Installation of a modern multimedia system with an operating system Android to the car Ford Focus 2 opens up new possibilities for navigation and entertainment, but requires a competent approach to the integration of security systems. Owners of this model are often faced with the need to replace the standard head unit with a 2DIN radio in order to get a large touch screen and support for modern formats. However, a large display alone will not ensure safety when parking without the correct operation of the rear view camera, which is a critical element in dense city traffic.
The process of connecting reversing visualization on the platform Focus 2 has its own specific features related to the design of the trunk and the electrical circuit of the car. Unlike simple “plus to plus” connections, here it is necessary to take into account the logic of the on-board network and the specific requirements of Chinese head unit manufacturers. Incorrect switching can lead not only to the absence of a picture, but also to unstable operation standard wiring or even damage to the control units.
In this manual we will analyze in detail all stages of installation: from choosing the installation location and laying cables to fine-tuning the head unit software. Particular attention will be paid to the color marking of wires and methods of insulating connections, since it is the quality of the contact that determines the durability of the entire system. Properly performed work guarantees automatic switching to the camera when reverse gear is engaged and no interference in the image.
Selection of equipment and preparation for installation
Before starting any work on dismantling the panels, you must make sure that all required components are available. For Ford Focus 2 the optimal solution is to use cameras with a matrix CCD or high-quality CMOSas they provide the best picture in low light conditions, which is important for evening parking. Standard cheap models often have a delay in response or produce “snow” on the screen in poor lighting, which negates all the benefits of the installation.
It is important to check the configuration of your 2DIN radio for the presence of a special input AV-IN or connector CAM-IN. Most modern devices on Android have a dedicated yellow tulip (RCA) specifically for the camera, which is activated by a voltage signal. You will also need a set of tools for removing the plastic trim of the interior, since the fastening of the interior elements Ford is quite fragile and requires care.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a camera, be sure to check the viewing angle. For Focus 2 with its specific trunk shape, models with an angle of 170 degrees are best suited to grip curbs at the edges.
Preparing the workplace includes disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery. This is a mandatory safety requirement and will prevent accidental short circuits when working with the wiring harnesses in the tunnel and trunk. Ignoring this step may lead to failure of the fuses of the unit GEM or the radio itself.
☑️ Preparation for installation
Removing the stock radio and access to the wiring
The process of removing the stock head unit Ford Focus 2 requires specific key pullers that are inserted into four holes in the corners of the radio frame. If you don't have the original tool, you can use thin metal plates, but you need to be very careful not to scratch the glossy surface of the center console. After the latches are released, the unit is smoothly pulled out, providing access to the main connector.
On the back panel of the standard radio you will see several connectors, but we are only interested in the one that is responsible for the audio system and controls. To connect a new 2DIN station, an adapter is usually used ISO, which greatly simplifies the process, allowing you to avoid twisting with the original car wires. However, the camera control wire often has to be routed separately, since in the standard harness Ford it may be absent or have a different operating logic.
When installing a new 2DIN frame, you need to make sure that it sits tightly in the seat and does not rattle on bumps. Body vibrations Focus 2 are quite strong, and a poorly secured radio will begin to play over time, which can lead to damage to the cables and connectors on the rear panel. Use additional seals made of foam rubber or vibration isolation around the perimeter of the shaft.
Use masking tape on the edges of the plastic panels when dismantling to avoid scratches from metal tools during work.
Pay special attention to the length of the wires coming from the radio. Standard adapter cables are often short, so to connect a camera that will be installed in the trunk, you will need to extend the signal cable. It is recommended to use a shielded audio-video cable to minimize the impact of interference from the generator and ignition system on image quality.
Laying the cable and mounting the camera in the trunk
The most time-consuming step is laying the video cable from the front panel to the rear of the car. On Ford Focus 2 the most convenient way lies through the left threshold, under the plastic covers, which are easily removed with clips. It is important to ensure that the cable does not get into the movement zone of the seat adjustment mechanism or is pinched by the sharp edges of the body metal.
The cable is routed into the luggage compartment through a rubber corrugation connecting the body and the trunk lid. This place is the most problematic, since the rubber hardens over time, and it can be difficult to push an additional wire through it. Experienced installers recommend using steel wire as a guide or temporarily removing the bundle from the corrugation, adding a new wire and putting everything back.
| Wire type | Insulation color | Purpose | Connection location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video signal | Yellow (RCA) | Image transmission | CAM IN connector of the radio |
| Power (+) | Red | Plus 12V | Reversing lamp |
| Ground (-) | Black | Ground | Car body |
| Control | Blue/White | Power signal | Parallel to the camera plus |
The camera itself is mounted in the standard place of the license plate illumination or above it, depending on the model of the purchased device. For Focus cameras built into the license plate frame are popular, as they look the most aesthetically pleasing and do not require drilling additional holes in the trunk lid. When drilling, be sure to use metal drills with a centering core to avoid tool displacement.
How to protect wiring in a corrugation?
When pulling a wire through a rubber corrugation, use silicone lubricant or soap solution. This will significantly reduce friction and prevent damage to the cable insulation by the sharp edges of the metal sleeve inside the rubber.
Power and signal wire connection diagram
Connecting the electrical part requires a clear understanding of the color markings of the camera wires. The red wire is usually responsible for power 12 Volt, which should only appear when reverse gear is engaged. The black wire is connected to the ground of the car, for which you can use any nearest bolt screwed to the body, after first stripping the contact to metal.
The control signal wire (often blue or blue with a white stripe on the radio connector) must be connected to the positive wire of the camera. It is the presence of voltage on this wire that tells the processor Androidthat it is necessary to switch the video input and display the picture. If you reverse the polarity or connect the control to a constant positive, the camera will work constantly, which is undesirable.
All wire connections must be securely insulated. In vehicle conditions where there is humidity and temperature changes, simple electrical tape may come off over time. The best solution is to use heat-shrinkable tubing, which tightly compresses the twisted or soldered area, ensuring tight contact for many years.
⚠️ Attention: Never connect the camera power directly to the battery without a relay or control from the reverse lamp. The camera should only turn on when moving backwards, otherwise it will overheat and shorten its service life.
To find the reverse lamp wire, you can use a multimeter in dial mode or a voltmeter. When you engage reverse gear, a voltage of about 12 volts should appear on the desired wire. On Ford