What are the steps for connecting the ACC wire in a car?
2 Answers
Here are the detailed steps for connecting the ACC wire in a car: 1. The ACC position varies by vehicle, typically located on the left side under the steering wheel; 2. Install and secure the dash cam, then route the voltage reducer wire through the A-pillar until it reaches near the ACC; 3. Open the ACC cover plate, where there are usually several small and medium-sized unused ports—select the desired port; 4. Connect the red wire of the voltage reducer to the ACC, and the black wire to the negative terminal or ground. For parking surveillance, connect to constant power; 5. After installation, start the dash cam. If it functions normally, the installation is successful.
I often DIY car modifications, and here's my step-by-step process for connecting the ACC wire. After turning off the engine, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery for safety. Open the fuse box under the driver's seat and use a multimeter to test each fuse slot. When the key is turned to the ACC position, the one showing a 12V output is the ACC power source. Prepare tools like electrical tape and wire strippers, strip a small section of the ACC wire to expose the copper, then connect it to the ACC input wire of your new device and secure it with insulating tape. Next, find a clean screw on the car body to connect the device's ground wire. After completion, reconnect the battery and test it—the device should power on when the key is in the ACC position. Remember to check for loose connections to avoid short circuits; I once nearly burned wires because of poor insulation. Also, the ACC wire only supplies power in the ACC position, saving energy and protecting the battery, making it ideal for devices like dash cams. The whole process takes about half an hour, but safety comes first. If you're not familiar with the tools, you can practice on a friend's car.
