How to install an OBD-II Power Cable

This article explains how to install a THINKWARE OBD-II Power 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 Smart Parking Mode.

 

Install using an OBD-II Power Cable

Required tools: Plastic trim removal tool (for concealing the cable).

The THINKWARE OBD-II Power Cable connects to the vehicle's OBD-II port without opening the fuse box.

1. Turn off the vehicle ignition before connecting the cable.

2. Locate the 16-pin OBD-II port, typically beneath the driver's side dashboard.

Location of the 16-pin OBD-II port under the dashboard

3. For a cable with selector switches, select F for gasoline vehicles or EV for electric and hybrid vehicles.

4. On a cable with selector switches, select P to enable Parking Mode or D to disable it.

OBD-II Power Cable selector showing EV and F vehicle settings & D and P parking settings

5. Insert the OBD-II Power Cable into the port until fully seated.

6. Connect the power output jack to the dash cam's DC-IN port.

7. Use a trim tool to route and conceal the cable along the windshield trim and headliner.

8. Check that the switch-equipped cable's LED lights up light blue when connected.

Light-blue connection indicator on the OBD-II Power Cable

9. Allow the configured standby time of 30 seconds to 5 minutes, plus approximately 5 minutes for gasoline vehicles or 10 minutes for electric and hybrid vehicles.

 

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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