Hardwiring a dashcam?
 

I'm thinking of adding a dashcam to my '13 GT Coupe, and instead of having the wire hang down to the power point on the center console, I want to hardwire it. I've been probing around looking at possibilities and it seems like it will be way too difficult to run it across to the passenger side A-pillar and down to the fuse box without ruining any of the clips holding the trim on. Instead I'm thinking of tapping onto the wire going dimming rearview mirror or the dome lights in the overhead console. Anyone have any experience with this? Anything I should look out for while doing this?

My dad wired a dashcam in his Rav4 and connected it to a wiring connector slot for an option he didn't have speced. So theres also the possibility of doing that since I don't have the convertible top or interior motion sensors - but I don't know if the wiring harness is the same, or if those connectors will be powered.

HERE are the wiring diagrams for the dome and interior lights, if you want to tap into them.

I would solder instead of using taps - the movement may cause them to shake loose over time.

I'm looking at the wiring diagram for the rearview mirror right now and some questions came up. Was thinking of connection to pins 1 and 3 on connection C9039 but then I noticed that the SJB that its connected to is marked HOT AT ALL TIMES. I thought the mirror only got power with the ignition in START OR RUN. If I do go in where I'm thinking, will the camera always be on? (I only want it to record when the car is on)

<off topic>Pins 6 and 14 on C9039 show a mic connection. Is that for Sync? I thought the mic for Sync was in the overhead console.

How about using Yel/Grn from the Overheads (map lights)? That's on a battery saver...

As for the mic, I have no idea where it is - I don't have my car yet, so I haven't pulled it apart and traced stuff back yet.

I'm thinking I'm just going to latch onto the mirror. That accessory delay relay its connected to also deals with the windows, so it gets power until the doors open. I'm good with recording video until I open the doors.

The shop manual for the entertainment system on iihs.net shows that the microphone is in the mirror, but its for MY2011. I've seen the MY2013 shop manual and it says that the microphone is in the overhead console, so I'm just lost. Maybe Ford moved the mic, but carried the mirror over without having Gentex redesign it.

I've taken the A-pillar, lower trim piece and door sill out of the passenger side a couple of times with no problems (once for radar detector display inside the rear view mirror and the other for a dash cam). Just be careful not to gouge your head liner, etc., with the corners of the A-pillar as you remove and reinstall it. It's really pretty simple... just snaps in/out.

I purchased a DASH CAM for my car recently and didnt like running it through my AC Adapter. Some strange reason all the newer mustangs still pumps power after the car has been shut off.

I ran the wire to my centre console and tapped into the USB wire as it is the only 5volt connection I have found. Please look at the dash cam voltage as a 9-12 voltage wire will zap your dash cam.

Not the fastest of projects by any means, but really happy with how it came out. I have the power cable running in the same sleeve the rearview mirror cable is in to keep it as clean as possible.

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Don't mind the really really dirty windshield. Thats the result of an overnight drive from Michigan to Massachusetts via New Hampshire. BUGS EVERYWHERE.

I know it's been 3 years but I'm thinking about doing this with my 2011. Any problems with yours or still happy you tapped into the Mirror green/yellow wires? I'm an electrical novice so a bit nervous about doing this...