Hardwiring Your Rexing Dash Cam: A Full Guide to 24/7 Protection

Trying to hardwire your Rexing dash cam for that awesome parking mode feature? It might seem a bit daunting at first, dealing with your car’s electrical system, but trust me, it’s totally doable, and the peace of mind you get from 24/7 surveillance is well worth it. This isn’t just about keeping your dash cam charged. it’s about unlocking its full potential, especially when your car is parked. We’re talking about motion detection and collision monitoring even when the engine is off, thanks to a constant power supply. No more visible wires cluttering your dashboard, and you get to keep your cigarette lighter socket free for other gadgets. It’s a clean, professional, and super functional upgrade for your vehicle.

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Why Hardwire Your Rexing Dash Cam? The Perks of Constant Power

So, you’ve got your Rexing dash cam, and maybe you’ve been running it off the cigarette lighter. That works, sure, but if you’re really looking to step up your car’s security, hardwiring is the way to go. Why, you ask?

First off, there’s the parking monitor feature. This is a huge one. Rexing’s “Smart Hardwire Kit” and “Intelligent Hardwire Kit” are designed specifically to power your dash cam continuously, even when your car is turned off. This means your dash cam can detect motion or impacts while you’re away, recording crucial evidence if something happens. Without hardwiring, your dash cam typically just shuts off with the engine, leaving your car vulnerable.

Then there’s the clean aesthetic. Let’s be real, dangling wires are a mess and can be distracting. Hardwiring lets you hide all those cables neatly along your car’s headliner and A-pillar, giving your interior a much cleaner, factory-installed look. No more power cords snaking across your dash!

Finally, it frees up your cigarette lighter socket. That little port can be handy for charging your phone, a GPS, or other accessories. Hardwiring means you don’t have to choose between powering your dash cam and keeping your phone juiced up. It’s all about convenience and maximizing your car’s utility.

Many Rexing hardwire kits, especially the Intelligent ones, come with low-voltage protection. This is super important because it prevents the dash cam from completely draining your car’s battery. If your car battery’s voltage drops below a certain point often around 11.4V or 11.8V, the hardwire kit will automatically cut power to the dash cam, ensuring you still have enough juice to start your car. It’s a smart safeguard that protects your vehicle and gives you peace of mind. Understanding Your Rexing R4 GPS Logger

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Understanding Your Rexing Hardwire Kit: Smart vs. Intelligent

Rexing offers a couple of main types of hardwire kits, and knowing the difference helps you get the most out of your setup. You’ll usually encounter the “Smart Hardwire Kit” and the “Intelligent Hardwire Kit.”

Both of these kits generally come with three wires you’ll need to connect:

• Red Wire ACC/Switched Power: This wire needs to be connected to a fuse that only gets power when your car’s ignition is on, or when the engine is running. Think of it like your radio or cigarette lighter – they turn off with the car. This tells your dash cam when to switch from continuous driving recording to parking mode.
• Yellow Wire BATT/Constant Power: This wire connects to a fuse that always has power, even when your car is off. This is crucial for enabling parking mode, as it provides the continuous power your dash cam needs to monitor your vehicle 24/7.
• Black Wire Ground: This is your grounding wire, and it needs to be securely attached to any bare, unpainted metal bolt or screw on your car’s chassis near the fuse box. This completes the electrical circuit.

The “Intelligent Hardwire Kit” often steps it up by including an external motion sensor. This sensor, typically placed near the dash cam, is designed to detect movement around your vehicle when it’s parked. If it senses motion, or if the built-in G-sensor detects an impact, the kit will power up the dash cam to start recording automatically. This is a fantastic feature for comprehensive parking surveillance. Important note: If you’re using an Intelligent Hardwire Kit with a motion sensor, Rexing typically advises not to enable the parking monitor function in your dash cam’s settings. The intelligent kit handles the motion sensing and power activation, and enabling the dash cam’s internal parking mode might cause conflicts or malfunctions. The motion sensing will automatically activate once the vehicle is powered off.

Rexing hardwire kits are compatible with various dash cam models, including those with Mini-USB and Type-C ports. Make sure you have the correct kit for your specific Rexing dash cam! How to Master Your Rexing V1P: The Ultimate SD Card Formatting Guide

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Tools You’ll Definitely Need

Before you jump in, let’s make sure you’ve got all the right gear. Having these on hand will make the installation process much smoother:

• Rexing Hardwire Kit: Obviously! Make sure it’s the correct type Mini-USB or Type-C for your dash cam.
• Circuit Tester or Multimeter: This is your best friend for finding the right fuses. You’ll use it to identify which fuses are switched ACC and which are constant BATT. Don’t skip this. it’s essential for a correct installation.
• Fuse Puller: Most cars come with one in the fuse box, or you might find one included with your hardwire kit or fuse taps. If not, small pliers can work in a pinch, but be careful not to damage the fuses.
• Add-a-Circuit Fuse Taps: Your hardwire kit should come with a variety of these, matching different fuse types e.g., Mini, Micro2, ATO/ATC blade fuses. These allow you to tap into an existing fuse without cutting wires. Rexing kits often include a range of common fuse taps.
• Wire Strippers/Crimpers Optional, but recommended: While some fuse taps might be plug-and-play, you might need to strip a tiny bit of wire or crimp connectors for a secure fit, depending on your kit and fuse taps.
• Plastic Trim Removal Tools: These are incredibly helpful for prying open interior panels without scratching or damaging your car’s trim. You can usually find a cheap set online.
• Zip Ties or Cable Hiding Clips: For managing excess cable and keeping things tidy.
• Flashlight or Headlamp: Fuse boxes can be in dark, cramped spaces.
• Wrench or Screwdriver Set: For loosening and tightening ground bolts.
• Your Car’s Owner’s Manual: This is invaluable for locating your fuse boxes and understanding your specific car’s fuse layout.

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Getting Started: Understanding Your Car’s Fuse Box

Alright, let’s talk about the heart of this whole operation: your car’s fuse box. You’ll need to locate it first. It’s usually found in one of a few common spots:

• Under the dashboard, often on the driver’s or passenger’s side.
• In the engine bay.
• In the trunk.

Your car’s owner’s manual is the absolute best resource for finding its exact location and a diagram of your fuse panel. Once you find it, you’ll likely see a lid or cover that just pulls off. Rexing mayaris review

Inside, you’ll see a bunch of fuses, each protecting a different electrical component of your car. Our goal is to find two specific types of fuses:

• ACC Accessory / Switched Fuse: This fuse only has power when your car’s ignition is on. When you turn the car off, power to this fuse cuts out. We connect the red wire of your Rexing hardwire kit here. Good candidates are fuses for your radio, cigarette lighter, or accessories that turn on and off with the car.
• BATT Battery / Constant Fuse: This fuse provides continuous power, even when your car is off. This is where the yellow wire of your hardwire kit connects. This could be for things like your hazard lights, dome light, or specific constant power ports.

Using your circuit tester:

1. Turn your car off.
2. Connect the alligator clip of your circuit tester to a bare metal ground point on your car’s chassis a bolt or screw near the fuse box works great.
3. Carefully touch the probe of the circuit tester to each side of the exposed metal contacts on top of each fuse.
4. Fuses that light up the tester’s LED are your constant power BATT fuses. Make a note of a good 10-15A fuse for this.
5. Now, turn your car on but not necessarily the engine, just the accessory power.
6. Repeat step 3. Fuses that light up the tester now but didn’t when the car was off are your switched power ACC fuses. Again, aim for a 10-15A fuse.
7. Ideally, you want to pick fuses that control non-essential components. Fuses for airbags, engine control units, or critical safety systems are a no-go. Your radio, heated seats, or auxiliary power outlets are usually safe bets.

Once you’ve identified your ACC and BATT fuses, remove them using your fuse puller. Take a moment to look at the fuse type Mini, Micro2, ATO/ATC and pick the corresponding add-a-circuit fuse tap from your Rexing kit.

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Step-by-Step Rexing Hardwire Kit Installation

Alright, with the theory out of the way, let’s get those hands dirty! How to Find the Bolt Pattern on Trailer Rims

Step 1: Mount Your Dash Cam and Motion Sensor if applicable

First things first, figure out where you want your dash cam to live. Most people put it behind the rearview mirror to keep it out of their line of sight. Once you’ve picked the spot, attach it securely with its adhesive mount.

If you have a Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kit, you’ll likely have a separate motion sensor. Place this on the windshield a few inches away from the dash cam, making sure it’s not blocked by anything like the rearview mirror. Connect the motion sensor to the hardwire kit with the included USB cable.

Step 2: Route the Wiring

This is where your trim tools come in handy.

1. Start at your dash cam. Neatly tuck the power cable into the headliner the fabric ceiling of your car. You can usually gently pull down the edge of the headliner or use a trim tool to create a small gap.
2. Work your way along the top of the windshield to the side of the car closest to your fuse box often the passenger or driver’s side A-pillar.
3. Carefully pry open the A-pillar trim. Many A-pillar covers can just be popped off. use your plastic trim tools to avoid damage.
4. Route the cable down the A-pillar, tucking it behind the existing wiring or panels. Make sure the cable doesn’t interfere with any airbags if your car has them in the A-pillar. This is a safety critical step, so take your time and ensure the wire is not in the path of any airbag deployment.
5. Continue routing the wire down to the fuse box location. You might need to tuck it under the glove box or kick panel. Gather any excess wire and secure it with zip ties later, out of the way.

Step 3: Connect the Constant Power Yellow Wire

1. Remember that constant power BATT fuse you identified with your circuit tester? Gently remove it using your fuse puller.
2. Take one of your add-a-circuit fuse taps that matches your fuse type. Insert the original fuse from your car into the bottom slot of the add-a-circuit.
3. Now, take the yellow wire from your Rexing hardwire kit and connect it to the add-a-circuit. This usually involves crimping it or inserting it into a specific connector on the fuse tap.
4. Insert a new fuse the same amperage as your original, or typically 10-15A as recommended for dash cams into the top slot of the add-a-circuit. This fuse protects the dash cam circuit.
5. Plug the add-a-circuit, with both fuses installed, back into the fuse slot where you removed the original fuse.

Step 4: Connect the Switched Power Red Wire

1. Now, for the switched power ACC fuse you identified. Remove this fuse from your car.
2. Grab another matching add-a-circuit fuse tap. Insert the original ACC fuse into the bottom slot.
3. Connect the red wire from your Rexing hardwire kit to this add-a-circuit.
4. Insert another new fuse 10-15A into the top slot of this add-a-circuit.
5. Plug this second add-a-circuit into the fuse slot where you removed the original ACC fuse.

Step 5: Connect the Ground Wire Black Wire

1. Locate a sturdy, unpainted metal bolt or screw near your fuse box. This is your grounding point.
2. Loosen the bolt or screw.
3. Take the black wire from your Rexing hardwire kit, which usually has a C-shaped or O-shaped connector. Slide this connector under the head of the bolt or screw, ensuring it makes good contact with the bare metal.
4. Tighten the bolt or screw securely with your wrench or screwdriver. Give it a gentle tug to make sure it’s firm.

Step 6: Connect to the Dash Cam and Test

1. With all three wires connected, plug the power cable from the hardwire kit into your Rexing dash cam.
2. Start your car. Your dash cam should power on and begin recording, indicating that the ACC power is working.
3. Now, turn your car off. If everything is correctly wired, your dash cam should either enter parking mode or indicate that it’s powered by the hardwire kit, staying on or activating based on motion depending on your kit type. If you have an Intelligent Hardwire Kit with a separate motion sensor, remember that the dash cam’s internal parking mode should be disabled.
4. If your dash cam doesn’t power on, or if parking mode isn’t working as expected, go back and double-check your connections. The most common issue is mixing up the constant and switched power wires.

Step 7: Tidy Up and Finalize

Once you’ve confirmed everything is working, it’s time to make it look professional.

1. Use zip ties to bundle any excess wiring from the hardwire kit and tuck it neatly away behind the fuse box or kick panel.
2. Reinstall any trim panels you removed A-pillar, kick panels, fuse box cover.
3. Give your dash cam a quick wipe down, and you’re all set!

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Troubleshooting Common Rexing Hardwire Kit Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go perfectly on the first try, and that’s okay! Here are a few common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

• Dash Cam Doesn’t Turn On At All:

  • Check Ground Connection: Is the black wire firmly attached to bare metal? Sometimes paint or corrosion can prevent a good connection.
  • Check Fuse Taps: Are both fuses original and new correctly seated in the add-a-circuit? Is the add-a-circuit fully pushed into the fuse slot?
  • Check Hardwire Kit Fuse: Some hardwire kits have an inline fuse on the main unit. Make sure it’s not blown.
  • Verify Power: Use your circuit tester to confirm that both the ACC and BATT fuse slots are receiving power as expected.

• Dash Cam Turns On with Car, But Shuts Off When Car Is Off No Parking Mode:

  • This usually means your constant yellow and switched red wires are either swapped or the constant wire isn’t connected to a truly constant power source. Go back to your fuse box, use your circuit tester, and re-verify your BATT fuse. It must have power even when the car is completely off. If you accidentally reversed the yellow and red wires, the camera might turn on and off with the engine, but the parking mode won’t work.

• Dash Cam Stays On All The Time, Even When Car Is Off Draining Battery:

  • This is the opposite problem! It means your switched red wire is connected to a constant power source instead of an ACC one. Re-test your ACC fuse slot with the car off and on to ensure it only receives power when the ignition is active.

• Parking Mode Not Activating/Working with Intelligent Hardwire Kit: Decoding Your Fussy Formula Baby: A Parent’s Guide to Happy Feeding

  • Remember to Disable Dash Cam’s Internal Parking Mode: If you have an “Intelligent Hardwire Kit” with its own motion sensor, you generally do not enable parking mode in your dash cam’s menu. The kit takes over this function. Check your Rexing hardwire kit’s manual for specific instructions regarding this.
  • Motion Sensor Placement: For Intelligent kits, ensure the motion sensor isn’t blocked by anything like your rearview mirror and has a clear view.
  • Low Voltage Cut-Off: If your car battery is already a bit low, the hardwire kit’s low-voltage protection might be kicking in, preventing parking mode from activating to save your battery.

• Loose Connections: Vibrations from driving can sometimes loosen connections. Periodically check that your fuse taps are snug and your ground wire is tight.

If you’re really stuck, Rexing’s support pages and YouTube channels offer installation videos for various kits and models. Sometimes seeing it done visually helps clarify things. You can also reach out to Rexing’s customer support. they’re usually pretty responsive.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between a Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit and an Intelligent Hardwire Kit?

The core difference often lies in how parking mode is activated. A Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit usually enables parking mode based on the vehicle’s engine status ACC detection, automatically switching to parking mode when the engine is off. The Intelligent Hardwire Kit, on the other hand, often includes an external motion sensor and its own logic to detect motion or collision, triggering recordings in parking mode and typically requiring you to disable the dash cam’s internal parking monitor function.

How do I know which fuse type my car uses for the add-a-circuit?

Your car’s owner’s manual is the best resource for identifying fuse types. You can also visually inspect the fuses in your fuse box. they come in standard sizes like Mini, Micro2, and ATO/ATC. Rexing hardwire kits typically come with a variety of fuse tap cables to accommodate different car models. Rexing Formula Sim Racing Steering Wheel: Your Ultimate Guide to Mayaris 2 Performance

What amperage fuse should I use in the add-a-circuit for the dash cam?

For the dash cam’s circuit in the add-a-circuit tap, a fuse between 7.5A and 15A is generally recommended and safe. Your hardwire kit might even come with a 15A fuse. You’ll want to match the original fuse’s amperage for the car’s circuit.

Will hardwiring my Rexing dash cam drain my car battery?

Rexing’s “Smart” and “Intelligent” hardwire kits come with built-in low-voltage protection. This feature monitors your car battery’s voltage and will automatically cut power to the dash cam if the voltage drops below a safe threshold often around 11.4V to 11.8V. This ensures there’s enough power left to start your car.

Can I install the Rexing hardwire kit myself, or should I get a professional?

Many people successfully install Rexing hardwire kits themselves by following detailed instructions and videos. If you’re comfortable working with basic car electronics, using a circuit tester, and routing wires, it’s a manageable DIY project. However, if you’re unsure or uncomfortable, especially concerning airbag safety or electrical systems, it’s always wise to consult a professional installer. Some retailers, like Best Buy, even offer professional installation services.

What if my dash cam has a Type-C or Mini-USB port for power? Does the hardwire kit work with both?

Yes, Rexing offers hardwire kits designed with both Mini-USB and Type-C output ports to be compatible with a wide range of their dash cam models, including newer ones like the R4, DT2, and M2 Max. Just make sure you get the correct hardwire kit version that matches your specific dash cam’s power input.

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