Attaching a dash cam cord primarily involves neatly routing the power cable from the camera to a power source in your vehicle. The goal is to keep the cable hidden and out of the way while ensuring your camera receives consistent power.
Based on common installation methods and the provided reference, here is a step-by-step guide focusing on routing the cord:
Routing the Dash Cam Cord
To power your dash cam and keep the cabin tidy, the power cord is typically routed along the edge of the windscreen and interior panels to the vehicle's power outlet. The reference describes a specific path:
- Plug your camera in: Start by connecting the power cord to the dash cam itself.
- Route the wire across the top of the windscreen: Guide the cable horizontally from the camera (often mounted near the rearview mirror) towards the side of the vehicle.
- Tucking it into the headliner: Carefully tuck the wire into the gap between the top edge of the windscreen and the fabric headliner (the ceiling lining of your car). A trim tool can be helpful here.
- Tuck it behind the A pillar: Bring the wire down from the headliner and tuck it behind the A pillar trim (the vertical panel between your windscreen and the front door).
- Along underneath the dash: Continue routing the wire downwards and along the underside of the dashboard, often following existing panels or seals.
- Across to your twelve-volt socket: Finally, route the wire horizontally across the lower part of the dash or center console area to reach your vehicle's 12-volt accessory socket (cigarette lighter port).
Routing Path Summary
Here is a simple table summarizing the routing path:
Step | Location | Action |
---|---|---|
1 | Camera | Plug In |
2 | Across Top Windscreen | Route Wire |
3 | Headliner | Tuck Wire |
4 | Behind A Pillar | Tuck Wire |
5 | Underneath Dash | Tuck Wire |
6 | To 12-Volt Socket | Route & Plug In |
Powering the Dash Cam
Once the cord is plugged into the 12-volt socket, your dash camera will typically power up.
- Done! Your camera will power up and shut off with your vehicle ignition. This means the camera will automatically turn on when you start your car and turn off when you switch off the ignition, which is a convenient feature for daily use.
Following this routing method helps conceal the wire, preventing it from obstructing your view or looking messy, while providing power from an accessible source.