Reverse Lighting Wire?

[Tommy141x]

Hey, I recently installed an aftermarket headunit on my JL Unlimited Sport, and found the reverse light wire on my harness doesn't function. I tested the reverse wire from my headunit by tapping into a wire I know has power and was able to see the backup camera pop up (So now I know the headunit works). Through some google searches I found many people tapped into the tail light's reverse wire. So I then ran a wire all the way back to the tail light, I cut the reverse light wire for the tail light (confirmed the reverse light on the tail light wasn't working anymore to make sure its the right wire), wired everything back together with a connection for my headunit. And the reverse light on the tail light began working again so I know there is power going through that wire (right?) but the head unit isn't showing my backup camera. I know by tapping the wire to something that I know for sure is power, the head unit pops up the backup camera, so did I do something wrong with wiring or? Any advice?

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[Whaler27]

Any chance your connection to the reverse wire failed? I’d ground a test light and make sure your wire running from the connection to the head unit has power when the reverse light is on.

I’ve had wires slip from both butt connectors and side-taps over the years. Now I’m much more disciplined about making sure the wire doesn’t slip during attachment, I always tug-test, and I upgraded to a great crimping tool and good connectors, not the kind they sell at Autozone and such.

 

[Tommy141x]

Any chance your connection to the reverse wire failed? I’d ground a test light and make sure your wire running from the connection to the head unit has power when the reverse light is on.

I’ve had wires slip from both butt connectors and side-taps over the years. Now I’m much more disciplined about making sure the wire doesn’t slip, and I spent the money on a great crimping tool and good connectors, not the kind they sell at Autozone and such.

I'll check the connection again, might pickup a cheap tester from walmart too. If the connection is fine maybe I need a relay? I wouldn't think so for a reverse light wire but I'm not sure.

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