Mastering the Rexing R4 Hardwire Kit: Your Ultimate Installation Guide

To hardwire your Rexing R4 dash cam, you’ll connect it directly to your car’s fuse box using a three-wire hardwire kit to unlock continuous power and crucial features like parking mode, ensuring your vehicle stays protected even when it’s off. This means you won’t have wires dangling from your cigarette lighter, and your dash cam won’t just turn off when you switch off your engine. It’s a must for car security, giving you peace of mind with 24/7 surveillance capabilities and a super clean installation. So, let’s get into how you can do this yourself, making sure everything is tucked away nicely and your Rexing R4 is always on guard.

So, you’ve got yourself a shiny new Rexing R4 dash cam – awesome choice! This little guardian on your windshield can be a real lifesaver, capturing everything from scenic drives to crucial moments during an incident. But to truly get the most out of it, especially those amazing parking mode features that keep an eye on your ride 24/7, you’re going to want to hardwire it. Forget those messy cables draped across your dashboard or constantly unplugging from your cigarette lighter. Hardwiring means a clean, permanent install and continuous power, letting your dash cam work its magic around the clock.

This guide is all about getting your Rexing R4 hardwire kit set up, sounding like a friendly chat with someone who’s been there, done that. We’ll walk through why hardwiring is such a smart move, what you’ll need, and every step of the installation process. We’ll even touch on the differences between Rexing’s various hardwire kits, like the Smart and Intelligent versions, and tackle some common questions. By the end of this, you’ll feel confident to get your R4 hooked up properly, enjoying that sweet, uninterrupted protection.

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What’s the Big Deal with a Hardwire Kit, Anyway?

You might be thinking, “Why bother with all this wiring when I can just plug it into the cigarette lighter?” And that’s a fair question! The short answer is: parking mode and a super clean look. A standard dash cam setup, powered through your car’s 12V socket, usually turns off with your engine. That means no recording when you’re parked, which is often when you need it most for things like hit-and-runs or vandalism.

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A hardwire kit bypasses this by connecting your dash cam directly to your car’s fuse box. This way, it can draw power constantly, even when your car is off. This unlocks features like parking mode and collision detection, giving you peace of mind that your car is being monitored even when you’re not around. Rexing dash cams, like the R4, definitely benefit from this, as their parking mode features specifically require a hardwire kit to function.

Why Go Hardwired?

• 24/7 Surveillance: This is the big one. With a hardwire kit, your Rexing R4 can use its parking monitor feature, recording bumps, collisions, or even continuous time-lapse footage while your car is off. Imagine the peace of mind knowing your car is always being watched! Studies have shown that dash cams can reduce insurance fraud and provide irrefutable evidence in accidents, and 24/7 surveillance amplifies that protection.
• Clean Installation: No more unsightly power cords snaking across your dashboard or hogging your cigarette lighter socket. Hardwiring tucks all those cables away, leaving your car’s interior looking neat and tidy. It’s a much more integrated, almost factory-installed feel.
• Battery Protection: Good quality hardwire kits, especially Rexing’s own, come with built-in low voltage protection. This smart feature monitors your car battery’s voltage and will automatically cut power to the dash cam if it drops below a certain threshold often around 11.8V for a 12V battery, or 23.5V for a 24V system. This ensures your dash cam won’t drain your car battery completely, so you’ll always have enough juice to start your car.
• Reliable Power: A direct connection to your fuse box provides a stable and consistent power supply, preventing accidental disconnections that can happen with a cigarette lighter adapter. This is especially important for continuous recording and reliable parking mode operation.

Understanding Your Rexing Hardwire Kit

Most dash cam hardwire kits, including those from Rexing, typically come with three wires:

1. Red Wire Constant/Battery Power: This wire needs to connect to a fuse that is always live, meaning it provides power even when your car’s ignition is off. This is what keeps your dash cam recording in parking mode.
2. Yellow Wire ACC/Accessory/Ignition Switched Power: This wire connects to a fuse that only gets power when your car’s ignition is on or in the accessory position. This tells your dash cam when your car is running, allowing it to switch between normal recording and parking mode automatically.
3. Black Wire Ground: This is your negative connection and needs to be securely fastened to a bare metal bolt or screw on your car’s chassis. This completes the electrical circuit.

Rexing offers both “Smart” and “Intelligent” hardwire kits. For the Rexing R4, you’ll specifically be looking for a Type-C Smart Hardwire Kit or a Type-C Intelligent Hardwire Kit. These kits are designed with a Type-C USB connector to plug directly into your R4 dash cam. The “Intelligent” kits often include additional features like motion sensors that trigger recording when movement is detected, even before a physical impact. Be sure to use the kit recommended for your specific Rexing model to ensure compatibility and full functionality.

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Getting Ready: What You’ll Need for Your Rexing R4 Hardwire Kit Install

Before you start pulling panels off your car, it’s a good idea to gather everything you’ll need. Trust me, having your tools ready makes the process a lot smoother and prevents those frustrating mid-installation scrambles.

Tools of the Trade

• Rexing R4 Dash Cam: Of course! Make sure it’s charged or ready to be powered up for testing.
• Rexing Hardwire Kit Type-C: Ensure it’s compatible with your R4. Rexing’s kits typically come with various fuse tap cables.
• Fuse Taps Add-a-Fuses: Your Rexing kit usually includes these, but it’s good to know what they are. These are crucial for safely “piggybacking” onto existing fuses in your car’s fuse box without cutting any factory wires. They come in different sizes Mini, Low-Profile Mini, Micro2, ATO/Regular, so having a variety or checking your car’s manual beforehand can save you a trip to the auto parts store.
• Circuit Tester/Multimeter: This is your best friend for finding the right fuses. It’s an inexpensive tool that will tell you which fuses are constant power and which are ignition-switched.
• Fuse Puller: Sometimes included with your car’s fuse box or the hardwire kit. Pliers can work in a pinch, but a fuse puller is safer for delicate fuses.
• Wire Crimpers/Strippers: To make secure connections between the hardwire kit’s wires and the fuse taps if not pre-crimped.
• Socket Wrench or Screwdriver: For attaching the ground wire to a metal bolt in your car.
• Cable Management Tools: Things like zip ties, electrical tape for securing, not insulating critical connections, and cable hiding clips often included with Rexing kits will help you achieve that clean, professional look. A plastic pry tool also often included is great for tucking wires behind trim panels without damaging them.
• Vehicle Owner’s Manual: This is invaluable for locating your fuse box, understanding your car’s electrical system, and identifying which fuses are safe to use.

Safety First, Always!

Working with your car’s electrical system isn’t super complicated, but it does require a bit of caution.

• Turn Off Your Car: Make sure your engine is off and the key is out of the ignition before you start messing with the fuse box. This prevents accidental shorts or electrical shocks.
• Disconnect the Negative Battery Terminal Optional but Recommended: For an extra layer of safety, you can disconnect your car’s negative battery terminal. Just remember this might reset some of your car’s settings like radio presets, so weigh the pros and cons.
• Avoid Critical Fuses: Your car’s owner’s manual will help you here. Steer clear of fuses related to essential safety systems like airbags, engine control, or anti-lock brakes. Stick to fuses for accessories like the radio, cigarette lighter for ACC power, or unused fuse slots for constant power.

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Step-by-Step: Installing Your Rexing R4 Hardwire Kit Like a Pro

Alright, deep breaths! We’re going to break this down into manageable steps. Remember, the goal is a secure, reliable, and hidden installation.

1. Locating Your Fuse Box

First things first, you need to find your car’s fuse box. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation, as the location varies greatly by vehicle. Common spots include: Powering Up Your Rexing Dash Cam: The Ultimate Charger Guide

• Under the dashboard driver’s or passenger’s side.
• In the glove compartment.
• In the engine bay though interior fuse boxes are generally preferred for dash cam hardwiring.
• In the trunk.

Your best resource here is your car’s owner’s manual. It will pinpoint the exact location and often include a diagram of the fuse layout. Once you find it, carefully remove the cover.

2. Identifying the Right Fuses ACC, Constant Power

This is where your circuit tester comes in handy. You’ll need two specific types of fuses:

• Constant Power Fuse for the Red Wire: This fuse needs to provide power even when your car is off.
  • With your car completely off, touch the ground clip of your circuit tester to a bare metal bolt on the car’s chassis an unpainted bolt near the fuse box is usually good.
  • Carefully probe the metal terminals on top of the fuses or inside the fuse slots, after removing a fuse within the fuse box.
  • The fuse that makes your circuit tester light up or shows 12V on a multimeter when the car is off is your constant power fuse. Common candidates include fuses for interior lights, power seats if always live, or an unused fuse slot.
• Accessory/Ignition Switched Fuse for the Yellow Wire: This fuse should only have power when your car’s ignition is on.
  • With your circuit tester still grounded, turn your car’s ignition to the “accessory” or “on” position engine can be off.
  • Probe the fuses again.
  • The fuse that lights up only when the ignition is on, and goes off when the ignition is off, is your ACC/switched power fuse. The cigarette lighter, radio, or power window fuses are often good choices.

Important: Always double-check your vehicle’s manual to ensure the fuses you select aren’t critical safety components. Rexing’s hardwire kits often come with a variety of fuse tap cables, so make sure you pick the correct size for the fuses in your car.

3. Connecting the Wires Red, Yellow, Black

Now it’s time to make the actual connections using your fuse taps.

• Prepare the Fuse Taps: Rexing M3 3 Channel: Your Ultimate Guide to a Safer Drive

  • Each fuse tap has two slots for fuses. One slot is for the original fuse you pulled from your car, and the other is for a new fuse usually a smaller amp fuse like 2A or 5A, often provided with your hardwire kit to protect your dash cam circuit. The original fuse goes into the slot closest to the “legs” of the fuse tap, and the new fuse goes into the top slot.
  • Trim a small amount of insulation off the end of your hardwire kit’s red and yellow wires if they don’t have pre-crimped connectors.
  • Insert the exposed wire into the metal connector on the fuse tap and crimp it tightly with your wire crimpers. Give it a gentle tug to ensure it’s secure. Repeat for both the red and yellow wires.

• Connect the Red Wire Constant Power:

  • Remove the fuse from the constant power slot you identified.
  • Insert that original fuse into the bottom slot of one of your prepared fuse taps.
  • Insert the new, smaller fuse e.g., 5A into the top slot of the same fuse tap.
  • Plug this entire fuse tap assembly into the empty constant power fuse slot in your car’s fuse box.

• Connect the Yellow Wire ACC Power:

  • Repeat the process for the yellow wire, connecting it to the ACC/ignition switched fuse slot using the second fuse tap.

• Connect the Black Wire Ground:

  • Find a bare metal bolt or screw on your car’s chassis near the fuse box. This needs to be unpainted metal to ensure a good connection.
  • Loosen the bolt/screw slightly.
  • Slide the ring terminal of the black ground wire underneath the head of the bolt or screw, ensuring it makes solid metal-to-metal contact.
  • Tighten the bolt/screw securely.

4. Tidy Up! Routing Your Cables

This is where you make your installation look professional.

• Connect to the Dash Cam: Plug the Type-C connector from your hardwire kit into your Rexing R4 dash cam.
• Route and Hide: Starting from the dash cam, carefully route the power cable along your windshield, tucking it under the headliner, down the A-pillar the trim piece next to your windshield, and then towards the fuse box. Use the included pry tool to gently push the cable under the trim and panels. Be extra cautious around airbags, making sure not to impede their deployment.
• Secure Excess Cable: Use zip ties or cable clips to secure any excess wiring near the fuse box, keeping it tidy and out of the way. Reinstall your fuse box cover if it fits, or carefully tuck wires so the cover can close as much as possible.

5. Testing Your Setup

Before you put everything back together, it’s crucial to test your new setup! Your Ultimate Guide to the Rexing V3 Plus Dash Cam: Front and Cabin Coverage for Peace of Mind

• Initial Power On: Start your car. Your Rexing R4 should power on automatically.
• Check Parking Mode: Turn your car off. Wait a few moments. Your dash cam should transition into its parking mode e.g., display a parking mode icon, or a blue indicator light if it’s an intelligent kit. You might need to adjust parking mode settings in your R4’s menu.
• Low Voltage Protection: While you can’t easily test the low voltage cutoff without draining your battery, knowing your hardwire kit has this feature provides peace of mind.
• Review Footage: Take a short drive, then review some recorded footage to ensure everything is working as expected. Check both driving and parking mode recordings.

If anything isn’t working correctly, go back and double-check your connections, especially the fuse selections and ground point. Loose connections or incorrect fuse types are common culprits.

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Troubleshooting Common Hardwiring Hiccups

Even with the best instructions, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common issues you might run into and how to fix them:

• Dash Cam Doesn’t Turn On or cycles on/off:

  • Check Ground Connection: This is the most frequent issue. Make sure the black ground wire is securely attached to bare, unpainted metal. Try a different ground point if necessary.
  • Fuse Tap Orientation: Ensure the original fuse is in the bottom slot and the new dash cam fuse is in the top slot of the add-a-fuse. Incorrect orientation means no power to the dash cam.
  • Blown Fuse: Check both the fuse in the fuse tap and the original fuse in your car. Replace any blown fuses.
  • Loose Wires: Tug gently on all connections to ensure they are secure within the fuse taps.
  • Incorrect Fuse Slot: Double-check your constant red wire and ACC yellow wire fuse selections with your circuit tester. They might be reversed or simply not providing power as expected.

• Parking Mode Not Working: Rexing Parking Mode Not Working: Your Ultimate Troubleshooting Guide

  • Hardwire Kit Required: Remember, the Rexing R4’s parking mode requires a hardwire kit. If you’re using just the cigarette lighter, it won’t work.
  • Dash Cam Settings: Ensure parking mode is enabled in your R4’s settings. However, some Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kits actually override the dash cam’s internal parking mode settings, so for those, make sure the dash cam’s parking mode is off to avoid conflicts. Check your specific hardwire kit’s manual for guidance.
  • Constant Power Issue: If the red wire isn’t connected to a truly constant power source, the dash cam won’t receive power when the car is off to engage parking mode. Re-test this fuse.

• Battery Drain:

  • This is typically prevented by the hardwire kit’s low voltage protection. If you’re experiencing drain, ensure your hardwire kit has this feature and that it’s functioning correctly. If you used a two-wire kit which often lacks low voltage protection, that could be the problem. Always use a three-wire kit for parking mode.

• Visible Wires:

  • Go back through the cable routing steps. Use a pry tool to really get those cables tucked deeply into trim panels. Take your time to make it neat.

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Rexing R4 vs. R4 Plus vs. Intelligent Hardwire Kit: What’s the Difference?

When you’re looking at Rexing hardwire kits, you might see a few different names floating around, like “Smart Hardwire Kit” and “Intelligent Hardwire Kit.” It’s good to know what you’re getting.

• Rexing R4/R4 Plus Dash Cams: These are the dash cam models themselves. The Rexing R4 is a 4-channel dash cam, offering views from the front, rear, left, and right, with 1080p resolution on all channels and features like Wi-Fi, GPS, and parking mode. The R4 Plus is likely an updated or slightly enhanced version of the R4, though the core hardwiring principle remains the same. Both R4 models use a Type-C USB port for power.
• Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit: This is your standard three-wire hardwire kit designed to provide continuous power for parking mode and low voltage protection. It will enable the ACC detection feature, allowing your dash cam to automatically switch into parking mode when the engine is off and back to normal recording when the engine is on. Many of these kits for the R4 are specifically “Type-C Smart Hardwire Kits”.
• Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kit: This is an enhanced version of the hardwire kit. While it still provides continuous power and low voltage protection, it often incorporates an external motion sensor. This sensor triggers recording automatically when it detects motion around your vehicle, which can be useful for capturing events even before a physical impact. With the Intelligent kit, Rexing often advises to disable the parking monitor function in the dash cam’s settings, as the intelligent kit’s motion sensing takes over that function to prevent conflicts.

Essentially, both the “Smart” and “Intelligent” kits will get you continuous power and parking mode functionality for your Rexing R4. The “Intelligent” kit just adds that extra layer of motion-triggered recording control, often with its own external sensor. Just make sure you get the one with the correct Type-C connector for your R4!. Your Ultimate Guide to the Rexing P2 1080p FHD Body Video Camera

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Beyond the Rexing R4: General Hardwiring Tips

Even if you’re not installing a Rexing R4, these general tips for hardwiring any dash cam can be super helpful:

• Read the Manual Seriously!: Your dash cam’s manual and your vehicle’s owner’s manual are your best friends. They contain specific details about your device and car that no generic guide can fully cover.
• Use the Right Fuse Taps: As mentioned, fuse taps come in different sizes. Using the wrong size can lead to loose connections or even damage. Rexing kits usually include a variety to cover most car models.
• Avoid Airbag Pathways: When routing cables down the A-pillar or along the headliner, be extremely careful to avoid interfering with airbag deployment zones. Many vehicles have designated channels for wiring, or you can route the cable behind the airbag if you’re comfortable with that, but never in front of it.
• Check for Signal Interference: Very rarely, dash cam wiring can interfere with your car’s radio or GPS. If you notice issues, try re-routing the cable away from sensitive antennas or other electronic components.
• Professional Installation is Always an Option: If you’re not comfortable working with your car’s electrical system, or if you run into persistent issues, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Many car audio shops or even services like Best Buy offer dash cam hardwiring installation. It’s a small investment for peace of mind and a flawless install.

Hardwiring your Rexing R4 is one of the best upgrades you can give your dash cam setup. It not only cleans up your car’s interior but also unlocks the full potential of its parking surveillance features, keeping your vehicle safer around the clock. With a little patience and the right tools, you can absolutely do this yourself and enjoy the benefits of a truly integrated dash cam experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “hardwire kit” mean for a dash cam?

A hardwire kit for a dash cam allows you to connect the dash cam directly to your car’s fuse box, providing a continuous power supply. This eliminates the need to use your car’s cigarette lighter outlet and enables features like parking mode, which keeps the dash cam recording even when your car is turned off. Understanding the Rexing P1 Body Camera

Is the Rexing R4 compatible with any Rexing hardwire kit?

The Rexing R4 dash cam specifically uses a Type-C USB port for its power connection. Therefore, you need a Rexing hardwire kit that features a Type-C output connector. Rexing’s Smart Hardwire Kit and Intelligent Hardwire Kit are both available in Type-C versions compatible with the R4.

Do I need a three-wire hardwire kit for parking mode with my Rexing R4?

Yes, for parking mode functionality, you will almost certainly need a three-wire hardwire kit. These kits have three wires constant power, accessory power, and ground that allow the dash cam to draw power when the car is off and detect when the ignition is turned on or off, activating parking mode accordingly. Rexing’s Smart and Intelligent Hardwire Kits are typically three-wire designs.

Can a hardwire kit drain my car’s battery?

High-quality hardwire kits, like those from Rexing, include a built-in low voltage protection feature. This system monitors your car battery’s voltage and will automatically cut off power to the dash cam if the voltage drops below a safe threshold e.g., 11.8V for a 12V battery. This ensures that your car battery won’t be completely drained and you’ll still have enough power to start your vehicle.

Where is the best place to find constant and accessory fuses in my car?

The best place to find fuse locations and diagrams is always your vehicle’s owner’s manual. For constant power, fuses for interior lights, power seats if always live, or unused fuse slots are common. For accessory ignition-switched power, fuses for the radio, cigarette lighter, or power windows are often good choices. Always use a circuit tester to confirm which fuses are constant and which are switched.

What tools do I need to hardwire my Rexing R4 dash cam?

You’ll need your Rexing R4 dash cam and hardwire kit Type-C, various fuse taps often included with the kit, a circuit tester or multimeter, a fuse puller, wire crimpers if wires aren’t pre-crimped, a socket wrench or screwdriver for the ground connection, and cable management tools like a plastic pry tool and clips. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual is also essential. Your Ultimate Guide to Rexing Dash Cam Manuals: Setup, Features, & Troubleshooting

Should I disable parking mode in my Rexing R4 dash cam settings if I use an Intelligent Hardwire Kit?

If you’re using a Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kit which often includes an external motion sensor, Rexing typically advises that you do NOT enable the parking monitor function in the dash cam’s own settings. The Intelligent Hardwire Kit’s motion sensing feature will take over automatically once the vehicle is powered off, and enabling both might cause a malfunction. Always refer to the specific instructions provided with your Intelligent Hardwire Kit.