays/relays.asp

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Posted By: jasonthatsme
Date Posted: March 26, 2014 at 5:40 PM

Wow! Thanks for the quick reply. Will any 12v SPDT relay work? Is there any certain brand you recommend?

Posted By: the12volt
Date Posted: March 26, 2014 at 6:06 PM

You're welcome. Yes, any automotive 12V SPDT relay will work. Bosch/Tyco, Potter & Brumfield, or one from your local Radio Shack.

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