Where is the dash cam connector located?
4 Answers
The dash cam connector is located in the fuse box, where it is wired to the fuse box via concealed wiring. This approach offers two advantages: firstly, the wiring is well-hidden for a cleaner appearance, and secondly, it does not occupy the cigarette lighter or USB port, which can then be used for charging mobile phones. The steps for wiring the dash cam are as follows: 1. To connect to the fuse box, there are specific requirements for the dash cam—only those with voltage regulators integrated into the wiring can be used; 2. The wiring method involves concealed wiring, which can be routed from the headliner along the A-pillar to the fuse box; 3. Power is drawn from the cigarette lighter fuse; 4. Remove the cigarette lighter fuse and use a test light to check the fuse socket—one contact should have power while the other does not. Wrap the non-powered end of the fuse leg and reinsert the fuse to complete the installation.
When I first installed a dash cam, I found the most common connector was the cigarette lighter socket, located just below the car's center console near the driver's legs. A quick glance down and it was easy to plug in—super convenient. But after a few years, the messy wires bothered me, so I learned to hardwire it to the fuse box myself. The fuse box is behind a small panel at the lower left corner of the dashboard—you have to remove the cover to find the ACC fuse. After wiring it this way, it looked much cleaner. The OBD port is another option, located above the brake pedal, which can connect to vehicle data, but don’t use it too often to avoid draining the battery. Choosing the wrong location might cause voltage instability or even fry your device, so it’s best to follow your car model—SUVs and sedans may differ. My advice is to start with the cigarette lighter first, then consider upgrading to hardwiring for a safer and more reliable setup.
As a friend who enjoys tinkering with cars, I've worked with many dash cam connector installations. The main locations include the 12V cigarette lighter socket in the center console area on the passenger side, the in-cabin fuse box under the lower left dashboard cover, or the OBD-II port located in the footwell below the steering wheel. Wiring methods vary by vehicle model: hardwiring to the fuse box can avoid voltage fluctuation issues, especially for front compartment boxes under the hood which require careful operation. I recommend consulting the vehicle manual or checking professional forums for diagrams - for example, German cars may have dedicated interfaces in the overhead light area, while Japanese cars tend to focus more on center console USB ports. Always use a multimeter to test circuit safety during installation, as avoiding short circuit risks is crucial.
When using a dash cam, I prefer to find the simplest connection point, usually the cigarette lighter socket which is easily visible. It's located on the center console between the front seats, just plug into the small round hole. If you can't find it, check the glove box or armrest for a spare USB port. During installation, tuck the wires into the headliner or gaps for a cleaner look, avoiding dangling wires that could obstruct. If unsure, consult the car manual diagrams or ask a mechanic. Choose a higher position for safety, avoiding damp or high-impact areas to prevent disconnection and power loss affecting recording. In short, most connectors are in easily accessible spots inside the car—don't overcomplicate it.
