Installation of backup camera kit

[remi]

Hey - I am looking to install on my 09 Touring the back up camera kit as shown here
http://accessories.mazdausa.com/web...=2009&modelSelected=vc254&modelName=2009+CX-9

Don't suppose anyone has a pointer to the installation instructions? The salesman told me self install was easy, but reading a few somewhat related posts here, it seems it might be pretty tricky. Guess I won't know till I see the instructions.

Are there any other required components/packages on the Touring that I need to have to do this install.

Thanks

 

[ceric]

remi,
It comes with a auto-dimming mirror, a kit (see the base black box) for rain sensors, and a camera.
http://www.mazdaparts.org/macxbacawiau.html
It should have everything you need including Mazda instructions (which is not bad)

I installed the auto-dimming/Homelink mirror myself (replaced the OE plain mirror).
The difficulty of an back-up camera is a bit more. I can expect what is involved here.
- take the A-pillar trim off (pull out the top portion and slide it upward)
- take the driver-side kick penal off (wiring contacts in here)
- take the rain-sensor black box off to expose the rain sensors
- take the old mirror off (need to make a special U-shape tool with cloth hanger - depends on you skill. This could take from 10 secs to 10 minutes)
- Slide in the new mirrors (4 wires - ground, switched 12V, and camera signal cable(multiple wires inside), backup trigger). Route the 4 wires behind the top of windshield and tuck them into the trim.
- Route the wires down the A-pillar, down to left kick penal.
- connect ground, switch 12V and backup trigger wire here in the kick panel area
- continue to route camera cable to the rear hatch (more trim to be removed for this)
- route the cable through rubber boot of the hatch until it reaches the rear garnish piece (where the hatch handle is)
- there should already be a cut-off marking (square) where you should cut it off to make room for the camera
- install the camera there
- test!!!!
- put all trim pieces back carefully

As I said, I installed auto-dimming/Homelink mirror on CX9, and I installed a backup camera on my wife's Prius (also a hatch). So, I can guess which is involved. I hope my descriptions give you a taste of what is involved.

My estimate is that it could take you 1-3 hours for the whole process, depending on your luck and skill.

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

How well does the Homelink mirror work?

 

[ceric]

The Homelink feature just replaces the garage opener remote(s), that is all.
In fact, it is less sensitive than the opener itself. Most times, you need to press it for more than 1 second to activate.
With the opener remote, you can activate farer away by a quicker press.
Anyway, a better integration is what it is.
It can replace up to 3 remotes (code hopping or not).

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

If I understand, typically the garage door button has rolling code function, and the other two do not on Homelink transmitters. Is that the case with the Homelink mirror, or do all 3 buttons have rolling capability? I've programmed vehicles with Homelink to turn on lighting scenes in the owner's home and on those vehicles the center button was specifically designated for the garage door.

How does the auto dimming work? I was actually more interested in that part.

 

[SeCX-9]

If I understand, typically the garage door button has rolling code function, and the other two do not on Homelink transmitters. Is that the case with the Homelink mirror, or do all 3 buttons have rolling capability? I've programmed vehicles with Homelink to turn on lighting scenes in the owner's home and on those vehicles the center button was specifically designated for the garage door.

How does the auto dimming work? I was actually more interested in that part.

The Homelink Mirror supports rolling codes also. You can also use the buttons to control home automation using Homelink like X-10. Something I have intended to try, but just haven't gotten around to it.

First you train the homelink mirror to your remote, then you train your garage opener to your new homelink device. It's fresh in my mind again from programming the wife's new CX-7.

I have the HomeLink Mirror install guide in PDF (I think) at home and can email this to you for review. Send me PM with your email.

H

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

I know that. My question was do all 3 buttons support rolling codes?

By the way, X10 isn't the most reliable lighting control system because it's a line voltage piggyback system prone to interference. If you need just one light turned on, opener makers offer lamp modules like the Chamberlain CLLAD (http://www.chamberlain-diy.com/doityourself/pages/productmodeldetail.aspx?modelId=1515)

You can also look at Zwave for a middle budget solution. The drawback is that it requires a Homelink bridge.

The lighting system I use is a lot more sophisticated, and a bit pricey, but a lot more reliable and versatile and is Homelink compatible.

 

[remi]

Ceric... that is awesome information. Thanks so much for taking the time.
The only thing I am not sure about is the rain sensor. I don't think I have a rain sensor on my Touring. NOt sure if this impacts my ability to install or not.
Dealer ship quoted me above MSRP just for the part.... so I doubt I will be doing anything with them either interms of buying it or installing it.

 

[remi]

I should add that I just found this
http://shop.autodimmingmirrors.com/images/installation-instructions.pdf which has what appears to be useful instructions that would cover the GENK242 ... whci I think is the actual model that comes with the cx-9. I have not been able to confirm whether this is modified in any way for the cx-9 .. or whether it is the exact kit that you would buy from Mazda.

 

[ceric]

SportOwner,
I have two garage doors (3-car garage). I used the left-most and right-most buttons. I needed to train both since my openers have code rolling. So, I am guessing that all three support code rolling.
Autodimming has two light sensors (one on the front, one on the back, size about 5mm square). It compares the two inputs (convert light photons to voltage/current) and applies proper voltage to the thin film coating to darken it if the light is brighter from behind you than in front of you . It works very very well. The power comes from switched-12V so that it does not consume current all the time. Homelink needs constant 12V so it works w/o having to turn on ignition.

remi,
The generic Gentex instructions are pretty useless. If you buy the set from Mazda. It will come with a kit (housing for the mirror base w/ or w/o rainsensing plus other small stuff) and clear instructions on where to tap for ground, power, or even backup trigger wire (if applicable). I don't think there is a mirror that supports all three features (dimming, Homelink and backup display). For now, you have to settle with two of the three features.

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

Thanks for clarifying