How to install a Hardwiring Cable

This article explains how to install a THINKWARE Hardwiring Cable and enable Parking Mode.

 

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Note: A standard 12V Car Charger Cable is designed for driving power. It has no ACC signal wire and cannot activate Parking Mode. Use a Hardwiring Cable, an OBD-II Power Cable, or an iVolt battery pack for Parking Mode.

Note: THINKWARE's customer support is not authorized to provide in-depth technical information on the hardwiring installation because every vehicle is different.

Note: Please note that we strongly recommend professional installation, as any damage to your vehicle or dash cam from an improper installation is not covered by our manufacturer's warranty. A technician can provide the best set-up for the make of your vehicle.

 

Enable Parking Mode in the app

Enable Parking Mode in the app before installing either cable. Installing the cable alone does not activate Parking Mode recording.

1. Connect your smartphone to the dash cam using the THINKWARE DASH CAM LINK app.

2. Go to [Dash Cam Settings] > [Record Settings] > [Parking Mode].

Parking Mode options under Dash Cam Settings and Record Settings

3. Enable Parking Mode and choose Motion Detection, Time Lapse, Energy Saving, or RADAR where supported.

Note: Smart Parking Recording is a thermal protection function, not a separate Parking Mode. Select [Disabled] if you do not want Parking Mode.

 

Install using a Hardwiring Cable

A Hardwiring Cable connects the dash cam to the vehicle fuse box to supply power for Parking Mode.

Required tools: Multimeter or circuit tester, plus a Hardwiring Installation Kit with fuse taps suitable for your vehicle or separately purchased vehicle-compatible fuse taps.

1. Locate the interior fuse box, typically beneath the driver's side dashboard.

2. Test each candidate fuse with ignition ON and OFF. Select an ACC fuse powered only when ignition is ON and a Battery fuse that remains powered in both states.

Circuit tester checking power at a vehicle fuse box slot connected to the dash cam Hardwiring Cable

Note: Check both the wire color and the printed cable label: Red = ACC, Yellow = BATTERY, and Black = GND.

3. Connect the red ACC wire to the ACC fuse slot and the yellow Battery wire to the constant-power fuse slot.

Red ACC wire connected to an ignition-switched fuse and Yellow BATTERY wire connected to a constant-power fuse

4. Secure the black Ground wire to an unpainted metal bolt or stud on the vehicle frame near the fuse box.

Caution: Use an unpainted metal surface. A coated or painted bolt prevents proper grounding and power delivery.

Black ground cable eyelet securely fastened to bare metal chassis bolt near vehicle fuse box

5. Plug the Hardwiring Cable into the dash cam's DC-IN power port.

Power cable connected to the dash cam DC-IN port

6. Turn off the vehicle ignition to check the installation.

7. Confirm the dash cam announces “Entry into Parking Mode when installation is complete, and Parking Mode is enabled.”

 

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 (UK)
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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