Accessory Power for Dashcam

[ulyssesvt]

I installed a dashcam (Miofive S1) in my 2025 XLT AWD Hybrid and it works fine with one small problem. I wired it to fuse 20 (unused according to the manual) and it's got power all of the time. I forget to turn the dashcam off most of the time, so I thought I'd use a fuse that only has accessory power. (I don't care about "parking mode".) I picked fuse 3 (also unused) and the dashcam still stays on until I turn it off. I left it on, got out of the truck, took myself and my key into the house, and waited about 15 min. I went back out to the truck (without the key) and it's still on. The dashcam has a "supercapacitor" for power, but from what I have read that only lasts a few seconds. Any suggestions for where else to get power or why fuse 3 always has power? I did search the archive and found many articles, mostly for older model years, at least some of which claim that fuse 20 always has power and fuse 3 does not. Any help is appreciated.

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[nbmav]

Strange. I am just finishing up a dashcam install and have the ACC wire plugged into #1/2 with a micro3 tap, I also don't care about parking mode and hoped I didn't have to connect that wire but apparently I do for the camera to work. During my testing with a multimeter I verified that #1/2 was off unless I hit the start button. I'm thinking of just tying the ACC and BAT wires together in to #1/2.

 

[SafetyGuy]

How about a simpler power alternative?

I use an power adapter that plugs into my Mavericks OBD11 port.

Simple plugs have a rocker switch to choose if you want power provided like your 12 volt cigar lighter, or powered as long as the truck allows power to go to OBD11 port.

Mine is set to turn off when acc turns off.

I have seen newer ones that also monitor battery power so you don't empty your battery in sentry mode.

Just a thought as to a different solution. I don't like messing with fuses, etc.

I also hope you saw videos on how to install the wires so they don't potentially impede your side pillar airbags if they are needed!

Andy

 

[ulyssesvt]

How about a simpler power alternative?

I use an power adapter that plugs into my Mavericks OBD11 port.

Simple plugs have a rocker switch to choose if you want power provided like your 12 volt cigar lighter, or powered as long as the truck allows power to go to OBD11 port.

Mine is set to turn off when acc turns off.

I have seen newer ones that also monitor battery power so you don't empty your battery in sentry mode.

Just a thought as to a different solution. I don't like messing with fuses, etc.

I also hope you saw videos on how to install the wires so they don't potentially impede your side pillar airbags if they are needed!

Andy

Thanks, I have seen these, but I already had a fuse tap. Also, I was very careful about routing wires through the side pillar per the videos. Other than dropping the original fuse (now lost forever, I'm afraid) the installation was pretty straightforward. Well, that and the power seems to always be on.

 

[nbmav]

I just finished my install, it was a little more complicated because I also have a Hyundai Homelink mirror that I installed so needed power for that too. While I was in there I tested all the fuses and this is what I found for mine ('25 Lariat Hybrid):

I ended up using micro3 tap on fuse 1/2 and tied in the two wires from the mirror (acc and const) to the Acc wire from the camera because there was no room left where the micro2 tap I was using for the camera (was on #3) would fit anymore. I had previously decided to only have the mirror on an acc fuse and tied the const line to it.

I put the const from the camera on fuse 18/19 with a micro3 tap.

So far so good. Would have been a lot easier if the fuse tap wire came out the top instead of the side because with this tiny fusebox the side wire interferes with stuff, limiting the positions you can place stuff. I would have been happy to have the taps not have a second fuse spot to make them smaller and vertical and just use them in the unused slots.

2/26/25 Update: Changed #13 to Const and retested 21/22 which I am still getting as const but maybe that comes on when the door opens and I didn't wait long enough for it to go back off and there is no way I can fit in there to test the fuse with a multimeter when the door is shut! Thanks for keeping me honest highway star.

 

[Hanzzolo]

I used fuse 3 and mine is acc power. No issues with it staying on. Not sure why you’d be having that issue.

 

[ulyssesvt]

Thanks to all who replied. If it ever stops raining I'm going out to the truck to do some more testing. If I find anything enlightening I'll report back.

 

[Dave O]

Great information all- I just got my Wolfbox G900 TriPro Cabin dashcam in and haven’t looked into the wiring route or fuse tap yet

 

[Toddman45]

How about a simpler power alternative?

I use an power adapter that plugs into my Mavericks OBD11 port.

Simple plugs have a rocker switch to choose if you want power provided like your 12 volt cigar lighter, or powered as long as the truck allows power to go to OBD11 port.

Mine is set to turn off when acc turns off.

I have seen newer ones that also monitor battery power so you don't empty your battery in sentry mode.

Just a thought as to a different solution. I don't like messing with fuses, etc.

I also hope you saw videos on how to install the wires so they don't potentially impede your side pillar airbags if they are needed!

Andy

If you're going to plug into the OBD 2 port you're better off getting the Cobra hardwire kit as it still allows you to use the OBD port.

https://www.cobra.com/products/accy-obdii-port-to-usb-c-hardwire-kit

 

[ulyssesvt]

I just finished my install, it was a little more complicated because I also have a Hyundai Homelink mirror that I installed so needed power for that too. While I was in there I tested all the fuses and this is what I found for mine ('25 Lariat Hybrid):

I ended up using micro3 tap on fuse 1/2 and tied in the two wires from the mirror (acc and const) to the Acc wire from the camera because there was no room left where the micro2 tap I was using for the camera (was on #3) would fit anymore. I had previously decided to only have the mirror on an acc fuse and tied the const line to it.

I put the const from the camera on fuse 18/19 with a micro3 tap.

So far so good. Would have been a lot easier if the fuse tap wire came out the top instead of the side because with this tiny fusebox the side wire interferes with stuff, limiting the positions you can place stuff. I would have been happy to have the taps not have a second fuse spot to make them smaller and vertical and just use them in the unused slots.

Thanks, good information which confirms what I had expected. That fuse box is a tight space to work in and I agree that wires coming off the top rather than the side would help. Still, my camera on fuse 3 does not turn off. I unplugged it at the camera and it stays on for about 5 seconds then turns off, so the camera isn't powering itself. Maybe I just don't understand when the ACC power actually turns off. Everything but the dome lights and headlights turn off when I hit the stop/start button and open the door. Even after those lights go off, I can walk out and peer in the window and the dashcam is on. An hour later, the dashcam (on fuse 3) is still on. It's a puzzle. Time to get out the voltmeter, I guess.

 

[SafetyGuy]

If you're going to plug into the OBD 2 port you're better off getting the Cobra hardwire kit as it still allows you to use the OBD port.

https://www.cobra.com/products/accy-obdii-port-to-usb-c-hardwire-kit

Good alternative! A bit more expensive then mine of course.

I personally don't need access to the data port 99.99% of the time.

Have a good one,

Andy

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