2014 W204 backup camera connection.
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2014 c300 4matic sport
2014 W204 backup camera connection.
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I'm in need of help, bought a camera for my 2014 c300, have already mounted to the back of the car and ran wires to the radio. But the radio doesn't have rca input. I've seen some older models you can adapt the rca cable with a fakra cable; and bought one. But the fakra connector is too big. Plus, I'm not 100% where I should connect it. I was really expecting to find a female rca end. Can you guys tell me what adaptor I need and were to connect it?
Thanks.
I'm in need of help, bought a camera for my 2014 c300, have already mounted to the back of the car and ran wires to the radio. But the radio doesn't have rca input. I've seen some older models you can adapt the rca cable with a fakra cable; and bought one. But the fakra connector is too big. Plus, I'm not 100% where I should connect it. I was really expecting to find a female rca end. Can you guys tell me what adaptor I need and were to connect it?
Thanks.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 803
Likes: 37
From: Bay Area, CA
2011 C300 Sport, P1, MM, Wood, Heated FS, DIY rearview camera.
Do you mean the Fakra connector on the cable is too big, or Fakra connector on the head unit is too big?
Mine is 2011, when I tried plugging the Fakra connectorized cable into the head unit, the cable connector is right next to another similar connector on the unit, making it impossible. To me, Fakra connector is an SMB connector in a plastic housing with a locking feature. So I cut off the plastic housing and connected the cable. I felt the connected SMB has enough friction to hold itself in place. I guess my way is not the best, but it has been working since seven years ago, never had any issue whatsoever.
I don't have any pictures to show the rear side of the unit, and don't remember which connector is which. 2014 could be different.
Mine is 2011, when I tried plugging the Fakra connectorized cable into the head unit, the cable connector is right next to another similar connector on the unit, making it impossible. To me, Fakra connector is an SMB connector in a plastic housing with a locking feature. So I cut off the plastic housing and connected the cable. I felt the connected SMB has enough friction to hold itself in place. I guess my way is not the best, but it has been working since seven years ago, never had any issue whatsoever.
I don't have any pictures to show the rear side of the unit, and don't remember which connector is which. 2014 could be different.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2
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2014 c300 4matic sport
Do you mean the Fakra connector on the cable is too big, or Fakra connector on the head unit is too big?
Mine is 2011, when I tried plugging the Fakra connectorized cable into the head unit, the cable connector is right next to another similar connector on the unit, making it impossible. To me, Fakra connector is an SMB connector in a plastic housing with a locking feature. So I cut off the plastic housing and connected the cable. I felt the connected SMB has enough friction to hold itself in place. I guess my way is not the best, but it has been working since seven years ago, never had any issue whatsoever.
I don't have any pictures to show the rear side of the unit, and don't remember which connector is which. 2014 could be different.
Mine is 2011, when I tried plugging the Fakra connectorized cable into the head unit, the cable connector is right next to another similar connector on the unit, making it impossible. To me, Fakra connector is an SMB connector in a plastic housing with a locking feature. So I cut off the plastic housing and connected the cable. I felt the connected SMB has enough friction to hold itself in place. I guess my way is not the best, but it has been working since seven years ago, never had any issue whatsoever.
I don't have any pictures to show the rear side of the unit, and don't remember which connector is which. 2014 could be different.
I'm also lost at which connector I should remove from the radio to connect the one I purchased. From pictures I seen before it looks like it is the green connector on the left side of the radio, but I'm not sure.
I'll try to load some pictures later. thanks
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 803
Likes: 37
From: Bay Area, CA
2011 C300 Sport, P1, MM, Wood, Heated FS, DIY rearview camera.
Accurately I didn't cut off the Fakra housing. I used my own SMB connector cable after I made sure the connector in 'Fakra' is SMB type or mechanically compatible connector . As for the 4-pin cable I still don't recall but it does make sense, as it provides power to camera. It could be a separate cable like most cameras do.
