I'd install it and wire it as directed in the instructions, EXCEPT, the line they say to connect to "reverse", I'd connect to the glove box power lead or the cigarette lighter power lead, those come on with key.
In this way, it would come one and stay on anytime the key is 'on'.

There are other options, you could use one of these fuse taps and take power from the switched radio fuse in the fuse box under the hood, drivers' side. YOu can get them at any auto parts store, they call it a "fuse tap".






The radio has two fuses, one is on battery, you don't want that - the other is on switched power with the key. Using a stiff rod, you can fish the wire thru the back of the fuse box, and it will come out behind the little door on the driver's end of the dash -where the fuses for all the lights are. This is the "Illumination Control Module". (DO NOT try to use any fuse in THAT box, they are energized by the light switch.)

 

WAIT! Fuse 2 in the Illumination Control Module is switched "ignition" power. You can use that for your switched power.

 

.............".

 

DUUUUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

WOW did I get that one WRONG.

 

Not all cameras are meant to run full time, mine has led's that come on day or night which could fry out or be a distraction to someone behind me if on full time. But I agree full time would be nice so check the specs on whatever camera you go with.

 

pizzaguy:
so, at the end of the day, what you suggest me to do? (i ask you because you are polite and dont talk me down).
can you tell me for tapping into the yellow wire from the radio, where is it? pic or link?
thanks

 

or... as you suggested:
" I'd install it and wire it as directed in the instructions, EXCEPT, the line they say to connect to "reverse", I'd connect to the glove box power lead or the cigarette lighter power lead, those come on with key. In this way, it would come one and stay on anytime the key is 'on'. "

i think i like that. but, how can i find the glove box power lead (or cigarette lighter power lead)
thanks again, you have been a great help...and polite too.

 

and, just to be sure, to get a fuse tap, is it standard or mini?
thanks

never mind. i got it.

 

this is what i want:
(found somewhere)
Connected to Ignition
It is also possible to connect the camera or camera system to the vehicle’s ignition. Using this method, the camera will only come on after the engine has been started.
This method protects the vehicle’s battery from being drained, and is also a very popular ‘Always On’ camera method, used in commercial delivery vans and trucks.
The connection does not have to be directly at the ignition. Simply connecting to any device or cable, which is controlled by the ignition system, is sufficient.

just have to learn to which device and where is it.

 

If you slide the radio out, you can access the radio's battery and ignition wires back there.



Just tap into those, as per their directions. They are already fused, I would not worry about adding more fuses.



The connectors are shown here:



For the Factory radio, you need the tools to pull it out, I got them at Walmart, butthat was six years ago. Just get some that look like this, they are known as "VW" radio tools, but I dont know why:

 

This is what Pizzaguy is talking about. I've seen them cheaper than this in bare metal. I think it was on the Walmart.com site.

 

thank you guys. lots of data.but... what about the idea from post 21:
"I'd install it and wire it as directed in the instructions, EXCEPT, the line they say to connect to "reverse", I'd connect to the glove box power lead or the cigarette lighter power lead, those come on with key.In this way, it would come one and stay on anytime the key is 'on'.There are other options, you could use one of these fuse taps and take power from the switched radio fuse in the fuse box under the hood, drivers' side. YOu can get them at any auto parts store, they call it a "fuse tap"

i like that better.

 

The radio power leads are easier to get to (well, you still gotta run your wires to the back of the console).
There are many battery and ignition sources in the fuse box under the hood - I have stuff wired to battery as well as ignition:

 

thank you very much for the post.
this link: https://fuse-box.info/chrysler/chrys...004-2008-fuses
shows 5 and 8 as radio fuses.
wonder which 1 is better-or either is o k?

 

somewhere i found a link that explained that, when you install a fuse tap, you have to install the stock back, and another of different amps, but a little bit lower capaciy, and the place is critical. 1 has to go at certain place (over or under) and so the other.
problem is, i cant find that link. by any chance you do? (or anybody out there?)

edit: found it: he says that the 1 on top has to be smaller. see around 7 minutes.

 

and, by the way, spoiler is not position 20, is 16. same for 2004 and 2005.

 

now, according to this guy, we can use ANY circuit for our purpose of having a rear looking mirror only when the engine is running, as long as it is switched.
to confirm what has been said. took me some time to get it.

 

now am beginning to get it. thanks.

 

now, what amps? 10? 15? why?
thanks

 

I have meant to do a "Fuse Tap" tutorial. I may do that tonight or this weekend.
I'd fuse the wire going to the camera at 5 amps. No need for more than that. And if the wires to the camera are light, 3 or 5 amps is all it can take anyway.

I'm at work, I can answer your questions tonight.