S80 Dashcam hardwire

[Badwolf]

Good evening all,

I have a 2012 S80 and have just installed a Nextbase 422GW dashcam using Nextbase's hardwire kit. I followed the directions, and chose a fuse to "piggyback" that controlled something that would only be powered with the ignition on. However, the dashcam appears to be charging even when the ignition is off, and the "Low Battery" warning now occasionally appears on the dash display. The car still seems to start ok though.

Any thoughts please? Thanks in advance.

BW.

[37 RUBY]

Originally Posted by Badwolf

Any thoughts please? .

Yes - use a multimeter or test lamp to locate a fuse that really isn't live.

It's a modern computer controlled car. Plenty of components can have a permanent live if they are earth switch controlled.

[seanc]

In mine, I used the cigarette lighter fuse because it's only on when the car is on, or wakes up due to being unlocked/locked, after that it powers off.

[Model flyer]

When choosing a fuse to piggy back from be aware that some fuses/ circuits don't go dead as soon as you switch off ignition. Circuits can remain live for a minute or two or until the car is locked . The best way to check is to connect a bulb or meter that can be seen from outside the car and then switch off and lock the car . As already said some circuits can stay live for some time after car is locked. Some dashcams need a switched live and a permanent live . The permanent live is to ensure the clock is kept going when car is idle for long periods.
On my V70 I found a switched live and a permanent live behind the overhead light cluster.
Dash cams with batteries are fine until the battery dies and they then produce noisy recordings or in readable recordings. Modern dashcams are switching away from battery to super capacitors for their power.

[Model flyer]

Further to last message . I forgot to say that many dashcams use a 5.3volt and need a psu if hard wired into the 12v system . The accessory plugs they come fitted with often have a voltage reduction unit fitted in them so do check before connecting direct to 12v supply.

[Maurice Mynah]

Originally Posted by Model flyer

Further to last message . I forgot to say that many dashcams use a 5.3volt and need a psu if hard wired into the 12v system . The accessory plugs they come fitted with often have a voltage reduction unit fitted in them so do check before connecting direct to 12v supply.

Many thanks for that info Model flyer I think you have just saved me from a whole world of grief. I have just purchased a Nextbase 522 and the Nextbase rear camera and sure enough, you are dead right, it's a 5volt system with the power dropper in the plug. The whole thing is far too technical for me to fit. I think it's heading off to my mechanic.

[Model flyer]

Originally Posted by Maurice Mynah

Many thanks for that info Model flyer I think you have just saved me from a whole world of grief. I have just purchased a Nextbase 522 and the Nextbase rear camera and sure enough, you are dead right, it's a 5volt system with the power dropper in the plug. The whole thing is far too technical for me to fit. I think it's heading off to my mechanic.

Its really not hard to fit . Here is a link for hard wire kit on e-bay

[V70greg]

I have the same model of dash cam, all you need to do is find a fuse which is switched by the ignition.

Took me a while to find one, at one point I tried the wind screen wiper one, ended up only charging when the wipers were moving... would have been funny to have them moving all the time.

I didn't know about the voltage and just plugged in the Nextbase kit and it all worked no problem.

Sound to me like you were not doing anything wrong just need to keep trying fuses until you find a switched one!

Hopefully you managed to do it yourself

[jodiexii]

I had trouble finding switched live on 2007 S80.
All fuses under glove box were still showing as live with ignition off.
So I used fuse box in boot.