If you’ve recently purchased a dashcam, you’d definitely want to try and set it up for hardwiring.
While it can definitely work by plugging into the car cigarette lighter socket, having the socket free for use with your other gadgets instead of having to keep one slot for the dash camera is definitely an advantage.
Other dash cams offer advanced functionality when it isn’t limited to being turned on and off from a car’s ignition.
Some features that may be “unlocked” depending on the dash cam’s features. A good example of a feature that could be unlocked is the motion-sensing component that immediately turns on the camera once anyone comes near the vehicle. For that, the dashcam needs to have a constant source of power even when the key isn't in the ignition.
Hardwiring relies on making sure that you have the correct wires, and that you have them allotted to your car’s correct power slots, better known as the fuse. Make sure to follow the below instructions to the letter for successful hardwiring; if at any point you're unsure about the steps or you're unable to follow, reverse your steps until you've reverted the car to its original state.
Without further ado, here’s Elinz guide on hard wiring:
1.Mount the dashcam in a location that does not obstruct your view. This is such an important factor, as you have to make sure that it has a solid point to cling to so that it doesn’t detach. You also need to make sure that it doesn’t obstruct any part of your windshield.
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The view on the dashcam should also be unobstructed. If you have a dual dash cam, you also need to make sure that the front-facing camera is able to capture inside your car without impediment.
2. Locate your vehicle's inner fuse box. This is usually under your car’s hood, but please refer to your car’s manual as this can vary from vehicle to vehicle.
3. Tuck the power cable to the headliner and route behind the rest of the interior panels down towards the fuse box. Again, this can vary from vehicle to vehicle, as cars have different interior layouts; refer to your car’s manual on how to remove some panels, should you need to do so and if you prefer a cleaner outcome to your hardwiring.
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4. Look for a fuse with constant power like room lamp and remove using a fuse puller or a pair of pliers. This is important, as this makes sure that the fuse you’re connecting to is supplied with constant power.
This is the feature that unlocks the many functionalities of different dash cams. Better yet, it starts up the dashcam as soon as you start to head out on your trip.
If you’re unsure which fuse has constant power, refer to your car’s manual. If you have it connected to the wrong fuse, the dash cam will power down just like everything else in your car when your key isn’t in the ignition slot.
5. Connect the dash cam's red wire to the fuse and plug it back into the same slot where it was originally.
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6. Locate a grounding point and connect the dash cam's black wire.
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There you go - you should be good to go after that! This effectively makes your dashcam one with your vehicle and performing at it’s best. Most importantly, it unlocks the functionality of automatic recording should anything come close to your vehicle.
If you’re unsure if you’ve done it right, test it out and see if any new recordings come up on the dash cam’s storage device. If not, go through steps 4 to 6 again to make sure that you’ve hardwired it properly.
If at any point there are any issues, retrace your steps in reverse to remove the hardwiring you’ve attempted.
Make sure to place back all the panels that you’ve removed (if there are any), and that they’re adhered safely back to your car’s dashboard, the same way it was prior to your hardwiring installation.
Again, If you’re unsure about any of the steps, please do not try to attempt to hardwire. We’re always here to help, and reach out to our customer support chat via our website if you want someone to walk you through it. And if you're attempting a hardwire, make sure that you have your car's instruction manual on hand.
Alternatively, we have a list of recommended installers should you wish to have it done by a professional installer. It should take no more than a few minutes to do so.
Additionally, here are some common FAQs related to hardwiring your dashcam:
Q: Why do I even need to hardwire if the dash cam works well when plugged up to a different power source?
A: As mentioned, hardwiring is optional. But note that dash cams work best when hardwired, and unlocks a bevy of features.
Q: What’s the perfect spot to mount the dash cam on?
A: Usually, the perfect spot is right behind your rearview mirror, or right below it. This makes sure that your dash camera is able to capture everything in front.
Q: What tools do I need to hardwire my dashcam?
A: Other than fuse pullers or a lever to remove some panels on your car’s dashboard, nothing else- when you set back the panels on your dashboard, it should hold the wiring in place. Additionally, all accessories that can be hardwired from Elinz comes with a hardwiring kit.
Q: How do you find a good grounding point for the dashcam?
A: A good grounding point should not be too far from the fuse box, and is clear of any impediments or imperfections. Such imperfections can be dirt, rust or paint that’s peeling off. This is a common point for a dash cam not working after being hardwired, as the damage to the grounding point (that looks like a bolt) might be giving out inconsistent voltage.
If you’re not sure, make sure to use with a multi-tester to see if the grounding point is consistently pumping out electricity/ground.
Q: Is hardwiring limited to just dash cams?
A: Absolutely not. Some other items, such as reversing cameras, can be hardwired. In fact, it’s recommended that such car accessories are hardwired for complete security and full functionality.
If you're looking for some quality dash cams and reversing cameras to install in your vehicle, do visit us at our listings and grab your own today!
