Ford OEM Backup Camera

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

The local yard currently has a 2013 Expedition with backup camera and mirror display. I could get these parts cheap, but how hard would it be to wire them up?

The big question is: is some other module needed?

I cannot find a 2013 Expedition diagram. What I found was this 2012 Escape diagram, which does not show any other hardware:



However, I also came across a 2011 Edge diagram which shows an "Accessory Protocol Interface Module". Which is  what?

Someone on here installed a camera. Maybe @Derphound01 ?

 

[Derphound01]

It was not me (yet).

The APIM is the computer in modern Fords that controls all the 12V accessories inside the cabin. SYNC3 APIMs are notorious for pooping the bed. When they go, everything inside the cabin excluding the cluster and steering wheel controls goes kaput. The one in my Edge just died and is currently getting replaced at the dealership.

2012 was the last year for the box-body Escapes. Those did not have an APIM, but they did have an ACM with the touchscreens. The bottom left of that diagram seems to be for Escapes without the touchscreen, so an ACM is not required for the mirror displays. You just need 12V to the mirror and a way to trigger the camera to power on with the reverse lights.

You could go aftermarket with an OE-style mirror, as well. Same concept, but no factory wiring diagrams to decipher.

https://www.amazon.com/Master-Tailgaters-Mirror-Adjusting-Brightness/dp/B06XHQ1QXX/

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

It was not me (yet).

Oops. Someone else then... Maybe it was back on tstsnbn.

The APIM is the computer in modern Fords that controls all the 12V accessories inside the cabin. SYNC3 APIMs are notorious for pooping the bed. When they go, everything inside the cabin excluding the cluster and steering wheel controls goes kaput. The one in my Edge just died and is currently getting replaced at the dealership.

2012 was the last year for the box-body Escapes. Those did not have an APIM, but they did have an ACM with the touchscreens. The bottom left of that diagram seems to be for Escapes without the touchscreen, so an ACM is not required for the mirror displays. You just need 12V to the mirror and a way to trigger the camera to power on with the reverse lights.

Any idea where the '13 Expedition would fall? The mirror has a reverse trigger. The camera only has a hot in run I think.

You could go aftermarket with an OE-style mirror, as well. Same concept, but no factory wiring diagrams to decipher.

That would be too easy and a waste of money.

 

[Derphound01]

Any idea where the '13 Expedition would fall? The mirror has a reverse trigger. The camera only has a hot in run I think.

My assumption is this. The 2013 Expedition without touchscreens was in the same generation as the 2012 Escape re: electronics. If the Expedition you pulled the mirror from didn't have a touchscreen, the mirror probably does not need an APIM to function.

Considering the mirror itself has a reverse trigger pin, I would say it'll wire right up. Get the pigtail from the donor car and start wiring. Connect the 12V to a switched source and the trigger to the reverse lights.

That would be too easy and a waste of money.

I have reached the age where I don't care if it is too easy as long as it works and looks like a factory job.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

. If the Expedition you pulled the mirror from

Haven't pulled it yet...just pondering the idea. But your assumptions are sound.

Now do I really want this? I would lose the compass mirror I have now, and I really like a compass.

 

[Ericv8thunderbird]

I run a cheap Amazon back up camera to my radio, it’s very discreet, I can’t remember if I posted in here or the old forum. Let me see if I can find it.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Someone on here installed a camera

It was @Ericv8thunderbird .

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

I run a cheap Amazon back up camera to my radio, it’s very discreet, I can’t remember if I posted in here or the old forum. Let me see if I can find it.

I literally just found it. But you had it going to the mirror, not the radio.

 

[Ericv8thunderbird]

Found it. I swapped the original mirror back on to the car, and now run it to my radio with car play, I don’t have a pic handy of it on my radio, unfortunately.

 

[Derphound01]

Now do I really want this? I would lose the compass mirror I have now, and I really like a compass.

https://www.amazon.com/Master-Tailgaters-Mirror-Adjusting-Brightness/dp/B06XHTJZR5/

 

[Grog6]

If you really need a compass, there are stick-on compasses available cheap.

 

[Derphound01]

In fairness, he doesn't have EATC with the outside temperature display.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

In fairness, he doesn't have EATC with the outside temperature display.

My current mirror doesn't have that either, so no change there.

The main deterrent currently is the smallness of the OEM backup display which is only about a quarter of the mirror surface, as opposed to that aftermarket unit where it's closer to half.

Still undecided...

 

[Grog6]

The satc and autolamp setup are two options I'd grab from a jy.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

The satc and autolamp setup are two options I'd grab from a jy.

Doesn't that require a whole different dash harness and different blend door? Doesn't seem worth it to me.

 

[Grog6]

Yes; installing either would suck. But I missed it on the tbird.

 

[XR7-4.6]

SATC introduces 3 points of probable failure to the 3 knob manuals 1(the resistor which is as easy and cheap as changing a lightbulb). My car came without SATC but with autolamps and I wish I had kept it that way now.

You also need to modify the heater box for the duct to the air sensor and add in the CELO solenoid to the vacuum harness for SATC.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Yeah, nah...

 

[Grog6]

I'll agree, simpler is better long term. I considered modding the tbird; it needs a dash from the bags blowing, and I figured I'd find one with the options, and snag it.