Installing a front and rear dash cam is a great DIY project that significantly enhances your driving security. A clean, professional-looking installation mainly involves carefully routing and concealing the cables within your vehicle’s trim. Below is a complete guide to walk you through the process.
Preparation and Planning
1. Gather Your Tools
Having the right tools on hand will make the installation smoother and prevent damage to your car’s interior. You will need:
- Essential Tools: Your dash cam kit, a plastic trim removal tool (highly recommended to avoid scratches), a microfiber cloth and glass cleaner, and cable ties or clips .
- For Hardwiring: If you plan to enable parking mode, you will need a hardwiring kit, a fuse tap, and a circuit tester .
2. Choose the Optimal Camera Placement
Proper placement is critical for an unobstructed view and clear footage.
- Front Camera: The ideal spot is behind the rearview mirror, on the passenger side if possible. This provides a wide field of view without blocking your driving vision .
- Rear Camera: Mount it at the top center of the rear windshield. Ensure it is within the sweep of the rear wiper for a clear view in bad weather .
Important: Before permanently attaching the adhesive mounts, clean the glass thoroughly with the glass cleaner and do a test fit to check the camera’s view.
Step-by-Step Installation
1. Mount the Cameras
- Front Camera: Peel off the adhesive backing from the mount and press it firmly against the cleaned windshield for at least 30 seconds to ensure a strong bond .
- Rear Camera: Similarly, attach the rear camera mount to the rear windshield .
2. Route the Cables (The Key to a Clean Look)
This is the most important step for a professional-looking installation. The goal is to tuck all cables into the gaps between the headliner and the vehicle’s pillars.
- Front Camera Power Cable:
- Start by tucking the cable into the gap between the windshield and the headliner, pushing it towards the passenger side .
- Carefully run the cable down the A-pillar (the pillar between the windshield and front door). Crucial Safety Note: Never route a cable over or in front of the A-pillar’s airbag. Always tuck the cable behind the airbag deployment area by gently pulling the rubber weatherstripping and hiding the cable there .
- Continue routing the cable under the dashboard towards your power source.
- Rear Camera Connection Cable:
- From the rear camera, tuck the long cable into the headliner across the top of the vehicle towards the front .
- Guide the cable along the side pillars (B-pillar and C-pillar) by gently tucking it under the trim or behind the rubber weatherstripping .
- For vehicles with a tailgate or hatchback, you must route the cable through the flexible rubber conduit (grommet) that connects the car body to the door. This can be tricky; a wire coat hanger or fish tape can help pull the cable through .
- Connect the cable to the designated port on the front dash cam unit.
3. Connect to Power
You have two main options, each with its advantages:
- Option 1: 12V Cigarette Lighter Socket (Easier)
- This is a simple plug-and-play method. After routing the cable, plug it into your car’s 12V socket. The dash cam will power on and off with the ignition .
- Option 2: Hardwiring (Advanced, Enables Parking Mode)
- A hardwiring kit connects directly to your vehicle’s fuse box, allowing the dash cam to record incidents while your car is parked.
- Use a circuit tester to identify a fuse slot that is switched (powers on with ignition) for the red wire (ACC) and a constant fuse (always on) for the yellow wire (B+). The black wire must be connected to an unpainted metal bolt for grounding .
- A hardwire kit includes a voltage monitor to prevent your car battery from draining .
Final Checks and Troubleshooting
1. Test the System
- Before securing all the cables, power up the system. Start your car and verify that both the front and rear cameras activate and display a live feed .
- Check the camera angles and adjust if necessary. Record a short clip and play it back to ensure both video feeds are saving correctly .
2. Secure and Neaten the Cables
- Use zip ties or Velcro fasteners to bundle and secure any loose wires under the dashboard, ensuring they do not interfere with pedals or other controls .
Common Issues to Avoid:
- Obstructed View: Ensure the cameras do not block your driving sightlines .
- Airbag Interference: Never route cables in a way that could interfere with airbag deployment .
- Weak Mount Adhesion: A perfectly clean glass surface is essential for the adhesive to stick permanently .
Summary: Quick-Start Guide
For a quick overview, the entire process can be summarized in the following steps:
Step | Key Action | Note |
|---|---|---|
1. Plan | Choose camera locations behind the rearview mirror (front) and top-center of rear windshield. | Check the view before sticking . |
2. Mount | Clean the glass and firmly attach the adhesive mounts. | Hold for 30 seconds . |
3. Route Cables | Tuck cables into headliner and pillar trims. Avoid airbag zones. | Use a plastic trim tool . |
4. Connect Power | Choose between the simple 12V socket or hardwiring to the fuse box for parking mode. | Hardwiring requires a kit . |
5. Test & Secure | Power on the system, check video feeds, and secure all loose cables. | Ensure clear, stable footage . |
If you are unsure about hardwiring, opting for the 12V socket installation is a perfectly effective and much simpler solution. For about $50, you can also have the system professionally installed, which is a good option if you are uncomfortable working with your car’s electrical system .I hope this guide helps you achieve a clean and functional installation.