I've got an '06 with the optional backup camera and am wondering if the camera from an '07 can be installed in its place.

I'm rather disappointed with the lame trunk release "dimple" button that is on the passenger side of the car. I use the trunk every day, since I cover the car.

Thus, I'm wondering if the some '06 and '07 parts can be combined so that the regular trunk switch can be used on the '06.

Rob144

 

Good question, I have been wondering the same thing. Anybody know if this can be done or has already been done?

 

I would think it would be pretty simple. The trunk button installed when the camera is inserted on the 2006 RL is in about the same location the camera is on the 2007. I would think it would be a simple wire switch for us? I don't know enough about the install of these items to know how possible this is.

 

I've got a call in to 2 local Acura dealers. Some hemming and hawing about wire lengths and tailgates.

I did learn that the camera on the '06 and '07 is the same part number. One of the parts people said he'd call American Honda and call me back. My regular service adviser will get back to me.
I still think you cut out a hole in the '06 trunk (in the same space as the '07) and move the camera to the left. Then, reinstall the OEM '06 trunk lever. I'd even live with an inert dimple or otherwise filled-in hole.

If all this fails, there's one more dealer to try in the area. I think I may have to go on the lot and be a nudge.
Rob144

 

I've got my dealer looking into it as well. I'll let you all know if they come up with something promising.

 

Any updates? I haven't gotten a callback from my service manager.

Maybe csmeance can find something on the individual components like he did for the parts in the non-NAVI RL.

Rob144

 

I really appreicate the compliment. I did find some stuff for the camera, but the 06 camera has a few pieces and the 2007 one is sold in an assembly, making the face part numbers different. I do not have access to the internal ones. the camera for the 07 is 400 dollars. BTW, since I have only seen an RL once in person (as a loaner in 2006) with navi (no camera) can someone take shots of the 2006 camera, that dimple to open the trunk with and the 2007 owners take apicture of the camera? that would help alot. If the camera is integrated like the one in the 2007 TL, then you would need to replace that rear garnish upon which the handle is for one with a camera attachment or you could retrofit it.

 

They don't know, never been asked before. The reply is that they "think" it will be a simple swap job, just not sure if they can use the current '06 camera or have to get the new '07 camera. Sounds like someone may just have to try it. I'm thinking about it

 

I don't have a picture for you (yet), but you seem to be spot-on with your comment about the garnish. Basically, the '06 camera is mounted under the middle of the chrome trim above the license plate. In so doing, the original trunk release lever was removed and replaced with a little rubber dimple under the chrome trim, just above the right corner of the license plate.

The 2007 apparently uses the same camera part as the 2006, only it is mounted under the chrome trim above the left corner of the license plate. The trunk release lever stays in the middle as it always has.

My thought is that one could cut a hole into the 2006 garnish and use the mounting parts from the 2007 to put the camera on the left side (like the 2007), and then put the original trunk lever back in the center where it belongs. Or one could replace the 2006 garnish with 2007 garnish and have the holes in the right place already.

I'll try and take a picture of my 2006 this week and post it.

Rob144

 

I just got off the phone with one of the local Acura parts reps that I spoke to a few weeks ago. He said he called American Honda and they said something like this has never been done, and to tell the customer that he'd be on his own if he tried it. He mentioned that they said something about messing up the wiring harnesses or some such.

I told him that somebody has to be first to try this stuff. Look at Qatar and his JDM effort! I'm not giving up this easily..... I really hate the dimple.

Rob144

 

well someone posted that the camera harness didn't change so it should work.

 

Here's a picture of the backup camera installed on my 2006 RL. The camera is on the center, and the "dimple" (which is the trunk release button) is the black dot off to the right side. Pretty hokey.





On the 2007, the camera is that black rectangle on the left side, and the trunk release is the original lever in the center.


Rob144

 

I actually prefer my camera centered. But the dimple can be a challenge to find on 1st try.

 

There's a certain symmetry to having the camera in the center. Most cars have them off to the side, though. Our Odyssey's camera is on the right side.

They could have at least put the dimple on the driver's side of the car to make it easier to reach. The right side dimple is probably because it is the driver's side in Japan and they didn't tailor the instructions for left-hand drive.

Rob144

 

I don't mind the dimple at all. As long as you know where it is, it's not an issue. If you miss while reaching for it, it will only be by a couple of inches and a slight movement to the side finds it. The only issue I can see is that if someone who is unfamiliar with it tries to open the trunk, they won't know about the dimple and will reach for the center. As for it being in the passenger side, again, no issues for me. Even if it were on the driver side, I wouldn't be able to reach it from the drivers seat where I just use the release button. The passenger side puts it closer to the curb when parked.

LL

 

So are the MDX and RDX cameras (on the side, that is)

 

Any updates on this?

I am working with Tim at HondaAcuraWorld.com, to see if the 07 parts will fit. It appears that no one has ever done this before. That being said, he is a real gentleman and a pleasure to work with.

He gave me some homework. I need to take a apart the trunk liner and describe the wiring harnesses and available lengths to him. He is concerned about enough slack and the plugs. He was kind enough to send me the installation instructions in a pdf so I can pull apart the trunk.

It is not supposed to be hard, but since I am so mechanically inept, it could be interesting, that is why I want to know if anyone has done this before I mess up the car!

 

I haven't taken the trunk lid apart.

Is the backup camera option on the base '07 the same as the '06 (center mount), or does it mimic the '07 Tech package (side mount)? From the research I've done, the part numbers between '06 and '07 are the same.

Can you scan or post the PDF instructions?

 

If I have a chance later tonight I will look through the shop manuals and give you my feedback. Initial thoughts seem to be that the swap would be as simple as changing out the rear garnish of the '06 for the '07. I'd doubt they changed any of the dimensions of anything on the trunk lid.

 

So here is a stupid question. How do I post the pdf so you can see it?

 

Assuming you have a scanned image of the PDF, the easiest way to get a free account with Photobucket (or similar free hosting service). You upload the image, and they provide links that you can cut and paste into your message posting.

I'm not sure how to post attachments (I am not allowed, according to the Posting Rules). Hence, I use photobucket to link to my pictures.

Have you gotten any further along with your investigation?

Rob144

 

If you send it to me as an email attachment (PM me for address), I can host it like I did for the Center Console PDF (http://www.henryfamily.org/acura/RL/06rlmusiclink.pdf).

Bob...

 

Rob, you should be able to get to the PDF at this URL. Thanks for the PDF Chas2!

Good luck and let us know what you find.

Bob...

 

This link should work for the RL guys as the navi drive is almost the same, I does have that connector that the RL needs.. I think.

https://acurazine.com/forums/audio-video-electronics-navigation-22/backup-camera-diy-362179/

 

Are the 2007 instructions are the same as the 2006 instructions? If they are, then the project becomes more of a challenge in that you'd have to order replacement 2007 parts from a Tech model and then modify the existing 2006 installation.

Step 19 of the PDF calls for cutting the license trim, which blows the idea out of the water for me. You'd have to replace that part with the original part, and then you'd need the original trunk lever. My car is in Celestial Silver, which is discontinued - maybe not a problem, but going piecemeal seems expensive.

My goal would be to make a 2006 with the optional camera look like a 2007 Tech (with the standard side-mount camera). It doesn't seem so easy now that I see the instructions.

Rob144