Why does the dash cam time not synchronize?

[DelJosiah]

Generally speaking, the dash cam time not synchronizing is mostly caused by the recorder's battery running out of power. It is recommended to first check whether the recorder can be turned on without plugging in the power supply. If it cannot, it means the battery is insufficient, and the recorder needs to be fully charged before setting it up. If it still does not synchronize, it is recommended to replace the battery. Here is some additional information: 1. The built-in battery is out of power, causing the time not to be recorded: If the battery is exhausted, then after shutting down, it will definitely not be able to record the time, directly jumping to the system's initial time or the display time at each startup still being the last shutdown time. Therefore, during normal use, the built-in battery's power must not be exhausted. 2. The battery power supply is normal, but the time cannot be updated: First, connect the dash cam to the computer, and create a notepad named time.txt in the root directory of the memory card. Enter the current time in the notepad, such as 2013.06.2412:10:30, then save it. Finally, remove the dash cam's battery and reinstall it.

[NolanAnn]

There are actually several reasons why a dash cam's time might be out of sync. The most common issue is a failing built-in button battery. These small batteries typically don't last more than two years before losing charge, causing the time to reset to zero when the vehicle is turned off. Another frequent cause is a loose GPS antenna or signal obstruction from window tinting, which prevents automatic time synchronization - I've encountered this several times when phone mounts blocked the antenna. Outdated firmware with buggy time management programs can also be to blame, but this can usually be fixed by connecting to a computer for a system update. If the dash cam remains parked for over a week without power, it may enter deep sleep mode and lose time synchronization upon waking. Finally, don't forget to check the memory card - too many bad sectors can affect setting preservation, but formatting or replacing the card should restore proper time synchronization.

[MarcusLynn]

I recently dealt with this issue and found that dash cam time drift usually stems from three causes: first, unstable car battery voltage—sudden current fluctuations during engine start can reset the time; second, incorrect time zone settings, often forgotten after international trips; third, GPS signal blocked by metallic window tint. Manual time adjustments frequently miss daylight saving time, especially during spring/fall transitions, causing one-hour discrepancies. Firmware issues also contribute—a certain brand batch last year had this flaw, requiring factory chip upgrades. The most troublesome is aging internal clock chips, common in dash cams over 4-5 years of use—replacing the unit is the simplest solution.

[NoraRose]

Dash cam time synchronization issues primarily relate to the power system and setup operations. Aging built-in lithium batteries may cause power loss and time reset, so it's recommended to inspect them every two years. Many newer models rely on GPS for automatic time adjustment, but signals are completely lost in underground parking or tunnels. When setting manually, carefully select the 24-hour format to avoid recording afternoon as morning. Device overheating and crashes can also cause time resets, especially noticeable after summer exposure. Abnormal SD cards prevent time settings from being saved, making regular formatting crucial. Finally, check for poor contact in the car's cigarette lighter socket, as unstable power directly interferes with clock operation.

[ReedLee]

Time synchronization issues are typically caused by four types of problems: First, hardware defects, such as excessive deviation in clock crystal components, where a few minutes of accumulated error over time is common. Second, software configuration issues, like failing to enable network time synchronization or selecting the wrong time zone. Third, external interference, where strong magnetic field devices can disrupt timing. Lastly, usage habits, such as prolonged periods without powering on the device, leading to depletion of the built-in battery. The solution is straightforward: Check the manual to confirm if the GPS automatic time synchronization feature is enabled, and drive continuously for half an hour to allow satellite positioning updates. When parking for more than three days, it's best to disconnect the power cable to avoid deep discharge damage to the clock circuit. If necessary, restore factory settings to reset the system.