Front Camera worth replacement? (1 Viewer)

[AZExplorer]

When I bought my LX, I didn’t test the front camera and now realize there is a crack in the glass really distorting the view. Makes it nearly unusable. Of course, the poor res OEM is like $450 and I can’t find an aftermarket option.

I’m curious how often you all use it and if it’s really worth having? Would be pretty useful for garage parking I’d think?

 

[SF1911A1]

I’ve not used it a single time during my ownership and for $450 I wouldn’t even consider fixing it. You may be able to replace just the plastic cap or is it a part of the camera itself?

 

[John Guedry]

Can you get a cheap one off Amazon and splice into it?

 

[NoClue]

The front camera is amazing when going off road and cresting a hill. You can see what's ahead that you normally can't from the driver seat. love my front camera.

 

[kcjaz]

The resolution of the OEM camera sucks but the front and side camera itself I find useful. When my LC was my DD, the garage slot I parked it is was super tight and my drive is very steep. Without the camera, I really couldn't see if anything was in my way like a kids bike or something. Once in the garage, I needed to pull up within an inch or so of the lawnmower. The cameras helped with all of this.

Then I added a TJM front bumper and that effectively took the usefulness of the front camera away completely. I did LCDC this way and yes, you can certainly drive the truck without the front camera. I have since relo'd it to restore its function. I don't keep it in the same garage anymore but I still find it useful when cresting hills on a trail or when I need to put my front right tire on a rock without a spotter.

I recently bought a 2017 Taco without a front camera and I miss it. I am really thinking about adding one. I also think its possible to get a better resolution camera for the LC. I haven't really researched that but there are some threads here on that topic. I'm certain there is a solution for less than $450.

 

[grinchy]

It probably runs on 6v. There are several ways to solve that problem, but know that it could be a thing. Aside from that any fisheye camera is a candidate. It’s an analog signal so any resolution (should?) work.

 

[CharlieS]

Would be interested in aftermarket options. My vehicle's lens is cracked. I think it is useful to have, but not $450 useful. It would be awesome if there was a lens only replacement. I've had them apart (I gave parts to another 'mudder from my spare). There isn't much to them, but I don't think the lens is a readily available part.

 

[NoClue]

There are plenty of aftermarket cameras that will work - just do a search on 4 pin backup cameras.

 

[grinchy]

I looked at the FSM. At least for the 2009 LX570 the front television camera is 6v. You can use a 12v, but you'll need some way to modify the voltage up, or supply the voltage via a relay from a 12v source switched by the 6v. Or I guess find a 6v camera (they are few and far between). Or find a 6v to 18v camera . . . and the front camera is not the same as a rear view camera, it is a wide-angle (fisheye), with a physical blocker in the lower front to divide the image some and better compensate for the fisheye effect.
Definitely not worth $450.
A fisheye 180 deg camera is $20 or so for the basic, up to $80 for the luxury. First one I saw was $14. Some were $30. Some were $5.
A 6v to 12v step up converter is $30 or much less (I didn't look to long, first one on prime was $30)

Here's the pinout (for an 2009 LX570)

 

[CharlieS]

I don't love messing with electrickery if I can avoid it. Somebody should make a plug and play replacement kit. I'd buy one if they were reasonably priced.

 

[ridetime]

When I bought my LX, I didn’t test the front camera and now realize there is a crack in the glass really distorting the view. Makes it nearly unusable. Of course, the poor res OEM is like $450 and I can’t find an aftermarket option.

I’m curious how often you all use it and if it’s really worth having? Would be pretty useful for garage parking I’d think?

I would just spend the $450 and get it replaced with the OEM camera. I never understand the "poor resolution comments". What level of detail do you really need from a vehicle camera?

 

[AZExplorer]

I would just spend the $450 and get it replaced with the OEM camera. I never understand the "poor resolution comments". What level of detail do you really need from a vehicle camera?

After having a Tesla as my other car, a lot better.

 

[AZExplorer]

I looked at the FSM. At least for the 2009 LX570 the front television camera is 6v. You can use a 12v, but you'll need some way to modify the voltage up, or supply the voltage via a relay from a 12v source switched by the 6v. Or I guess find a 6v camera (they are few and far between). Or find a 6v to 18v camera . . . and the front camera is not the same as a rear view camera, it is a wide-angle (fisheye), with a physical blocker in the lower front to divide the image some and better compensate for the fisheye effect.
Definitely not worth $450.
A fisheye 180 deg camera is $20 or so for the basic, up to $80 for the luxury. First one I saw was $14. Some were $30. Some were $5.
A 6v to 12v step up converter is $30 or much less (I didn't look to long, first one on prime was $30)

Here's the pinout (for an 2009 LX570)

View attachment 2596777

Interesting. Appreciate the info. I may tinker around and see if I can find a aftermarket option.

 

[04UZJ100]

After having a Tesla as my other car, a lot better.

But uneven body panel gaps are cool?

 

[TeCKis300]

After having a Tesla as my other car, a lot better.

Right? World of difference and I really wish for a front camera on the LX with that kind of resolution.

I had a deer strike where insurance replaced the front camera with a minty fresh new one. Really hoped it would make a good difference over my original. Not really. I barely use mine and forget its there most of the time.

 

[AZExplorer]

But uneven body panel gaps are cool?

LOL not at all. I had them replace so many items at purchase. Even had them repaint half the body.

 

[AZExplorer]

Right? World of difference and I really wish for a front camera on the LX with that kind of resolution.

I had a deer strike where insurance replaced the front camera with a minty fresh new one. Really hoped it would make a good difference over my original. Not really. I barely use mine and forget its there most of the time.

I had an umbrella fly out of the hands of someone at school line pick up and scrapped the side of my car. Caught the whole thing on video.

 

[ridetime]

After having a Tesla as my other car, a lot better.

I'm not sure what your saying here?

 

[jwright503]

I'm not sure what your saying here?

That his Tesla has a better camera than a 2009 LX.