This article explains how to install your THINKWARE rear camera, route its cable, and check the recorded video orientation.
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Preparing for installation
A power connection is required to install and test the dash cam. Power options include a 12V Power Cable, a Hardwiring Cable, an OBD-II Power Cable, or an iVolt battery pack. This article briefly covers the 12V Power Cable method.
Note: The 12V Power Cable is included with most THINKWARE dash cam bundles. It does not support Parking Mode.
Caution: Most vehicle 12V sockets turn off with the ignition, but some remain powered. With an always-on socket, the dash cam keeps running. Parking Mode battery protection, including Record Timer and Voltage Cut Off, is unavailable with the 12V Power Cable. This can completely drain the vehicle battery.
If your socket stays powered, use a Hardwiring Cable, OBD-II Power Cable, or iVolt battery pack instead. If you use the 12V cable, unplug it every time you leave the vehicle and reconnect it when you return.
For Hardwiring Cable, OBD-II Power Cable, or iVolt connection instructions, see How to choose a power supply for your THINKWARE Dash Cam.
Prepare the windshields and gather your equipment before attaching the mounts.
Caution: Oil, dust, or moisture prevents the adhesive from bonding properly and can cause the mount to detach during use.
1. Clean the inside of the front windshield and rear window with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth.
2. Make sure both surfaces are clean and dry before applying adhesive mounts.
Caution: Turn off the ignition and unplug the main dash cam power cable before connecting or disconnecting the rear camera cable.
Installing the rear camera
Choose a position at the top center of the rear windshield for a clear, wide view behind the vehicle.
1. Select an area clear of defrost grid wires and rear window sunshades.
2. Clean the inside of the rear windshield with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth.
3. Remove the protective film from the rear mount's adhesive pad and the rear camera lens.
Before attaching the mount, connect the rear cable with dash cam power unplugged, then power on to check the angle in Live View with the THINKWARE logo facing inside the cabin. After checking, turn off the ignition and unplug dash cam power before continuing the installation.
4. Press the rear camera firmly against the window with its lens centered.
5. Plug the rear camera cable into the front unit's V-IN port and the corresponding rear camera port.
6. Seat both connectors firmly. On the directional U3000 PRO/U3000 cable, check the F/R labels and seating confirmation.
Camera model and connector variations
- U3000 PRO and U3000: The cable is directional. Connect the end marked F to the front unit's V-IN port and R to the rear camera.
- The Interior Infrared Cabin Camera is compatible with U3000 PRO, U1000 Plus, Q850, Q200, X800, X700, F790, F200 PRO. For more information, see How to Install Interior Infrared Cabin Camera - U3000 PRO.
- M1 motorcycle camera: See How to Install the Thinkware Sports M1.
Routing and concealing dash cam cables
Conceal the power and rear camera cables behind interior trim and weatherstripping to keep them clear of your view.
Required tools: Plastic trim removal tool.
1. Use the trim tool to tuck the cable into the headliner seam above the windshield.
2. Route the cable across the headliner to the driver-side or passenger-side A-pillar.
Caution: Side curtain airbags may be behind the A-pillar trim. Route the cable along the factory wiring harness behind the airbag so it cannot obstruct deployment.
3. Carefully pull back or remove the A-pillar trim.
4. Secure the cables along the vehicle wiring with adhesive cable clips or tape.
5. Route the rear cable along the upper door weatherstripping and down the C-pillar or D-pillar to the rear window.
6. Use the trim tool to tuck excess cable behind the rear interior trim panels.
7. Turn on vehicle ACC mode or start the engine to supply power.
8. Confirm the rear camera connection and check Live View, then record and play a new rear video to confirm its orientation.
An upright LCD image or a mirror-only setting does not confirm that the saved video is upright. If the saved rear video is upside down, follow My rear camera video appears upside down for the correction method confirmed for your model.
Need more help?
Contact the support team for your region by email or phone. We’ll respond to your email as quickly as we can.
North America (US/CA)
Email: support@thinkware.com
Phone: 1-844-865-9273
United Kingdom
Email: support.eu@thinkware.com
Phone: +44 (0) 333-121-0008
Europe (EU)
Email: support@thinkwarestore.com
Phone: +49 69 943 22200
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