Save another $100! Install your dash cam hardwire kit yourself!

Previously, we teamed up to install a front and rear dual-channel dash cam, a process that took us about half an hour. Yes, we did an excellent job, and in doing so, we saved $100. Now, facing another decision, if you want your dash cam to record video while parked, you'll need to purchase a compatible dash cam hardwire kit. The installation is also straightforward, so let's DIY it together today and save you another $100.

Before installing the dash cam hardwire kit, please read this blog to understand how the dash cam hardwire kit works:

Why you need a FOCUWAY hardwire kit? is it worth it？ 

Alright, no more talking; let's get started now!

Step 1: Unlock the car doors but don't start the car, and don't insert the key! This is crucial! No electrical operation while the car is on!

Step 2: Locate your car's internal fuse box.
Most cars have the fuse box on the driver's side; refer to your manual or Google your car's make and model along with the year to get this information. I'm demonstrating on a 2022 Ford Explorer, and its fuse box is above the driver's foot area in a rectangular box.

Step 3: Find the constant fuse and ACC fuse. 

This step is the core of the entire workflow! There are two ways to find the constant fuse and ACC fuse:

Way 1: Use a car test pen to find the correct fuse. You can usually buy one cheaply at a hardware store.

Test pens accurately identify the correct fuse by determining if the fuse has power. Please note, keep your car turned off during this step!
Clip the test pen's clamp to the car door lock buckle.

Touch the test pen's tip to the exposed metal part of the fuse's top.
If the test pen's light turns on, congratulations, you found a constant fuse.

If the light doesn't turn on,

you may have found an ACC fuse. Remember its location, start the car, and retest.

If the light turns on now, congrats, you found an ACC fuse.

Take a photo of the locations of these two fuses. (We'll need to remove them in later steps, so be sure to mark their locations, or you might insert them in the wrong place, causing a car device to malfunction.)

Way 2: The fuse box cover or your car's manual usually has a fuse diagram. If you find it, congratulations, you save a lot of effort in testing!

You can find your fuse box diagram here: Startmycar

Generally, the fuses for the cigarette lighter and radio are ACC fuses, while the fuses for reading lights and door locks are constant. Find their location numbers on the diagram, then locate them on the map and mark them. (We'll need to remove them in later steps, so be sure to mark their locations, or you might insert them in the wrong place, causing a car device to malfunction.)

 Step 4: Remove the two fuses located at the ACC fuse slot and the Constant fuse slot.

Step 5: As different car brands utilize various fuse models, we have included four types of fuses and fuse sockets in the packaging. Please retain only the fuse and fuse socket that corresponds to the fuse type used in your vehicle model.

Step 6: Identify the set of fuses and fuse sockets you need. Notice that there are two positions on the fuse socket. Insert the provided fuses into the outer positions on the fuse socket, ensuring both sets are properly inserted.

Step 7: Connect the fuse socket to the main line of the hardwire kit.

Step 8: (Important) Insert the removed ACC fuse into the socket connected to the red cable, and insert the constant fuse into the socket connected to the yellow cable.

Step 9: (Important) Insert the ACC socket connected to the red cable into the ACC fuse slot previously marked, and insert the constant socket connected to the yellow cable into the Constant fuse slot previously marked.

Step 10: (Important) Connect the black ground wire to a screw on the vehicle frame.

Step 11: Now, begin routing the cable from the dash cam, leaving enough length to reach the dash cam. Conceal the cable within the gaps between the windshield and the roof panel of the vehicle.

Use the pry bar tool provided in the packaging to conceal the cable within the plastic cover of the side pillar.

Conceal the cable within the rubber weather sealing strip.

Hide the excess cable and the hardwire kit box in a suitable location.

Alright, all the steps are completed. Plug in your dash cam power, then activate the time-lapse recording feature to safeguard your vehicle.