electrical
Backup Camera
for 2021 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L I4 · AWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.0 h
Tools
7
Steps
11
This procedure covers the diagnosis, removal, and replacement of the backup camera on a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson with 2.5L I4 engine, including testing and recalibration.
Warnings
⚠Disconnect the negative battery terminal before beginning work to prevent short circuits and airbag deployment.
ℹ️The backup camera system may require recalibration through the infotainment system or dealer scan tool after replacement.
⚠Avoid touching the camera lens during installation as oils and debris can affect image quality.
Tools required
Socket set with ratchetEssential
Trim panel removal toolsEssential
Torx driver setEssential
Flathead screwdriver (small)
Multimeter
Torque wrench (5-15 Nm range)Essential
Wire brush or contact cleaner
Parts
- Backup camera assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification (Hyundai part 95760-D3500 or equivalent)
- Camera mounting grommet × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Tailgate trim clips (if damaged) × 4 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
- Turn ignition off and remove key
- Open the tailgate fully and prop if necessary
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for system discharge
- Gather all tools and replacement parts
Procedure
- 1Remove tailgate interior trim panelUse trim panel removal tools to carefully pry out the plastic clips securing the tailgate interior trim panel. Start from the bottom corners and work your way around the perimeter. Remove any Torx screws if present (typically 2-4 screws). Gently pull the trim panel away from the tailgate to access the camera wiring harness.
- 2Locate and disconnect camera harnessLocate the backup camera wiring harness connector behind the trim panel, typically routed through the left side of the tailgate. Press the release tab on the connector and carefully pull to disconnect. Note the routing path of the wiring harness for reinstallation.
- 3Remove camera mounting hardware from exteriorFrom the exterior of the tailgate, locate the backup camera assembly in the tailgate handle or trim piece. Remove the camera mounting screws or bolts using the appropriate Torx driver. Most models use 2-3 mounting fasteners. Keep track of any washers or spacers.Torque specCover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
- 4Extract camera assemblyGently pull the camera assembly outward from the tailgate. If the camera is held by a grommet, carefully twist and pull to release it from the mounting hole. Thread the wiring harness connector through the hole from exterior to interior as you remove the camera. Inspect the mounting grommet for damage or deterioration.
- 5Inspect mounting area and clean contactsExamine the camera mounting hole and surrounding area for corrosion, water intrusion, or damage. Clean any corrosion from the mounting surface. If the grommet shows signs of wear or cracking, replace it to ensure a proper weather seal. Inspect the wiring harness connector pins for corrosion or damage.
- 6Prepare new camera assemblyRemove the new backup camera from packaging, being careful not to touch the lens. If a protective film is present on the lens, leave it in place until final installation. Install the new mounting grommet onto the camera body if applicable. Verify the camera orientation matches the original installation.
- 7Install new camera assemblyFrom the interior side, feed the new camera's wiring harness through the mounting hole to the exterior. Align the camera assembly with the mounting hole and press firmly to seat the grommet. Ensure the camera is oriented correctly with the lens facing rearward and level with the ground.
- 8Secure camera mounting hardwareFrom the exterior, install the camera mounting screws or bolts and hand-tighten. Using a torque wrench, tighten the mounting fasteners to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even pressure and proper sealing. Verify the camera sits flush and secure.Torque specCover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
- 9Connect camera wiring harnessRoute the camera wiring harness along the original path inside the tailgate. Connect the harness connector to the vehicle's camera connector, ensuring it clicks securely into place. Gently tug on the connection to verify it is fully seated.
- 10Reinstall tailgate trim panelPosition the tailgate interior trim panel and align all mounting points. Press firmly around the perimeter to engage the plastic clips. Install any Torx screws that were removed earlier and tighten to specification. Ensure the panel is seated evenly with no gaps.Torque specCover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
- 11Reconnect battery and initialize systemReconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten to specification. Turn the ignition to the ON position without starting the engine. The infotainment system should initialize. Some models may require a brief initialization period for the camera system to become active.Torque specBattery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Ensure all trim panels are properly seated with no rattles or gaps
- Remove any protective film from the camera lens before final testing
- Verify the camera wiring harness has adequate slack and is not pinched by trim panels
Verification
- Start the vehicle and shift into reverse to activate the backup camera display on the infotainment screen
- Verify the camera image is clear, properly oriented, and free from distortion or artifacts
- Check that the backup guide lines appear correctly on the display
- Test the camera in various lighting conditions (daylight and dusk if possible) to ensure proper operation
- Verify no warning lights or camera fault messages appear on the instrument cluster
- If the camera image is distorted or guidance lines are misaligned, perform camera calibration through the vehicle settings menu or consult a dealer for calibration with a scan tool
- Inspect the exterior camera lens for cleanliness and proper sealing around the grommet