Struggling to keep your dash cam running 24/7 without draining your car battery or seeing messy wires all over your dashboard? Then you absolutely need to check out the Rexing Universal Intelligent Hardwire Kit. It’s a real game-changer if you’re looking to get the most out of your dash cam, offering a clean, professional look and crucial round-the-clock protection for your vehicle. No more fiddling with cigarette lighter adapters or worrying if your dash cam stopped recording just when you needed it most. This kit takes care of all that, providing constant power and smart features like automatic battery protection and motion-activated parking surveillance. It’s not just an accessory. it’s an essential upgrade for any serious dash cam user, giving you total peace of mind and a much tidier car interior.
What Exactly is a Hardwire Kit, Anyway? Beyond the Cigarette Lighter
Let’s start with the basics. What even is a hardwire kit? Simply put, it’s a device that connects your dash cam directly to your car’s electrical system, usually through the fuse box. Think of it as giving your dash cam its own dedicated, hidden power supply.
Now, why bother with this when you can just plug your dash cam into the cigarette lighter socket? Well, if you’ve ever used that method, you know the drill: unsightly wires dangling everywhere, and your dash cam typically only gets power when your car’s engine is on. That means no recording when you’re parked, which, let’s be honest, is when a lot of incidents happen. Plus, you lose a valuable 12V outlet that you might need for charging your phone or other gadgets.
A hardwire kit bypasses all those headaches. It ensures your camera gets a continuous power supply, even when your car is turned off, and it allows for a super clean installation where all the wires are tucked away, out of sight. This is key for enabling those advanced features we all want, like parking mode. To make this work, the hardwire kit uses two main types of power from your car’s fuse box: ACC Accessory power, which is only on when your ignition is switched, and B+ Battery or constant power, which is always on, even when your car is off. You need both for a truly “intelligent” setup.
Why “Intelligent”? The Rexing Smart Advantage
So, we know what a hardwire kit does, but why is the Rexing Universal Intelligent Hardwire Kit special? The “intelligent” part is all about smarter power management and enhanced security features that really make a difference. Rexing Intelligent 360: Your Ultimate Guide to All-Around Vehicle Protection
24/7 Parking Mode: Your Car’s Personal Bodyguard
One of the biggest reasons people choose to hardwire their dash cam is to enable 24/7 parking mode. This means your dash cam stays vigilant, recording incidents even when your car is parked and you’re nowhere near it. And trust me, you want this feature.
Consider these facts: motor vehicle theft in the United States actually increased by 28% from 2019 to 2023. In 2023 alone, there were over 1 million thefts reported. Where do these incidents often happen? Most vehicle thefts occur at residences, followed by highways, streets, and parking lots. That’s right, even your driveway isn’t safe! A dash cam with a robust parking mode is literally your car’s personal bodyguard against hit-and-runs, vandalism, and theft attempts while you’re away. It’s truly invaluable.
The Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kit makes this possible by providing that constant power your dash cam needs. It seamlessly transitions your dash cam into parking mode when you turn off your car, ensuring continuous surveillance.
Automatic Low-Voltage Protection: Saving Your Battery Life
Now, you might be thinking, “Won’t running my dash cam 24/7 drain my car’s battery?” That’s a valid concern, and it’s where the “intelligent” part of the Rexing kit really shines. These kits feature automatic low-voltage protection, which is a fancy way of saying they’re designed to safeguard your car’s battery.
Here’s how it works: The hardwire kit constantly monitors your car’s battery voltage. If it detects that the voltage drops below a safe threshold, it automatically cuts power to the dash cam. This ensures there’s always enough juice left in your battery to start your car. For most 12V car systems, this cut-off point is typically around 11.8V. Why is this critical? Because repeatedly draining your car battery too low can significantly shorten its lifespan. With the Rexing intelligent hardwire kit, you get continuous surveillance without the fear of coming back to a dead battery. Your Ultimate Guide to Rexing M3 Dash Cam Installation
Motion Sensing vs. Vibration Sensing: The Rexing Difference
Another standout feature of the Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kit is its motion sensing capabilities. Unlike some “smart” hardwire kits that primarily rely on hard vibrations to trigger recording in parking mode, the Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kit uses actual motion sensors to detect activity around your vehicle. This means if someone walks too close, or if a car pulls up right next to yours, the camera can wake up and start recording before an actual impact occurs. This proactive approach gives you a much better chance of capturing crucial evidence. Some models even offer 360° motion detection for comprehensive coverage.
Just a heads-up, though: if you’re using a Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kit, the manufacturer usually recommends not enabling the parking monitor function in your dash cam’s internal settings. The hardwire kit’s built-in motion sensing handles it automatically once your vehicle is powered off, preventing potential conflicts or malfunctions.
Diving into the Rexing Universal Intelligent Hardwire Kit Features
Let’s get into the specifics of what makes the Rexing Universal Intelligent Hardwire Kit a solid choice for powering your dash cam.
- Universal Compatibility: The great thing about this kit is its “universal” nature. It’s designed to be compatible with a wide range of Rexing dash cam models. While Rexing does offer kits with specific connectors like Type-C for newer models like the R4, DT2, M2 Max, R316, and RH2 Series, the core intelligent features remain consistent. So, whether you have an older or newer Rexing model, chances are this kit has you covered. And yes, if you’re wondering about the Rexing Universal Intelligent Hardwire Kit Black, that just refers to the common color variant available.
- Generous Cable Length: Nobody likes struggling with short cables. The Rexing kit typically comes with a long cable, often around 11.5 to 13 feet or roughly 3.5 to 4 meters. This ample length is super helpful for routing the wires discreetly around your car’s headliner, A-pillars, and dashboard to reach your fuse box, ensuring a clean and professional installation without any visible wires cluttering your space.
- Wide Input/Output Voltage: This kit is designed to be versatile. It accepts a wide input voltage range, usually DC12V-24V, and provides a stable output of 5V/1.5A or 5V/3A through either a mini-USB or Type-C port. This broad input range means it’s compatible with most vehicles on the road, from standard cars to trucks, buses, and SUVs, making it a truly universal solution.
- Designed for Simplicity Relatively: While any hardwiring involves getting into your car’s fuse box, Rexing aims to make the installation process as straightforward as possible. It’s built for accessibility, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or you decide to get it professionally installed.
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Getting Ready: Pre-Installation Checklist
Before you start connecting anything, it’s a good idea to gather your tools and get a lay of the land. Being prepared makes the whole process much smoother!
Tools You’ll Need
You won’t need a whole garage full of equipment, but having these basics on hand will save you a lot of time and frustration:
- Circuit Tester or Multimeter: This is your best friend for finding the right fuses. You’ll use it to identify constant power and ACC power sources.
- Fuse Puller: Your car’s fuse box usually comes with one, but a spare can be handy.
- Wire Strippers/Crimpers: For preparing wire ends and securing connections, especially if you need to modify the fuse taps or wires.
- Panel Removal Tools: These plastic wedges and levers are incredibly useful for safely prying open trim panels without scratching your car’s interior.
- Zip Ties or Electrical Tape: For tidying up and securing cables once everything is connected.
- Flashlight or Headlamp: Crucial for seeing into those dark fuse box areas.
- Your Car’s Owner’s Manual: Seriously, don’t skip this. It’s invaluable 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 Battery: For absolute safety, it’s always a good practice to disconnect your car’s negative battery terminal before you start messing with the fuse box. This prevents accidental shorts or electrical damage.
- Work in a Well-Lit Area: You’ll be looking at small fuses in tight spaces, so good lighting is essential.
- Consult Your Car Manual: Again, this manual is your friend. It will pinpoint the exact location of your fuse box and explain what each fuse slot powers. Avoiding critical safety fuses like airbags or engine control units is a must.
Understanding Your Fuse Box
Your car likely has one or more fuse boxes. They’re typically located:
- Under the dashboard often on the driver’s side.
- In the glove box.
- Under the hood in the engine compartment.
If your car has multiple fuse boxes, generally, you’ll want to pick the one closest to where you plan to install your dash cam. The fuse box might be hidden behind a panel or under a cover, so be prepared to remove those gently using your panel removal tools. Rexing H2 Wi-Fi Setup: Your Ultimate Guide to Staying Connected
Step-by-Step Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kit Installation Guide
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of installing your Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kit. Don’t worry, it’s more straightforward than it sounds!
Step 1: Locate Your Fuse Box
First things first, find that fuse box! As we discussed, check your owner’s manual for the exact location. Once you’ve found it, remove any covers or panels to expose the fuses. Keep those covers handy. you’ll put them back once you’re done.
Step 2: Identify ACC Switched and Constant Always On Fuses
This is arguably the most crucial step. Your Rexing hardwire kit has three wires: red, yellow, and black.
- The red wire needs to connect to an ACC Accessory fuse – this means it only gets power when your car’s ignition is on.
- The yellow wire needs to connect to a Constant Power B+ fuse – this means it gets power even when your car is completely off.
- The black wire is for ground.
To find these, use your circuit tester or multimeter. Rexing hardwire kit fuse
- For Constant Power Yellow Wire: With your car turned OFF and the key out of the ignition, touch the tip of your circuit tester to the metal contact on top of each fuse. When the tester lights up, you’ve found a constant power fuse. Mark it down. Good candidates are fuses for interior lights or power locks.
- For ACC Power Red Wire: Now, turn your car’s ignition to the ACC position or fully on, but don’t start the engine. Repeat the process, testing fuses that didn’t light up for constant power. When the tester lights up only when the ignition is on, you’ve found an ACC fuse. Fuses for the radio, cigarette lighter, or wipers are often ACC.
Aim for fuse slots rated between 10A-30A for a reliable power source. And a big word of caution: never tap into fuses for critical safety systems like airbags, ABS, or engine control units.
Step 3: Connect the Wires with Fuse Taps
Once you’ve identified your constant and ACC fuses, it’s time to connect the hardwire kit using fuse taps or add-a-fuses. These clever devices allow you to safely tap into an existing fuse slot without cutting any factory wiring, and they provide two slots for fuses: one for the original car component and one for your dash cam.
- Prepare the Fuse Taps: The Rexing kit typically comes with fuse taps or requires you to add them. Your hardwire kit’s red and yellow wires usually have open ends or connectors that can be crimped to fuse taps. If needed, strip a small amount of insulation from the end of the red and yellow wires and crimp them securely to the appropriate fuse tap connectors.
- Insert Fuses:
- Carefully pull out the original car fuse from the slot you chose for constant power. Insert this original fuse into one of the slots on your fuse tap often labeled “Existing Fuse” or the slot furthest from the wire.
- Insert a new, smaller fuse typically 2A or 5A, usually provided with the kit or recommended for dash cams into the other slot on the fuse tap often labeled “New Fuse” or the slot closest to the wire. This new fuse protects your dash cam.
- Repeat this process for the ACC fuse slot.
- Connect to Fuse Box: Plug the fuse tap with the yellow wire attached into the constant power fuse slot you identified. Then, plug the fuse tap with the red wire attached into the ACC power fuse slot. Ensure they are firmly seated.
Step 4: Secure the Ground Wire
The black wire from your hardwire kit is the ground wire. Find an unpainted metal bolt or screw near your fuse box. This could be on the chassis or a metal bracket. Loosen the bolt, place the ring terminal of the black wire securely under it, and then tighten the bolt. A good ground connection is vital for the kit to function correctly.
Step 5: Route the Cable and Connect to Your Dash Cam
Now for the neat part – hiding those wires!
- Route the Main Cable: Starting from the fuse box, carefully tuck the main power cable along the edges of your car’s interior. You can usually push it behind plastic trim panels, under the carpet, and along the A-pillar the pillar next to your windshield and headliner the ceiling fabric. Use your panel removal tools to gently pry open gaps where needed, and zip ties to secure any loose sections. The goal is for the cable to emerge near your dash cam’s mounting location with minimal visibility.
- Connect to Dash Cam: Plug the hardwire kit’s power connector mini-USB or Type-C, depending on your Rexing kit and dash cam model into your dash cam.
Step 6: Test and Verify
Before putting all your panels back, let’s test everything: Level Up Your Sim Racing: A Deep Dive into Rexing Wheels
- Turn on Your Car: Start your vehicle. Your dash cam should power on and begin recording as usual.
- Turn Off Your Car: Now, turn off your ignition and remove the key. Wait a moment. Your dash cam should not immediately turn off. Instead, it should switch into its parking mode, indicated by an LED light or an on-screen icon. To test the motion sensor, walk around the car or gently tap the windshield. The dash cam should respond by waking up and recording.
- Important Note: As mentioned earlier, with Rexing’s Intelligent Hardwire Kits, you should NOT enable the parking monitor function within your dash cam’s settings. The hardwire kit’s own motion sensing is designed to handle this automatically when the vehicle is off. Enabling it in the camera settings could cause conflicts.
If everything works, congratulations! You’ve successfully installed your Rexing Universal Intelligent Hardwire Kit. Now you can reattach any removed trim panels and enjoy your clean, continuously protected dash cam setup.
Troubleshooting Common Hardwire Kit Issues
Even with the best instructions, sometimes things don’t go perfectly the first time. Here are some common issues you might run into during or after your Rexing intelligent hardwire kit installation, and how to tackle them:
- Dash Cam Not Turning On:
- Check Fuse Connections: This is the most common culprit. Make sure both your red ACC and yellow Constant fuse taps are correctly inserted into their respective fuse slots. Also, confirm that the original car fuses and the new dash cam fuses are correctly placed within the fuse taps. Sometimes, the orientation of the fuse tap matters. try flipping it if one way doesn’t work.
- Verify Ground Connection: Is the black ground wire securely attached to an unpainted metal bolt? A loose or poor ground connection can prevent the circuit from completing.
- Test Power Output: Use your multimeter to check if power is actually coming through the hardwire kit’s output to the dash cam.
- Blown Fuse: Check both the car’s original fuses and the small fuse for the dash cam within the fuse tap. A blown fuse means too much current flowed through, and it needs to be replaced.
- Parking Mode Not Working / Dash Cam Turns Off Immediately:
- Correct Fuse Taps for ACC/Constant: Double-check that your yellow wire is connected to a constant power source and your red wire to an ACC switched power source. If they’re swapped or if both are connected to ACC, parking mode won’t engage.
- Dash Cam Settings: This is a big one for Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kits. Remember, you should NOT enable the parking monitor function in your dash cam’s internal settings. The hardwire kit is designed to handle parking mode activation via its motion sensor automatically. If it’s enabled in the camera, it could cause issues.
- Motion Sensor Placement: If your kit has a separate motion sensor, ensure it’s placed correctly and isn’t blocked.
- Battery Drain Concerns even with low-voltage protection:
- Verify Cut-off Voltage: The Rexing kit has built-in low-voltage protection, usually cutting off around 11.8V for 12V systems. Ensure this feature is active.
- Parking Mode Sensitivity: If your dash cam has adjustable parking mode sensitivity, a very high setting can cause it to record more frequently, drawing more power. Try reducing the sensitivity if you experience excessive drain.
- Car Battery Health: If your car battery is old or already weak, even a well-functioning hardwire kit might struggle to maintain sufficient charge for extended parking mode use. Consider having your car battery tested.
- Driving Habits: If you only take short drives, your car’s alternator might not have enough time to fully recharge the battery, especially after extended parking mode use.
If you’re still scratching your head after trying these tips, don’t hesitate to consult Rexing’s support page or instructional videos. Sometimes a quick video tutorial, like the ones Rexing provides, can clarify a tricky step.
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Who is the Rexing Universal Intelligent Hardwire Kit For?
Honestly, the Rexing Universal Intelligent Hardwire Kit is a fantastic upgrade for almost anyone with a dash cam, but it’s especially perfect for:
- Drivers Who Want 24/7 Protection: If you’re serious about protecting your vehicle from incidents like hit-and-runs, vandalism, or theft, even when you’re not around, the continuous parking surveillance is non-negotiable. With car thefts on the rise, it’s a smart investment in security.
- Those Seeking a Clean, Factory-Like Install: If dangling wires drive you crazy and you want your dash cam to blend seamlessly into your car’s interior, hardwiring is the way to go. The hidden cables make your setup look professional and tidy.
- Anyone Worried About Battery Drain: The built-in low-voltage protection means you can enjoy parking mode without constantly stressing about coming back to a dead car battery. It handles the power management for you.
- People Who Need Their 12V Outlet: Freeing up your car’s cigarette lighter socket means you can use it for charging other devices, running a GPS, or anything else you need.
It’s about peace of mind, a cleaner interior, and maximizing the security features of your dash cam. So, if any of that resonates with you, the Rexing Universal Intelligent Hardwire Kit is definitely worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hardwire kit for a dash cam?
A hardwire kit is a special cable set that connects your dash cam directly to your car’s electrical system, usually through the fuse box. Its main purpose is to provide continuous power to the dash cam even when the car’s engine is off, enabling features like parking mode, and allowing for a clean, wire-free installation.
What’s the main difference between Rexing’s “Intelligent” and “Smart” hardwire kits?
The primary distinction often lies in how they activate parking mode. Rexing’s Intelligent Hardwire Kits typically use motion sensors to detect movement around the vehicle, triggering recording. In contrast, some Smart Hardwire Kits like certain Rexing models might rely more on sensing hard vibrations or impacts to activate recordings. Both offer low-voltage protection and continuous power, but the “intelligent” versions provide more proactive motion detection. What is a G-Sensor on Your Dash Cam and Why You Absolutely Need It
Can the Rexing Universal Intelligent Hardwire Kit drain my car battery?
No, the Rexing Universal Intelligent Hardwire Kit is designed with automatic low-voltage protection to prevent battery drain. It constantly monitors your car’s battery voltage and will automatically cut power to the dash cam if the voltage drops below a safe, pre-set level typically around 11.8V for 12V systems, ensuring you always have enough power to start your car.
Is the Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kit compatible with all dash cams?
The Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kit is primarily designed for Rexing dash cam models. While the “universal” aspect refers to its wide compatibility within the Rexing lineup and across various vehicle types 12V-24V systems, it’s important to check the specific connector type e.g., Mini-USB or Type-C to ensure it matches your dash cam’s power port.
Do I need special tools for Rexing intelligent hardwire kit installation?
You’ll need a few basic tools to get the job done properly, including a circuit tester or multimeter to find the correct fuse slots, a fuse puller, and possibly panel removal tools to tuck away wires neatly. Wire strippers and crimpers might also be useful for preparing fuse tap connections. Most of these are readily available at auto parts stores or online.
Where should I connect the red ACC and yellow B+ wires?
For a proper installation, the red wire from the hardwire kit should be connected to an ACC Accessory fuse in your car’s fuse box. This fuse only supplies power when your car’s ignition is on. The yellow wire should be connected to a Constant Power B+ fuse, which provides power even when your car is turned off. This two-pronged connection is essential for both normal recording and enabling the dash cam’s parking mode functionality.
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