Connecting a rear camera to your dash cam typically involves routing a cable from the back of your vehicle to the front dash camera unit.
Simple Connection Process
The core method for connecting the rear camera to your dash cam involves using the included longer rear cable.
- Connect the rear camera cable to the front camera through the longer rear cable that comes in the package.
- Route the rear cable along the headliner, past the car pillars on the passenger side.
- Exercise caution and patience during the routing process to avoid damaging any vehicle components.
Step-by-Step Cable Routing
Once the rear camera is mounted (usually on the rear window) and the front dash cam is in place (typically on the front windshield), the next crucial step is connecting them via the cable.
- Connect the cable to the rear camera: Plug one end of the long rear camera cable into the rear camera unit.
- Route the cable forward: Begin carefully tucking the cable into the seam between the headliner (the fabric ceiling inside your car) and the roof edge.
- Move down the pillars: Continue routing the cable down the side of the car. The reference specifically suggests using the car pillars on the passenger side. You'll typically tuck the cable under the trim panels along the windshield pillar and then the side pillar (like the B-pillar between the front and rear doors, or C-pillar if routing further back).
- Run along the floor or door sills: After descending the pillar, you can often route the cable along the floor edge, hidden under floor mats or along the plastic door sill trim, towards the front dashboard area.
- Reach the front dash cam: Bring the cable up from the floor area towards the mounted front dash cam unit.
- Connect to the front camera: Plug the remaining end of the long rear camera cable into the designated rear camera port on the front dash cam.
Important Note: As mentioned in the reference, it is essential to be cautious and patient when tucking cables to avoid damaging interior panels, airbags (often located behind pillar trim), or the cable itself. Using a plastic trim tool can help gently pry edges and tuck the cable without scratching surfaces.
By following these steps, you can successfully connect your rear dash camera to your front unit for dual-channel recording.
