How To Hardwire A Dash Cam For Parking Mode

Dash cam hardwiring is becoming more popular among new and experienced drivers alike. Doing so powers your dash cam, preventing battery waste and allowing it to record all critical moments, whether the car is moving or parked. Check out this post if you're interested in how a dash camera is hardwired. These are the solutions that we found after in-depth research.

Hardwiring your dash camera to the vehicle's fuse box is one of the most common installation methods. This procedure allows parking mode recording and turning on your dash cam when the car is turned off (for dash cams that come with the parking mode recording feature).

You can find instructions for properly hardwiring a dashcam here:

  1. Decide where to put your dash cam.
  2. Find the fuse box compartment.
  3. Identify fuse slot.
  4. Disconnect the handpicked fuse.
  5. Select the correct fuse tap cable.
  6. Plug the original fuse.
  7. Select a suitable grounding spot.
  8. Test the dash cam.

Hardwiring a dash camera can be difficult. If you've been wondering how to hardwire your dash cam, keep reading to learn about the methods and some helpful tips.

How Can A Dash Cam Be Hardwired For Parking Mode?

Wiring car front camera video recorder

Many customers have chosen to hardwire their dash cams directly to the fuse chamber to make better use of the parking mode and the 12V socket slot. When hardwiring a dash cam, you must strictly follow the instructions below:

1. Decide Where To Put Your Dash Cam

Behind the rearview mirror and high on the windscreen is the ideal location for dash cameras. This spot enables an unbroken view forward and, with dash cams with multiple cameras, offers an excellent angle from inside and behind the car.

Check out this car dashboard camera recorder on Amazon.

2. Find The Fuse Box Compartment

Locate the fuse box in your automobile under the steering wheel. Pull it down slightly to remove the cover clip. Keep the lid cover in your glove box after removal.

3. Identify Fuse Slot

Choose a fuse with a current rating ranging from 7.5A to 15A. Use a multimeter to determine the power supply in the fuse slot. 

4. Disconnect The Handpicked Fuse

Disable the initial permanent power or ACC power fuse with the extraction device. Don't ever attempt to extract a fuse with your hands to prevent damage to the circuit board.

5. Select The Correct Fuse Tap Cable

Measure the size of the unplugged fuse to determine the proper wiring. Use one of the four fuse tap cables, including the red and yellow ones, depending on your vehicle. Connect the yellow cable to the power source and the red wire to the ACC power supply.

Check out these add-a-circuit fuse tap adapter kits on Amazon.

6. Plug The Original Fuse 

Place the original fuse in the fuse tap cable's additional slot. Another fuse is on the fuse tap cable, but do not attempt to remove that fuse. 

7. Select A Suitable Grounding Spot

After you've grounded the negative black wire, look around the fuse box for anything solid metal. Attach the black wire (negative) to where a bolt screw should be and tighten it with a tool or screwdriver to complete the grounding.

8. Test The Dashcam

Start your car after plugging in the kit and connecting everything to your dash cam. If the dash camera turns on, you have followed the instructions correctly. 

What Are The Tools Needed To Install A Dash Camera?

Dash camera in car

By embedding your dash cam into your vehicle, you can take advantage of technology, avoid limping cables, and ensure that it works regardless of whether the engine is running or in park mode. You'll need the following items to install a dash cam:

Dashboard Camera

Dash cams are small cameras installed on the front and back of your vehicle. This device records everything, whether your car is moving or in park mode.

Suction Cup

Suction cup mounts are suitable for rental cars. This material comes off the windshield without leaving any trace.

Check out this suction cup hook on Amazon.

Hardwiring Tool Kit

Provides everything required to add a power switch to vehicles with standard or mini fuses. The dash camera now has its power supply, eliminating the need to plug it into a car cigarette socket.

Check out this dash cam hardwire kit on Amazon.

Fuse Tap Cables

The fuse taps make it simple to hardwire your dashcam to your car's battery when used with the power pro hardwiring kit, which allows parking mode. Make sure you choose the appropriate fuse tap for the fuse box in your car out of the three available types.

Fuse Pullers

Fuse pullers are essential for removing and installing fuse blocks and other fuse holders. Fuse pullers are an excellent alternative when working in a confined space because some fuse panels can be hard to reach with your hands.

Check out this fuse puller on Amazon.

Wrenches

A wrench is a tool that turns a bolt or nut's head. This device applies torque to turn or prevent the turning of items, such as revolving fasteners and provides a grip and a mechanical advantage.

Check out this torque wrench on Amazon.

Cable Ties

Cable ties are a type of fastener that connects electrical cables and wires. Because of their low cost, ease of use, and strength as a binding agent, cable ties are frequently used in other applications.

Check out these multipurpose cable ties on Amazon.

Multimeter

A multimeter is a device that measures various electrical properties. Resistance, voltage, and electric current are commonly measured.

Check out this digital multimeter on Amazon.

What Advantages Can Dash Cameras Offer?

Advantages of dash cameras, How To Hardwire A Dash Cam For Parking Mode

Dash cameras improve visibility and safety for drivers. This device is an ideal addition to your automobile if you want to keep an eye on a parked car or prove your innocence in an accident. The following are some benefits of driving with a dash camera:

Insurance Claims Use Dashcam Footage As Proof

In the event of an accident, having a dashcam that generates incident reports allows you to expedite the claims process and prove your innocence.

Sharing video footage of an accident is undeniably a more effective way of explaining what occurred than relying solely on verbal statements.

Record First-hand Accident

Dash cam footage can aid in determining liability in accidents by providing video evidence of the event.

A dash camera will not only let you review what happened, but it should also let you view the license plates, which will help the authorities find the person who caused it.

Reduce Theft

Thief trying to break into the car

Dash cams provide security when your vehicle is parked alone, and often deter would-be car thieves.

Tracks Your Travel

Dashcams not only record anything that goes wrong but keeps track of where you've driven your automobile. This device helps you remember some great moments.

What Is The Fuse Rating For Hardwire Installation?

For all hardwired installations, we always recommend using fuse taps and add-a-fuse. It is much cleaner than wrapping the wires around the fuses. When selecting fuses, use a circuit tester to determine which fuse is the ACC and which is the constant.

To adequately power your dash cam, use fuse slots with ratings not more than 20 Amperes. Before changing fuses, consult the owner's manual to avoid damaging specific safety components in your vehicle.

What Are The Typical  Hardwired Dash Camera Issues?

Dashboard car camera for safety

There are a few typical errors that you can run into if your hardwiring kit doesn't function as intended. The common hardwired dash cam problems are listed below:

Reversed Wiring

If you replace the wires, the dash cam may behave strangely and, in rare cases, cause battery drain. Use your unique hardwire kit to verify the wire arrangement rather than relying on other recommendations.

The Ground Is Not Properly Connected

A shock hazard may exist if the ground wire is cut or disconnected. Unless the circuit incorporates a ground fault interrupter, shock hazard situations frequently won't cause the breaker to trip without the ground wire.

Add-A-Fuse Incorrectly Configured

Dashcam "add a fuse" devices safely power your dashcam. A hardwire kit will not power when an add-a-fuse fuse is not attached well.

A Blown Fuse

The kit will not power up if the add-a-fuse fuse explodes. Glass fuses inline on the cigarette cable or hardwires kit may also blow.

The Fuse Has An Unfastened Wire

Some hardwire kits use wire that is significantly thinner than add-a-socket wire. As a result, they could become dislodged in the add-a-fuse, causing an erratic current flow.

Takeaway

It can be very helpful for your dash cam to run even when the vehicle is stationary.

Hardwire kits provide this capability by directly connecting the dash cam to your car's fuse box, protecting your vehicle from potential battery depletion. Users usually take an hour to complete the installation.

You may visit the linked posts below for additional information:

How To Make F250 Theft Proof

Does Tesla Model 3 Have 360 Camera?

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