Dashcam Hardwire Question

Five-Seven · Dec 28, 2019

I bought a dashcam and hardwired it to my 2018 today, but as I was putting in the add-a-fuse kit I couldn’t get it to seat properly with the layout of the interior fuse box. I ended up pulling fuse 5 and fuse 28 to allow it to fit and using slot 5 with the add-a-fuse. Both are 20A slots and are spares according to the manual. My question are:

1: both seemed to be continuously on, but I wasn’t sure if they may just have a delay as opposed to continuous power. Does anyone know if fuse 5 is always on or is it on a delayed timer?

2: I would rather this be on fuse 33 (Radio) as that should be shutoff when the ignition is off - but due to the add-a-fuse design it won’t fit. Has anyone else had this issue or have another solution outside of a fuse extender or different kit that would allow me to use this slot?

Unfortunately the camera I picked has an inline GPS module so I already have a large bundle of wire behind the fuse panel, so I am trying to avoid pushing in even more wires.

zwexpress · Dec 29, 2019

Five-Seven said:
I bought a dashcam and hardwired it to my 2018 today, but as I was putting in the add-a-fuse kit I couldn’t get it to seat properly with the layout of the interior fuse box. I ended up pulling fuse 5 and fuse 28 to allow it to fit and using slot 5 with the add-a-fuse. Both are 20A slots and are spares according to the manual. My question are:

1: both seemed to be continuously on, but I wasn’t sure if they may just have a delay as opposed to continuous power. Does anyone know if fuse 5 is always on or is it on a delayed timer?

2: I would rather this be on fuse 33 (Radio) as that should be shutoff when the ignition is off - but due to the add-a-fuse design it won’t fit. Has anyone else had this issue or have another solution outside of a fuse extender or different kit that would allow me to use this slot?

Unfortunately the camera I picked has an inline GPS module so I already have a large bundle of wire behind the fuse panel, so I am trying to avoid pushing in even more wires.

I believe 5 & 33 are constant (5 not used spare) (33 Radio)

Also had some issues with Micro 2 Fuse taps not fitting in the passenger compartment fuse panel, using a file I shaved some plastic around the fuse tap leads until they fit into the slots.

My setup uses Slot 28 for Constant power and Slot 36 for Switched power

Slot 28 (Not used Spare)

Slot 36 (360 camera, heating steering wheel etc) pg 354 owners manual

Five-Seven · Dec 30, 2019

Thanks - I had originally tried 4 (trailer brake control), but after testing it appears that it is switched based on, what I assume, is a trailer hook up. I will try shaving off some plastic around the edges and seeing about fitting in in 36 as that appears to be what I want.

I don’t mind it being always on, since I drive it most days for enough time to prevent overnight battery discharge. Just worry about the longer times between driving in the event I forget to unplug.

I had also thought about putting it on one of the up-fitter switches, but seemed to be a waste of that functionality and I didn’t want to mess pushing it through the firewall.

Sounds like the narrow clearances in the footwell fuse box either requires additional fuses to be pulled or your solution of shaving down to meet clearance.

Thanks

Ski4Ever · Jan 2, 2020

Are there other fuses (other than fuse 36) that's controlled by the ignition? I have 2 things (a wireless phone charger, and a dashcam) that I'd like to power by tapping into fuses. Any suggestions on how to power both?

Five-Seven · Jan 2, 2020

I think there are quite a few - just based on description. Maybe try 16 (Tailgate Release), 21 (Temp and Humidity Sensor), 23 (Window controller) or 27 (moon/vista roof). I tried to test quite a few but all were coming back hot and I was rushing so opted not to wait out the delay after ignition is off.

You could also tap in to the upfitter switches, as those are ignition only - i liked the idea of being able to manually turn off - but opted to leave them open for future exterior lights or accessories.

Ski4Ever · Jan 3, 2020

Isn’t tailgate release always hot? I don’t have to turn the ignition on in order to open my tailgate. Or am I not understanding? I do agree with the others, though...

Five-Seven · Jan 3, 2020

You are likely right. Didn’t think it through well on the first post. I’m also not sure how long the power delay is, but that would be the only way - unless you find something else online that indicates otherwise - to determine with certainty which fuses are ignition only. Fuse 36 seems to be the fuse most people have used for switches power, but good luck getting a fuse tap to fit...doesn’t help that working in that space is miserable to begin with.

Best of luck!

Ski4Ever · Jan 3, 2020

Five-Seven said:
[...]good luck getting a fuse tap to fit...doesn’t help that working in that space is miserable to begin with.

Best of luck!

What is it about the fuse tap that doesn't fit? Does it not go into the slot, or does the tap interfere with the cover?

Five-Seven · Jan 3, 2020

The cover wasn’t an issue for me. The space down there is tight, but I was able to easily find a location to wrap up the excess wiring and had no issues with the trim panel.

My issue was getting the tap to seat properly in the existing fuse slot. As @zwexpress mentioned earlier I may need to shave some plastic off to get it to go in. Unfortunately given the location of the fuse box it is challenging to see where exactly the tap is hitting. My solution was two pull two of the spare fuses (5 and 28) that are next to each other to get the tap in place.

zwexpress · Jan 4, 2020

Ski4Ever said:
What is it about the fuse tap that doesn't fit? Does it not go into the slot, or does the tap interfere with the cover?

It looks like the fuse panels are equipped with plastic tabs that prevent the fuse taps from properly seating. Removing a small amount of plastic from the fuse tap base that surrounds the metal probes allows enough room for it to fit properly. I have tried multiple taps and all have had the same problem, I never had an issue on my other vehicles. I believe 4 is switched power along with 22, 20, 35, 4, 7. I have to double check that. I am running a BlackVue dashcam with power magic pro. Hopefully you find the solution that works for your setup.

Dashcam Hardwire Question

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