XC70: Electrical Permanent & Switched In Overhead Light Console

[Puffster]

Getting around to fitting a Dashcam to my XC this weekend and this time I'm going for a Blackvue. Not really wanting to trail wires all the way round to the cigarette lighter, which in an XC70 is basically probably further than I have wire for, so looking to make a fixed connection and wondering if there was a both a Permanent 12v and an (ignition) Switched 12v source within the light console?

If so, is someone able to identify which wire is which/where please?

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

Not so Impressed with the Blackview.

You may be better off considering dedicated wiring for the cam though. All wiring and the associated devices that run off them will be running through either the DIM or ECM in some way and you may cause more issues with an additional device cut into circuit.

There are access points to run cables through the bulkhead and then just a matter of wiring in a hidden 12v socket and maybe an accessible, discrete switch.

If you have the twin camera you also have the joyous task of routing the cable from rear to front and to the camera.

Des. . .

[Puffster]

Thanks - good considerations.

A number of RRS owners are taking their Blackvue feeds from the overhead light console, hence the ask. For my one I got a K1S twin cam, which is very discrete as it has a remote module (hidden in front pocket) and 2 small cameras. It was quite easy to install as wires are thin.

[tt82]

I use a RoadHawk HD2 and there was enough cable for me to run it along the roof lining, behind the A-pillar, by the side of the glove box to the fuse box underneath the glovebox, with plenty left over. I used a 'add a fuse' to power it but the only issue with this is it is a permanent live feed. I would have proffered a feed that is only live when the ignition is on.

[Tatsfield]

I don't know where the fuse is for the 12V lighter socket but on my 2012 XC70 D5 that socket is ignition switched. I use it for a TomTom in the central storage locker which acts as a speed camera audible warning system and it switches off when the ignition is off. That fuse would work for you.

[skippyfox]

I'm running a 2016 xc70 and I tapped in to the 12v socket fuse no22 in the fuse box under the glove box. this only goes live with ignition on. Fuse no7 is for the cargo area socket and rear seat power socket. Constant live, so not really recommended for leaving things powered up, to many amps draw on the battery apparently. Did'nt think a dash cam needed that much power but who am I to argue. Hope it helps.

[Simon Jones]

It's easy to run wires up from the fuse box under the glovebox, up the A-pillar behind rubber seal and tuck in the front of the headlining. I've got two dashcams wired this way and no cabling is visible.

I've taken feed from live and ignition-switched via a toggle switch mounted in glovebox so I have option to leave on all the time (handy when parked at supermarket) or on/off with ignition.

[Simon Jones]

Here's the two feeds I used & photo of one of the two cameras in place.

[Model flyer]

If you haven't already bought a dashcam have a look at dashcams on AliExpress. They supply several made specifically for Volvo's and other higher end cars. They come with replacement rear view mirror shroud that fits against windscreen and look like original equipment.
When testing for permanent and switched live feeds be aware that some modern wiring will still show a voltage of around 9 volts on a test meter when switched off so appears live. If a small load is connected the voltage instantly drops to zero. Just had this problem finding feeds for dashcam on my Jaguar. There may be a switched and permanent live in the overhead console in the loom socket for sunroof even if no sunroof is fitted.