Engine: V8: Cashcam hardwire fuse (2008 V8)

[Stu V8 2007]

There are a couple of threads on here with (to me) conflicting advice as to which fuse to piggyback onto when hardwiring a dashcam.

I realise there is the option of 'permanent' live and 'ignition on' live, but would like to know what is the best fuse to use for either scenario.

I think I have become confused as the advice on the forum is for a diesel car and some of the fuses available are different.

Some for example mentioned fuse 11 in the driver's footwell, but mine is listed as 'front sear, rear seat and refrigerator socket' which my car doesn't have.

Not being terribly proficient I'd like some advice on the best fuse, the rest (routing the cable, earthing etc I can manage).

The car is a 2008 V8. I have the handbook with the fuses listed so will be able to at least find the right one if I know which to use!).

Thanks, Stu

[XJSDriver]

if you cannot easily identify a fuse from the manual you can do what I did which is to use a multimeter to test which fuse is live when ignition on.

[AndrewTi]

I run mine off the Drivers heated seat. Has been fine for 18 months.

[Stu V8 2007]

If only I had heated seats!

[Stu V8 2007]

At the risk of being laughed at ... there are a few options which this car doesn't have (bliss, heated seats, power passenger seats) can I just use one of those fuse slots? I don't have a multimeter so can't test them for live. That will be a daft questeion to those that know, but less obvious to a village idiot. There aren't actually that many options in the front fuse locations that aren't linked to the more important functions. I the boot there are things like Heated Rear Window, but I need a slot up front. Anyone else done this and can suggest a suitable fuse to use?

[bokabil]

For a dashcam, "ignition on" live is recommended. If your dashcam has parking-mode and you want to use that, then "permanent" live is what you need, obviously make sure you have a cut-off device to avoid draining your battery.

Fuse 11 is what I used for my dashcam. I don't have the Refrigerator but this fuse still works, tested it with a multimeter and it is "ignition on" live.

[4x4]

I used fuse 27 under the steering column

[Stu V8 2007]

Just when I think I about to start the process and use slot 11 as suggested, I find this odd fuse with no rating in there.

OK to proceed?

The manual states it's for 'front seat, rear seat and refrigerator 15A'.

It doesn't have a refrigirator, and out of interest what does it mean by 'front seat, and rear seat' in relation to this fuse? Is it referring to the 12V 'cigarette' sockets?

Shall I still use this one for the dashcam?

Sorry to keep asking on this but hopefully I can get started and shut up.

[SwissXC90]

F11 15A is the front seat socket, rear seat socket, and refrigerator

ie: the 12V cigar lighter socket in the front, the one for the rear seats, and the fridge (if fitted)

I would not connect a low power dashcam to a 15A fused supply.

I would rather connect it to F5, which is a 10A fuse for the audio/nav/dvd system.

Or identify if any of the empty positions also have switched 12V on them, and fit a 5A fuse for the dashcam so it has it's own fused supply.

[Stu V8 2007]

OK, thanks 4x4, our messages crossed. I might try 27 as there is currently nothing in there.