Struggling to get your dash cam to record while your car is parked, or tired of that messy cigarette lighter cable cluttering your dashboard? The Rexing Type-C Intelligent Hardwire Kit is seriously a must for getting clean, continuous power to your dash cam, unlocking that crucial 24/7 surveillance parking mode, and keeping your car battery safe all at the same time. I remember my first time trying to hardwire a dash cam, it felt like a maze of wires and confusing instructions, but with a bit of guidance, you’ll see it’s totally doable and absolutely worth it. This kit is designed to seamlessly integrate with your vehicle’s electrical system, making your dash cam an even more powerful tool for protecting your ride. Plus, with its built-in low voltage protection, you won’t ever have to worry about coming back to a dead battery. It’s all about peace of mind, right?
Why Hardwire Your Dash Cam?
You might be thinking, “Why bother hardwiring when I can just plug it into the cigarette lighter?” And that’s a fair question! But once you go hardwire, you really won’t go back. Here’s why:
Continuous Power for Parking Mode
This is probably the biggest reason folks opt for a hardwire kit. Imagine someone bumps your car in a parking lot and just drives off. Without continuous power, your dash cam might not catch a thing. A hardwire kit, especially one like the Rexing Type-C Intelligent Hardwire Kit, allows your dash cam to stay powered even when your engine is off. This means you get 24-hour surveillance, capturing incidents like hit-and-runs, vandalism, or suspicious activity around your vehicle. The Intelligent Hardwire Kit specifically uses motion sensing to kick your camera into action, recording only when something’s happening, which is super efficient.
Clean Installation
Let’s be real, no one likes a bunch of cables dangling across their dashboard. The factory cigarette lighter cables are usually long, unsightly, and can get in the way. Hardwiring tucks all those wires neatly behind your car’s trim panels and into the fuse box, giving you a super clean, almost invisible installation. It also frees up your 12V accessory port, so you can still charge your phone or power other devices without compromise.
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Battery Protection
One common worry with powering a dash cam 24/7 is draining your car’s battery. Thankfully, modern hardwire kits like the Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kit are designed with built-in low voltage protection. This smart system monitors your car battery’s voltage and automatically cuts off power to the dash cam if the voltage drops below a safe threshold, typically around 11.8V for 12V systems or 23.5V for 24V systems. This leaves you with enough juice to start your car the next time you need it. It’s a small feature that makes a huge difference.
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What is the Rexing Type-C Intelligent Hardwire Kit?
So, let’s talk about the star of the show: the Rexing Type-C Intelligent Hardwire Kit. At its core, this kit is what lets your dash cam draw power directly from your car’s fuse box instead of the cigarette lighter. But it’s way more advanced than just a simple power adapter.
Core Function and Key Features
The primary job of this kit is to provide constant power to your dash cam, ensuring it’s always ready to record, especially for those critical parking mode situations. Here are the standout features you’ll appreciate:
- Type-C Connector: This is a big one. Many newer Rexing dash cams, like the R4, DT2, M2 Max, L4 Series, RH2 Series, and CPDuo, use a Type-C USB port. This hardwire kit comes with that specific connector, ensuring compatibility and a snug fit. It delivers 5V/2A or 1.5A for some models output, perfect for your dash cam’s power needs.
- 24/7 Surveillance with Intelligent Motion Sensing: Unlike some basic kits, the Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kit integrates a dedicated motion sensor. This sensor actively monitors the area around your vehicle. When it detects motion, it automatically powers up your dash cam to start recording, even if your car is turned off. This means your dash cam isn’t constantly recording and filling up your memory card with uneventful footage. it only records when it needs to. The blue indicator on the motion sensor lets you know it’s detected something.
- ACC Detection Feature: This feature is super convenient. The kit includes an ACC Accessory wire that detects when your vehicle’s engine is on or off. When you turn off your car, the dash cam automatically transitions into its motion-sensing parking mode. When you start the engine, it seamlessly switches back to normal continuous recording. You don’t have to manually adjust any settings.
- Wide Voltage Compatibility: Whether you drive a standard passenger car 12V system or a larger truck 24V system, this kit has you covered. It accepts an input voltage range of 12V-30V, making it suitable for most vehicle types.
- What’s in the Box: When you grab a Rexing Type-C Intelligent Hardwire Kit, you usually get everything you need for the installation. This typically includes the Type-C hardwire kit itself, an installing crowbar super handy for prying open trim, and often a selection of 8 fuse tap cables to fit different fuse types in various vehicles, along with some cable hiding clips. It’s a pretty comprehensive package designed to make DIY installation easier.
Intelligent vs. Smart Hardwire Kit: What’s the Difference?
Rexing offers a couple of different hardwire kits, and it can sometimes get a little confusing. Let’s clear up the main distinction between the “Intelligent” and “Smart” hardwire kits, especially regarding their parking mode activation.
- Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kit: This is the one we’re focusing on today, and its key differentiator is its motion-sensing activation for parking mode. It comes with a separate motion sensor that you typically place on your windshield. When this sensor detects movement around or inside your car after the engine is off, it triggers the dash cam to start recording. This is ideal if you want surveillance based on actual activity.
- Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit: In contrast, the traditional “Smart” hardwire kit typically relies on G-sensor vibration detection to activate parking mode. This means the dash cam starts recording if it detects a physical impact or significant vibration to the vehicle. While some newer “Smart” kits might mention 360° motion detection, the primary distinction given by Rexing themselves is motion sensing for Intelligent and vibration sensing for Smart.
So, if you’re looking for a dash cam that actively “looks” for movement around your car when parked, the Intelligent Hardwire Kit with its dedicated motion sensor is what you want. Rediscovering Hidden Memories: Can You Develop That Old Camera Film?
Before You Start: Getting Ready for Installation
you’re ready to hardwire your Rexing dash cam. Before you jump in, it’s crucial to gather your tools and understand a few basics to make sure the process goes smoothly and safely.
Tools You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes a world of difference:
- Rexing Type-C Intelligent Hardwire Kit: Obviously!
- Circuit Tester or Multimeter: Absolutely essential for identifying the right fuses in your fuse box. Don’t skip this.
- Trim Removal Tool or the included Crowbar: This lets you safely pry open interior trim panels without damaging them.
- Pliers/Wire Strippers/Crimpers: You’ll need these for connecting wires, especially if you’re not relying solely on the included fuse taps.
- Zip Ties and Electrical Tape: Great for tidying up excess wires and securing connections.
- Flashlight or Headlamp: Fuse boxes can be in dark, cramped spaces.
- Your Car’s Owner’s Manual: This is your best friend for locating your fuse box and understanding your vehicle’s fuse diagram.
Safety First!
Working with your car’s electrical system requires a bit of caution:
- Disconnect the Negative Battery Terminal: It’s a good practice to disconnect your car’s negative battery terminal before working on the electrical system to prevent accidental short circuits.
- Understand Your Fuse Box: Your car’s fuse box is a critical component. Don’t just randomly pull fuses. Your owner’s manual will have a diagram showing what each fuse powers.
- Wear Safety Glasses: Small electrical components can sometimes spark.
Know Your Fuses: Constant, Switched, and Ground
To hardwire your dash cam, you’ll need to identify three types of connections in your fuse box: Master Your View: Installing and Optimizing Your Rexing CPDuo 686 Dash Cam Suction Cup Mount
- Constant Power B+ / Yellow Wire: This fuse is always “hot,” meaning it provides power even when your car is turned off. This is essential for enabling your dash cam’s parking mode feature. Look for fuses that power things like your car’s interior lights, horn, or door locks, as these often have constant power.
- Ignition-Switched Power ACC / Red Wire: This fuse only provides power when your car’s ignition is on or in the accessory position. It cuts power when you turn off your car. This tells your dash cam when to switch from continuous recording to parking mode. Good candidates are fuses for your radio, power windows, or auxiliary power outlets.
- Ground GND / Black Wire: This wire needs to be connected to a clean, unpainted metal surface on your car’s chassis. This provides a safe return path for the electrical current. You’ll often find suitable ground points as bolts or screws near the fuse box.
Important Note: Some hardwire kits might use different color codes for their wires. Always refer to the labels on the hardwire kit and its instruction manual to ensure you’re connecting the correct wires. Rexing typically uses Yellow for B+, Red for ACC, and Black for GND.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide: Rexing Type-C Intelligent Hardwire Kit
Now for the hands-on part! Here’s a detailed guide to installing your Rexing Type-C Intelligent Hardwire Kit.
Step 1: Mount the Dash Cam and Motion Sensor
First things first, get your dash cam mounted on your windshield using its adhesive mount. For the intelligent hardwire kit, you also have a separate motion sensor to place.
- For detecting motion inside the cabin: Position the motion sensor box on the top of the windshield, a few inches away from the dash cam.
- For detecting motion in front of the car: Place the motion sensor box on the backside of the rearview mirror.
Just make sure nothing, especially your rearview mirror, blocks the sensor’s view. Once mounted, connect the motion sensor to the included USB cable.
Step 2: Locate Your Car’s Fuse Box
This is where your car’s owner’s manual comes in handy. Fuse boxes are commonly found in one of these spots: Mastering Your Rexing V3C Suction Cup Mount for a Seamless Dash Cam Experience
- Under the dashboard driver’s or passenger’s side.
- In the glove compartment.
- Under the hood in the engine bay.
Once you find it, open it up. You might need your trim removal tool for this.
Step 3: Identify Fuse Types Constant & Switched
This is the most critical step to get right. You need to find a fuse that’s always on constant power for the yellow wire and a fuse that only powers on with the ignition switched power for the red wire.
- Find a good ground: Clip your circuit tester’s alligator clamp to a clean, unpainted metal bolt or screw near the fuse box. This is your ground reference.
- Test for constant power B+: With your car completely off and the keys out of the ignition, use the probe of your circuit tester to touch the metal contact points on the exposed fuses in your fuse box. When the circuit tester lights up, you’ve found a constant power fuse. A common one is often related to the horn, interior lights, or something like “Power Mirror Memory”.
- Test for ignition-switched power ACC: Now, turn your car’s ignition to the “ACC” or “ON” position engine doesn’t have to be running. Probe the fuses again. Fuses that light up only when the ignition is on are your switched power sources. Your cigarette lighter fuse or radio fuse are good places to start looking.
- Pro Tip: Choose fuses rated between 10A-30A for reliable power to your dash cam. And definitely avoid tapping into safety-critical fuses like those for airbags SRS, ABS brakes, or engine/body control modules BCM, as this could cause serious issues or even void warranties.
Step 4: Connect the Fuse Taps
Your Rexing kit usually comes with various fuse taps. Pick the one that matches the type of fuses in your car.
- For the Yellow Wire B+ / Constant Power:
- Insert the original fuse from your chosen constant power slot into the lower slot of the fuse tap. This keeps your car’s original circuit protected.
- Insert a new, smaller fuse typically 2A or 3A, often provided with the kit or recommended for the dash cam into the upper slot of the fuse tap. This protects your dash cam.
- Plug the fuse tap, with both fuses, into the constant power fuse slot you identified.
- For the Red Wire ACC / Switched Power:
- Do the same as above: original fuse in the lower slot, new dash cam fuse in the upper slot of the second fuse tap.
- Plug this fuse tap into your chosen ignition-switched fuse slot.
- Fuse Tap Orientation: Make sure the wire from the fuse tap is facing away from the power source side of the fuse slot. If your fuse box has the power coming from the bottom, the wire should exit the top of the fuse tap. A quick double-check with your circuit tester can confirm power is flowing correctly through the tap.
Step 5: Secure the Ground Wire Black
Find a sturdy, unpainted metal bolt or screw near your fuse box. Loosen it, slip the hardwire kit’s black wire with its C-shaped terminal under the bolt, and then tighten it securely. A good ground connection is vital for the kit to function properly.
Step 6: Route the Wiring
Now for the neat part!
- Start from your fuse box and carefully route the hardwire kit’s cable up towards your dash cam.
- Use the included crowbar trim removal tool to gently tuck the cable behind trim panels, under the carpet, along the A-pillar the pillar next to your windshield, and along the headliner.
- Utilize any included cable hiding clips to keep the wire snug and out of sight. The goal is a clean, factory-installed look.
Step 7: Connect to the Dash Cam
Once the cable is routed, simply plug the Type-C connector from the hardwire kit into your Rexing dash cam’s Type-C power port. Mastering Your Rexing V5 & V5C: The Ultimate Guide to Suction Cup Mount Installation & Tips
Step 8: Test the Installation
Before you fully reassemble everything:
- Reconnect your car’s negative battery terminal if you disconnected it.
- Turn on your car’s ignition: Your dash cam should power on and begin recording normally.
- Turn off your car’s ignition: The dash cam should stop normal recording and, after a few seconds, the Intelligent Hardwire Kit’s motion sensor should become active. The blue indicator on the motion sensor will light up when it detects motion, triggering the dash cam to record.
- Important Note: With the Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kit, do NOT enable the parking monitor function in your dash cam’s settings. This hardwire kit overrides the dash cam’s internal parking monitor feature and manages it externally via its motion sensor. Enabling it in the dash cam settings could cause malfunctions.
Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues
Sometimes, things don’t go perfectly on the first try, and that’s totally normal. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:
Dash Cam Not Turning On At All
- Check All Connections: Double-check that the yellow B+, red ACC, and black GND wires are securely connected to their respective fuse taps and ground point. A loose connection is a frequent culprit.
- Blown Fuses: Check the fuses in your fuse taps. If the dash cam isn’t getting power, one of the small fuses in the add-a-fuse might be blown. Also check the original car fuses you tapped into.
- Incorrect Fuse Tap Orientation: Ensure the fuse tap is inserted correctly. The side with the wire coming out should be on the “load” side the side that receives power after the fuse. Try rotating it 180 degrees if you’re unsure.
- Poor Ground Connection: Make sure the black ground wire is attached to a clean, unpainted metal surface. Wiggle the wire at the bolt to see if a light flickers on your dash cam or the hardwire kit’s converter box.
Parking Mode Not Working / Camera Stays On or Turns Off Completely
- ACC Wire Issue: This is usually the problem when parking mode isn’t transitioning correctly.
- Camera Stays On doesn’t go into parking mode: The red ACC wire might still be receiving power even when the car is off. This means you’ve likely tapped into a constant power fuse instead of a switched one. Try a different accessory fuse slot.
- Camera Turns Off Completely doesn’t go into parking mode: The ACC wire might not be receiving any power when the ignition is on, or it’s not signaling correctly. Ensure the red wire is properly crimped and seated in an accessory fuse slot. Some users have found that reversing the yellow and red wires if they were initially mislabeled by the factory solved their parking mode issues, but always check the manual and labels first.
- Dash Cam Parking Mode Setting: Remember, with the Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kit, you should NOT enable the parking monitor function in your dash cam’s own settings. The hardwire kit’s motion sensor handles this automatically. Having it enabled in the camera’s menu can cause conflicts.
Battery Drain
- Low Voltage Protection: While the Rexing kit has built-in low voltage protection, ensure it’s functioning as expected. If your car battery is older or weak, it might hit the cut-off voltage quicker than a healthy battery.
- Incorrect Wiring: If both your constant yellow and switched red wires are connected to constant power sources, the dash cam will never properly shut off, leading to battery drain. Re-test your fuses with the circuit tester.
Dash Cam Beeps and Turns Off When Ignition is Off
- This often indicates that the dash cam isn’t properly entering parking mode, or it’s detecting a power anomaly. Check your ACC wire connection and confirm the hardwire kit’s settings if any are adjustable.
If you’ve tried these steps and are still facing issues, it’s a good idea to contact Rexing’s customer support. They’re usually pretty responsive and can offer specific guidance for your dash cam model and vehicle. Sometimes, a quick call can save you a lot of headache.
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Tips for a Professional-Looking Install
You’ve done all the hard work, now make it look like a pro did it!
- Test Before You Tuck: Seriously, don’t fully hide all your wires until you’ve tested the dash cam thoroughly. It’s much easier to troubleshoot when everything is accessible.
- Use the Trim Tool: The crowbar included in your kit is designed for a reason. Use it to gently pry open panels and tuck wires without leaving unsightly marks or breaking clips.
- Cable Clips are Your Friends: If your kit didn’t come with enough, grab some extra cable clips. They help secure the wires along edges and prevent them from rattling around behind the trim.
- Zip Ties and Electrical Tape: Use zip ties to bundle any excess cable neatly, and electrical tape to secure connections if needed, though proper fuse taps and crimps usually negate this. Keep things tight and out of the way, especially inside the fuse box area.
- Plan Your Route: Before you start tucking, visualize the best path for your cable from the dash cam down to the fuse box. The A-pillar is a common and effective route.
Following these tips will not only ensure your Rexing Type-C Intelligent Hardwire Kit functions perfectly, but also makes your dash cam setup look like it came straight from the factory. It’s a great way to protect your car while keeping its interior looking sleek and tidy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Rexing dash cams are compatible with the Type-C Intelligent Hardwire Kit?
The Rexing Type-C Intelligent Hardwire Kit is designed for Rexing dash cams that feature a Type-C power port. This typically includes models like the R4, DT2, M2 Max, L4 Series, RH2 Series, and CPDuo Multimedia Receiver. Always check your specific dash cam’s manual or Rexing’s product page to confirm compatibility.
Can I use a non-Rexing hardwire kit with my Rexing dash cam?
While some hardwire kits are universal in their power delivery e.g., 5V/2A output via Type-C, it’s generally recommended to use a Rexing hardwire kit with your Rexing dash cam. This ensures full compatibility, especially for features like the intelligent parking mode and low voltage protection, which are often designed to work seamlessly with the brand’s own cameras. Using third-party kits might lead to unexpected behavior or a lack of certain features. Getting Your Rexing Dash Cam Back on Track: A Comprehensive Support Guide
What’s the difference between the Rexing Intelligent and Smart hardwire kits?
The primary difference lies in how they activate parking mode. The Intelligent Hardwire Kit uses an external motion sensor to detect movement around or inside your vehicle, triggering the dash cam to record. The Smart Hardwire Kit typically relies on the dash cam’s built-in G-sensor to detect physical vibrations or impacts. If active motion detection is your priority for parking surveillance, the Intelligent kit is the way to go.
Will hardwiring drain my car battery?
No, the Rexing Type-C Intelligent Hardwire Kit includes built-in low voltage protection. This feature monitors your car battery’s voltage and automatically cuts power to the dash cam if the battery drops below a safe threshold e.g., 11.8V for 12V systems. This ensures you’ll always have enough power to start your car.
Do I need to enable parking mode in my dash cam’s settings if I use this hardwire kit?
No, in fact, you should NOT enable the parking monitor function in your dash cam’s settings when using the Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kit. This hardwire kit’s external motion sensor takes over the parking mode functionality, and enabling it in the dash cam’s internal settings can cause conflicts or malfunctions.
How much does professional installation typically cost?
The cost for professional installation can vary, but based on some reports, having a dash cam and hardwire kit installed by a service like Geek Squad at Best Buy might cost around $99. This typically covers both the dash cam and the hardwire kit, ensuring a clean and correct setup.
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