I have bought a Ford S-Max 2016 that unfortunately came without a reverse camera. I want to install a camera and I have read on the forum that owners have done it. Only it was a bit unclear what parts were needed, if the correct connections was available in the car, what type of camera was used etc.

I understand I need a reverese camera kit, Forscan software, and a ELM327? How do I determine if the APIM is the correct model that supports reverese camera?

Do I need to put in new cables from the rear to the factory touch screen? Or are cables allready installed?

Hello John,

If you have the rear parking sensors then your APIM unit should be able to support a reverse camera.

Then the next thing you have to decide is do you want the full all singing and dancing factory camera (expensive) with the 'moving' guide lines. Or would you be happy with the same picture but with 'static' reverse lines on the camera (very much cheaper).

Depending on what you choose then that will alter what other parts you need.

Are you a very confident DIY person, not afraid to pull your dashboard apart ?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313&_nkw=175408931039&_sacat=0

Follow this guide from the FORScan forum with regards to changing the as built data.

https://forscan.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=7779&p=26184&hilit=reversing+camera+sync+2#p26184 

Also look to both APIM and IPC modules and select rear view camera.

I bought the following kit and completed it 2 nights ago.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/194210910397 camera

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/194210910397 APIM adaptor

Follow this youtube video (brief but you get the idea) on how to take apart the dash.

Be brave, make sure you use only plastic tools.

I went through the roof lining using a cable snake to help feed, most difficult part was taking the cable from the boot lid to cat interior, the wee black rubber cable way is a pain.

 

FYI. When removing the centre console you'll need to move the shifter to different gears (assuming you have auto) to allow room for getting this off.

I unplugged the start/stop buttons and park brake, this caused DTCs which then need to be cleared via FORScan.

Do you have a battery maintainer? A good investment should you then go on to download new firmware for the IPC, my car was a Dec 2015 model, so Sync2 and basic digital dash.

I now after (1 hour download and upload) i have the updated though not to 2017 dash with the speedo in the centre under the Phone/Nav/Audio selector.

I tied my camera into the reverse light, Grey = Live and Black = Ground, you'll also see a blue wire, don't touch this. Use either a through crimp or cable splitter.

Get yourself small/mini tie wraps.

When i took the rear "satin" trim off i also took off the number plate and cleaned the entire area, the trim has a plastic rectangle that is removable and the camera kit comes with a drill bit.

I also took the opportunity to replace my number plate lights to LED ( and also my puddle mirror lamps)

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003237985469.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.3a6d1802nXAQcV (plate)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/303789204020 (mirror)

I also wrapped the trim piece to get away from the "chrome" look.