Your Ultimate Guide to Rexing M3 Dash Cam Installation

Struggling to get your new Rexing M3 dash cam set up just right? You’re in the right place! We’re going to walk through everything you need to know, from the initial unboxing to getting that smart hardwire kit connected for 24/7 parking surveillance. Think of this as your friendly, no-nonsense guide to making sure your Rexing M3 is perfectly installed and ready to keep an eye on your ride. By the end, you’ll have a crystal-clear understanding of how to confidently install your dash cam, hide those pesky wires, and unlock all its awesome features, giving you ultimate peace of mind on the road and in the parking lot. So, let’s get your Rexing M3 up and running like a pro!

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Getting Started: What’s in Your Rexing M3 Box?

Before you even think about sticking anything to your windshield, let’s take a quick inventory. Your Rexing M3 is a mirror dash cam, which means it clips right over your existing rearview mirror. It’s also a triple-channel system, meaning it records the front, the inside cabin, and the rear of your vehicle – pretty comprehensive coverage!

Here’s what you should find in the box, according to the user manual:

• Rexing M3 Mirror Dash Cam Unit
• Interior Camera often integrated or a small, separate unit
• Rear Camera
• GPS Module sometimes integrated into the power cable itself, which is super convenient for reducing clutter
• In-Car Power Cable typically a cigarette lighter adapter, about 12ft long
• Rear Camera Cable
• Mounting Straps/Bands rubber straps for the mirror
• Cable Management Tool a small pry tool to help tuck wires
• USB Cable for connecting to a computer
• User Manual

Also, you’ll need a Micro SD card Class 10 or higher, at least 32GB, up to 256GB is recommended that isn’t included. Make sure to format it on the dash cam before you start recording, that’s a key step many people miss!

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Standard Rexing M3 Dash Cam Installation: The Easy Way

This is for those of you who want a straightforward setup, using the included cigarette lighter power adapter. It’s quick, easy, and gets you recording in no time. Rexing r4 installation

1. Choosing the Perfect Spot for Your M3

The Rexing M3 is designed to mount right over your existing rearview mirror. This is ideal because it keeps the main unit out of your direct line of sight while giving you that larger, clearer mirror view.

• Placement: Simply strap the dash cam to your vehicle’s rearview mirror using the provided rubber bands. Make sure it’s firmly attached and doesn’t obstruct your view.
• Front Camera Angle: Adjust the angle of the front camera lens to ensure it captures the road ahead clearly, maximizing your viewing angle.
• Cabin Camera: If you have a separate interior camera, position it to capture the cabin view without interference. The M3’s cabin camera is usually integrated and adjustable.

2. Prepping Your SD Card

Remember that Micro SD card? Let’s get it ready.

• Insert the Card: Gently push your Class 10 or higher Micro SD card into the designated slot on the dash cam until it clicks into place. Never insert or remove the card while the device is operating!
• Format: Power on the dash cam you might need to temporarily plug it into the cigarette lighter for this. Go into the settings menu and find the option to “Format SD card.” This ensures compatibility and optimal performance. It’s a good habit to do this regularly, maybe once a month.

3. Connecting and Routing the Cables

Now for the fun part: making it look clean.

• Power Cable: The M3 uses a supercapacitor, so it always needs to be connected to power to run. Plug the included in-car power cable the one that looks like a cigarette lighter adapter into your vehicle’s 12V power outlet. Connect the other end mini-USB to the dash cam unit.
• GPS Module: If your GPS logger is a separate module, plug it into its port. The Rexing M3 manual suggests securing it near the A-pillar with the antenna side facing out. Some Rexing power cables have the GPS antenna integrated, which is fantastic for minimizing clutter.
• Rear Camera: Route the rear camera cable from the main M3 unit to the back of your vehicle. You have options here:
  • Inside Mount: Mount the rear camera on the rear windshield to capture the view from inside.
  • Outside Mount often preferred: For a clearer, more intuitive image, many people mount the camera above the license plate. The Rexing M2 manual even recommends this for a streaming media rearview camera.
  • Reverse Assist: The rear camera cable often has a red wire. Connecting this red wire to your vehicle’s reverse lights will automatically display the rear camera feed on your M3 screen when you shift into reverse, complete with parking guidelines. This is a super handy feature!
• Cable Management is Key: This is where that cable management tool comes in.
  1. Start from the top: Route the power cable and rear camera cable, if installed internally along the headliner the fabric ceiling of your car towards the A-pillar the pillar between your windshield and front door. You can gently tuck the cable into the gap between the headliner and the windshield.
  2. Down the A-pillar: Carefully pry open the A-pillar trim or tuck the cable into the crevice. Important: Be extremely careful not to interfere with any side curtain airbags that might be located in the A-pillar. Route the cable around or behind the airbag, not across it.
  3. Along the dashboard: Continue routing the cable down the A-pillar, then tuck it along the edge of the dashboard, usually into the gap where the dashboard meets the side panel or under the glove compartment.
  4. To the power source: Finally, run the cable to your 12V cigarette lighter socket.
  5. Secure excess: Use cable clips or zip ties to secure any excess cable neatly out of the way. You don’t want dangling wires!

4. Powering On and Initial Setup

Once everything is connected:

• Start Your Car: The M3 should automatically power on and begin recording when your vehicle is started and receives a charge.
• Manual Power: You can also manually turn it on by pressing and holding the Power button for 3 seconds.
• Adjust Settings:
  • Date and Time: Set these correctly for accurate timestamps on your recordings.
  • Loop Recording: The M3 records in continuous loops. You can usually choose segment lengths e.g., 1, 2, or 3 minutes. When the SD card is full, the oldest unlocked recordings are overwritten.
  • G-Sensor Sensitivity: This detects impacts and automatically locks the current recording to prevent it from being overwritten. Adjust the sensitivity to avoid false triggers from bumps in the road.
  • Screen Saver: You can set the screen to turn off after a certain period e.g., 1, 3, or 5 minutes so it’s less distracting, but the camera will keep recording in “stealth mode”. You can tap the screen to turn it back on.

That’s it for the basic setup! You’re now ready to hit the road with your Rexing M3. Rexing H2 Wi-Fi Setup: Your Ultimate Guide to Staying Connected

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Taking It Up a Notch: Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit Installation

If you’re serious about vehicle security and want a super clean, permanent installation, hardwiring your Rexing M3 or any compatible Rexing dash cam is the way to go. This unlocks features like 24/7 parking mode, which means your dash cam keeps recording even when your car is off. No more bulky wires hanging, and your cigarette lighter socket stays free!

Rexing offers a “Smart Hardwire Kit” or “Intelligent Hardwire Kit” designed for this purpose. This kit typically includes a voltage cutoff to prevent battery drain.

What You’ll Need:

• Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit: Make sure it’s compatible with your M3 it usually is, or specified for mirror dash cams.
• Circuit Tester / Multimeter: Absolutely essential for finding the right fuses. Don’t skip this!
• Fuse Taps: Your hardwire kit should come with fuse taps, which allow you to safely “tap” into existing fuse slots without cutting wires.
• Pliers/Fuse Puller: To safely remove fuses.
• Wire Strippers/Crimpers optional: If your kit requires any wire modifications.
• Zip Ties / Cable Clips: For neat cable management.
• Small Socket Wrench or Screwdriver: To loosen a ground bolt.
• Your Car’s Owner’s Manual: To locate the fuse boxes and understand your fuse panel layout.

Understanding the Hardwire Kit Wires

A typical Rexing hardwire kit will have three wires you need to connect:

• Red Wire ACC/Switched Power: This connects to a fuse that only gets power when your car’s ignition is on an “ignition-switched fuse”. Your dash cam will power on/off with your car when connected here.
• Yellow Wire BAT/Constant Power: This connects to a fuse that is always powered, even when your car is off a “constant fuse”. This is crucial for parking mode.
• Black Wire GND/Ground: This needs to be connected to any metal bolt or screw on your car’s chassis, providing a good ground connection.

Step-by-Step Hardwire Kit Installation

This might sound a bit intimidating, but trust me, it’s totally doable if you take your time. If you’re not comfortable working with your car’s electrical system, definitely consider getting a professional installer. Rexing hardwire kit fuse

1. Locate Your Fuse Box

Your car probably has at least one fuse box inside the cabin, often under the dashboard on the driver’s or passenger’s side, or sometimes in the glove compartment. Check your car’s owner’s manual for its exact location and diagram.

2. Find Your Fuses Constant and Switched

This is the most critical part, so pay close attention.

• Turn off your car. Remove your car keys from the ignition.
• Access the fuse box.
• Identify Constant Fuses for the Yellow Wire: Use your circuit tester. Touch the tip of the tester to the metal contact point on top of each fuse. The tester light should illuminate even with the car off and keys out. Look for fuses that power things like the car’s clock, alarm, or interior lights, which are usually always on. Never use fuses essential for safety, like airbags or ABS!
• Identify Switched Fuses for the Red Wire: Insert your car keys, but don’t start the engine. Turn the ignition to the “ACC” or “ON” position. Now, test fuses. The tester light should illuminate when the ignition is on, and turn off when the ignition is completely off. Look for fuses that power things like your radio, wipers, or cigarette lighter.
• Choose Low-Amperage Fuses: Pick fuses with lower amperage e.g., 10A or 15A that aren’t critical to your car’s operation.
• Double-check: Once you’ve identified potential fuses, test them again to confirm they behave as “constant” or “switched” power.

3. Connect the Ground Wire Black Wire

Find a sturdy, unpainted metal bolt or screw near your fuse box, usually part of the car’s frame. Loosen it, slip the hardwire kit’s black ground wire it usually has a C-shaped or O-shaped connector underneath the bolt head, and then tighten the bolt securely. Make sure it’s metal-to-metal contact for a good ground.

4. Install the Fuse Taps

• Remove the original fuse: Use your fuse puller or pliers to carefully remove the chosen constant fuse.
• Insert into fuse tap: Insert this original fuse into the lower slot of your fuse tap.
• Add a new fuse: Insert a new, lower amperage fuse e.g., 2A or 3A, usually provided with the kit into the upper slot of the fuse tap. This new fuse protects the dash cam circuit.
• Insert fuse tap: Plug the fuse tap into the empty fuse slot in your car’s fuse box where you just removed the original fuse.
• Repeat for switched fuse: Do the same process for your chosen switched fuse.
• Connect hardwire kit wires: Plug the yellow wire from the hardwire kit into the constant fuse tap, and the red wire into the switched fuse tap. Your hardwire kit connectors should simply push into the tap.

5. Connect to the Dash Cam

Route the hardwire kit’s power cable the one with the Mini-USB or USB-C connector from the fuse box, up through the dashboard, along the A-pillar, and to your Rexing M3. Use the same cable management techniques as before to hide the wire neatly. Plug it into the designated power input on your Rexing M3.

6. Test the Setup

• Parking Mode Test: With your car off and doors closed, your dash cam should be in parking mode often indicated by a small light or icon on the screen, or by specific recording behavior. Try gently shaking the car or walking in front of it if it has motion detection to trigger a parking mode recording. The Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kit often overrides the dash cam’s internal parking monitor settings, so do NOT enable the parking monitor function in the dash cam’s settings if you’re using this kit, as the kit handles motion sensing automatically.
• Driving Mode Test: Start your car. The dash cam should power on normally and begin continuous loop recording.
• Check Settings: Go through your Rexing M3 settings to ensure everything is configured as you like loop recording, G-sensor sensitivity, date/time, etc..

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Common Rexing M3 Installation Questions & Troubleshooting

Even with the best instructions, you might run into a snag or two. Here are some common issues and how to tackle them:

• “My Rexing M3 isn’t turning on!”

  • Check power connection: Ensure the power cable is securely plugged into both the dash cam and the power source cigarette lighter or hardwire kit.
  • Car power: If using the cigarette lighter, make sure your car’s 12V outlet is receiving power test with another device. If hardwired, re-check your fuse tap connections and ground wire.
  • SD card: Sometimes, a faulty or unformatted SD card can prevent the camera from booting correctly. Try powering on without the SD card, then reinsert after booting if it works.
  • Reset: Look for a small reset button on the camera often a pinhole. Use a paperclip to press it briefly.

• “Parking Monitor isn’t working with my hardwire kit!”

  • Correct fuses: Double-check that your yellow constant wire is connected to a fuse that’s always on, even when the car is off.
  • Kit vs. Cam Settings: If you’re using a Rexing Smart/Intelligent Hardwire Kit, remember to disable the parking monitor setting within the M3’s own menu. The hardwire kit manages parking mode activation and power cutoff independently. Enabling both can cause conflicts.
  • Voltage Cutoff: Ensure the hardwire kit’s low-voltage cutoff isn’t set too high, which could cause it to cut power prematurely.

• “My rear camera isn’t showing up or is upside down!”

  • Cable connection: Ensure the rear camera cable is fully seated in both the main M3 unit and the rear camera itself.
  • Flip Image: The Rexing M3 usually has options in its settings to “Rear Cam Flip Horizontal” or “Rear Cam Flip Vertical.” You can adjust these if the image is inverted or mirrored incorrectly.
  • Reverse Light connection: If you’re expecting parking assist lines, ensure the red wire from the rear camera cable is properly connected to your reverse light power wire.

• “GPS isn’t recording speed or location!” The Ultimate Rexing Dash Cam Review: Getting the Full Picture for Your Ride

  • Module placement: Ensure the GPS module or the section of the power cable with the integrated GPS has a clear view of the sky and isn’t tucked too deeply under metal or other obstructions.
  • Signal acquisition: It can take a few minutes for the GPS to acquire a signal, especially on first use or after being moved.
  • Check settings: Make sure “GPS” or “GPS Info” is enabled in your M3’s settings.

• “My dash cam keeps falling off the windshield!”

  • Clean surface: Ensure the windshield area where the mount is attached is perfectly clean and dry. Use an alcohol wipe to remove any residue.
  • Adhesive vs. Straps: For the M3, it mounts with rubber straps over your existing mirror, so this issue is less common. However, for separate rear cameras using adhesive, make sure to apply firm pressure for at least 30 seconds when mounting.
  • Temperature: Extreme temperatures can affect adhesive. If possible, install in moderate temperatures.

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Tips for a Seamless Rexing Dash Cam Experience

Beyond installation, a few habits can ensure your Rexing M3 serves you well for years to come:

• Regular SD Card Formatting: I can’t stress this enough. Formatting your Micro SD card every few weeks or once a month helps maintain data integrity, prevents corruption, and ensures smooth, continuous recording. Do it directly on the dash cam for best results.
• Firmware Updates: Periodically check the official Rexing USA website for firmware updates. These can improve performance, add features, and fix bugs. Always follow the instructions precisely when updating.
• Clean Lenses: Just like your car’s windshield, keep the dash cam lenses front, cabin, and rear clean with a soft, lint-free cloth. Dirt and smudges can significantly degrade video quality.
• Adjust G-Sensor Sensitivity: If your videos are constantly getting locked by every bump in the road, your G-sensor might be too sensitive. Adjust it to a lower setting in the menu. Conversely, if it’s missing impacts, increase the sensitivity.
• Backup Important Footage: If an incident occurs, immediately lock the video file on the dash cam. For long-term storage, transfer important footage to your computer or cloud storage before the loop recording overwrites it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Rexing M3 and M2 installation?

The installation process for the Rexing M3 and M2 and similar mirror-style dash cams is quite similar, primarily involving strapping the main unit over your rearview mirror and routing cables for power, GPS, and the rear camera. Both often have external rear cameras and GPS modules that need to be positioned. The M3 is specifically a 3-channel system front, cabin, rear, which means it has the integrated cabin camera and often more advanced features, but the core mounting and wiring steps for the main unit and external rear cam remain consistent. What is a G-Sensor on Your Dash Cam and Why You Absolutely Need It

Can I really install the Rexing M3 myself, or should I go to a professional?

Absolutely, you can install the Rexing M3 yourself, especially the standard setup using the cigarette lighter adapter. Many people find it straightforward, and our guide walks you through each step. Hardwiring is a bit more involved, as it requires safely working with your car’s fuse box. If you’re comfortable using a circuit tester and understanding your car’s electrical system, go for it! However, if you’re hesitant or unsure, hiring a professional installer is always a good option to ensure a clean and safe hardwire installation.

Do I need to format my SD card before using it in the Rexing M3?

Yes, absolutely! It’s crucial to format your Micro SD card directly on the Rexing M3 dash cam before its first use. This ensures compatibility and sets up the correct file system for seamless recording. It’s also a good practice to reformat the card periodically e.g., once a month to prevent data corruption and maintain optimal performance. Just remember to back up any important footage first!

How do I hide the wires effectively for a clean look?

To achieve a clean, professional look, you’ll want to tuck the wires out of sight. Start by routing the power and rear camera cables along the headliner the ceiling fabric of your car. Use the included cable management tool or a trim tool to gently pry and tuck the wires into the gaps along the A-pillar the side pillar next to your windshield. Continue along the side of the dashboard and then under the glove compartment towards your power source. Crucially, avoid running wires across or in front of any airbags. Excess wire can be coiled and secured behind the dashboard or near the fuse box if you’re hardwiring.

My Rexing M3 has a parking monitor. How does it work and do I need to hardwire for it?

The Rexing M3 features a 24-hour parking monitor, which means it can record incidents like hit-and-runs or vandalism even when your car is off. To use this feature effectively, you must hardwire your dash cam to your car’s fuse box. This provides continuous power. The hardwire kit typically includes a voltage cutoff to prevent draining your car’s battery. If you’re using a Rexing Smart/Intelligent Hardwire Kit, it often handles the parking mode activation automatically, so you should actually disable the parking monitor setting in the dash cam’s internal menu to avoid conflicts.

What type of SD card is best for the Rexing M3?

For reliable operation, Rexing recommends using a Class 10 or higher Micro SD card with a capacity of at least 32GB, and the M3 supports up to 256GB. Look for “high endurance” or “dash cam specific” SD cards, as they are designed to withstand the constant writing and overwriting that dash cams require. Using an incompatible or low-quality card can lead to recording errors, data corruption, or even damage to the device. Unlocking Your Drive: A Comprehensive Guide to the Rexing GPS Video Player

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