1. How to Replace a Factory Backup Camera on a 2015 Subaru Impreza

**How to Replace the Factory Backup Camera on a 2015 Subaru Impreza**

When your Subaru Impreza’s backup camera malfunctions, it can be a major safety hazard. If you’re not comfortable replacing the camera yourself, you can always take it to a mechanic. However, if you’re handy with a wrench and a screwdriver, you may be able to save yourself some money by doing it yourself. In this article, we’ll show you how to replace the factory backup camera on a 2015 Subaru Impreza.

**Materials You’ll Need:**

New backup camera
10mm socket wrench
Phillips head screwdriver
Trim removal tool
Electrical tape

Steps:

Disconnect the negative terminal of your battery. This is a safety precaution to prevent any electrical shocks.
Locate the backup camera. It is located in the center of the rear bumper.
Remove the two bolts that hold the camera in place. These bolts are located on the top and bottom of the camera.
Disconnect the electrical connector from the back of the camera.
Remove the old camera from the bumper.
Install the new camera in the bumper.
Connect the electrical connector to the back of the camera.
Tighten the two bolts that hold the camera in place.
Reconnect the negative terminal of your battery.
Test the backup camera to make sure it is working properly.

Necessary Tools and Materials

Replacing the factory backup camera on a 2015 Subaru Impreza requires specific tools and materials. Gathering all the necessary items beforehand ensures a smooth and efficient installation process.

Tools:

Phillips head screwdriver
Flat head screwdriver
Trim removal tool
10mm socket wrench
Electrical tape
Multimeter (optional)

Materials:


Replacement backup camera
Harness adapter (if needed)
Cable ties

Safety Precautions:

It is crucial to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery before commencing any electrical work. This step prevents electrical shock and potential damage to the vehicle’s electrical system.

Safety Precautions

Before you begin working on your Subaru Impreza’s backup camera, it’s important to take some safety precautions. First, make sure that your car is parked on a level surface and that the parking brake is engaged. Next, disconnect the negative terminal of your car’s battery to prevent any electrical shocks.

Getting Access to the Wiring Harness

Once you have taken the necessary safety precautions, you need to get access to your Subaru Impreza’s backup camera wiring harness. To do this, follow these steps:

Open the trunk of your car.
Locate the access panel for the wiring harness. It is usually located on the left side of the trunk, behind the taillight assembly.
Remove the access panel by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place.
Locate the backup camera wiring harness. It is usually a black or gray harness with a yellow connector.

Removing the Old Camera

To remove the old camera, follow these steps:

Disconnect the battery. This is a safety precaution to prevent any electrical shorts from occurring while you are working on the camera.
Locate the camera. The camera is usually located in the rear bumper of the car. It is typically mounted on a bracket or inside a housing.
Remove the mounting screws or bolts. There will typically be two or three screws or bolts that hold the camera in place. Use a screwdriver or wrench to remove these screws or bolts.
Unplug the camera connector. The camera connector is usually a small, rectangular connector that is located on the back of the camera. Use your fingers to carefully unplug the connector.
Remove the camera. Once the connector is unplugged, you should be able to carefully remove the camera from its mounting bracket or housing.

Tip:
If the camera is stuck in place, you can use a gentle prying motion to loosen it. Be careful not to damage the camera or the surrounding area.

Preparing the New Camera

Before installing the new backup camera, you need to make sure it is properly prepared. This includes ensuring that it is compatible with your vehicle’s electrical system and that the mounting hardware is secure.

**Checking Compatibility**

Verify that the new backup camera is compatible with your Subaru Impreza 2015. This includes checking the voltage requirements, connector type, and video format. Consult the manufacturer’s specifications or the vehicle’s owner’s manual for more information.

**Secure Mounting Hardware**

Ensure that the mounting hardware for the new backup camera is secure. This includes checking the bolts and screws used to attach the camera to the vehicle. Tighten them to the specified torque value to prevent the camera from becoming loose or rattling during operation.

**Wiring Connections**

Prepare the wiring connections for the new backup camera. Identify the power, ground, and video signal wires. Strip the ends of the wires by about 1/2 inch and connect them to the appropriate terminals on the camera. Use crimp connectors or solder to ensure a secure and weatherproof connection.

**Testing the Camera**

Place the new backup camera in a safe location and connect it to a power source. Turn on the ignition and put the vehicle in reverse gear. The camera should display the rear view of the vehicle on the dashboard screen. Adjust the camera’s position if necessary to ensure a clear view.

Installing the New Camera

1: Preparation

Before you begin the installation process, gather the necessary tools and materials, including the new backup camera, a screwdriver set, a wire cutter, and electrical tape.

2: Removing the Old Camera

Locate the old backup camera on the rear of your vehicle. Using a screwdriver, carefully remove the screws securing the camera. Gently pull the camera out of its housing and disconnect the electrical connectors.

3: Mounting the New Camera

Position the new backup camera in the same location as the old one. Align the mounting holes and secure the camera using the screws provided.

4: Connecting the Wires

Connect the power wires, ground wire, and video signal wire from the new camera to the corresponding connectors in the vehicle’s wiring harness. Ensure that all connections are tight and secure.

5: Routing the Wires

Route the wires from the camera through the vehicle’s interior to the dashboard area where you will connect them to the aftermarket head unit.
– **Remove the Door Sill Trim:** Use a trim removal tool or a flat-head screwdriver to carefully detach the door sill trim.
– **Remove the Kick Panel:** Locate the kick panel under the dashboard and remove it by unclipping it from its mounts.
– **Route the Wires:** Run the camera wires behind the kick panel and through the firewall into the engine bay.
– **Connect to the Head Unit:** Extend the wires to the dashboard area and connect them to the appropriate inputs on the aftermarket head unit.

6: Finishing Up

Reinstall the kick panel and door sill trim. Test the new backup camera to ensure it is functioning correctly.

Wiring the New Camera

1. Locate the wiring harness that connects to the factory backup camera. It is usually located behind the rear bumper or near the license plate.

2. Unplug the wiring harness from the factory camera.

3. Connect the new camera’s wiring harness to the wiring harness that you just unplugged from the factory camera.

4. Route the new camera’s wiring harness to the front of the vehicle, where it will be connected to the head unit.

5. Connect the new camera’s wiring harness to the head unit. The head unit will typically have a dedicated input for the backup camera.

6. Test the new backup camera to make sure that it is working properly. Shift the vehicle into reverse and check the display on the head unit to see if the camera is providing a clear image. If the camera is not working properly, check the connections and make sure that the wiring harness is not damaged.

Wire Color	Function
Black	Ground
Red	Power
Yellow	Video signal

Connecting the New Camera to the Head Unit

7. Connect the camera to the Head Unit

Now that the camera is mounted, it’s time to connect it to the head unit. This process will vary slightly depending on the make and model of your car, but the general steps are the same.

1. Locate the RCA input on the back of the head unit. This is typically a yellow RCA jack.
2. Connect the RCA cable from the camera to the RCA input on the head unit.
3. Run the power wire from the camera to a 12-volt power source. This can be done by connecting it to the fuse box or by tapping into an existing wire.
4. Ground the camera by connecting the black wire to a metal surface on the car.
5. Turn on the head unit and put it into reverse gear. The camera should now be displaying on the screen.

Wire	Color	Function
Video	Yellow	Connects the camera to the head unit
Power	Red	Provides power to the camera
Ground	Black	Connects the camera to a metal surface on the car

Testing the New Camera

Once the new camera is installed, it’s crucial to test its functionality thoroughly to ensure it’s working correctly. Here’s a comprehensive guide to testing the new backup camera:

1. Power On and Check Display

Start your vehicle and shift into reverse gear. The backup camera should automatically display on the rearview mirror or infotainment screen.

2. Adjust Guidelines

Use the adjustment buttons on the display to align the guidelines with the rear bumper. This will help you estimate the distance to objects behind your vehicle.

3. Test Daytime Visibility

Drive during the day to assess the camera’s clarity and field of view. Ensure you can clearly see obstacles and objects behind you.

4. Test Nighttime Visibility

At night, turn on your headlights and observe the camera’s performance. It should provide sufficient illumination and image quality to navigate safely.

5. Check Field of View

Reverse your vehicle and check if the camera provides a wide enough field of view to cover the area behind you. You should be able to see any objects or pedestrians in your blind spots.

6. Test Lens Distortion

Drive towards objects at varying distances and observe the camera’s lens distortion. Make sure there is minimal fisheye effect or image warping.

7. Check Resolution and Image Quality

Examine the image quality on the display. Look for clarity, color accuracy, and absence of noise or artifacts.

8. Advanced Features

If your new camera has advanced features like cross-traffic alert or blind-spot monitoring, test these functions to ensure they are working properly. Use these tests to verify the accuracy and reliability of the backup camera. By performing thorough testing, you can ensure that it provides the necessary visibility and safety enhancements while driving your Subaru Impreza 2015.

Disabling the STARLINK system

If a backup camera malfunction persists, you can try disabling the STARLINK telematics system and turning it back on. This may resolve camera connectivity issues.

Time for a software update

Subaru periodically releases software updates that can address bugs and enhance camera performance. Check if an update is available through the STARLINK system or at a Subaru dealership.

Scrutinizing wire connections

Loose or damaged wire connections can hinder camera functionality. Inspect the connections between the camera and the display, ensuring they’re secure and free of corrosion. If necessary, reconnect or replace the wires.

Verifying fuse integrity

A blown fuse can disrupt power supply to the backup camera. Locate the fuse labeled “Backup Camera” in the fuse box and replace it with a new fuse of the same amperage rating.

Dirt buildup removal

Dirt accumulation on the camera lens can obscure the camera’s view. Clean the lens gently with a soft cloth and mild detergent to restore its visibility.

Troubleshooting common issues

Disassembly and camera replacement

Before starting, park your Impreza on a flat surface and engage the parking brake. Gather the following tools: a 10mm socket wrench, a Phillips-head screwdriver, a trim removal tool, and a new backup camera.

Here are the steps to replace the camera:

Open the trunk and locate the plastic trim panel covering the license plate light.
Carefully pry off the trim panel using a trim removal tool.
Unplug the license plate light harness.
Remove the two 10mm bolts holding the backup camera in place.
Disconnect the electrical connector from the back of the camera.
Remove the old camera and replace it with the new one.
Reconnect the electrical connector and tighten the mounting bolts.
Reinstall the license plate light and trim panel.
Test the backup camera to ensure it’s functioning properly.

Tools You’ll Need:

1. Screwdriver
2. Trim removal tool
3. Flashlight
4. New backup camera
5. Wiring harness (if needed)

Step 1: Disconnect the Battery

Before you start working on the backup camera, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. This will prevent any electrical accidents.

Step 2: Remove the Trunk Liner

Use the trim removal tool to carefully pry off the trunk liner. Start from the bottom and work your way up, being careful not to damage the liner.

Step 3: Locate the Backup Camera

The backup camera is usually located in the center of the rear bumper. It is held in place by a few screws.

Step 4: Remove the Screws

Use the screwdriver to remove the screws that are holding the backup camera in place.

Step 5: Disconnect the Wiring Harness

Disconnect the wiring harness from the backup camera. Make sure to note which wires go where so you can reconnect them correctly later.

Step 6: Remove the Backup Camera

Once the wiring harness is disconnected, you can remove the backup camera from the bumper.

Step 7: Install the New Backup Camera

Place the new backup camera in the bumper and secure it with the screws.

Step 8: Connect the Wiring Harness

Connect the wiring harness to the new backup camera. Make sure to connect the wires correctly.

Step 9: Reinstall the Trunk Liner

Reinstall the trunk liner by snapping it back into place.

Step 10: Test the Backup Camera

reconnect the negative terminal of the battery and start the car. Shift the car into reverse and check if the backup camera is working properly. If it is not working, double-check the wiring connections and make sure that the new backup camera is compatible with your car.

How To Replace Factory Backup Camera Subaru Impreza 2015

Replacing the factory backup camera on a 2015 Subaru Impreza is a straightforward process that can be completed in under an hour. Here are the steps on how to do it:

Park the car in a well-lit area and put it in park.
Open the trunk and locate the access panel for the backup camera. It is usually located on the inside of the trunk lid.
Remove the access panel by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place.
Disconnect the electrical connector from the backup camera.
Unscrew the bolts that hold the backup camera in place and remove it from the vehicle.
Install the new backup camera by reversing the steps above.
Test the backup camera to make sure it is working properly.