I bought a backup camera off amazon and hooked it to my radio, the radio uses a positive trigger to switch to the input for it. Is there a wire under the dash that I can tap that comes hot when I put the gearshift in reverse? I'd rather not tap it at the trans and run a wire back to the cab.

 

grab the 2001 service manual from the faq section, and go from there. granted your rig is a 98, but the 01 manual should do the trick.

 

i doubt it.
there is a power wire and fuse for backup lights in the end of the dash, but the switch that turns it on/off is on the drivers side of the trans, at the neutral/safety switch. its the electrical connector at the linkage. it has 2 or 3 wires and probably powers one wire in neutral and the other in reverse.

 

Service manual will show where you can pick up that wire.

 

Why's that? Is that too easy?

 

Yes. I believe it is necessary to run a wire from one of the reverse light sockets, back to the front of the truck.

 

I actually got both the 96 and 01 manuals, truth be told though, I can't read the wiring diagrams for &%*&.

I know that the wire is at the NSS, I just didn't want to run a new wire down to it to tap it, I was hoping I could tap it under the dash.

Too easy, no, just annoying to find another grommet to poke the wire through. lol

 

There is a grommet near the brake pedal that should have room to spare. I used it to run several wires through when I installed trnas temp sensor, vacuum gauge hose, and other things as well. I believe it is to the left as you look under dash. Removing knee panel will make it easier. It would be a good time to check to see if you have any chaffing wires on the steering column as well.

 

Alright, I can have a look there once it stops raining, I do know I don't have any chaffing wires on the column because I just recently put in a keyless entry / remote starter.