How to Route the Wiring for Installing a Car Dash Cam?
3 Answers
Methods for routing the wiring when installing a car dash cam: 1. Secure the dash cam to the rearview mirror; 2. Connect the power cable to the device and tuck it into the gap between the headliner and windshield; 3. Route the power cable along the A-pillar seam; 4. Continue routing the cable along the door seam toward the bottom of the glove compartment; 5. Once reaching the vicinity of the cigarette lighter, direct the cable toward it and insert the power plug into the cigarette lighter socket. Dash cams are categorized into suction cup-mounted and rearview mirror-mounted types. Suction cup-mounted dash cams need to be affixed to an appropriate location. Rearview mirror dash cams are typically clip-mounted and can be directly attached over the existing rearview mirror.
When installing a dash cam, I pay the most attention to details during DIY: First, fix the camera in the middle upper part of the front windshield without obstructing the view. Then, use a small plastic pry tool to route the cable slowly along the gap of the roof lining starting from the camera position. Be careful not to scratch the interior trim! When routing down to the A-pillar, gently pry open the edge of the trim and tuck the cable inside to secure it. If there is space under the glove box, continue routing the cable there and finally connect it to the cigarette lighter socket. This way, the cable is almost completely hidden, keeping the car neat and tidy. For a more discreet installation, I recommend connecting it to the ACC position in the fuse box like I did, using a multimeter to test and ensure the power supply matches and turns on with the ignition. The whole process takes about half an hour, saving the hassle of going to a shop, and the tools cost just a few dozen bucks for the pry tool. Remember to choose flexible cables to prevent aging, and test drive after routing to ensure no shaking affects driving.
Installing the dash cam myself, I care about interior neatness: Starting from the dash cam position, route the wire slowly along the windshield upper edge's rubber seal gap towards the roof edge. Use a thin tool to gently push the wire in without damaging the glass coating. Then guide it down the A-pillar - if you see airbag markings when opening it, avoid contact and route around. Coil excess wire and hide it in the glove compartment or seat crevice. Connecting to the cigarette lighter is easiest and quickest, but exposes some wiring. For complete concealment like mine, connect to the spare socket under the center console using some tape for fixation. This leaves zero wire traces in the car - even car washes won't tangle wires, detailing shops praise the perfection. Key points: use flexible cables to prevent breakage, regularly check for looseness, enjoy clear vision without distraction - safety first.
