When you’re looking to get that sweet 24/7 parking surveillance from your Rexing dash cam, understanding the Rexing hardwire kit fuse situation is absolutely key. The main thing you need to remember is that you’ll be tapping into two specific types of fuses in your car’s fuse box: one that’s always on constant power and one that turns on and off with your car’s ignition accessory power. This setup is what tells your Rexing dash cam when to switch into parking mode and keeps it juiced up without draining your car’s battery completely.
Alright, folks, let’s talk about getting your Rexing dash cam fully integrated into your ride. If you’ve ever dealt with those annoying dangling wires from the cigarette lighter, or wished your dash cam kept an eye on things even when your car was parked, then hardwiring is definitely your next step. It’s not just about tidiness. it’s about making your dash cam a true guardian for your vehicle, offering continuous surveillance and peace of mind.
The global dash cam market is booming, with estimates suggesting it’ll hit around USD 10.75 billion by 2034, growing at a healthy CAGR of roughly 9.35% from 2025. People are really catching on to the value of these devices for everything from insurance claims to deterring vandalism. And if you want to unlock the full potential, especially that crucial parking mode, a hardwire kit is essential. It lets your dash cam keep recording even when the engine’s off, using motion or impact detection to capture any incidents. Plus, it offers a more reliable and secure power connection, meaning you won’t have to worry about losing footage because of a loose plug. So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to handle that Rexing hardwire kit fuse, ensuring a smooth and effective setup.
What’s a Hardwire Kit, and Why Your Rexing Dash Cam Loves It
So, what exactly is a hardwire kit? Simply put, it’s a piece of tech that connects your dash cam directly to your car’s electrical system, usually through the fuse box. Forget about using the cigarette lighter socket. this is a much cleaner, more permanent solution.
Here’s why a hardwire kit is a must for your Rexing dash cam:
- 24/7 Surveillance Parking Mode: This is the big one. Most Rexing smart hardwire kits come with an ACC Accessory detection feature. This means your dash cam knows when your engine is off and can automatically switch into a low-power parking mode. If something happens—like someone bumps your car or walks by—it wakes up and records. Without hardwiring, your dash cam usually just turns off with the ignition, leaving your car unprotected.
- Low Voltage Protection: Ever worried about a dash cam draining your car battery? Good news! Rexing hardwire kits typically have a built-in smart low voltage protection system. If your car’s battery voltage drops to a certain level often around 11.8V or 23.5V for 24V systems, the kit automatically cuts power to the dash cam. This leaves you with enough juice to start your car, which is super important!
- Clean Installation: No more messy cables snaking across your dashboard and taking up your precious cigarette lighter socket. Hardwiring lets you hide all the wires neatly, giving your car a factory-installed look.
- Reliable Power: A direct connection to your fuse box provides a stable and consistent power supply, which can mean better video quality and fewer interruptions in recording.
Many Rexing dash cams, like the R4, DT2, M3, M2 Max, M2-4, M4-4, RH2 Series, and even older supercapacitor models, are designed to work seamlessly with their specific hardwire kits, often coming with multiple fuse tap cables to fit most car models.
Unpacking Your Rexing Hardwire Kit
When you get your Rexing hardwire kit, you’ll usually find a few key components. Knowing what they are and what they do makes the installation much less intimidating. Typically, you’ll see: Level Up Your Sim Racing: A Deep Dive into Rexing Wheels
- The Main Hardwire Unit/Control Box: This is the brain of the operation. It steps down your car’s 12V-30V power to the 5V/2A or 1A/3A, depending on the model your dash cam needs, and it houses the low voltage protection circuitry.
- Power Wires: You’ll usually have three wires:
- Yellow Wire Constant Power: This one needs to connect to a fuse that’s always on, meaning it has power even when your car’s engine is off. This is essential for parking mode.
- Red Wire Accessory/Ignition Switched Power: This wire connects to a fuse that only gets power when your car’s ignition is on. This tells your dash cam when you’re driving and when to switch to parking mode.
- Black Wire Ground: This is for safety and to complete the circuit. It needs to be securely connected to a metal bolt on your car’s chassis.
- Fuse Taps Add-a-Fuse: These are clever little devices that let you tap into an existing fuse slot without cutting any wires. They have two slots: one for the original fuse and one for a new fuse specifically for your dash cam. Rexing kits often come with a variety of fuse tap sizes like LP-mini, Mini Fuse, Micro2, ATM, ATO to match different vehicle types.
- Installation Tool Crowbar/Pry Tool: Handy for neatly tucking away cables.
Finding the Right Fuses: The Heart of Your Rexing Hardwire Install
This is often the part that gives people the most pause, but trust me, it’s totally doable. The goal is to find a “constant” fuse and an “ignition-switched” or “accessory” fuse in your car’s fuse box.
Locating Your Fuse Box
First things first, you need to find your car’s fuse box. Vehicles usually have one or two. Common spots are:
- Under the dashboard often on the driver’s or passenger’s side footwell.
- In the glove box.
- Under the hood usually for larger components, but sometimes has interior-related fuses too.
- In the trunk or side panels less common for dash cam wiring, but worth knowing.
Your car’s owner’s manual is your best friend here. It’ll show you exactly where the fuse boxes are and, crucially, provide a diagram of what each fuse controls.
Identifying Constant Power Yellow Wire
A constant power fuse is always live, even when your car is off and the keys are out of the ignition. This is what keeps your dash cam running for parking mode. The Ultimate Rexing Dash Cam Review: Getting the Full Picture for Your Ride
How to find it:
- Turn off your car: Make sure the engine is off and the keys are removed from the ignition.
- Use a circuit tester or multimeter: Connect the ground clip of your circuit tester to a metal part of your car an unpainted bolt works great.
- Probe the fuses: Carefully touch the tip of the circuit tester to the small metal test points on top of each fuse. If the tester lights up or your multimeter shows around 12V, you’ve found a constant power fuse.
Good candidates for constant power fuses often include:
- Door locks so you can lock/unlock the car when it’s off.
- Power seats if they work when the car is off.
- Hazard lights.
- Trunk release.
- Dome lights interior lights.
Things to avoid for constant power: Fuses for critical safety systems like airbags, ABS, or engine management. Always refer to your owner’s manual to avoid these.
Identifying Accessory/Ignition Switched Power Red Wire
This fuse only becomes active when your car’s ignition is on or in the ACC position. It tells your dash cam you’re driving and to switch out of parking mode.
- Car off, keys out: Start with the car completely off. Test fuses with your circuit tester. none of the accessory fuses should light up.
- Turn ignition to ACC or ON: Now, turn your car’s ignition to the “accessory” position or start the engine.
- Probe again: Test the fuses that didn’t light up before. If one now lights up or shows 12V on a multimeter, that’s your ignition-switched fuse!
Good candidates for accessory power fuses often include: What is a G-Sensor on Your Dash Cam and Why You Absolutely Need It
- Cigarette lighter/12V power outlets unless they’re constant in your specific car.
- Radio/infotainment system.
- Wiper blades.
- Heated mirrors or seats if they only work when the car is on.
Again, double-check your owner’s manual to ensure you’re not tapping into anything vital.
The Ground Wire Black Wire
The black wire from your hardwire kit needs to be connected to a secure, unpainted metal bolt on your car’s chassis. This provides the necessary ground connection for the electrical circuit. You’ll usually find suitable bolts near the fuse box. Just loosen the bolt, slip the ground connector under it, and tighten it back up.
Choosing the Right Fuse Tap and Fuse Amperage
Your Rexing hardwire kit usually includes a variety of fuse taps, often called “add-a-fuse” kits. These let you safely piggyback off an existing circuit.
Here’s how they work: Unlocking Your Drive: A Comprehensive Guide to the Rexing GPS Video Player
- Match the type: Your car will use a specific fuse type e.g., ATO/ATC, Mini, Micro2, LP-mini. Make sure you pick the correct fuse tap to match.
- Insert the original fuse: Take the original fuse out of the slot you’ve chosen and insert it into the lower slot of the fuse tap. This keeps the original car component like your radio working as it should.
- Insert the new fuse: Your hardwire kit will have a small fuse, typically 2A or 5A, designed to protect the dash cam itself. This goes into the upper slot of the fuse tap. The amperage of the new fuse for your dash cam should always be equal to or less than the original fuse’s rating. For most dash cams, a 2A or 5A fuse is usually recommended. You want a fuse that blows quickly if there’s a problem with the dash cam’s circuit, protecting your vehicle’s wiring.
- Plug it in: Insert the entire fuse tap assembly back into the empty fuse slot in your fuse box. Ensure it’s oriented correctly. usually, the power should come into the side that powers the original fuse, and the new circuit draws from the other side.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about the exact rating for the fuse you’re tapping, a general recommendation is to select existing fuse slots that are rated between 10A-20A. The new fuse you add for the dash cam should be around 5A. Always prioritize fuses that aren’t critical to your vehicle’s operation, just in case.
Rexing Hardwire Kit Installation Guide: A Step-by-Step Overview
Let’s break down the general process of installing your Rexing hardwire kit. While specific steps might vary slightly depending on your car and Rexing model, the core idea remains the same. Rexing even has installation videos for their Smart and Intelligent Hardwire Kits, which can be super helpful.
1. Gather Your Tools
Before you start, make sure you have:
- Your Rexing Dash Cam and Hardwire Kit including fuse taps.
- Circuit tester or multimeter essential!.
- Pry tools often included with the kit for trim removal.
- Zip ties or cable clips for tidying wires.
- Flashlight fuse boxes can be in dark places.
- Your car’s owner’s manual.
- Small pliers or crimping tool if your kit requires crimping wires to fuse taps, though many modern kits are plug-and-play.
2. Plan Your Cable Routing
Before you connect anything, think about where your dash cam will be mounted and how you’ll route the wires. You want them hidden and out of the way, typically tucked under the headliner, down the A-pillar, and then to the fuse box. The Rexing hardwire kits often come with generous cable lengths e.g., 11.5ft or 13ft to allow for versatile installation. Unlocking the World of Rexing GT: Your Ultimate Guide to High-End Sim Racing Wheels
3. Locate the Fuse Box and Identify Fuses
As we discussed, find your car’s fuse box using your owner’s manual. Then, with your circuit tester, identify a suitable constant power fuse and an ignition-switched power fuse. Remember to test with the car off and then with the ignition on.
4. Connect the Ground Wire
Find an unpainted metal bolt near your chosen fuse box. Loosen it, attach the black ground wire from your hardwire kit, and tighten it securely. This is a crucial step for safety and proper operation.
5. Install the Fuse Taps
- For the yellow wire constant power, connect it to the appropriate fuse tap and insert both the original fuse and the dash cam’s fuse. Plug the tap into your chosen constant power fuse slot.
- For the red wire accessory power, connect it to another fuse tap if your kit has two separate leads and insert both fuses. Plug this tap into your chosen ignition-switched fuse slot.
Some Rexing kits might simplify this, but the principle of separate constant and accessory power remains. Make sure the fuse tap is inserted correctly. the original fuse should be in the position closest to the legs of the tap, and the new fuse for the dash cam should be in the other slot.
6. Connect the Hardwire Kit to Your Dash Cam
Route the power cable from the hardwire kit’s control box to your Rexing dash cam. Connect the appropriate USB Mini-USB or Type-C, depending on your Rexing model connector to your dash cam. Rexing offers kits for both Mini-USB and Type-C models.
7. Test the Setup
Before tidying up all the wires, test your dash cam: Supercharging Your Drive: The Ultimate Guide to Your Rexing Dash Cam Rear Camera
- With the car off: Your dash cam should indicate it’s in parking mode often a different light or a specific display on the screen.
- With the car on: Start your car. The dash cam should switch to normal recording mode.
- Check low voltage cut-off: If you have a way to monitor your car battery voltage, you can verify the low voltage protection is working. The kit should automatically cut power if the battery voltage drops too low.
8. Neaten Up the Wiring
Once everything is working, use your pry tools to tuck the cables neatly under the headliner, down the A-pillar, and along door sills to the fuse box. Use cable clips or zip ties to secure any loose wires.
Common Hardwiring Questions and Considerations
Hardwiring your dash cam is a fantastic upgrade, but a few common questions and concerns often pop up.
Will Hardwiring Drain My Car Battery?
This is a very common and valid concern. With a modern Rexing hardwire kit, the answer is generally no, not significantly or permanently. As mentioned, these kits come with built-in low voltage protection that will automatically cut power to the dash cam if your car battery’s voltage drops below a safe threshold, ensuring you can still start your car.
However, continuously drawing power, even at a low level, can still have a minor impact on your battery’s overall lifespan over many years. One source suggests that a hardwire kit might reduce a battery’s life from, say, 5 years to 4 years, but in return, you get years of parking monitoring. On average, a healthy car battery can support a dash cam in parking mode for 24-48 hours, assuming regular recharging from driving. If you park for very long periods multiple days or weeks without driving, an external battery pack specifically for dash cams might be a better option for extended parking mode, as they isolate the dash cam’s power draw from your car’s main battery. Rexing GPS Logger Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It!
Does Hardwiring Void My Car’s Warranty?
This is a grey area and can vary by manufacturer and even dealership. Generally, if an electrical modification directly causes an issue, the warranty for that specific issue could be affected. However, a properly installed hardwire kit using fuse taps which don’t cut or splice original wiring is usually considered a minor modification. Many experts suggest that it’s highly unlikely to void your entire car warranty unless you’ve done something clearly improper that leads to a system failure.
A common tactic to avoid any potential issues, especially when taking your car in for service, is to temporarily disconnect the hardwire kit and plug your dash cam into a cigarette lighter adapter. Once the service is done, you can reconnect the hardwire kit.
What if My Car has Multiple Fuse Boxes?
If your car has several fuse boxes, it’s generally best to choose the one closest to where you’re installing your dash cam. This minimizes cable routing and keeps the installation neater. Just remember to consult the manual for the specific fuse box you’re using.
What Amperage Fuse Should I Use for the Dash Cam?
For the fuse you add into the fuse tap specifically for the dash cam, typically a 2A or 5A fuse is recommended. This is because dash cams draw very little power, and a low amperage fuse provides sufficient protection for the device and its wiring. Using a fuse that is too high e.g., 10A or 20A for the dash cam itself wouldn’t offer enough protection if the dash cam were to short circuit.
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Final Thoughts
Hardwiring your Rexing dash cam with the correct fuse connections is easily one of the best ways to enhance your vehicle’s security. It’s a fairly straightforward DIY project that many people tackle successfully, and the peace of mind you get from 24/7 parking surveillance is truly invaluable. Take your time, consult your owner’s manual, use a circuit tester, and follow the instructions for your specific Rexing hardwire kit, and you’ll have a professional-looking and functioning setup in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main benefit of hardwiring my Rexing dash cam?
The biggest advantage is enabling 24/7 parking surveillance without draining your car battery. A hardwire kit allows your dash cam to monitor your vehicle even when the engine is off, automatically switching to parking mode and recording incidents like bumps or motion, all while being protected by the kit’s low voltage cut-off feature.
How do I know which fuse to use for constant power yellow wire?
To find a constant power fuse, turn your car off and remove the keys. Then, use a circuit tester or multimeter to check fuses in your fuse box. Any fuse that lights up the tester or shows 12V with the ignition off is a constant power source. Common examples include fuses for door locks, hazard lights, or dome lights.
What about the accessory power fuse red wire?
For the accessory power fuse, you’ll need one that only gets power when your car’s ignition is on or in the ACC position. With the car off, these fuses won’t light up a circuit tester. Turn your ignition on, and then re-test. Any fuse that now shows power is an accessory fuse. Radio, cigarette lighter if switched, or heated seat fuses are often good choices. How to Format SD Card for Your Toguard Dash Cam: A Complete Guide
Do Rexing hardwire kits protect my car battery from draining?
Yes, absolutely! Rexing hardwire kits are designed with built-in smart low voltage protection. If your car battery’s voltage drops to a pre-set safe level typically around 11.8V, the kit will automatically cut power to the dash cam. This ensures there’s enough charge left to start your car.
What fuse amperage should I use with the fuse tap for my dash cam?
For the fuse that specifically protects your dash cam inserted into the upper slot of the fuse tap, a low amperage fuse like 2A or 5A is generally recommended. Dash cams don’t draw much power, and this lower rating ensures that the fuse blows quickly if there’s a problem, protecting your dash cam and vehicle wiring. For the original circuit you’re tapping, it’s recommended to use an existing fuse slot rated between 10A-20A.
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