Troubleshooting the Audiovox ACA250 Backup Camera and Monitor

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Installation of the Audiovox ACA250 Rear Observation Camera

Monitor Installation

Mounting the Monitor: The monitor with flexible mounting pad and double sided tape mounts on either the vehicle windshield or dashboard.

Note: Be sure of position before mounting. The windshield MUST be clean and you MUST apply pressure to the mount to make sure the tape holds.

1. Choose a monitor location in your vehicle that does not block your view and complies with local laws for safe driving.
2. Clean the monitor base and mounting area with a cleaner that does not leave a residue.
3. Remove the protective film from one side of the double-sided tape and apply to the bottom of the monitor base. Next, remove the protective film from the other side of the double-sided tape and carefully position the monitor and press into place.

Electrical Connections:

The monitor can be powered two ways:

1. Cigarette Lighter Adapter: Plug the cigarette lighter adapter into the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket, and then insert the 2.5mm plug into the power supply jack on the monitor.
2. Advanced Hard Wire Installation: Audiovox recommends using a qualified professional for the Hard Wired cable installation. CAUTION: Insure that all wires are run safely and do not interfere with Airbags, Safety Devices, or any other equipment.
   • Choose a source that only has power when the vehicle ignition is on. Check with a meter or test lamp (can be purchased at an auto parts store). After determining your power location; turn off the ignition and disconnect the battery to insure your safety.
   • The Red wire on the Monitor Power Harness is the ignition or +12 volt lead. This must be connected to the power source or fuse box location that you have chosen to use. Insure the connection is covered or protected so it can not short circuit.
   • The Black wire on the harness is to be connected to any -12 volt ground lead or a solid metal location in the vehicle. Also test your location to insure a good solid ground. Just because it is metal does not mean it is a good ground.
   • Plug the power plug into the monitor power supply jack.

After the monitor Installation is complete remove the protective plastic cover from the panel.

NOTE: When using the Cigarette Lighter Adapter, if the Red Power Indicator stays on after you turn your ignition key off, you will want to unplug the adapter to insure that your vehicle battery does not run down when parked for extended periods of time.

To replace the fuse in the Cigarette lighter adapter, unscrew the tip. Replace only with the same rating of fuse or damage may incur.

Camera Installation

1. Remove the rear license plate to determine the best way to run the power wires to the reverse lights. It is important to use the Reverse lights and not the License Plate illumination lamp or any other. The system is designed to come on when the vehicle is in reverse gear only. Improper installation can cause the system to not work or to run at undesired times.
   
   Note: All vehicles are designed differently. We offer some general installation advice here, but check and re-check your installation before starting. Some vehicles may have the license plate on the tailgate and the Reverse lights may be located on the vehicle pillar. In this case you will need to study your vehicle closely to determine the best route for the power wire. In some vehicles you may need to extend the power wire to reach the reverse lamps. The power wire can be purchased at an auto parts store or hardware store if this is needed. Most installations can be completed by running the power cable behind the trunk or tailgate rubber gasket, tucking it under the interior trim panel and either connecting at the back of the reverse lamp in the trunk or removing the reverse lamp assembly (the same procedure as required to replace the light bulb).
2. The camera cable can be routed as recommended above or through an existing wire grommet to reach the interior of the vehicle. If an existing grommet is not available to use, you can drill a hole behind the license plate to access the vehicle. Purchase a rubber grommet from an auto parts store to protect the wire from the sharp edges of a hole if you drill one. The rubber grommet must be a minimum of 13/32" to allow the wire and fuse holder to pass through it. Be sure to check behind the intended drilling location before drilling to ensure no wires or mechanisms interfere or could be damaged during drilling. Check for interference with license plate lights and hatch release switch or mechanism. If not using an existing factory grommet, drill a hole to match the rubber grommet size that you intend to use (13/32" minimum) at the selected location near the vehicle's rear license plate. Route the camera cable connector through the grommet and insert the grommet into the hole to prevent water from entering into the vehicle.
3. Now leave enough wire to route behind the license plate. Place the license plate over the opening and line up the holes. Fasten the camera mounting bracket and the license plate to the vehicle. Use either the lower mounting holes or the upper on the license plate making sure that you do not block any information on your plate that is required by your state laws to be shown.
4. Continue to run the power harness for the camera to the vehicle's reverse lamp. Note: If this a very short distance, be sure to extend the power cable that comes attached to the camera completely. The antenna for the camera is located in the harness.
5. Locate the reverse lamp in the tail light assembly. Generally the Positive wire on the reverse lamp will be a colored wire and the Negative will be a Black wire. If you would like to insure the wires are correct, first engage the emergency brake on the vehicle. Make sure the car is not running but the ignition is switched on and have another person engage the brake pedal, shift into reverse and, insuring your safety, check the wires with a test lamp. Once you have confirmed the positive and negative connection point, place the vehicle in park, shut off the ignition and proceed.
6. Using the tap connector supplied, perform the following steps:
   • i. Place the un-stripped positive lead wire on the run channel.
   • ii. Insert the un-stripped red power wire completely.
   • iii. Fold the tap connector back over the wires and make the connection by crimping the u-contact down flush with the plastic insulator.
   • iv. Close the top hinged cover until latched.
7. Attach the black wire to the ground.
   • i. Place the un-stripped ground lead wire on the run channel.
   • ii. Insert the un-stripped black ground wire completely.
   • iii. Fold the tap connector back over the wires and make the connection by crimping the u-contact down flush with the plastic insulator.
   • iv. Close the top hinged cover until latched.

Note: Because this is a wireless system, the monitor is always watching for a video signal. It is possible to receive signals from other cameras. Systems such as Security camera's, Baby monitors, and even other Back up camera systems can trigger the monitor to briefly turn on. This is normal for wireless products. If you find you have too much activation due to video signals in your area, use the included Monitor Power wire and run it to the rear of the vehicle. Attach it to the same power source as the camera, this will insure the monitor will only come on when you are in reverse and will eliminate any false signals.

Testing the System

To test the Wireless Vehicle Rear Observation System installation, perform the following steps:

1. Set the parking brake.
2. Start the vehicle.
3. Shift the vehicle into reverse.
4. Verify that the monitor displays the image from the rear camera.

If the monitor does not operate, refer to the troubleshooting section of the manual.

 

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