Installation Guide
Installation Guide
Complete Guide for Vehicle-Specific Dash Camera Installation
Our dash cameras are designed for easy installation with professional results. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Before You Start
What You'll Need:
- Your vehicle-specific dash camera kit (included)
- Installation tools (included)
- Trim removal tools (included or use plastic cards)
- 30-60 minutes of time
- Clean microfiber cloth
Recommended: Watch our vehicle-specific video tutorial before starting.
Installation Difficulty Levels
⭐⭐ Moderate (Semi-Hidden Installation)
What's involved:
- Clip front camera mount onto vehicle-specific bracket
- Tuck cable under headliner and A-pillar trim (no removal)
- Connect to fuse box with add-a-fuse
Time required: 30-45 minutes
Skill level: Intermediate
Result: 90% hidden, professional look
Best for: Most DIY installers
⭐⭐⭐ Advanced (Fully Hidden Installation)
What's involved:
- Remove interior trim panels (A-pillar, headliner edge)
- Clip camera mount, route cables completely hidden inside trim
- Hardwire to fuse box with parking mode
- Install rear camera with hidden wiring
Time required: 1-2 hours
Skill level: Advanced or professional
Result: 100% hidden, factory appearance
Best for: Permanent installation, maximum aesthetics
Power Connection Options
Option 1: Fuse Box Tap (Add-a-Fuse) ⭐⭐
How it works:
- Use included fuse tap to connect to vehicle fuse box
- Tap into existing fuse (e.g., radio, interior lights)
- Camera shares power with that circuit
- Camera turns on/off with ignition
Pros:
- ✓ Clean installation - no visible adapters
- ✓ Cable can be fully hidden
- ✓ Relatively easy with instructions
- ✓ Can enable basic parking mode
- ✓ Professional appearance
Cons:
- ✗ Requires locating fuse box
- ✗ Need to identify correct fuse
- ✗ Basic electrical knowledge helpful
Best for: Most installations, good balance of ease and function
Installation steps:
- Locate your vehicle's fuse box (usually under dashboard or hood)
- Identify a fuse that's powered when ignition is on (use fuse tester or manual)
- Common fuses: Radio, ACC, Interior Lights, Power Windows
- Remove the fuse and insert add-a-fuse adapter
- Connect camera power wire to add-a-fuse
- Test camera turns on with ignition
Option 2: Hardwire Kit with Parking Mode ⭐⭐⭐
How it works:
- Connect to two fuses: constant power + ignition power
- Built-in voltage protection prevents battery drain
- Enables 24/7 parking surveillance
Pros:
- ✓ Full parking mode - records when car is off
- ✓ Motion detection and impact detection
- ✓ Battery protection (auto cutoff at set voltage)
- ✓ Professional installation
- ✓ Maximum protection
Cons:
- ✗ More complex installation
- ✗ Requires hardwire kit (sold separately for some models)
- ✗ Need to identify two different fuses
- ✗ Takes longer to install
Best for: Maximum security, overnight parking protection, professional results
Installation steps:
- Locate fuse box
- Identify constant power fuse (always on, e.g., clock, alarm, dome light)
- Identify ACC/ignition power fuse (on with ignition, e.g., radio, power windows)
- Install add-a-fuse on both circuits
- Connect hardwire kit red wire to constant, yellow to ACC
- Ground black wire to metal chassis (find existing ground bolt)
- Set voltage cutoff (usually 11.8V for 12V battery, 23.6V for 24V)
- Test parking mode activation
Option 3: OBD-II Port ⭐⭐
How it works:
- Plug OBD power adapter into vehicle's OBD-II diagnostic port
- Usually located under dashboard near steering wheel
- Provides constant and ACC power automatically
Pros:
- ✓ Very easy - just plug in
- ✓ No fuse box access needed
- ✓ Can support parking mode
- ✓ Clean installation
- ✓ No electrical knowledge required
Cons:
- ✗ Occupies OBD port (can't use for diagnostics simultaneously)
- ✗ OBD adapter sold separately
- ✗ Port location varies by vehicle
- ✗ May not work with some vehicles
Best for: Vehicles with accessible OBD port, easy parking mode setup
Front Camera Installation
Step 1: Understand the Clip-On System
Our vehicle-specific design:
- Camera housing and mounting bracket are integrated as one piece
- Simply clip the entire unit onto the pre-installed vehicle-specific base
- No adhesive needed - secure clip mechanism
- Can be removed and reinstalled easily
Step 2: Install the Vehicle-Specific Base
Base installation:
- Clean windshield area behind rearview mirror thoroughly
- Wipe with glass cleaner and microfiber cloth
- Ensure completely dry and dust-free
- Remove protective film from base adhesive pad
- Position base in optimal location (behind mirror, within wiper area)
- Press firmly for 30 seconds
- Wait 24 hours for full adhesion before clipping camera
Step 3: Clip Camera Housing onto Base
Camera installation:
- Align camera housing with installed base
- Push camera housing onto base until you hear/feel a click
- Gently tug to ensure secure connection
- Adjust camera angle as needed (usually adjustable)
- Connect power cable to camera
Benefits of clip-on design:
- ✓ Easy to remove for cleaning lens
- ✓ Can take camera with you if needed
- ✓ Simple to adjust angle
- ✓ Base stays on windshield permanently
Step 4: Route the Cable
For semi-hidden installation:
- Run cable along windshield edge to A-pillar
- Gently tuck cable under headliner edge (no removal needed)
- Tuck into A-pillar gap
- Route down to fuse box
For fully hidden installation:
- Gently pull down headliner edge near A-pillar
- Tuck cable completely behind headliner
- Remove A-pillar trim (pull firmly, it's clipped on)
- Route cable behind A-pillar trim
- Run down to fuse box location
- Reinstall trim panels
Rear Camera Installation
Option A: Interior Installation (Easier) ⭐⭐
Mounting location: Inside car, on rear windshield
Pros:
- ✓ Much easier installation
- ✓ No drilling or exterior work
- ✓ Protected from weather
- ✓ Easy to adjust angle
- ✓ Takes 20-30 minutes
Cons:
- ✗ View can be blocked by rear wiper (if equipped)
- ✗ May have glare from interior at night
- ✗ Rear window tint affects image quality
- ✗ Rear defrost lines may be visible in footage
Installation steps:
- Clean rear windshield interior thoroughly
- Position camera at top center of rear window
- Ensure within rear wiper coverage (if equipped)
- Mount with adhesive pad (press firmly 30 seconds)
- Route cable along headliner edge to front camera
- Connect to front camera's rear port
Best for: Sedans, hatchbacks, most passenger vehicles
Option B: Exterior Installation (Professional) ⭐⭐⭐
Mounting location: Outside car, above license plate or in bumper
Pros:
- ✓ Clearer view - no window obstruction
- ✓ No interior reflections or glare
- ✓ Not affected by window tint
- ✓ Professional appearance
- ✓ Better night vision
- ✓ Weatherproof design
Cons:
- ✗ More complex installation
- ✗ May require drilling (vehicle-specific)
- ✗ Cable must route through trunk/hatch
- ✗ Exposed to elements (but waterproof)
- ✗ Takes 45-60 minutes
Installation steps:
- Choose mounting location (above plate or bumper)
- For license plate mount: Use existing plate screws or bracket
- For bumper mount: May need to drill small hole (check vehicle-specific guide)
- Route cable through trunk seal or existing grommet
- Run cable along trunk/hatch interior trim
- Route to front camera along roof headliner
- Connect to front camera's rear port
- Seal any holes with included rubber grommets
- Test waterproofing
Best for: SUVs, trucks, vans, professional installations
Rear Camera Cable Routing
For Sedans:
- Run cable from rear window along headliner edge (driver or passenger side)
- Tuck into trim panels
- Route down A-pillar to front camera
- Total cable length: Usually 6-8 meters included
For SUVs/Hatchbacks:
- Route cable along roof headliner
- Down rear pillar (C or D pillar)
- Through trunk/cargo area
- Along side trim to front
- May need to remove multiple trim panels for fully hidden install
Testing Your Installation
Before finalizing:
- Power test: Turn on ignition, verify camera powers on
- Clip test: Ensure front camera is securely clipped to base
- Recording test: Check front and rear cameras are recording
- Angle test: Review footage, adjust camera angles if needed
- Night test: Test night vision quality
- Parking mode test: If installed, verify parking mode activates
Professional Installation
Prefer professional installation? We can help!
Benefits:
- Perfect hidden installation
- Proper hardwiring with parking mode
- Warranty-safe installation
- Usually takes 1-2 hours
- Professional cable routing
Cost: Typically $50-150 depending on complexity
Contact us for installer recommendations in your area:
📧 support@cilzio.com
📱 +86 13641404648
Troubleshooting
Camera won't power on:
- Check fuse connections are secure
- Verify fuse is not blown
- Test with multimeter if available
- Check cable connections to camera
- Ensure camera is properly clipped onto base
Camera keeps falling off:
- Base may not have adhered properly - wait full 24 hours
- Clean windshield again and reinstall base
- Ensure clip mechanism is fully engaged
Parking mode not working:
- Verify hardwire kit is connected to constant power
- Check voltage cutoff settings
- Ensure motion detection is enabled in settings
- Test with hand wave in front of camera
Rear camera no image:
- Check cable connection to front camera rear port
- Verify rear camera is powered (LED indicator)
- Check camera lens is clean
- Ensure cable is not damaged
Need Help?
Our support team is here to assist!
Contact Jay Q:
📧 Email: support@cilzio.com
📱 Phone/WhatsApp/WeChat: +86 13641404648
⏰ Monday-Friday 9:00-18:00 (China Time)
We provide:
- Vehicle-specific video tutorials
- One-on-one installation guidance
- Live troubleshooting support
- Installer recommendations
Shenzhen Southern Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.
Professional installation support for every customer