Struggling to get that 24/7 parking surveillance from your Rexing dash cam without constantly draining your car’s battery? The Rexing OBD hardwire kit might just be what you need to achieve continuous power, advanced parking mode features, and crucial low voltage protection, keeping your vehicle monitored even when you’re not around.
We’ve all been there: you invest in a dash cam for peace of mind, but then you realize powering it efficiently, especially for parking mode, can be a bit of a head-scratcher. Standard cigarette lighter adapters usually cut power when the engine is off, leaving your car unprotected. That’s where a hardwire kit comes in, and Rexing offers a smart solution that connects directly to your car’s On-Board Diagnostics OBD port. This setup ensures your dash cam is always recording when it needs to, safeguarding your vehicle against bumps and incidents in the parking lot, all while intelligently managing your car’s battery life. It’s about getting that “set it and forget it” reliability for your dash cam, and we’re here to walk you through everything you need to know about making it happen with Rexing OBD.
What’s the Deal with Rexing Dash Cams and OBD Connectivity?
you’ve heard of Rexing dash cams, right? They’ve been around, offering a range of cameras from single-channel to multi-channel setups, often boasting features like high-quality video recording think 4K front and 1080p rear, loop recording, and G-sensors that lock footage during impacts. Many models, like the V55, V1P 4K, and R4, come with advanced capabilities like Wi-Fi connectivity and GPS logging. These are designed to give you a clear record of what happens on the road.
Now, let’s talk about the “OBD” part. OBD stands for On-Board Diagnostics, and it’s basically your car’s self-diagnostic system. Since 1996, pretty much every car sold has an OBD-II port, which is a standardized 16-pin connector, usually found under your dashboard. This port provides access to a lot of your vehicle’s data and, crucially for us, a constant power source.
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Connecting your dash cam directly to the OBD-II port using a specialized hardwire kit means you can power your dash cam continuously, even when your car is turned off. This is a must for parking surveillance, letting your dash cam stand guard 24/7. Rexing has recognized this need and offers specific OBD hardwire kits to make this connection straightforward.
Is Rexing a Good Dash Cam Brand Overall?
Before we get too deep into the OBD kit, you might be asking, “Is Rexing even a good dash cam to begin with?” It’s a fair question, and the answer, like many things, isn’t a simple yes or no.
On the one hand, Rexing dash cams often come packed with impressive specs. Many models feature clear video quality, with 4K resolution for front cameras and 1080p for rear or cabin views. Users often praise features like loop recording, emergency lock, and Wi-Fi connectivity for easy file transfers. Rexing itself highlights its “customer trust” with a reported 4.5-star rating and over 28,000 reviews, alongside an 18-month warranty for cameras and 6 months for accessories. Models like the Rexing R4 and V1P Pro are often cited for their performance and value. What Exactly is Rexing OBD2?
However, if you poke around online, especially on platforms like Reddit, you’ll find some mixed reviews. Some users have reported issues with video file corruption, glitchy user interfaces, or mounts that aren’t quite sturdy enough. There have also been concerns about customer service experiences, particularly regarding warranty claims for older models. For example, one user mentioned their Rexing dash cam was “horrible” due to frequently corrupted video files and a glitchy UI, while another noted difficulties with warranty support.
So, what’s the takeaway? Rexing offers feature-rich dash cams at competitive price points. Many users have positive experiences, praising the video quality and ease of use. However, it’s worth being aware of the potential for software or hardware quirks, and it’s always a good idea to thoroughly test your dash cam upon purchase and keep your proof of purchase handy for warranty purposes. If you’re considering a Rexing, check out recent reviews for the specific model you’re interested in, as quality and user experience can vary.
Diving Deep into the Rexing OBD Hardwire Kit
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the Rexing OBD hardwire kit. This accessory is a real game-changer if you want to get the most out of your dash cam, especially for parking surveillance.
Why Use a Rexing OBD Hardwire Kit?
The main reason to go with an OBD hardwire kit is to ensure your dash cam gets continuous power. This means it doesn’t just turn on and off with your car’s ignition. Why is this important? Can You Use a Night Vision Scope During the Day?
- 24/7 Parking Monitor: Many Rexing dash cams have a “parking mode” feature that uses motion detection or G-sensor activation to record incidents when your car is parked. Without a hardwire kit, this feature is pretty useless because the camera loses power. The OBD kit keeps your dash cam alive, silently monitoring your vehicle around the clock. Imagine someone bumps your car in a parking lot, or tries to tamper with it – your dash cam will capture that footage, which could be incredibly valuable for insurance claims or identifying culprits. The Rexing Dual Intelligent Hardwire Kit, for example, offers 24/7 parking monitor with 360° motion detection.
- Low Voltage Protection: This is huge! You might worry that leaving your dash cam on all the time will drain your car battery, leaving you stranded. But Rexing OBD hardwire kits come with built-in low voltage protection. This smart feature automatically cuts off power to the dash cam if your car’s battery voltage drops to a critical level typically around 11.8V for 12V systems or 23.5V for 24V systems. This ensures you’ll still have enough juice to start your car. It’s a clever bit of engineering that offers peace of mind.
- ACC Detection for Seamless Switching: The kit senses when your car’s engine is off or on. When you turn off your car, it automatically switches your dash cam to parking mode. When you start the engine, it seamlessly transitions back to normal recording. You don’t have to touch a button or mess with settings every time you get in or out of your car.
- Cleaner Installation: Compared to traditional cigarette lighter adapters, a hardwire kit routes the power cable neatly, often hidden along the trim of your car, giving you a much cleaner look on your dashboard. This frees up your 12V accessory port for other devices too.
What’s Inside the Kit? Components
A typical Rexing OBD hardwire kit includes a few key components:
- OBD Connector: This is the part that plugs directly into your car’s OBD-II port.
- Voltage Regulator: This is the “brain” of the kit. It takes your car’s 12V-30V power and converts it to the 5V/2A or 5V/3A that your dash cam needs, protecting it from power fluctuations.
- Cable Type-C or Mini USB: This is the power cable that connects from the voltage regulator to your specific Rexing dash cam. It’s important to get the right one – Rexing offers kits with Type-C ports for newer models like the R4, DT2, M2 Max, M3, RH2 Series and Mini USB ports for older or different models. Make sure to check your dash cam’s power port before purchasing. These cables are usually quite long 10.5ft to 13ft to allow for flexible routing.
- Fuse Tap Cable Optional/Integrated: While some basic OBD kits might seem like a simple plug-and-play into the OBD port, many, including some Rexing smart hardwire kits, still require tapping into your car’s fuse box for the ACC Accessory power signal. This is crucial for the automatic switching between driving and parking modes. Rexing’s smart hardwire kits often come with various fuse tap cables to fit different fuse types in your vehicle.
- Ground Wire: This is typically a black wire that needs to be connected to a metal part of your car’s chassis, providing a safe ground connection for the electrical circuit.
Choosing the Right Rexing OBD Kit: OBD vs. OBD2 and Compatibility
When you’re picking out a Rexing OBD hardwire kit, compatibility is key.
- OBD2 is the Standard: As mentioned, most cars from 1996 onwards use the OBD-II standard. Rexing’s hardwire kits are designed for these OBD-II ports. If you have an older car pre-1996, it likely has an OBD1 system, which is not standardized and won’t be compatible with these kits.
- Port Type Matters: Rexing offers different hardwire kits based on the power input port of your dash cam:
- Type-C Port Kits: These are for newer Rexing dash cams such as the RH2 Series, V1PFlex X4, M2 Max, M3, M2 Max Pro, R316 Series, M2-4, M4-4, R4, and DT2. Many of these kits offer 5V/3A output.
- Mini USB Port Kits: These are for Rexing dash cams that use a Mini USB power input. They typically provide 5V/2A output. Be careful, as some Mini USB kits specifically state they are “NOT compatible with Rexing S1 Pro, R4, DT2, and M2 Max dash cam”.
- “Dual Intelligent Hardwire Kit”: Rexing also has a “Dual Intelligent Hardwire Kit” that powers all Rexing dash cams via both Type-C and Mini USB, offering more versatility if you have different models or upgrade later.
Always double-check your specific dash cam model’s power port type before buying a hardwire kit to ensure it’s compatible. You can usually find this information in your dash cam’s manual or on Rexing’s product page.
Rexing OBD Hardwire Kit Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, now for the part many of you are probably waiting for: how to actually install this thing! While a Rexing OBD hardwire kit simplifies things compared to some traditional hardwiring methods, it’s still a good idea to approach it methodically. Remember, if you’re ever unsure, it’s always best to consult a professional or Rexing’s customer support. Rexing even offers on-site installations at their Little Ferry, NJ office. The Ultimate Guide to Rexing on Skates: What It Is & How to Master It
Important Note: Even though it’s an “OBD” kit, some Rexing hardwire kits, particularly those designed for parking mode, might still require you to connect to a fuse box for the ACC Accessory signal. This is because the OBD port itself might provide constant power, but not always the ACC signal needed for the dash cam to know when the car is truly on or off. Always refer to the specific instructions that come with your Rexing hardwire kit, as they can vary slightly. One reviewer even noted frustration with a Rexing OBD kit requiring a fuse tap despite being advertised as plug-and-play.
Here’s a general guide:
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
You won’t need a whole garage full of equipment, but having these on hand will make the job smoother:
- Rexing OBD Hardwire Kit: Obviously! Make sure it’s the correct port type Type-C or Mini USB for your dash cam.
- Dash Cam: Have it ready to go.
- Trim Removal Tool Plastic Prying Tool: These are super handy for safely prying open trim panels without damaging your interior.
- Circuit Tester / Multimeter: Essential for identifying which fuses are constant always on and which are switched ACC, only on when the car is on if your kit requires a fuse box connection.
- Zip Ties or Cable Clips: For neat cable management.
- Microfiber Cloth: To clean up any fingerprints.
- Flashlight or Headlamp: To see into those dark footwells.
- Car Owner’s Manual: This will help you locate your fuse box and identify specific fuses.
Step 2: Mount Your Dash Cam
First things first, get your dash cam mounted where you want it. Typically, this is behind your rearview mirror, ensuring it has a clear view of the road but doesn’t obstruct your line of sight. Make sure it’s securely attached to the windshield.
Step 3: Locate Your Car’s OBD-II Port
The OBD-II port is usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side, often near the steering column or kick panel. Consult your car’s owner’s manual if you can’t find it. It’s a trapezoidal 16-pin connector. Rexine: Everything You Need to Know About Finding and Using This Versatile Material
Step 4: Connecting the Hardwire Kit to the OBD Port
This is the most straightforward part of the “OBD” connection.
- Simply plug the OBD connector end of your Rexing hardwire kit directly into your car’s OBD-II port. It should fit snugly.
Step 5: Connecting the ACC Wire If Your Kit Requires It
Here’s where things can get a little more involved, depending on your specific Rexing OBD kit and how it handles ACC detection. As some users have pointed out, even an “OBD” hardwire kit might still have a separate red ACC wire that needs to be connected to your car’s fuse box. This red wire signals to the dash cam when your car is on or off, allowing it to switch between driving mode and parking mode seamlessly.
- Locate Your Fuse Box: Your car typically has an interior fuse box, usually in the driver’s footwell, on the side of the dashboard, or sometimes in the glove compartment. Your car’s manual will pinpoint its exact location.
- Identify a Switched ACC Fuse: This is where your circuit tester comes in.
- Turn your car off.
- Use the circuit tester to probe the metal contacts on top of various fuses in the fuse box. A “switched” fuse will only show power when your car’s ignition is on and no power when the ignition is off. You want to find one that powers a non-essential component, like your radio or cigarette lighter, so you don’t interfere with critical systems.
- Avoid fuses for airbags, ABS, or engine management!
- Connect the Red ACC Wire:
- Once you’ve identified a suitable switched fuse, turn your car off again.
- Use one of the included fuse tap cables your Rexing kit usually comes with several different types to connect the red ACC wire from your hardwire kit to this switched fuse. A fuse tap allows you to safely draw power from an existing fuse slot without cutting any factory wires. You’ll typically insert the original fuse into the tap, and then insert another fuse usually a lower amperage one provided with the kit for the dash cam, then plug the tap into the fuse box.
- Connect the Black Ground Wire:
- Find a metal bolt or screw on your car’s chassis near the fuse box. This needs to be bare metal, not painted or plastic.
- Loosen the bolt, place the O-ring connector from the black ground wire under it, and then tighten the bolt securely. This provides a safe return path for the electrical current.
What about a constant fuse? Most Rexing OBD hardwire kits draw constant power directly from the OBD port. The separate ACC wire if present is usually just for the signal to trigger parking mode, not for continuous power itself. This is a key difference from hardwiring directly to the fuse box with both constant and switched wires. So, with an OBD kit, you primarily look for the ACC signal fuse if required, and the OBD port handles the “constant” power aspect, along with the low voltage protection.
Step 6: Route the Cable and Hide the Wires
Now for the tidy part!
- Start from your dash cam and carefully route the cable down towards the OBD port and, if needed, the fuse box.
- Use your trim removal tool to gently tuck the cable behind the headliner, along the A-pillar the side pillar next to your windshield, and under the dashboard trim.
- Take your time to ensure the cable is hidden and won’t interfere with airbags or other vehicle components. Zip ties and cable clips can help secure it in place once it’s tucked away. Rexing also provides “Cable Hiding Clips” with some kits.
Step 7: Connect to Your Dash Cam
Plug the Mini USB or Type-C end of the hardwire kit into your Rexing dash cam’s power port. Uncovering Rexine Near You: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding and Using This Versatile Material
Step 8: Test the Installation
- Start your car. Your dash cam should power on and begin recording in normal mode.
- Turn your car off. After a few seconds, the dash cam should switch into parking mode you might see an indicator light change or hear a chime, depending on your model.
- Test the low voltage protection by monitoring your car’s battery voltage with a multimeter over time, if possible, though the system is designed to handle this automatically.
Step 9: Final Adjustments
- Once you’ve confirmed everything is working, secure any loose wires and re-attach any trim panels you removed.
- Check your dash cam’s settings to ensure parking mode is enabled and configured to your preferences. Note: For some intelligent hardwire kits, Rexing advises not to enable the parking monitor function in the dash cam’s settings, as the kit overrides it. Always follow your specific kit’s instructions.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with a seemingly simple installation, sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here are a few common issues and what to check:
- Dash Cam Not Powering On:
- Check all connections: Is the OBD connector fully seated? Is the power cable securely plugged into the dash cam? Is the ACC fuse tap if used correctly installed and in a live fuse slot? Is the ground wire firmly connected to bare metal?
- Check your fuse: Did you blow a fuse during installation? Replace it if necessary.
- Dash Cam Not Entering Parking Mode:
- Ensure the ACC wire if required by your kit is connected to a switched fuse. If it’s connected to a constant fuse, the dash cam won’t know when the car is off.
- Verify parking mode is enabled in your dash cam’s settings unless your kit’s instructions specifically tell you to let the kit override it.
- Car Battery Draining:
- This is typically rare with Rexing’s low voltage protection. However, ensure the kit is indeed a Rexing intelligent or smart hardwire kit with this feature.
- If your kit doesn’t have low voltage protection or if it’s malfunctioning, you might need to reconsider your power source or check for parasitic drains elsewhere in your vehicle.
- Ensure the dash cam’s power draw isn’t excessively high in parking mode though this is usually managed by the camera itself.
Tips for Maximizing Your Rexing Dash Cam with OBD
Once you’ve got your Rexing dash cam happily hardwired via OBD, here are a few tips to make the most of it:
- Regularly Check Footage: Don’t just set it and forget it forever. Periodically review your dash cam’s footage, especially the parking mode recordings, to ensure it’s functioning correctly and capturing clear video.
- Format Your SD Card: Memory cards can get corrupted over time, especially with constant writing and overwriting. Format your dash cam’s SD card every month or two or as recommended by Rexing to maintain optimal performance.
- Keep Firmware Updated: Check Rexing’s website for firmware updates for your specific dash cam model. Updates can improve performance, add features, and fix bugs.
- Adjust G-Sensor Sensitivity: If your parking mode is triggering too easily e.g., from strong winds or not easily enough, adjust the G-sensor sensitivity in your dash cam’s settings.
- Clean the Lens: A smudge on the lens can significantly degrade video quality. Give your dash cam’s lens a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth regularly.
- Consider a CPL Filter: Some Rexing dash cams can benefit from a Circular Polarizing Lens CPL filter, which reduces glare from the sun or dashboard reflections, leading to clearer footage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Rexing OBD hardwire kit do?
A Rexing OBD hardwire kit provides continuous power to your Rexing dash cam directly from your vehicle’s OBD-II port, enabling 24/7 parking surveillance and offering built-in low voltage protection to prevent car battery drain. It also often includes ACC detection to automatically switch between driving and parking modes.
Is a Rexing OBD hardwire kit truly “plug and play”?
While an OBD hardwire kit is generally simpler than a traditional fuse box hardwire kit that requires finding both constant and switched power wires, some Rexing OBD kits still include an ACC Accessory wire that needs to be connected to a switched fuse in your car’s fuse box. This is necessary for the dash cam to detect when the ignition is on or off and properly activate parking mode. Always check the specific instructions for your kit.
What’s the difference between Rexing OBD and a standard hardwire kit?
A standard hardwire kit typically connects directly to your car’s fuse box, requiring you to identify and tap into both a constant power fuse and a switched ACC power fuse. An OBD hardwire kit, on the other hand, primarily plugs into your car’s OBD-II port for power, often requiring only a single ACC wire connection to the fuse box for the signal, simplifying the overall wiring process.
Will a Rexing OBD hardwire kit drain my car battery?
No, Rexing OBD hardwire kits typically feature built-in low voltage protection. This safety mechanism automatically cuts off power to the dash cam if your car’s battery voltage drops below a certain threshold e.g., 11.8V for a 12V system, ensuring you still have enough battery power to start your vehicle.
How do I know if my Rexing dash cam needs a Type-C or Mini USB OBD hardwire kit?
You need to check the power input port on your specific Rexing dash cam. Newer models often use a Type-C port, while older models typically use a Mini USB port. Rexing offers different hardwire kits to match these two port types, so make sure to verify your dash cam’s port before purchasing. Unlocking Your Rexing V2 Pro: The Ultimate User Manual & Setup Guide
What cars are compatible with Rexing OBD hardwire kits?
Rexing OBD hardwire kits are designed for vehicles with an OBD-II port, which became standard for all cars manufactured in 1996 and later. These kits convert 12V-30V input to the 5V needed by the dash cam, making them compatible with a wide range of vehicles. If your car is older than 1996, it likely has an OBD1 system and won’t be compatible.
Can I install the Rexing OBD hardwire kit myself?
Yes, many users install Rexing OBD hardwire kits themselves. Rexing provides installation guides and videos. The process generally involves locating the OBD-II port, plugging in the kit, and potentially connecting an ACC wire to a switched fuse in the fuse box and a ground wire to the chassis. If you’re comfortable working with your car’s electrical system, it’s a manageable DIY project. However, if you’re unsure, professional installation is always an option.
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