What Causes a Dash Cam to Freeze and Not Turn Off?
4 Answers
The reasons why a dash cam freezes and fails to shut down include poor connector contact, memory card failure, electromagnetic interference, high temperatures, etc. Below are the solutions for a dash cam freezing and not turning off, as well as the functions of a dash cam: Solutions for a dash cam freezing and not turning off: If the dash cam starts up normally, it indicates an issue with the memory card, which needs to be formatted. After formatting and reinserting the card, if the problem persists, it is recommended to replace the memory card. Replacing the memory card can resolve the freezing issue. Functions of a dash cam: A dash cam is a device that records images, sounds, and other relevant information during vehicle travel. Its main functions are to record the entire driving process in video and audio, providing evidence for traffic accidents. It also logs time, speed, and location in the recordings, essentially serving as a 'black box.'
As a frequent visitor to auto repair shops, I've encountered this situation many times. It's usually a memory card issue, especially when using off-brand cards or not formatting them for a long time, which can cause the device to freeze. In such cases, try unplugging the power cord to let it power off by itself, then press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds to force a restart. Last time, my neighbor's dashcam froze, and pulling out the card to format it to FAT32 on a computer fixed the problem. Also, check if the device's cooling vents are blocked, as overheating can cause crashes. It's best to manually format the memory card once a month and not wait until it's full to take action.
My dash cam had the same issue last week. It suddenly froze while recording, and the power button became unresponsive. Later, I found out the parking mode wiring was faulty—it kept draining the built-in battery after the car was turned off. A quick fix is to locate the small reset hole on the side of the device and press it with a paperclip. If it keeps freezing frequently, you’ll likely need to replace the memory card. When buying a new one, make sure it’s at least Class10 speed—cheap cards can’t handle continuous read/write cycles.
Last year during a road trip, my dash cam suddenly got stuck on the startup screen. Sharing some troubleshooting tips: First, check if the device has a physical reset button—some models have a force-shutdown switch on the side. Next, verify the firmware version, as outdated systems may conflict with new memory cards; downloading an upgrade package from the official website usually fixes this. The most troublesome issue is motherboard failure, often indicated by severe overheating—this requires factory repair. When purchasing, opt for models with supercapacitors, as they handle high temperatures better than lithium batteries.
