How to Wire a Car Dash Cam?
2 Answers
Car dash cam wiring method is as follows: 1. The positive wire is usually red and should be connected to the ACC terminal. The negative wire is typically black for grounding, while the long wire (usually yellow) connects to the car battery or constant power positive terminal. 2. Locate the vehicle's ACC position (varies by model, often found on the left side under the steering wheel). Install and secure the dash cam, then route the power cable through the A-pillar to the ACC area. 3. Open the ACC cover panel to reveal several small/medium ports - select the appropriate connection point. 4. Connect the red wire of the power cable to ACC and the black wire to the negative terminal. The working principle of car dash cams involves digitally recording and cyclically updating road conditions ahead or around the vehicle, including cabin audio, along with data such as acceleration, steering, and braking information.
I've always enjoyed DIY car modifications. The most common way to wire a dashcam is through the cigarette lighter – simply plug the power cord into the cigarette lighter socket, which is straightforward and practical. However, if you want parking surveillance functionality, you'll need to hardwire it. Recently, I used a fuse tap to connect to the ACC line from the fuse box. First, turn off the engine power, locate a spare fuse slot, and insert the tap. Make sure to tuck the wires into the A-pillar or headliner to keep them hidden and avoid interfering with the airbags. Use a multimeter to check the voltage, ensuring it's 12V and not reverse-connected. Don’t forget to add a voltage reducer to prevent battery drain. The whole process takes about half an hour and looks more professional and neat. Regularly check for loose wiring to ensure the dashcam always functions properly, protecting your safety when it matters most.
