Factory Rearview Camera Add

bartonjude · January 26, 2016

I am considering a 15 CC Z71 with 2LT/nav. For some reason the truck did not come equipped with rearview camera, which is really odd. The salesman can't explain it. He did say they can add a GM camera and it will function as if installed at factory.

Should I have any concerns?

O_J_Simpson · January 26, 2016

Yes. That truck came with a camera but it left when the tailgate was stolen or wrecked and replaced, without the camera.

bartonjude · January 26, 2016

I'll have to look at the sticker much closer to verify that.

redwngr · January 26, 2016

Check for rpo code UVC on the label in the glovebox.

UVC is rear vision camera.

If it left the factory with a camera, the code will be on the label.

Did you check the tailgate handle for the camera lense?

Maybe it has one and the harness is unplugged.

PCM (LT convenience package) or PDU (all star edition) will get the UVC camera on an 2015 LT2.

Edited January 26, 2016 by redwngr

ROLNSLO · January 26, 2016

Yes, you can add the OE rear camera to a truck that didn't have that option from the factory. GM was kind enough to at least put the wiring in place whether the truck was ordered with it or not. However, it can be a pain to get the MyLink (HMI module) software updated to accept that there was a camera added later. The pain isn't on GM's side, it's likely going to be your dealer's service department not understanding what to do. I just went through this last month.

Parts you'll need:

1. New tailgate handle with opening for camera (I bought a new take off from ebay for $24)

2. GM camera (Found a GM dealer online that sold them for $105, not the list price)

3. 2 screws that attach the camera to the tailgate handle (had to order @ $4 each)

The service department will need to open a case with TCSC (GM Techline) and have them update the VIN in their system to add the rear vision option to the truck's vehicle record. There is likely going to be a charge to the dealer to do that ($50). Once the VIN is updated, the service tech can then update the HMI module software via the standard software update process. After the HMI module is updated, the truck should display a black screen with the guidelines on the dash display screen when you put it in reverse. Plug in the camera into the RC port on the junction box behind the rear bumper and then MyLink will display the camera image instead of a black screen. Total tech time should be less than an hour.

PM me if you need more details or part numbers. Your best bet is to get your dealer to put it in writing that 'they' will add the rear view camera as part of the sale so they are stuck paying for parts and time to get the MyLink system updated instead of you. Doing it myself, even buying parts as cheap as possible, it still cost me about $300 for parts/labor, with the majority going to the tech's time he spent with GM's Techline support team trying to figure out what to do.

bartonjude · January 27, 2016

Thanks ROLN, I spoke to the service manager, and he said they have done it before with no issues.

The truck did not come with it from factory, no lenses on tailgate handle.

Salesman said he would throw it in for no extra charge.

JRaschke11 · January 27, 2016

Starting May 1st, 2016 the new law will phase in that makes a backup camera mandatory on all new vehicles sold in the USA. They have until 2018 to be 100% compliant with a camera on every single new vehicle sold.

sk · January 28, 2016

The 2LT package DEFINITELY comes with a backup camera. Sounds like the tailgate was replaced at some point. As long as the dealer is installing it at no charge you should be good ...

redwngr · January 28, 2016

The 2LT package DEFINITELY comes with a backup camera. Sounds like the tailgate was replaced at some point. As long as the dealer is installing it at no charge you should be good ...

Not according to the 2016 order guide it's not 'std' on 2LT.

Guide says:

Included and only available with (PCM) LT Convenience Package, (PDU) All Star Edition or (PDA) Texas Edition.

(it's also available in convenience packages on LS and WT. It's standard on LTZ and High country)

lawnboy-5247 · January 28, 2016

So can I add a camera to my 2014 base sierra by just getting the camera running the wires down to the electrical box on the rear of the truck and getting the hmi updated?

Edited January 28, 2016 by lawnboy-5247

ROLNSLO · January 28, 2016

So can I add a camera to my 2014 base sierra by just getting the camera running the wires down to the electrical box on the rear of the truck and getting the hmi updated?

Maybe? Most of us that did this have the IO4/5/6 MyLink systems but someone mentioned in this thread, http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/169324-reverse-camera-update/page-1, that even the base WT trim with IO3 had the camera as an option so it may work on your Sierra. I'd confirm with your dealer before spending any money on parts.

Purebred_mutt · June 13, 2016

2016 Silverado LT 4x4. It did not come with a rear view camera. I installed a factory camera and tailgate latch, plugged in into the junction box under the bed. Took it to the dealer to be flashed. Now all I get is "Service rear view system".

Purebred_mutt · June 17, 2016

2016 Silverado LT. It did not come with the backup camera, did have the tailgate lock. I purchased GM camera and new tailgate latch. Installed them myself. Took it to the dealer to get it flashed, dealer flashed the system, rear view camera showed up in setting, but no picture in reverse. Long story short, I had the camera plugged into the wrong place ( turned out where i had it plugged into was just an empty plug). I worked with the guys at the dealer, they eventually told me if the truck wasn't born with the camera, you couldn't add it. I went out to the lot and crawled under a 2016 that had a backup camera and traced the cable from the tailgate to where it plugged in. That cable had 8 wires in it, mine only had two. I surmised the backup camera and tailgate lock wiring was in the same cable. I unplugged the cable for my tailgate lock and plugged in the cable for the camera, I now had a camera but no tailgate lock. The camera plug had two empty slots, so I disassembled both plugs and moved the tailgate lock wires to the camera plug, now everything works. I have backup camera and tailgate lock. I do not have any warning sign/sounds when backing though. Not really a problem as I only really wanted it to assist in hooking up to my trailers.

Happy to help anybody with this mod.