What to Do When the Dash Cam Won't Turn On?
3 Answers
Power supply circuit failure. The power circuit on the dash cam's motherboard is broken, causing normal power supply to fail. Since dash cams usually operate in high-temperature environments, consider whether the components on the circuit board have become loose due to soldering issues. Remove the SD card or TF card, press the power button to confirm if it can turn on. If it still doesn't turn on, look through the side of the device to find the "RESET" hole, gently press it with a soft tool, then press the power button to see if the device starts. If the dash cam starts normally, the issue is with the card. Please format your card. After formatting, reinsert the card. If the problem persists, it is recommended to replace the memory card. Battery power supply or damage. If the dash cam can turn on using an external power source, such as the cigarette lighter socket or a phone charger, then it can be determined that the built-in battery is damaged or the voltage is too low to turn on. Solution: Use an external power source to supply power to the dash cam or replace the built-in battery.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered the issue of a dash cam not turning on several times. Each time, I start with the simplest solutions. First, check if the power cable is properly plugged in—the cigarette lighter socket might be loose or have poor contact, so unplugging and reinserting it can help. If that doesn’t work, inspect the charging cable and adapter for damage, as a cracked cable can cause power failure. Next, see if the dash cam’s indicator light is on. If the light is on but the device won’t start, it’s often due to a full or corrupted memory card. I usually remove the card, format it on a computer, or replace it with a new one. The device itself might also be faulty, especially in hot weather when overheating can cause it to freeze—letting it cool down before restarting may help. If none of these steps work, it’s likely an internal circuit issue, and replacing the device is necessary. After all, driving without recording is risky, so fixing it promptly avoids trouble. I also regularly clean the memory card and back up data to prevent errors from a full card.
I enjoy tinkering with car gadgets in my spare time, and when my dash cam won't start, I troubleshoot it myself. The first step is to check the cigarette lighter voltage—use a multimeter to confirm if the 12V output is normal. If the voltage is fine but the device still doesn't work, try holding the reset button for ten seconds to force a reboot. The memory card is often a major culprit—plug it into a computer to check if it can read and write, then try formatting it or replacing it with a new one. In summer, the heat inside the car can cause the device to malfunction, so move it to a shady spot for a while before turning it on again. Outdated firmware can also lead to compatibility issues, so download the latest version online and update the software. These are basic troubleshooting steps that can solve most problems. If all else fails, then consider sending it for repairs to avoid wasting money. When replacing cables, opt for high-quality ones to avoid being tricked by shoddy products.
