Dashcam hardwiring

[sportbrake]

I have dashcam which I would like to hardwire in my 2016 MY F Type convertible. Garages charge double the cost of the camera to fit it. Can I ask if anybody has done this themselves and can give me some tips please.

[mike020150]

With most dash cams, the task isn't that difficult. I have wired them into my XKR (X150) and XE. Typically, start by locating a dashboard fuse box and then, identify a permanently live fuse. Dash cams often come with a piggy-back fuse which allows you simply to plug it into the location you have just identified. The piggy-back arrangement allows both the existing fuse to work as normal and to power the dash cam. Next, decide where to locate the camera mount (behind the mirror is a good place for forward facing cameras). Finally, run the power wire behind the windscreen surround trim and down into the fuse box. The last bit will be the hardest and will probably mean standing on your head in the footwell! You may even be able to hide the wiring without needing to remove any trim other than a section of door seal. Good luck. Mike.

[sportbrake]

Mike. Thank you. I will give it a go. Chris.

[drjohnehunt100]

An interesting question. I have a friend who recently mentioned he was going to hardwire a dash cam into his F-Type - I will check in with him and see if he has done it and whether there were any issues etc.

[andypryce]

I am not sure you want a permanent live feed though? Would that not drain the battery? I would have thought an ignition live feed is better?

[mike020150]

It depends if you want to use the camera's ability to detect shocks (bumps) whilst parked. For this feature, the camera needs a power source unless it has a large battery of its own. Mike.

[Si]

This is probably too late to matter to Sportbrake/Chris as he’s already got his camera, but for anyone else following this thread… I noticed the other day that Halfords are offering Nextbase front & rear dashcam packages and only charging about £60 or £70 for full “plumbing in” to your vehicle’s electrical system. Sounded fairly reasonable??

If it wasn’t for the fact that I’ve just paid my membership fee and filled up with 75 litres of premium unleaded, I’d be tempted to get one myself.

Happy weekend!

[redxe]

Sorry to reactivate this subject but I have just fitted a dash cam to my P450 and hard wired it into fuse number 7 (Keyless Locking) in the passenger compartment fuse box. All wires tucked out of sight, it works a treat except for one big issue. When the engine is started the camera goes off. I've dug about with a multimeter and it looks like the problem is due to the fuse being starved of power when the engine starts. Presumably all the power goes to start the engine up.
To save me having to contort my, near 70 years young, body into the passenger footwell and try and check every fuse, can anyone suggest which fuse I could use to avoid this power drop on start up. I've also tried fuse 10 (Brake Pedal Switch) but that has the same symptoms.

[neill672]

You may have tried other fuseways already. However, F2 (Singapore Road Pricing) for a permanent live and F25 (accessory socket) for a switched live are alternatives. I can't remember if mine go off as the engine starts, but they come back on pretty quick. I'll try and remember to have a look next time I'm in the car (weekend probably).