Backup camera helpful when parking

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/08/2015 (3759 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Question: I recently rented a new car with a built-in backup camera, which I found very useful. I would like to add an aftermarket camera to my 2013 Elantra. I would prefer one with a display that mounts to the rear-view mirror, to avoid a separate display. Do you have any recommendations? Make and model? Wired or wireless? Thank you for your help.

Bob

Answer: Backup cameras are something that once you use, you really do want one all the time. Not only are they helpful in backing into a spot, they offer an additional level of safety if someone or something is hidden behind your vehicle. I sometimes find the neighbour’s children have left a toy behind my vehicle in the driveway.

According to Ford research, by 2018, we will be buying 15 million new cameras each year, and vehicles will have multiple cameras. The next generation of F-series Ford SuperDuty trucks will have as many as seven cameras. For those of us without a backup camera in our vehicles, there are many aftermarket options. I do prefer the wireless systems over the hard-wired camera connections because they are easier to install.

One of the systems that may work well for you is the Yada VD-V43 rear view mirror, backup camera and speakerphone. I know you are looking for only a backup camera but the added convenience of the Bluetooth phone connection is a bonus. This Yada product uses a wireless connection between the camera and display screen but there is still a little bit of wiring to do.

The display screen is part of a mirror assembly that clips right on top of your existing inside rear-view mirror. It will require power and ground connections, which can be permanently wired or connected through a power outlet. The cords are supplied. At the rear of the vehicle, the camera is mounted by the licence plate and power, ground and signal wires are passed through a hole in the rear body, which you may have to make yourself. A grommet is supplied. Power and ground for the camera are connected to the rear backup light wiring so the camera is powered in reverse only, and the signal wire goes to a small wireless transmitter you mount inside the rear of the vehicle.

It really is quite simple to connect the system and it works very well. Canadian Tire is one of the stores selling Yada products and I am sure they would install it as well.

Question: I bought a 1978 Chevy 350 Class C motorhome in 1988. A couple of years ago I noticed what I thought to be steam coming from the rear right side. Being on a limited access highway I had to drive to the next exit. It stalled when I came to the first stop sign and every other one plus three traffic lights until I got home. The next day I did some basic checks. Antifreeze, oil etc. and started it up. It started to steam again and I could see liquid dripping from the engine.

I used a name-brand super stop leak which seemed to work. I decided to drive to my garage with a tow truck following just in case. The engine began knocking so I pulled over and was towed the rest of the way. The verdict was: “It needs a new motor.” I had it towed home and am still looking for the leak. Can you help? Phil

Answer: From your description, it would appear you have both an internal and external coolant leak. An external leak could be from the waterpump, hose connections or hoses, or a rusted out frost plug. Because of the age of the vehicle, it could be any of these. The first time it happened and the motor stopped, it probably overheated and may have warped or cracked a cylinder head. This would allow coolant to leak into the combustion chamber and drain down into the oil pan. It takes only a few ounces of coolant in the engine oil to damage engine bearings and a damaged bearing is what is probably knocking.

My suggestion to you would be to install a used motor from a vehicle salvage yard. This would likely be the cheapest repair and a good used motor would make the motorhome useable for many more years.

james.kerr@sasktel.net