Backup Camera Replacement

[BobSacomano]

I was looking through my hard drive today and realized I took these pics last summer when I replaced the backup camera on my truck. I thought I'd share them for anybody who wants to take on the job in the future.

The view from the stock camera after five years of existence

Before

• BobSacomano
• Mar 5, 2021

The existing view from the 5 year old camera.

Remove the tailgate access panel. Mine has Torx nuts.

Access Panel

• BobSacomano
• Mar 5, 2021

Remove the torx bolts all the way around your tailgate's access panel and remove.

This is the tailgate latch and handle assembly

The tailgate handle assembly

• BobSacomano
• Mar 5, 2021

The tailgate mechanical latch assembly needs to be disconnected to access the handle and camera.

You need to remove the two 10mm nuts to allow the latch assembly to be lifted out of the way and the handle assembly to drop out.

Two Nuts

• BobSacomano
• Mar 5, 2021

I used a socket wrench with an extension to get to the two 10mm nuts that allow the lathcing...

I used a 10mm socket with an extension to reach them.

NOTE: You'll unclip the backup camera next, when you remove it from the handle (I don't have a picture of this). Make sure you familiarize yourself with how to release the clip, so you don't break it (like I did).

Once you've unclipped the old camera and removed it, it'll look like this.

The Old Camera

• BobSacomano
• Mar 5, 2021

Here's the old camera, ready to be removed from the tailgate handle.

A look at the old camera lens. Yes it was bad news.

The Old Camera lens

• BobSacomano
• Mar 5, 2021

It was lookin' pretty crummy.

New Camera. I think it was $110 iirc

New camera

• BobSacomano
• Mar 5, 2021

I thinki it was $110 iirc

A better look at the new camera

Shiny new camera

• BobSacomano
• Mar 5, 2021

I installed the new camera, reassembled the latch, and replaced the access panel cover in the...

Install the new camera in the handle assembly and connect the clip. Replace the handle assembly, the latch assembly, replace the two 10mm nuts, and close the tailgate access panel.

DONE

The New View. The picture doesn't do it justice. It's beautiful now.

The New View

• BobSacomano
• Mar 5, 2021

The picture doesn't do it justice. It's a beautiful, clean view.

SPECIAL NOTE: I had a problem getting the truck to recognize the new camera when I installed it. I got the dreaded BSOD, the blue screen of death. At the suggestion of someone here, I unclipped the camera, used some dielectric grease on the connection and replaced the camera. Problem solved.

 

[Blatherbeard]

Question- i have a new tailgate to put on my truck(bought it with a big dent in the tailgate). The gifted tailgate i got from a friend doesnt have the backkup camera in the handle, otherwise they look identical(gonna test fit today). Can that whole lock/cam assembly be moved to the new tailgate that you can tell? (posing question to you since you seem to have taken the whole assbly apart for this)

thanks for any info

 

[BobSacomano]

I think it should just swap right over.

 

[Lance Brunn]

I have a 2014 Ram Big Horn. My camera is so blurry I can barely see anything. Will this camera plug and play on my Ram?

 

[GTyankee]

2013 to maybe 2018 Mopar cameras should all work in the tailgate handle, even back as far as 2009 Ram 1500 may work

Some cameras have the guidance lines that move when you turn the steering wheel, others don't have those lines

Some people don't have the money to spend for a new tailgate handle, but they do want a back up camera
If you have a tailgate handle with a locking mechanism
You can drill a hole that will hold the camera & save yourself some $$

read what 1 member did

Rear view camera installed

I decided to go ahead and tear apart my dash again last night and install my backup camera. While I was behind the dash I also put in my parking brake bypass so I can watch movies while driving. :naughty: Anyways, the camera install was fairly simple. You have to take off the access cover on...

www.ramforum.com

 

[BobSacomano]

I have a 2014 Ram Big Horn. My camera is so blurry I can barely see anything. Will this camera plug and play on my Ram?

Yes, it should.

 

[Tones1975]

So I believe I may have the same problem on my 2019 Rebel. I've all of a sudden noticed that the backup camera has lost its picture quality and is now very blurry. My lens looks similar to the pic you posted.

 

[BobSacomano]

Yep. Water infiltration

 

[One Mile Up]

My 2017 2500 Laramie's back-up camera did the same thing more recently.... Here is the updated part# in case you need it (#68274731AE). I just got mine on ebay for $200.