Follow the video tutorial or instructions below on how to install the front facing Thinkware Dash Cam.
Video tutorial
Instructions
Follow the steps below on how to mount your Thinkware Dash Cam.
Items you will need |
Thinkware Dash Cam |
Power Cable |
Glass Cleaner |
Microfibre Cloth |
To remove the mount, you can use a hair dryer to heat up one side of the mount.
Use floss or a plastic card to get at a corner of the mount and work through the entire mount.
You can re-use the windshield mount. You just need to apply some heat to remove the existing adhesive and residue. In the box came packaged with an extra piece of 3M adhesive that you can use for your new installation.
Thinkware's customer support is not authorized to provide in-depth technical information on installations. Most dash cams employ a bulky plastic suction mount which induces vibration in dash cam videos, impedes the driver’s view of the road, as well as being vulnerable to hardening after prolonged use. This potentially endangers occupants in the vehicle if the device falls off the windshield in the event of a crash.
Thinkware Dash Cams use a 3M adhesive tape mount which is discreet and secure, ensuring that the device stays on the windshield even after a violent impact. The tape mount also eliminates video vibration by minimizing the distance between the camera and the windshield while firmly securing the dash Cam.
Thinkware's customer support is not authorized to provide in-depth technical information on the hardwiring installation because every vehicle is different.
We strongly recommend professional installation as any damages 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 your vehicle make.
Basic installation instructions
1) Enable Parking Mode under "Record Settings".
*If Parking Mode is not enabled, the dash cam will not be able to switch to Parking Mode even if it has been correctly hardwired.
2) Use a circuit tester to identify the accessory and constant fuses before connecting the accessory and battery cables. Make sure it is functioning by turning the ignition on and off. *To identify the accessory cable and battery cable, follow the markings on the wire and not the color of the wires. The markings can found on a small black strip of plastic near the ends of the wires and will show ACC or Battery in white lettering.
How to find an accessory fuse
The indicator on the circuit tester lights up when the engine is on.
But it will turn off when the ignition is off.
Make sure to connect the accessory cable to the correct fuse. Different fuses behave differently so it is just a matter of finding one that is appropriate for hardwiring usage.
How to find a constant fuse
When the engine is both on and off, the indicator on the circuit tester lights up.
Make sure to connect the constant cable to the correct fuse. Different fuses behave differently so it is just a matter of finding one that is appropriate for hardwiring usage.
Grounding the hardwiring harness
Connect the black ground cable to the metallic parts to the frame close to the fuse box.
*Ensure this is not covered with a coating, as this will not be properly grounded.
How to tell if you have hardwired correctly
If the dash cam has been successfully hardwired and the Parking Mode is enabled, the dash cam will notify you verbally that it is entering Parking Mode once the ignition is off.
Video tutorial
Follow the instructions below to install the Echomaster OBD-II harness with your Thinkware Dash Cam.
**OBD-II harness is not compatible with hybrid and electric vehicles.
Instructions
1. Locate the OBD II connector in the vehicle and release it from the mounting surface.
This may require the removal of two 7 or 8mm nuts from the studs securing it to the under the dash or by depressing the two side clips, with a plastic dash trim tool, securing it behind the drop-down plastic cover.
2. Connect the male end of the included plug-n-play HWK-TW01HAR to the vehicle’s factory ODB II connector.
3. Secure the OBD II connector and the harness together using one of the included wire ties and cut off any excess wire tie that is not needed.
4. For the Nut and Bolt style mounting system.
Place the ears of the connectors over the factory studs and replace and tighten the fasteners removed in step 1.
Use the included self tapping screws to secure if this connector is not a factory fit.
For the clip in style mounting system: Feed the body of the harness into the dash opening and secure connector to the dash using the included self tapping screws.
5. Remove the A-Pillar trim panel.
Once removed, route the Thinkware power cable over to the driver side of the vehicle, up the A-Pillar and across the front of the headliner so that it exits the headliner above the rearview mirror.
**When routing cables near the side curtain airbag, be sure to route them in a way that will not impact the airbags’ ability to deploy in the event of an accident.
6. Bundle and secure all left over cable.
7. With the vehicle’s ignition in the OFF position, connect the IGN-3F to the 10-Pin Molex connector located on the HWK-TW01-HAR.
8. With the vehicle’s ignition in the OFF position and the IGN-3F plugged in, the LED should be emitting a slow consistent flash. The LED will change from a flashing state to being ON solid once you start the vehicle.
When the LED is ON solid, a phantom ignition signal will be sent to the dash cam to turn it on and will remain on during the event of a start/stop sequence. The LED and dash cam will turn off 2 minutes and 30 seconds after the vehicle’s ignition is off.
9. Using the included wire tie, secure the module and the factory OBD II junction under the dash or kick panel in a way that will not impact the airbags’ ability to deploy in the event of an accident.
Thinkware's customer support is not authorized to provide in-depth technical information on the hardwiring installation because every vehicle is different.
We strongly recommend professional installation as any damages 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 your vehicle make.
Outlined below are five tips we have for hiding the dash cam’s power and rear camera cables.
**Supplies recommended
Trim Removal Kit - Plastic Kits are encouraged as metal may cause damage to the vehicle.
1. Do your research.
Start with doing vehicle specific research. Information can be found in either the user's manual or online forums.
**Information needed
Vehicle's wiring diagram
Air bag locations
How to remove trim pieces
2. Route the wires with the OEM cable management.
The vehicle's manufacturer has run cables for electrical systems (most cases under the doorsill). Remove the trim piece and run the dash cam cables along with the factory wiring of the vehicle for a clean install.
3. Wiring along the A-Pillar.
Most vehicles have an airbag behind the A-Pillar, take your time when removing this piece and ensure not to puncture or damage the airbag.
You will see the OEM cable management behind the airbag. Run the dash cam cable along with these cables for a clean install. Ensure the wiring does not impede the airbag and is secured with wire clips or zap-straps.
4. Run weather strips.
You can run the wires underneath the weather-strips of your vehicle.
This may bulge, but will not create any damage.
Tutorial video
