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Comprehensive Guide to Retrofitting a Rear-View Camera on Audi Vehicles Using OBDeleven

Before diving into the detailed steps, it’s important to understand that retrofitting a rear-view camera on your Audi involves both hardware installation and software coding. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from component selection to final testing, with a special focus on using OBDeleven for the necessary coding work.

Retrofitting, in automotive terms, refers to upgrading your vehicle with features it didn’t originally have. For Audi owners, adding a rear-view camera represents one of the most practical and beneficial retrofits available. Modern vehicles, however, aren’t simply plug-and-play systems. When you install new components like a rear-view camera, your car’s computer systems need to be informed about these changes to ensure proper integration and functionality.

Car retrofits require coding or programming because new features must work correctly with the vehicle’s existing systems. In the case of a rear-view camera, the multimedia system needs to recognize the camera’s presence and know when to display its feed. Without proper coding, your new camera might physically connect but remain functionally invisible to your car’s systems. Additionally, coding helps eliminate error messages that might appear on your dashboard when the car detects unrecognized components1.

The successful implementation of a rear-view camera retrofit depends on having the right components and tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) rear-view camera is generally recommended for Audi retrofits, as it ensures compatibility and quality. For instance, Audi A4 B9 owners would need the specific OEM camera designed for their model. These cameras can be purchased from dealerships, online automotive parts retailers, or even from sellers on platforms like eBay who might offer cameras pre-coded for your vehicle’s VIN2.

A complete wiring loom or harness compatible with your specific Audi model is also essential. This includes power cables, CAN BUS connections for vehicle communication, and video signal cables. Some sellers offer complete kits that include both the camera and the necessary wiring2.

For the coding portion, you’ll need an OBDeleven device with at least a PRO license to access the advanced coding features. The OBDeleven is a small adapter that plugs into your car’s OBD2 port and connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing you to make coding changes through its companion app17.

Additional tools for installation include panel removal tools, wire strippers, electrical tape, zip ties for securing wires, and possibly a voltmeter for testing connections. Access to wiring diagrams is extremely helpful, which can be obtained from resources like Audi erWin for approximately £7 for an hour’s access2.

The physical installation of a rear-view camera involves several steps and requires careful attention to detail to ensure both functionality and aesthetics.

Before beginning the installation, download all the necessary wiring diagrams and panel removal guides for your specific Audi model. The Audi erWin service (https://erwin.audi.com) offers these resources for a small fee, and they prove invaluable during the installation process2.

If you purchased a camera that’s pre-coded for your vehicle’s VIN, you’ll still need to perform some adaptations, but the process will be simplified compared to using a completely unconfigured camera2.

The installation begins with mounting the camera in the appropriate location, typically integrated into the trunk handle or license plate housing, depending on your Audi model. For the A4 B9, the camera replaces or integrates with the existing trunk release mechanism2.

Next comes the most time-consuming part: running the wires from the camera through the vehicle to the front. This typically involves:

  1. Removing the trunk side trim and boot panels

  2. Running the wires down the side of the vehicle

  3. Passing the wires through appropriate grommets into the cabin

  4. Following the headliner edge to bring the camera connection to the front

  5. Running the wires down the A-pillar

  6. Routing them under the dash to reach the MMI unit2

For power connections, you can tap into the existing 12V socket in the trunk/boot or use the proper fuse box location as detailed in your vehicle’s handbook. The ground wire should be connected to a designated earth point, often located near the fuse box2.

The CAN BUS wires need to be connected to the controller under the rear seat, and the MMI cables need to reach the glove box area. This requires careful removal of interior panels and following the vehicle’s existing wire channels2.

Once the physical installation is complete, the next crucial step is coding the vehicle to recognize and properly utilize the new camera. This is where OBDeleven comes into play.

Connect your OBDeleven device to your vehicle’s OBD2 port and open the OBDeleven app on your smartphone. Navigate to the Gateway module (typically module 19) and look for any fault codes. You’ll likely see a fault indicating “additional installation detected,” which means the gateway has detected the camera but doesn’t recognize it as a legitimate component7.

Go to Adaptations, then “Installation list,” and search for “camera.” Enable the camera system by changing its status to “coded,” then write the changes. This officially adds the camera to the list of installed components in your vehicle7.

Next, navigate to the infotainment module (typically 5F) and perform two key modifications:

  1. In Long Coding, check Byte 19, Bit 4 to ensure it’s disabled, which means the low-spec camera is not installed (if you’re installing a high-spec camera)

  2. In Adaptations, find “Car Function List BAP Generation 2” and locate the VPS (Virtual Parking System) settings. Set “VPS” to “active” and “VPS_Databus” to “Comfort databus”7

These settings enable communication between your infotainment system and the new camera.

Navigate to the Park Assist module (typically module 10 in newer vehicles or 76 in older models). In Long Coding, go to Byte 2 and configure:

  • Bit 4: Enable (set to 1)

  • Bit 5: Disable (set to 0)

Alternatively, if your OBDeleven offers a text-based interface for this module, select “rear view camera” for the camera type setting7.

After completing the previous steps, disconnect and reconnect to your vehicle to refresh the module list. You should now see a new module for the rear-view camera (typically module 6C). If there are any fault codes, address them before proceeding.

In the camera module, go to Long Coding and verify that all settings match your vehicle’s specifications:

  1. Brand: Set to Audi

  2. Vehicle class, generation, variant: Match to your specific model

  3. Region: Set to your region (Europe, North America, etc.)

  4. Equipment: Verify that all equipment settings (tow bar, automatic transmission, electronic parking brake, etc.) match your vehicle’s actual configuration

Additionally, ensure that all desired rear view modes (standard view, parallel parking view, towing view, fisheye/cross-traffic view) are enabled in the coding7.

After completing the installation and coding, it’s time to test the camera to ensure it functions correctly:

  1. Start the vehicle and put it in reverse gear. The camera view should automatically appear on your MMI screen

  2. If available on your model, press the parking sensor button to manually activate the camera view

  3. Test different camera viewing modes if your system supports them

  4. Verify that the camera display is clear and properly aligned

If the camera doesn’t appear, double-check your wiring connections and review your coding settings. Common issues include incorrect CAN BUS connections or incomplete coding adaptations7.

Retrofitting a rear-view camera to your Audi using OBDeleven is a complex but rewarding project that significantly enhances your vehicle’s functionality and safety. While the process requires patience and attention to detail, following this guide should help you successfully complete the retrofit.

For those uncomfortable with the technical aspects of the installation or coding, consider seeking assistance from specialized Audi retrofit services or experienced mechanics familiar with OBDeleven coding. Additionally, model-specific forums and communities can provide valuable insights and troubleshooting help for your particular Audi model.

Remember that while retrofitting an OEM camera generally yields the best results, the specific installation and coding steps may vary slightly depending on your Audi model, year, and existing equipment. Always research your specific model’s requirements before beginning the project127.

With proper installation and coding, your retrofitted rear-view camera should function just like a factory-installed option, providing you with enhanced visibility and safety while reversing.