Struggling to figure out how to get that awesome parking mode going on your Rexing DT2 dash cam or just tired of that dangling power cord? Installing the Rexing hardwire kit for your DT2 dash cam is the best way to unlock continuous surveillance, keep your car’s interior looking super clean, and ensure your camera is always ready to record, even when your engine is off. This setup also frees up your car’s cigarette lighter or USB port, which is a neat little bonus. We’re going to walk through everything you need to know, from understanding the kit to a step-by-step installation that’ll make you feel like a pro. By the time we’re done, you’ll have your Rexing DT2 intelligently powered, protecting your ride 24/7 with peace of mind.
Understanding Your Rexing Hardwire Kit
You’ve got your Rexing DT2 dash cam, and you’re probably wondering, “What exactly is a hardwire kit, anyway?” Simply put, a dash cam hardwire kit is a special cable designed to connect your dash cam directly to your vehicle’s fuse box, instead of just plugging it into the cigarette lighter or USB port. This direct connection is a must because it gives your dash cam a continuous power supply, which is absolutely essential for features like parking mode to work.
The Three Wires: ACC, BATT, and GND
Most hardwire kits, especially the smart ones like the Rexing hardwire kit for the DT2, come with three wires. Think of them as the brain, the muscle, and the anchor of your dash cam’s power system:
- BATT Battery / Constant Power – often red: This wire needs to connect to a fuse that’s always on, even when your car is turned off. It’s what keeps your Rexing DT2 powered for parking mode, letting it monitor your vehicle around the clock. The Rexing hardwire kit has low voltage protection built-in, which is super important. If your car battery’s voltage drops to a certain level typically 11.8V for 12V systems or 23.5V for 24V systems, the kit will automatically cut power to the dash cam to prevent your car battery from draining completely, so you won’t get stranded.
- ACC Accessory / Switched Power – often yellow: This wire connects to a fuse that only gets power when your car’s ignition is on or in accessory mode. It tells your dash cam when the car is running and when it’s turned off, allowing it to switch seamlessly between normal recording and parking mode.
- GND Ground – almost always black: This one is straightforward. It connects to any unpainted metal bolt on your vehicle’s chassis, completing the electrical circuit. Without a good ground connection, nothing else will work!
The Rexing DT2 dash cam specifically uses a Type-C hardwire kit. So, when you’re looking for your kit, make sure it’s the right fit. It’s designed to accept input voltage from 12V-30V and outputs 5V/2A, making it compatible with most vehicles.
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Why Hardwire Your Rexing DT2? The Benefits Are Clear
You might be asking, “Is all this extra effort really worth it?” And the answer is a resounding yes! Hardwiring your Rexing DT2 dash cam offers some fantastic advantages that a simple cigarette lighter plug just can’t match: Rexing Hardwire Kit Type-C: Your 24/7 Car Guardian
- 24/7 Parking Surveillance: This is probably the biggest reason most folks go for a hardwire kit. With a hardwired connection, your DT2 can utilize its parking mode features, like G-sensor impact detection and Time Lapse recording, even when your car is off. This means if someone bumps your car or tries to tamper with it, your dash cam will spring into action and record the incident, giving you crucial evidence for insurance claims or law enforcement. Rexing’s smart hardwire kit will automatically switch to parking mode when the engine is off and back to normal recording when it’s on.
- Clean and Tidy Installation: Let’s be real, nobody likes wires snaking across their dashboard or hanging down from the windshield. Hardwiring lets you tuck all those cables away neatly, usually along the headliner and down the A-pillar, giving your car’s interior a much cleaner, factory-installed look.
- Continuous Power, No Interruptions: Unlike a cigarette lighter adapter that might turn off with your ignition, a hardwired setup ensures your dash cam gets a consistent power supply. This means no missed recordings due to power loss and reliable operation all the time.
- Free Up Your Power Outlets: Your cigarette lighter port can go back to charging your phone or powering other accessories!
- Battery Protection: As we mentioned, the Rexing hardwire kit comes with built-in low voltage protection, safeguarding your car’s battery from excessive drain.
Tools You’ll Need for the Job
Before you start pulling panels and messing with wires, let’s get our toolkit ready. Having these on hand will make the process much smoother:
- Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit Type-C for DT2: Obviously, you’ll need the kit itself! Make sure it’s the specific Type-C variant compatible with your DT2.
- Circuit Tester / Multimeter: This is a non-negotiable tool. You’ll use it to find constant and switched fuse slots. You can usually grab one for under $10-15.
- Fuse Tap Adapters Add-a-Fuse: Your Rexing hardwire kit should come with a variety of these, matching different fuse types common in vehicles. These allow you to tap into an existing fuse slot without cutting or splicing any factory wires.
- Assorted Fuses: Your kit might include some, but it’s always good to have a few extra fuses typically 5A-10A for the dash cam on hand, matching the type your car uses.
- Wire Strippers/Crimpers: You’ll use these to connect the hardwire kit’s wires to the fuse taps, though sometimes the kit has pre-attached connectors.
- Panel Removal Tools / Pry Tools: These plastic tools are invaluable for safely prying open trim panels without scratching or damaging your car’s interior.
- Zip Ties / Cable Clips: For neat cable management.
- Socket Wrench / Screwdriver: To loosen and tighten the ground bolt.
- Flashlight or Headlamp: To see clearly in tight spaces.
- Vehicle’s Owner’s Manual: This is your map to the fuse box and understanding what each fuse controls.
Safety First!
Working with your car’s electrical system might seem a bit daunting, but with a few precautions, it’s totally safe.
- Disconnect the Battery: For ultimate peace of mind, it’s always a good idea to disconnect your car’s negative battery terminal before you start messing with the fuse box. This prevents any accidental shorts or damage.
- Consult Your Owner’s Manual: Seriously, this book is your best friend during this installation. It’ll show you where your fuse boxes are located and, crucially, what each fuse controls. You want to avoid tapping into fuses that control critical safety systems like airbags or engine management. Look for accessory fuses, like those for your radio, sunroof, or cigarette lighter.
- Test Everything: Before you finalize any connections, always test with your circuit tester to confirm you’ve found the correct constant and switched power sources.
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Finding Your Vehicle’s Fuse Box
Your car likely has at least one fuse box, sometimes two! Common locations include:
- Under the dashboard driver’s or passenger’s side footwell.
- In the glove box.
- Under the hood.
- In the trunk some vehicles, like certain Mustangs, have a fuse box here.
Grab your owner’s manual. it’ll pinpoint the exact locations for your specific vehicle. If you have multiple, generally pick the one closest to where you’re mounting your dash cam.
Identifying the Right Fuses: Constant BATT and Switched ACC
This is probably the trickiest part, but with a circuit tester, it’s totally doable.
- Locate a Ground Point: Connect the alligator clip of your circuit tester to an unpainted metal bolt or surface on the car’s chassis. This completes the circuit for testing.
- Find a Constant Fuse for BATT wire:
- With your car engine off and the key removed from the ignition, touch the probe of your circuit tester to the small metal test points on the top of each fuse in the fuse box.
- You’re looking for a fuse that makes your test light illuminate even when the car is completely off. This is your constant power source.
- As a general rule, try to pick a non-essential fuse, like one for the radio, interior lights though be careful with these as they might be timed, or an unused spare slot. We’re typically looking for fuses rated between 10A-30A for the main circuit you’re tapping into.
- Find a Switched Fuse for ACC wire:
- Again, with your engine off and the key out, touch the probe to the fuses. You’re looking for one that does not light up.
- Now, turn your car’s ignition to the “ACC” or “ON” position you don’t necessarily need to start the engine.
- Go back and re-test the fuses that didn’t light up before. The one that now lights up is your switched power source.
- Once again, choose a non-essential circuit or an empty slot if available. Fuses rated between 10A-30A are generally good.
- Pro Tip: Some cars might not have many easily identifiable switched fuses in certain fuse boxes. If that happens, check a different fuse box or consult a vehicle-specific wiring diagram online.
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Step-by-Step Rexing Hardwire Kit DT2 Installation
you’ve got your tools, you’re safe, and you’ve identified your fuse locations. Let’s get this Rexing DT2 hardwired!
Step 1: Prep Your Dash Cam
- Mount the Dash Cam: Decide on the best placement for your Rexing DT2 on your windshield, typically behind your rearview mirror for an optimal view and minimal obstruction. Use the included electrostatic sticker and 3M adhesive mount. Test fit it with the regular car charger first to make sure you like the angle and view.
- Insert SD Card: Make sure your Micro SD card Class 10/UHS-1 or higher, up to 128GB is inserted correctly into the dash cam.
Step 2: Route the Cable
This is where you make it disappear!
- Connect the Hardwire Kit: Plug the Type-C end of the Rexing hardwire kit into your DT2 dash cam.
- Tuck it into the Headliner: Carefully push the cable up into the gap between your car’s headliner and the windshield.
- Run it Down the A-Pillar: Guide the cable down the side pillar the one between your windshield and side window. You might need to gently pry open the trim panel using your plastic panel removal tools. Be super careful around airbags if your car has them in the A-pillar – you don’t want to interfere with their deployment!
- Under the Dash: Continue routing the cable under the dashboard towards your fuse box. If your fuse box is in the trunk, you’ll need to run the wire all the way back, possibly along the door sills. Use the included cable clips and zip ties to secure the cable neatly along its path.
Step 3: Connect the Ground Wire GND
- Find an unpainted metal bolt or screw near your fuse box. This could be one already holding a panel, or a dedicated ground point.
- Loosen the bolt, place the ring terminal of the black GND wire onto the bolt, and then tighten it securely. Give it a gentle tug to make sure it’s firm.
Step 4: Connect the Constant Power Wire BATT
- Take the BATT wire often red from your Rexing hardwire kit.
- Attach a fuse tap adapter to it. These adapters usually have two slots: one for the original fuse and one for the new fuse for your dash cam.
- Insert the appropriate fuse for your dash cam e.g., a 5A or 10A fuse into the outer slot of the fuse tap the one furthest from the metal legs. If you’re using an occupied slot, insert the car’s original fuse into the inner slot.
- Plug the fuse tap into the constant power fuse slot you identified earlier in your fuse box. Ensure the fuse tap is oriented correctly – generally, the wire coming out of the fuse tap should be on the “load” side, not the “hot” side of the fuse slot. You can test this with your circuit tester to confirm power only goes to the new fuse, not through the original in series.
Step 5: Connect the Switched Power Wire ACC
- Grab the ACC wire often yellow from your hardwire kit.
- Attach another fuse tap adapter.
- Insert an appropriate fuse for your dash cam e.g., 5A or 10A into the outer slot of the fuse tap.
- Plug this fuse tap into the switched power fuse slot you identified earlier. Again, pay attention to the orientation.
Step 6: Test the System
This is the moment of truth!
- Reconnect Your Car Battery: If you disconnected it, reconnect the negative terminal.
- Turn on Your Car: Your Rexing DT2 dash cam should power on and start recording in normal mode.
- Turn Off Your Car: Wait a few moments. Your dash cam should then automatically switch to parking mode. You might see a different icon or a message on the screen confirming this. If it doesn’t switch, or if it stays on indefinitely, you might have swapped your ACC and BATT connections, or chosen an incorrect fuse.
Step 7: Tidy Up
- Once you’ve confirmed everything is working, secure any loose wires with zip ties or the included cable clips.
- Reinstall any trim panels you removed, making sure everything clicks back into place.
Activating Parking Mode on Your Rexing DT2
With your hardwire kit successfully installed, you can now enable and customize the parking monitor feature on your Rexing DT2. Hardwiring Your Rexing Dash Cam: A Full Guide to 24/7 Protection
- Access the dash cam’s menu check your DT2 user manual if you’re unsure how.
- Look for “Parking Monitor” or “Parking Mode” settings.
- You’ll typically have options like:
- G-Sensor: This activates recording when an impact or vibration is detected. You can usually adjust the sensitivity High, Medium, Low.
- Time Lapse: This allows the camera to record continuously at a very low frame rate while parked, saving space on your SD card and covering a longer period.
- Select your preferred parking mode and sensitivity. Even if you see a message like “To use parking monitor, please make sure Smart Hardwire Kit is connected,” it’s often just an informational prompt. if you’ve wired it correctly, it should work once you select an option.
Troubleshooting Common Hardwiring Issues
Even with the best intentions, things can sometimes go sideways. Here are a few common issues and how to tackle them:
- Dash Cam Not Powering On:
- Check all connections: Make sure the Type-C plug is fully inserted into the dash cam.
- Verify fuse connections: Are the fuse taps seated correctly? Are the fuses themselves good? Use your circuit tester to confirm power at both the BATT and ACC fuse taps.
- Ground connection: Is the ground wire securely attached to bare metal? A loose ground can cause all sorts of problems.
- Kit compatibility: Double-check that your hardwire kit is indeed the Type-C version compatible with the Rexing DT2.
- Internal battery/capacitor: Sometimes the dash cam’s internal supercapacitor needs a good charge after installation. Try driving for a while or connecting it to a phone charger overnight if your dash cam supports it.
- Parking Mode Not Activating:
- Swapped Wires: This is a common one! If your dash cam stays on constantly after turning off the car, you might have connected the ACC wire to a constant fuse, or vice-versa. Re-test your fuses with the circuit tester to confirm. The BATT wire should always be hot, and the ACC wire should only be hot with the ignition on.
- Dash Cam Settings: Ensure you’ve actually enabled parking mode in the dash cam’s menu after installation.
- Car Battery Draining Excessively:
- Low Voltage Protection: While Rexing kits have low voltage protection, if your car battery is old or weak, even the cut-off might not prevent issues over extended parking periods. Consider a battery health check.
- Incorrect Fuse: Ensure your BATT wire is connected to a genuinely constant fuse, and that your ACC wire correctly switches off with the ignition. If both are connected to constant power, your dash cam will never enter proper parking mode or shut down as intended.
- Parking Mode Settings: High sensitivity G-sensor or continuous time-lapse in an active area can draw more power. Try adjusting settings to a lower sensitivity or a less frequent time-lapse.
- “To use parking monitor, please make sure Smart Hardwire Kit is connected” message: Don’t panic! As mentioned, this is often just an informational message. Go into the dash cam’s menu and select your desired parking mode G-sensor or Time Lapse.
Tips for a Super Clean Install
To really nail that factory-installed look:
- Take Your Time with Cable Routing: Patiently tucking cables along the headliner, A-pillar, and under the dash makes a huge difference.
- Use the Right Tools: Those plastic panel removal tools are your friends. they help avoid unsightly scratches.
- Secure Cables: Use zip ties or the provided cable clips generously to prevent rattles and keep wires from sagging.
- Test as You Go: Don’t put all the panels back on until you’ve tested the dash cam’s basic functionality and parking mode. It saves a lot of rework!
- Consider Professional Help: If you’re truly uncomfortable working with your car’s electrical system, a professional installer can get the job done quickly and safely. While doing it yourself is a great learning experience, there’s no shame in seeking expert assistance.
Hardwiring your Rexing DT2 dash cam is a worthwhile project that significantly boosts your vehicle’s security and your peace of mind. With the right kit, tools, and a bit of patience, you’ll have a stealthy, continuously powered guardian watching over your car. Understanding Your Rexing R4 GPS Logger
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hardwire kit for a dash cam?
A hardwire kit for a dash cam is a power cable that connects your dash cam directly to your vehicle’s fuse box, providing a continuous and stable power supply, even when the car is turned off. This allows features like parking mode to function, offering 24/7 surveillance.
Why do I need a 3-wire hardwire kit for my Rexing DT2?
A 3-wire hardwire kit with BATT, ACC, and GND wires is essential for your Rexing DT2 dash cam to fully utilize its parking mode features. The BATT wire provides constant power for recording while parked, and the ACC wire signals when the ignition is on or off, allowing the camera to intelligently switch between driving and parking modes.
What are the main benefits of hardwiring my Rexing DT2 dash cam?
Hardwiring offers several key benefits: it enables continuous 24/7 parking surveillance, provides a clean and discreet installation with no visible wires, frees up your car’s cigarette lighter socket, and includes low voltage protection to prevent your car battery from draining.
How do I find the correct fuse slots for the ACC and BATT wires?
You’ll need a circuit tester or multimeter to identify constant BATT and switched ACC fuse slots. With the car off, test fuses for constant power lights up. Then, turn the ignition to ACC/ON and test again for fuses that now light up switched power. Always consult your car’s owner’s manual to avoid critical circuits and pick non-essential ones like the radio or an accessory socket. How to Master Your Rexing V1P: The Ultimate SD Card Formatting Guide
Can a hardwire kit drain my car battery?
While Rexing hardwire kits have built-in low voltage protection that cuts power to the dash cam if your car battery’s voltage drops below a safe level e.g., 11.8V for 12V systems, a very old or weak battery, or extremely long parking mode usage in cold weather, could potentially lead to issues. It’s always a good idea to ensure your car battery is in good health.
What type of hardwire kit does the Rexing DT2 use?
The Rexing DT2 dash cam uses a Type-C hardwire kit. When purchasing a hardwire kit for your DT2, make sure it specifies Type-C compatibility.
How do I enable parking mode after installing the hardwire kit?
After installation, access the settings menu on your Rexing DT2 dash cam and look for “Parking Monitor” or “Parking Mode”. Here, you can select your preferred mode, such as G-Sensor impact detection or Time Lapse continuous low-frame-rate recording.
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