V70: Rear view camera fitting

[Hugh Mcmenamin]

hi all. I have a v70 mk2 2000 model. I'm in the process of fitting a rear view camera and screen as the vehicle is so bloody long. I have fitted the camera onto my tow bar assembly and routed the wiring through to the front quite easily. but now here comes the problem.. I cannot find out how to power up the unit. it works quite well if I use a second battery to power it.. red to positive terminal and the red/back to the earth side. I have a Haynes manual and it shows that the reversing lamp has a blue cable for power and a black cable for earth... found them ok and the black is earth.. good so far.. BUT the blue has no power when I have connected it to the red cable.. the reversing light does come on as required, but I'm at a loss where I am going wrong.. does anyone out there know the answer or am I just an idiot.. answers on a postcard please.. so I'm now on tenderhooks awaiting some replies.. thanks folks.. if u require any more info about my car I will let u all know straight away.. cheers

[Simon Jones]

You may get more responses in the section that covers your model, but a quick search reveals the blue wire should be correct for reverse light positive: http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=263636

If you're using ScotchLok-type connectors, they're quite tricky to get reliable connections so if it were me, I'd strip about 10mm of insulation back on the blue wire, solder the red wire (using a suitable higher powered soldering iron) and then cover the joint it insulation tape.

[Hugh Mcmenamin]

Thank you for that response mate. I did what you suggested with the blue wire and it now is a working bit of kit. The screen comes on when I select reverse gear and disappears when in any other drive, etc. Cheers mate..

[Simon Jones]

Yay - good result