Rexing hardwire kit install

Thinking about hardwiring your Rexing dash cam? To really get the most out of your Rexing dash cam, especially those sweet parking mode features, you’re going to want to hardwire it. This isn’t just about avoiding messy cables or keeping your cigarette lighter free. it’s about unlocking 24/7 surveillance and peace of mind for your vehicle. I remember when I first considered hardwiring, it felt a bit intimidating, like I needed to be an electrical engineer. But trust me, with the right guidance and a little patience, it’s a totally doable DIY project that gives you a professional, clean setup and a dash cam that’s always on guard.

Hardwiring your Rexing dash cam means connecting it directly to your car’s electrical system, usually through the fuse box. This method ensures your dash cam gets a continuous power supply, which is absolutely essential for features like parking mode, where your camera keeps recording even when your car is off. Without a hardwire kit, most dash cams would just shut down when you turn off the ignition, leaving your car unprotected when it’s most vulnerable to hit-and-runs or vandalism in parking lots. Plus, hardwire kits often come with built-in low voltage protection, so you don’t have to worry about draining your car’s battery and being stranded. This setup not only boosts your security but also gives your car’s interior a much cleaner look, with no dangling wires to distract you.

Grab 50% OFF on RexingUSA.com

Why Hardwire Your Rexing Dash Cam? It’s More Than Just Power

You might be thinking, “Why bother with hardwiring when I can just plug it into the cigarette lighter?” That’s a fair question, and for basic recording while driving, the cigarette lighter works. But if you’re serious about protecting your ride around the clock, hardwiring is the way to go. Here’s why it’s a must:

• 24/7 Parking Surveillance: This is probably the biggest reason. A hardwire kit lets your Rexing dash cam stay powered even when your car is off, enabling its parking mode sometimes called parking monitor, sentry mode, or parking guard. This means if someone bumps your car, attempts a break-in, or even vandalizes it while you’re away, your dash cam will wake up and record the incident. Many Rexing models, when paired with the intelligent hardwire kit, offer advanced parking modes like G-sensor impact detection and motion detection, or even time-lapse recording to save storage space.
• Battery Protection: Good quality hardwire kits, especially Rexing’s Smart and Intelligent versions, include a low voltage cutoff feature. This little guardian angel monitors your car’s battery voltage and automatically cuts power to the dash cam if it drops below a certain threshold often around 11.6V to 12.4V, depending on the kit and settings. This ensures you’ll always have enough juice to start your car, so you don’t come back to a dead battery after a long day of parking mode surveillance.
• Clean, Integrated Look: Let’s be real, nobody likes a bunch of cables snaking across their dashboard. Hardwiring hides all those wires neatly behind your car’s trim panels, creating a factory-installed aesthetic. Your dash cam becomes a seamless part of your car’s interior, not an aftermarket add-on with visible cords.
• Frees Up Your 12V Outlet: With your dash cam hardwired, your car’s cigarette lighter socket 12V outlet is free for other uses, like charging your phone, powering a GPS, or running other accessories. It’s a small convenience, but it makes a difference.
• Reliability: Direct connection to the fuse box provides a more stable and reliable power source than a fluctuating cigarette lighter port. This consistent power means your dash cam is less likely to randomly turn off or experience recording interruptions due to power fluctuations.

Grab 50% OFF on RexingUSA.com

Understanding Rexing Hardwire Kits: Standard vs. Smart/Intelligent

Rexing offers different types of hardwire kits, but the most robust options for advanced features like parking mode are their Smart and Intelligent Hardwire Kits. These are typically 3-wire kits, which is key to how they operate. Let’s break down what those three wires do:

• Yellow Wire Constant Power/BAT: This wire needs to be connected to a fuse in your car’s fuse box that always has power, even when the ignition is off. This is what keeps your dash cam alive for parking mode features. Think of it as the lifeline to your car’s battery.
• Red Wire Accessory Power/ACC: This wire connects to a fuse that only gets power when your car’s ignition is on. This “switched” power source acts as a signal for your dash cam. When the ACC wire detects power, the dash cam knows the car is on and switches to normal recording mode. When the ACC power cuts off car turns off, the dash cam knows to switch into parking mode.
• Black Wire Ground: This one’s simple – it needs to be connected to a metal bolt or screw on the car’s chassis near the fuse box. This completes the electrical circuit, which is essential for any electrical component to function safely.

The Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kit takes things a step further by often including a separate motion sensor. This sensor needs to be positioned on your windshield, typically a few inches from the dash cam itself, and clear of any obstructions like your rearview mirror. This external sensor can enhance the dash cam’s ability to detect motion and trigger recordings in parking mode. Just remember, if you’re using this intelligent kit, Rexing explicitly states not to enable the parking monitor function in your dash cam’s settings, as the kit’s intelligence will override it.

Grab 50% OFF on RexingUSA.com Rexing Trail Camera Manual: Your Ultimate Guide to Setting Up and Capturing Incredible Footage

What You’ll Need for the Installation

Before you even think about popping open your car’s fuse box, gather up your tools. Having everything ready makes the process so much smoother.

• Your Rexing Dash Cam: Obviously!
• Rexing Hardwire Kit: Make sure it’s compatible with your specific dash cam model. Rexing’s Smart and Intelligent kits are generally recommended for parking mode.
• Circuit Tester / Multimeter: This is a non-negotiable tool. You absolutely need it to identify the correct constant and switched fuse slots. You can grab an inexpensive one online or at any auto parts store.
• Add-a-Fuse Fuse Taps: Your Rexing kit should come with these, but it’s good to double-check. You’ll need two of them for the constant and ACC wires. Make sure they are the correct type for your car’s fuses Standard, Mini, Micro, or Micro2. You might even get a variety pack with your kit.
• Pliers/Fuse Puller: To safely remove fuses. Your car’s fuse box might even have a fuse puller included.
• Wire Strippers/Crimpers Optional but helpful: While fuse taps simplify things, sometimes minor adjustments are needed.
• Plastic Trim Removal Tools: These are incredibly useful for safely prying open panels and tucking away wires without scratching your car’s interior. A set is usually pretty cheap.
• Zip Ties/Electrical Tape: For tidying up excess wiring and securing connections.
• Cleaning Supplies: To clean the windshield before mounting the dash cam.
• Your Car’s Owner’s Manual: This is crucial for locating your fuse box and understanding its diagram.
• Safety Glasses: Always a good idea when working with electrical components.

Grab 50% OFF on RexingUSA.com

Pre-Installation Checks and Safety First

Alright, before we get hands-on, let’s cover some crucial prep work and safety tips. You’re messing with your car’s electrical system, so a little caution goes a long way.

1. Read Your Kit’s Instructions: Seriously, I can’t stress this enough. While this guide provides general steps, always refer to the specific manual that came with your Rexing hardwire kit and dash cam. Wire colors for constant/switched power can sometimes vary between kits, so trust your kit’s labels.
2. Locate Your Fuse Box: Your car usually has one fuse box inside the cabin often under the dashboard, near the driver’s footwell, or in the glove compartment and sometimes one under the hood. For a dash cam, you’ll typically use the interior fuse box. Consult your car’s owner’s manual to find its exact location and diagram.
3. Understand Your Car’s Fuses: The owner’s manual will show you which fuses control which components. You’re looking for two specific types:
   • Constant Power Fuse: This fuse provides power even when your car is off. Good candidates are fuses for interior lights, car alarm, power seats, or the radio memory.
   • Switched Power ACC Fuse: This fuse only gets power when the ignition is on. Fuses for the radio, cigarette lighter, or wipers are often good choices.
   • Avoid Safety-Critical Fuses: Never tap into fuses for airbags, engine control, or ABS brakes. You don’t want to accidentally disable a safety feature!
4. Disconnect Your Car’s Battery Optional but Recommended: For extra peace of mind, you can disconnect the negative terminal of your car’s battery before you start working on the fuse box. This removes power from the system and prevents accidental shorts. Just remember to reset any car settings like radio presets afterward.
5. Check Fuse Type: Visually inspect your car’s fuses to confirm their type Standard, Mini, Micro, Micro2 so your add-a-fuses will fit.
6. Test the Dash Cam: Before you start tearing things apart, plug your dash cam into a cigarette lighter just to make sure it powers on and works correctly. It’s a simple step that can save a lot of headaches later.

Grab 50% OFF on RexingUSA.com

Step-by-Step Rexing Hardwire Kit Installation Guide

you’ve got your tools, you’ve done your homework. Let’s get this hardwire kit installed! Rexing gps module

Step 1: Mount Your Dash Cam and Route the Cables

This is where you visualize your setup.

• Choose the Best Spot: Mount your Rexing dash cam on your windshield, typically behind the rearview mirror, ensuring it has a clear view of the road and cabin, if it’s a dual camera and doesn’t obstruct your driving vision. Use the adhesive mount that came with your dash cam.
• Position the Motion Sensor for Intelligent Kit: If you have the Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kit, remember that external motion sensor. Place it on the windshield a few inches away from the dash cam, ensuring it’s not blocked by anything.
• Plan Your Wire Route: The goal is to hide the cables. Start by routing the mini-USB power cable from the dash cam along the top edge of the windshield, tucking it into the headliner with your trim tool. Continue down the A-pillar the frame between your windshield and side window, then along the side of the dashboard or under the floorboard, all the way to your fuse box. If you have a rear camera, route its cable similarly, keeping it discreet.
  • Pro Tip: Use your plastic trim tools to gently pry open panels and tuck the wire in. Don’t force anything!

Step 2: Locate the Fuse Box and Identify Power Sources

You already know where it is, thanks to your car’s manual. Now, let’s find the right fuses.

• Open the Fuse Box: Access your car’s interior fuse box.
• Use Your Circuit Tester: This is where the magic happens.
  1. Find a Ground Point: Clip the ground lead of your circuit tester to a bare metal surface on the car’s chassis a metal bolt or screw nearby usually works well.
  2. Identify Constant Power Fuses: Turn your car off and remove the key from the ignition. Carefully touch the tip of your circuit tester to the small metal contact points on the top of each fuse in the fuse box. When the tester lights up, you’ve found a constant power fuse. Mark this spot.
  3. Identify Switched Power ACC Fuses: Now, turn your car’s ignition to the ACC position or start the engine if needed, then turn it off again to confirm it’s switched. Repeat the process, touching the fuses with your tester. When the tester lights up only when the ignition is on and goes off when you turn the ignition off, you’ve found a switched power fuse. Mark this spot.
  • Important Note: Some fuses have two contact points. Test both to confirm which side is the “hot” side where power enters the fuse. You’ll want to insert the add-a-fuse on the output side the side that doesn’t have power when the fuse is pulled. This protects the original circuit.
  • Choose Low-Amperage Fuses: It’s generally a good idea to tap into fuses that control lower-power accessories.

Step 3: Connect the Fuse Taps Add-a-Fuses

This is where you link your hardwire kit to your car’s power.

• Prepare the Add-a-Fuses:
  1. Take one add-a-fuse. Insert the original fuse from your chosen constant power slot into the lower slot of the add-a-fuse.
  2. Insert a new, smaller fuse usually 2A or 3A, often supplied with the hardwire kit into the upper slot of the add-a-fuse. This new fuse protects your dash cam.
  3. Repeat for the switched power add-a-fuse, using the original switched fuse and a new dash cam fuse.
• Connect the Hardwire Kit Wires:
  1. Take the yellow wire from your Rexing hardwire kit the constant power lead and connect it to the add-a-fuse you prepared for the constant power slot. These connections are usually crimp-on or bullet connectors.
  2. Take the red wire from your Rexing hardwire kit the ACC/switched power lead and connect it to the add-a-fuse you prepared for the switched power slot.
• Insert into Fuse Box:
  1. Carefully push the constant power add-a-fuse with the yellow wire connected into the constant fuse slot you identified.
  2. Carefully push the switched power add-a-fuse with the red wire connected into the switched fuse slot you identified. Make sure they are seated firmly.

Step 4: Ground the Hardwire Kit

This is pretty straightforward.

• Take the black wire from your Rexing hardwire kit the ground lead.
• Find a metal bolt or screw on the car’s chassis near the fuse box. Make sure it’s unpainted metal for a good connection.
• Loosen the bolt, place the ground wire’s ring terminal underneath it, and tighten the bolt securely. This completes the circuit.

Step 5: Connect to the Dash Cam and Test

We’re almost there! The Ultimate Guide to the Rexing GT Wheel: Features, Performance, and Setup

• Connect the Hardwire Kit to Your Dash Cam: Plug the mini-USB end of the hardwire kit cable into your Rexing dash cam’s power input.
• Connect the Motion Sensor: If you have the Intelligent Hardwire Kit, connect the small USB cable from the motion sensor to the hardwire kit’s control box, as per your kit’s instructions.
• Test the Installation:
  1. If you disconnected your car battery, reconnect it now.
  2. Start your car. Your Rexing dash cam should power on and begin recording in normal mode.
  3. Turn off your car. After a few moments check your dash cam’s manual, it might take a few seconds, the dash cam should switch into parking mode. You might see an indicator light change or a message on the screen unless the intelligent kit overrides the screen display in parking mode, which is common. If you have the Intelligent Hardwire Kit with a motion sensor, try gently bumping the car or walking in front of it to see if the motion sensor indicator lights up and triggers a recording.
  4. If everything works, congratulations!

Step 6: Tidy Up the Cables

Now for the finishing touches to make it look professional.

• Use zip ties to bundle any excess cable from the hardwire kit and tuck it neatly away, preferably inside the fuse box area or along existing wire harnesses.
• Ensure all cables are securely tucked behind trim panels and not interfering with any airbags, pedals, or other moving parts. Use cable clips if necessary to hold them in place.
• Reattach any panels you removed during the process.

Grab 50% OFF on RexingUSA.com

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best instructions, sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here are a few common hiccups and how to fix them:

• Dash Cam Not Turning On:
  • Check All Connections: Make sure all three wires constant, ACC, ground are securely connected.
  • Verify Fuses: Are the add-a-fuses fully seated? Are the original and new fuses intact not blown?
  • Retest Fuse Slots: Use your circuit tester again to double-check that your chosen constant and ACC fuse slots are indeed providing power as expected. You might have accidentally picked the wrong side of a fuse or a completely incorrect slot.
  • Check Ground: Is the ground wire attached to bare metal and tightened securely? A poor ground is a common culprit.
• Dash Cam Not Entering Parking Mode or Staying On Constantly:
  • ACC Wire Issue: This almost always points to an issue with the red ACC wire. Retest your switched fuse slot to ensure it loses power when the ignition is off. If it’s constantly powered, your dash cam won’t know when to switch to parking mode.
  • Kit Instructions: Double-check your kit’s instructions for any specific settings or actions required to enable parking mode. Remember, with the Rexing Intelligent Kit, you don’t enable parking monitor in the dash cam’s menu.
  • Wire Mix-up: Could the yellow and red wires be swapped? Some kits might have different color conventions, though Rexing typically follows yellow for constant and red for switched.
• Car Battery Drains Too Quickly:
  • Low Voltage Cutoff Setting: If your kit has adjustable voltage cutoff, ensure it’s set to an appropriate level e.g., 12.0V or higher, if available. Too low, and it might not leave enough power to start your car.
  • Car Battery Health: Is your car’s battery old or weak? Even a perfectly installed hardwire kit can’t save a dying battery from draining.
  • Parking Mode Activity: If you have motion detection highly sensitive in a busy area, the dash cam might be recording too frequently. Adjust sensitivity or consider time-lapse mode if available.

If you’re really stuck, Rexing often has helpful installation videos on their YouTube channel, and their support team can be reached via email or phone. Sometimes, a visual guide tailored to your specific Rexing model or even a similar car can clear things up.

Grab 50% OFF on RexingUSA.com Rexing V1 SD Card Format: Your Ultimate Guide for Crystal Clear Recordings

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a hardwire kit for a dash cam?

A hardwire kit is essentially a special cable that connects your dash cam directly to your car’s electrical system, typically through the fuse box. It bypasses the cigarette lighter, providing continuous power and enabling advanced features like 24/7 parking surveillance and battery protection.

Why do Rexing hardwire kits have three wires red, yellow, black?

The three wires serve distinct purposes to manage power efficiently. The yellow wire provides constant power always on for parking mode. The red wire provides accessory power, which is only on when your car’s ignition is on, signaling the dash cam to switch between normal and parking mode. The black wire is for ground, completing the electrical circuit.

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

Both are typically 3-wire kits designed for parking mode and low voltage protection. The Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kit often includes an additional, separate motion sensor that you mount on your windshield. This external sensor enhances motion detection capabilities for parking surveillance.

Do I need a professional to install a Rexing hardwire kit?

Not necessarily! Many people successfully install these kits themselves. However, if you’re not comfortable working with your car’s electrical system, identifying fuses, or routing wires, a professional installation can ensure everything is done correctly and safely. It’s about your comfort level and skill.

How does the hardwire kit prevent my car battery from draining?

Rexing hardwire kits include a low voltage protection feature. This built-in safeguard automatically cuts power to the dash cam if your car’s battery voltage drops below a preset safe level e.g., 11.8V. This ensures there’s always enough power left in your battery to start your car. Rexing Companies: The Logistics Powerhouse

Can I use my Rexing dash cam’s internal parking monitor setting if I’m using a hardwire kit?

If you’re using a Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kit with its dedicated motion sensor, Rexing explicitly advises not to enable the parking monitor function in your dash cam’s settings. The hardwire kit’s intelligence will override and manage the parking mode functionality, so activating the camera’s internal setting might cause conflicts. For other Rexing hardwire kits, always check your specific kit and dash cam manual.

What if my car uses a different fuse type than the add-a-fuses included in my Rexing kit?

Hardwire kits usually come with common fuse tap types, or sometimes a variety pack. However, vehicles can have different fuse sizes Standard, Mini, Micro, Micro2. If the included add-a-fuses don’t match your car’s fuse type, you’ll need to purchase the correct ones separately from an auto parts store or online.

How long does a hardwire installation typically take?

For someone with basic DIY skills and the right tools, a Rexing hardwire kit installation can usually be completed in about one to two hours. Planning your cable routing and accurately identifying the fuse slots are often the most time-consuming parts.

Can you add beadlocks to any wheel