Dashcam install

[Deleted member 9692]

That's the same kit I have. I believe it works if it's just connected to the switched live.. Worst case you could wire both into the same one I guess.

For the piggyback, I got this pack from Amazon:
Amazon product ASIN B09VYQGPZZ
It's the Micro ones that you need.

Shouldn't need anything else

I'm going to hopefully install tomorrow. Did you take off the plastic trim that runs down the A pillar to the dash, any tips on removal if so? EDIT - also, recommended setting for the low voltage protection, which one are you using?

 

[AdamskiEM]

The only plastic I took off was on the side of the dashboard next to the fuses, and the front part of that. The trims along the pillars etc, I managed to push the wires into the sides of with the little plastic tool you get with the camera, without removing them

 

[Deleted member 9692]

The only plastic I took off was on the side of the dashboard next to the fuses, and the front part of that. The trims along the pillars etc, I managed to push the wires into the sides of with the little plastic tool you get with the camera, without removing them

Great. One more question, your photo in post #70 - the permanent live is the micro piggyback connector right? The switched one is that a standard size?

 

[AdamskiEM]

Crap.. Yes The switched one is one of the 3 pin fuses

1-5 Set MICRO3 PIGGY BACK BLADE FUSE HOLDER TAP 12V + 5/7.5/10/15/20/25/30A FUSE | eBay

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Totally forgot about the different sizes, sorry!

Looks like they're out of the 5A ones

 

[Deleted member 9692]

Crap.. Yes The switched one is one of the 3 pin fuses

1-5 Set MICRO3 PIGGY BACK BLADE FUSE HOLDER TAP 12V + 5/7.5/10/15/20/25/30A FUSE | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1-5 Set MICRO3 PIGGY BACK BLADE FUSE HOLDER TAP 12V + 5/7.5/10/15/20/25/30A FUSE at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

Totally forgot about the different sizes, sorry!

Looks like they're out of the 5A ones

OK. so I am waiting for a 3 pin piggyback cable to arrive.

In the meantime, I want to hardwire in my interior LED lights. My electrical knowledge is BASIC as said before. I have bought a multimeter (please pray for me ). So, can I cut off the cigarette lighter attachment, crimp a fuse connector onto the red cable and install to a spare switched fuse space with a 5a fuse and then on the black cable crimp an earth connector? Is this OK or will I die in an MG4 volcano orange glowy fire?

I know I am stretching the topic here but I am in the fusebox doing the dashcam

 

[AdamskiEM]

I think your best bet would be to use the same fuse as the dashcam. Since it’s dedicated for your use, and we know it’s switched on when the car comes on. This is what I have done too. Just crimp the 2 cables into the piggyback

 

[jamesc83]

Hi @jamesc83 , how is the rear picture from that camera location? Would it be suitable for reversing/parking? I have a SE and finding rear visibility poor, so thinking about a rear camera to help. Thanks, Will

Hi, only just seen this as I’ve not been on the forum much over the holidays. Here’s a screen grab from a video from the rear

 

[Deleted member 9692]

I think your best bet would be to use the same fuse as the dashcam. Since it’s dedicated for your use, and we know it’s switched on when the car comes on. This is what I have done too. Just crimp the 2 cables into the piggyback

Installed today, dashcam and underseat LEDs working. Not sure if the fuses I am using are correct. Are you using 20a fuses in both slots of the two piggyback connectors? I can only see the top fuse on each connector in your picture #70

 

[Neil1966]

Here you go. Also ground bolt on the right, and piggy backs need to be in that orientation

We're abouts is this fusebox and how do I get to it please

 

[Deleted member 9692]

We're abouts is this fusebox and how do I get to it please

You need to pop this plastic panel off, recommend a plastic spudger/pry tool

I found it much easier to pull away the rubber door seal first, its easy to reattach.

There are then 3 screws I think on the side and three or four underneath, then you can pop down the housing containing the mirror adjustment switch, that whole panel can be lowered

 

[benfello]

Gonna give it a go today. I’ve been putting it off for enough time now. What in the world is this?

 

[Diggsy]

Gonna give it a go today. I’ve been putting it off for enough time now. What in the world is this?View attachment 14169

Looks like an expanding plastic rivet. Normally you prise up the centre piece and then remove it

Edit - How To Remove Plastic Screw Rivets [6 Different Ways]

 

[Deleted member 9692]

Gonna give it a go today. I’ve been putting it off for enough time now. What in the world is this?View attachment 14169

You won't need to go there, it's just the panel on the other side of the steering wheel

 

[Deleted member 9692]

Gonna give it a go today. I’ve been putting it off for enough time now. What in the world is this?

Although it's the same panel, I didn't need to touch that part. I could easily pull down just the other side.

I managed to route the cables easily, up through the rear view mirror surround:

The right hand side of the panel pops off easily with a plastic pry tool

Then push cable up under trim at top of windscreen.

The A pillar is really easy, pull away the rubber trim and you'll easily get in behind the plastic a pillar panel

Good luck

EDIT - The Micro Piggyback Connectors, 2 pin ones for the permanent live see HERE were impossibly tight, I had to trim away some plastic on the fuse to get it to go in. The three pin one for the switched connection was fine ?‍

 

[benfello]

So I’ve gotten the unit detached enough to reach the fuses… now I’m trying to simply power off the car. It’s got a message “Function is available after vehicle is started”.

I don’t understand, the car is awake right now, what needs to be started? I’ve put it in drive and back into park but got the same message.

I wouldn’t worry, but I feel it’s the right choice turning it off before pulling/swapping any fuses

 

[Deleted member 9692]

So I’ve gotten the unit detached enough to reach the fuses… now I’m trying to simply power off the car. It’s got a message “Function is available after vehicle is started”.

I don’t understand, the car is awake right now, what needs to be started? I’ve put it in drive and back into park but got the same message.

I wouldn’t worry, but I feel it’s the right choice turning it off before pulling/swapping any fuses

Try when not sitting in drivers seat? EDIT - and try rebooting infotainment, press and hold home button 10 seconds

 

[benfello]

Try when not sitting in drivers seat?

Sadly not. This brings up the same message. I’m assuming it should be correct doing it that way, but it mustn’t be happy with just that

 

[Deleted member 9692]

Sadly not. This brings up the same message. I’m assuming it should be correct doing it that way, but it mustn’t be happy with just that

Try rebooting infotainment, push and hold home button 10 seconds and also is key in car, near enough to be seen by car when shutting down?

 

[benfello]

Try rebooting infotainment, push and hold home button 10 seconds and also is key in car, near enough to be seen by car when shutting down?

Done the reboot - no difference sadly.
Key is in the middle storage by the sensor (I think that’s what it is, right?).

Powered on again, D, P, nothing.
Weirdly when pressing the power off button, it does switch off the driver info screen and all drive lights turn off, so P is no longer lit up, no parking break red light, etc.

It’s like it’s half done it, but the infotainment is still going.

 

[Deleted member 9692]

Done the reboot - no difference sadly.
Key is in the middle storage by the sensor (I think that’s what it is, right?).

Powered on again, D, P, nothing.
Weirdly when pressing the power off button, it does switch off the driver info screen and all drive lights turn off, so P is no longer lit up, no parking break red light, etc.

It’s like it’s half done it, but the infotainment is still going.

Yes, mine left that running also. I didnt get any shocks but do your own due diligence ? - I am not the person for electrical advice I must add.