How to Install Thinkware Dash Cam in Your Tesla Model 3 / Y

Why Install a Dash Cam in Your Tesla?

Tesla's built-in dash cam has a limited resolution (1280x960) and viewing angle (60 degrees). On the other hand, in the case of professional dashcams, the lowest image quality is 1920x1080 and supports up to 4K. The general viewing angle is 120 degrees or more, so more details and situations can be recorded.

Also, Tesla's built-in dashcam does not record sound. In this case, the sound of a collision due to a minor accident or a conversation with the other person, etc., cannot be recorded.

Most professional dash cams can also save video to a smartphone through a wireless mobile app connection in addition to this method compared to Tesla's which doesn't come with this feature.

How to Install Thinkware Dash Cam in Your Tesla Model 3 / Y

Before starting the installation process, ensure you have the necessary tools and materials ready.

• Thinkware Dash Cam

• Hardwiring Cable
• T-Tap Wire Connectors
• Electrical Tape & Long Nose Pliers

1. Preparation

Remove the driver's side panel and the pedal top cover to access the wiring.

* The location of the connector and cable may vary depending on the Year and Model.

* In a Model 3, the connector and cable are typically found on the passenger side.

2. Hardwiring B+ cable connection

(a) Disconnect the exposed blue connector from the fixed mount.

(b) Identify the yellow B+ cable from the Dash Cam hardwiring cable and connect it to the purple B+ cable (interior light terminal).

* The B+ cable from the connector may vary depending on the Year and Model.

3. Hardwiring ACC Cable Connection

(a) Locate the large bundle of cables inside the car where they are connected.

(b) Connect the red ACC cable from the Dash Cam hardwiring cable to the red ACC cable (spare ACC terminal) found at the bottom of the connector.

* The ACC cable from the connector may vary depending on the Year and Model.

4. Securely wrap each connector's connection point with electrical tape and then reposition it back to its original place.

5. Ground Connection: Find a suitable part of the car body for a ground connection and connect the hardwiring ground cable securely.

6. Front Camera Installation

* When installing the dash cam directly into the Tesla, please note that the dash cam will turn off when the Tesla enters sleep mode as the power supply is cut off. 

(a) Reassemble the removed panels ensuring a neat and tidy arrangement of the wiring.

(b) Connect the front camera to the Thinkware Dash Cam Link App and use the live view feature to determine the optimal installation position.

* You can check this guide to learn more about how to connect your smartphone to the dashcam, How to Connect

(c) Mount the front camera securely and organize the wiring neatly.

7. Rear Camera Installation

(a) Route the wiring to the rear camera installation location.

(b) Remove the rear window panel carefully and install the rear camera at the top center of the window.

(c) Arrange the final wiring and reassemble the removed panels for a finished look.

* You can also check this guide for more detailed instruction/s on how to install a dash cam, How to Install a Dash Cam

By following these steps carefully, you can install your Thinkware Dash Cam directly in your Tesla Model 3 / Y, ensuring a professional and integrated setup.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the installation of your Thinkware Dash Cam, please reach out to our team at support@thinkware.com or 1-844-865-9273