Electrics - hard wiring dashcam

[DJK53]

Have only recently bought my XC60 so still getting used to it. I believe it's an MY16 model, registered September 2015.

In my two previous cars, an MGZTT and Jaguar X Type Estate, I have hardwired my dash cam to a switched power source using piggyback fuses.

This approach has worked really well and I'd like to replicate it in the XC60.

My plan is, as before, to bring the cable down the left-hand side of the front screen between the glass and A pillar, thus avoiding any issues with the A pillar airbags.

The question is where next on the XC60, where is the most appropriate source to take a switched supply from, i.e fuse box, and which fuse.

I'd like to use the supply for the 12V sockets if the fuse is easily accessible and the supply is switched as I don't intend to use the socket in the centre console at all.

Last point, what size fuses doe's the XC60 use, micro, mini or standard.

Thanks in advance for any advice or guidance.

David

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by DJK53

Have only recently bought my XC60 so still getting used to it. I believe it's an MY16 model, registered September 2015.

In my two previous cars, an MGZTT and Jaguar X Type Estate, I have hardwired my dash cam to a switched power source using piggyback fuses.

This approach has worked really well and I'd like to replicate it in the XC60.

My plan is, as before, to bring the cable down the left-hand side of the front screen between the glass and A pillar, thus avoiding any issues with the A pillar airbags.

The question is where next on the XC60, where is the most appropriate source to take a switched supply from, i.e fuse box, and which fuse.

I'd like to use the supply for the 12V sockets if the fuse is easily accessible and the supply is switched as I don't intend to use the socket in the centre console at all.

Last point, what size fuses doe's the XC60 use, micro, mini or standard.

Thanks in advance for any advice or guidance.

David

Your plan is sound, behind the glovebox is one of the many fuse boxes, and in there is the fuse for the 12v socket in the centre console which is a IGN switched live. They are the smaller blade fuse type, not sure if mini or micro.

[Fat Magpie]

I took a different approach, I used one of the overhead map reading/courtesy lights, I removed the bulb and now I manually switch the camera on and off. If parked I can leave it on recording.

[JimmyP]

I hard-wired my dashcam in a couple of weeks ago and IIRC it's fuse number 22 for the tunnel console 12v supply - it's in the right-hand fuse box in the passenger footwell.

Finding a decent earth point was a bit of a pain as it's all plastic around the fuse boxes but I eventually found an unpainted bolt beneath the 'behind-the-floating-console' storage shelf. Pull the carpet away in the footwell to the right of the fuse boxes, prise off the whole trim panel and you'll give yourself enough room to attach the earth.

I still haven't replaced the fuse box cover properly as the piggy-back fuse holder has a higher profile and catches on the fins inside the plastic cover. Something to sort this weekend...

As for fuse size, I'm pretty sure they're all mini fuses in there but please don't base any purchase on that!

[DJK53]

Thanks everyone for their help and advice, I have ordered a cable from an on line auction site in order that I won't need to cut the orgonal and once that arrives I'll have a go and post up the outcome.

[155mph]

Bought one of those Nextbase dash cams from Halfords. Hardwire kit and fitted for extra £20. Yes, fuse box behind glove box but finding earth point was fussy. Job done in 40 minutes.