Installation of a dashcam

How do I install a dashcam in my car? In this instructional video, you can see how to place a dashboard camera in your car or truck.

Before dashcam installation check the package

Take the dashboard camera out of its package and make sure there are no missing pieces for the dashcam installation. You need at least the dashboard cam, the suction cup or holder with double-sided tape, the power cable, the memory card and optionally the GPS tracker. If you have other devices connected to your cigarette lighter socket, you can use a cigarette lighter socket splitter.

Also keep your screwdriver at hand and possibly a wire cutter, wire stripper and some hotglue and duct tape if you want to hide the dashcam cables professionally.

STEP 1 - Placement of the dashboard camera

To have as few distractions as possible, we recommend placing the dashboard camera behind the rear view mirror. This way you won't have anything distracting in your field of vision.

Make sure the dashcam is level and centered. Aligning the dashcam is simple: make sure the dashcam also records a part of the car, but keep it to a minimum. You also want to record traffic lights. Horizontaly, you best align your dashcam in the middle of the windshield. You can also choose to aim your dashcam a bit to the right or the left, based on the priority or traffic yield legislation in your country.

STEP 2 - Hiding the dashcam power cables

For a professional, neat look, you should make sure the power cables are hidden. This is better for both safety as for aesthetic aspects: it looks messy if the cables are dangling in front of you.

If you look at the graphic representation on the scheme, you will notice this is an easy job. You place the cable above, against the window, then work your way to the side, down under the glove compartment and then finish in the cigaratte lighter socket.

STEP 3 - Opening side panels (optional)

Sometimes the space between the window and the side panel is very thight. Then the dashcam power cables won't fit and you risk damaging your window if you apply to much pressure to the side. If that's the case, it's better to remove the side panels and place the power cables inside.

Most of the time these side panels are easy to remove. For example: if you remove the logo you can see the screw that holds the panel. If you remove the screw, the panel comes off easily.

STEP 4 - Hiding dashcam cables according to plan

Generally the thin dashcam cable can easily be put between the window and the inner lining. Usually, the cable fits well between the window and the side panel. If not, and you have removed (STEP 3) the side panel, you best attach the power cable from the dashboard cam with duct tape, hotglue or tie wraps. This way it will not be tapping against the bodywork of your car while driving.

STEP 5 - Dashboard cam power cable to socket

Finally, connect the cable along the foot, below the glove box to the socket of the cigarette lighter. Plug in the Dashcam (possibly in a splitter) and Go!

OPTIONAL - Hiding Dashcam power cable plug

If you want to make it look even more professional you can take another step. The plug can be hidden too. This is called dashcam hard wiring. ATTENTION: you need to be quite handy in opening panels in your car. Working on the electric circuit of your car can be dangerous to you and your vehicle. In case of doubt, you should contact a professional.

The dashboard cam power cable must be connected to the internal power cable that gets activated when you start your car. In most cases this is the way the cigarette lighter socket is set up: there is only power if the key is turned and the ignition is on.

In the demonstration video we connect it to the lighter socket, but there are other options, like going directely to the fusebox of your car.

1. Open up the plug of the dashcam cable

Remove the screw on top of the plug. Remove all plastic parts, you only need the cable.

2. Open cigarette lighter socket

Remove all necessary panels, so your socket can be removed.

3. Prepare power cables

The connectors must be cut off, the wires stripped. You do the same with the cables of the cigarette lighter. Twist together the positive dashcam wire with the positive socket wire. Do the same for the negative wires. Attach the plugs and the cables are ready to be connected.

4. Replace socket

Now the socket and all removed panels can be put back into place.

STEP 6 - Installing the GPS tracker module (optional)

Depending on your dashcam, a GPS tracker module will be included. The module can be plugged in. The GPS tracker is often provided with double-sided tape, which makes it easy to stick to the window. The cables can be hidden behind the interior inner lining of the car.

Do you have additional tips and tricks for hiding dashcam cables? Let us know by in the comments below!