Reverse Cam in Hatch key lock?

[JRHPNG]

Hi,

Have been toying with the idea of installing a reverse camera, not a fan of those number plate mounted ones and after sitting behind a new Mazda 3 hatch at the lights with a flush mount camera in the hatch thought I could put my never used key lock to better use. (Have remote central lock)

It would be a little off center but would save me drilling a new hole and I could use a can like the one pictures...

I know not everyone has the key lock but do you know of anyone that has done this?

Cheers

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[guest1372]

KZ(NZ) Seem the same as KE(UK) models in this respect. The latch mechanism is separate and independent of the key-switch with a powered actuator although there is also a rod connecting the two, the three pin connector on the tailgate key-switch is simple ground/lock/unlock, leaving the the three pins open circuit should be fine (1: gnd-black, 2: lock-blu/whi, 3: unlock-whi/blu.)

I don't think the latch depends on any springs from the key barrel so should be no problem.

You'll probably have seen from your towbar that RHD cars have most of the rear wiring led down the right hand side, and the RH trunk space behind the trim is a pretty spacious area to pick up the reverse lamp power, although you can also tap it near the dash fusebox. Most difficult thing is probably running the RCA cable, easiest to chop the plug off and resolder it.

In a flat battery situation, the internal latch behind the circular cover works well to release the tailgate.

But why bother, it's a short car with decent mirrors - not like you're having to back up a truck.
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TG

[culzean]

But why bother, it's a short car with decent mirrors - not like you're having to back up a truck.

I agree,  Jazz has good visibility to rear because you know that the tailgate screen is rear of car and nice big side mirrors - rear cameras do tend to collect muck on the lens due to 'vacuum' behind the car sucking in air.

[JRHPNG]

Hi,

Thanks for the feedback.  2 reasons,  my wife is learning to drive and we have 2 girls 5 and 3 and one on the way so camera is mainly for safety and ensuring no little people run out behind the car..  the school car park is terrible too with kids running everywhere.

[JRHPNG]

There's also the potential to mod this style of JDM camera for use at blind intersections and the like, it comes up on the display split in 2 with views to the left and right, I imagine it's a standard camera with some fancy mirrors inside maybe... could be situations when it comes in handy. (Probably not but it's a mod / challenge / gimmick to keep my mind occupied) 😊

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[guest1372]

The cost of these things is so low now that there's quite a lot of fun in doing these mods, and your NZ images are stunning.  I was once collected by a Mercedes that had the corner cameras & head-up night vision, very impressive.
--
TG

[guest1372]

The tailgate lock is not mechanically linked to the latch, it's only got the three wires and two bolts holding it in. Seems easy to remove and replace.
--
TG


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