Not without gutting or rewiring the stock system. My recommendation would be to buy another camera and monitor set, and install it with a toggle switch to power on whenever you wanted it.

 

Anytime back up cam mod

I've seen it done in Toyota's before by adding a switch to provide constant power to the cam when you flip it since it's wired into the reverse lights. You need to wire it up to do it and there's no way to just add it to the screen like that because the software wasn't written with that as an option

 

Don't tell anyone, but I test drove a Tundra this weekend just for the fun of it. Was shocked while I was coasting about 25/30MPH the sales guy said throw it in Reverse! I thought he was joking, then said "no, really, go ahead!" Figured the electronics wouldn't let me do something I shouldn't, so...threw it in Reverse and it turned on the backup camera! Pretty slick. Not sure if it turned on the reverse lights or not, if it did, probably freaked out the guy behind me!
:grin2:

I yet to have the guts to try it in my own Colorado.
:wink2:

 

If I tow a trailer and have concerns, I tend to get out and look over the load.

Are you saying that or no apparent reason you want to drive down the road and flip on the camera to study the camera screen until you feel satisfied the connections 'look secure through the lens'?

I think the camera is disabled while moving forward to um...make sure the driver is looking into the future, not into the past.

 

I think the camera is disabled while moving forward to um...make sure the driver is looking into the future, not into the past.

Then why do we have rearview mirrors? :wink2:

 

+1 on Blue's idea, had 3 camera's on a work truck only one was used in reverse. The other two were added for extended rear view and width viewing angles. Extra monitor that can be mounted anywhere, or even the use of a wireless camera and use your phone/tablet. (Those exist now)

 

Alternate way to access Rear View Camera

Anyone know if there is another way to display the rear view camera other than having the gear in Reverse?

 

Anyone know if there is another way to display the rear view camera other than having the gear in Reverse?

Not unless you want to be a guinea pig and attempt to rewire it to be accessible that way.

 

Please try the search function.

Merged....

 

Question about backup camera

Is there a way to turn on backup camera and view without being in reverse without rewireing.

 

Asked before - see this thread.

http://coloradofans.com/forums/67-technical-questions-tips-how/236721-backup-camera.html

And no, this is not the long thread about camera quality, short read.

 

THANK YOU, don't remember seeing or reading it before. You all can delete this one now. 0

 

Threads merged

 

There are times when my camera will stay on (for a few seconds) even after I shift to drive and start moving.

 

Mine does the same thing, I can go about 20' before it shuts down.

 

Just fixed my 2016 Crew Cab Colorado so I can turn on the backup camera while going forward, a feature I installed on my 2006 Silverado, that I missed while towing. This does require some wiring and cutting of the camera harness at the rear bumper, also will require purchasing a video module, I went with the mirroring module Video In-Motion Video Input Module - Display anything on your Factory Screen from MVI, these guys are great with walking you through the install, its not cheap and if all you want is the ability to just turn on the backup camera, might not be feasible, but I also wanted the ability to mirror my phone on the display. The new 2.0 version they are selling now is higher resolution and has a friendly user interface.

 

Anyone know of an upgrade for the backup camera? Our 2014 Kia Sorento's camera image looks like high def. and is so much clearer than the one on my Colorado. I am wondering if it's the camera or the display that needs upgrading.

 

Anyone know of an upgrade for the backup camera? Our 2014 Kia Sorento's camera image looks like high def. and is so much clearer than the one on my Colorado. I am wondering of it's the camera or the display that needs upgrading.

I think it's more the LCD display being low resolution then camera quality...haven't seen anyone mention replacing it here before.

 

I know this would take some wiring but to power the camera going forward, I think a 5 pin relay with 87 and 87a ( some have 2 87's)
The reverse switch would power the 87 side and the 87a would power the forward side of the relay. Or just have the camera on a switch and permanently wired to a RAP power source.

 

This is just a guess but I would think it would take more than just powering up the camera. Seems the BCM would be involved too so it can switch the screen from radio or nav or whatever to camera. But there is only one way to find out, and I'm not going to chance smoking my $3,000 radio/nav unit and try it.

 

I really wish I could keep the camera on just to act as a rearview mirror. I have a topper and between condensation and dirt I can almost never see very well out the back. Leer should put wipers on the back of those things!

 

Interestingly enough, my Grandson just bought a 2019 Silverado Custom Crew Cab and it has this function on the the display. You have to slide over to the second screen where "Camera" is the only icon. Tap that and the camera image pops right up no matter which direction you are driving. SO, I'm wondering is this isn't just a software upgrade?

 

Tried it on my 19 Canyon and it works so it just might be!

 

I've moved my icon camera on my 19 to the first screen. If you tap it while driving you can see behind you for a few seconds and then it shuts off. Its so if towing something like boat etc. you can tap the icon now and then to see if towing all right. Mine will not show anything in front of you. You would have to have a front mounted camera for that. I have a 2019 Colorado 4x4 crew cab V6.