Who's Going To Integrate a Backup Camera with myGIG/uConnect

MtnLuvr · **Posted:** Sun Feb 22, 2009 10:01 pm

I drive a lot of SUV rentals on business trips. One very functional feature that I like that has been becoming more popular are backup cameras.

Jeep's 2009 Liberty Accessory Catalog shows the dealer installable option of a rearview backup camera as item 5 on page 6 of 8. It can also be purchased on-line at places like Wyckoff Chrysler or your local dealer. Besides the pricing, the one issue I have with Jeep's dealer-installed kit for the Liberty is that it utilizes another whole display unit (which adds to the price). This would be fine for Liberty's that didn't already have a display in their dash like the myGIG/uConnect screen. To add a second display for vehicles equipped with the myGIG/uConnect head units (either the GPS equipped RER U.S. unit or the non-GPS REN U.S. unit) seems like poor integration.

Remember, the myGIG/uConnect head units are common across multiple models across Chrysler's product line. Jeep already carries this kit for installing a rearview camera and integrating it into the OEM myGIG/uConnect display for a Grand Cherokee. Notice how dramatically less expensive the Grand Cherokee kit (that integrates into the existing OEM radio head unit display) is versus the Liberty kit with its own dedicated display.

Yet, the kit for installing the rearview camera for the Liberty seemingly unecessarily includes the separate display or at least Jeep isn't offering two different versions of rearview camera kit like they have for the Grand Cherokee - one that integrates into the myGIG/uConnect display and one with its own dedicated display. Looking through the "Installation Guide" PDF (under "details) of Jeep's description of the Rearview Camera System for the Liberty, although involved, it doesn't seem too bad.

Then there are aftermarket companies that have released products to add or unlock features of the myGIG/uConnect. Companies like Coastal Electronic Technologies which has this "myGIG Lockpick v2" product. Their site is pretty informative with detailed feature listings, installation instructions, informative and how-to videos, etc. Their product even allows adding additional cameras, such as a front view camera. :idea:

Hmmm, that could be an interesting mod to a 4x4 Liberty to help the driver better see placement of obstacles you're creeping up on while off-roading.

So, given the Jeep Liberty Rearview Camera Kit with dedicated display, the much more economical Jeep Grand Cherokee Rearview Camera Kit for integrating with an OEM radio display and/or products like Coastal Electronic Technologies' MyGIG LockPick v2, there are definitely some options to integrate a rearview backup camera with the OEM myGIG/uConnect display.

Who is going to be the first to do it? Bonus points if you post a detailed "How To.." that Digger feels worthy of posting into the KK Tech Section.

SilverKK09 · **Posted:** Mon Feb 23, 2009 10:01 am

you know.... I thought that I was the only crazy guy to have thought about adding a camera to the libby:
My moms Town and Country has a REN radio with a back up camera..I inspected the camera's housing and it fits perfectly on the KK's holes... (yes there are two holes on the license plate lightbar.... I even removed my moms camera to test fit it into mine and it was a success!
I was about to place an order to that same kit of the commander and cherokee, but various questions raised:
1.- how hard/different does the installation is compared to the liberty? the install on the cherokee looks REAL hard and YOU HAVE A MANUAL! Imagine doing that same install without a manual? I guess it would suck
2.- suppose you DO the install... will the dealer want to activate the camera??? My guess is not: Since the canbus for each vehicle is different and since there is no suck thing as an integrated backup camera for the liberty my best bet is that the ADD A CAMERA option on the starscan would not be available......

the lockpick is a cool solution but a expensive one........ I am not ready to blow that money just to be able to see movies or add a backup camera.....

and finally adding another screen to your liberty will just attract crooks....Im always under the impression that someday some crook will steal my mygig.... why add another thing to steal???

HAVING SAID, what I said.... Im really satisfied with my parksense sensors....... they do work like a charm =)

SilverKK09 · **Posted:** Mon Feb 23, 2009 10:13 am

Ok.... just downloaded the instructions for the install on the liberty AND IT SUCKS!!!
If I had to pay 614 bucks for a backup camera I would expect that the installation is included........ and it looks as HARD AS HELL!
Ive seen backup cameras on wallys mart for 100 bucks that also do the job.......

I mean COME ON!!!!! there is no integration on this kit!!!! its an aftermarket kit that some guy put a mopar label on it and they are selling it to you like a OEM POS!
I bet that this thing could be installed IN ANY VEHICLE ANY BRAND! since it really lacks of any special feature... well my .02 cents!
=)

MtnLuvr · **Posted:** Mon Feb 23, 2009 9:37 pm

SilverKK09, I knew this would be your type of project. Now that you've downloaded the installation instructions for the Liberty backup camera install, now download the instructions for the Grand Cherokee backup camera install. That kit, that integrates into the REN/RER myGIG/uConnect only has an MSRP of $167. I bet that kit could be installed into the Liberty KK.

Just trying to keep you thinking......

SilverKK09 · **Posted:** Mon Feb 23, 2009 11:40 pm

Ok: Short answer.. no: you cant integrate a camera on the mygig for the liberty
Long answer
A good friend is the service manager of a local dealership.... he lets me play with the dealerships starscan every once in a while...... I had to go there and I took the time to ask for the starscan. and heres what I found:
I could see under the starscan options of a customer's commander the ability to enable a rearview camera.... then we plugged the starscan on my liberty and the option was not available on the menu...
I guess it can be done but chrysler needs to update the canbus database.....

to my best knowledge it is best to buy the lockpick and buy an aftermarket camera........... its cheapest and more effective (I think)
hope this helps =)

So sad that chrysler took this path..... the ability for the KK to have a rearview camera its there...... but I dont know why chrysler decided to take it off

Who's Going To Integrate a Backup Camera with myGIG/uConnect

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