nexar
< Back

Hardwiring Your Dash Cam: Step-by-Step Instructions | Nexar

Last updated at: Mar 18, 2025

How to Hardwire a Dash Cam Using Nexar’s OBD-II Solution

Looking to learn how to hardwire a dash cam for continuous recording and Parking Mode? Nexar makes the process easier than ever with its innovative OBD-II pass-through technology. Unlike traditional methods that require a dashcam hardwire kit with fuse taps, Nexar’s plug-and-play solution lets you power your dash cam without complicated wiring. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to hardwire a a dash cam using Nexar’s OBD-II power adapter, ensuring a seamless installation with no dangling wires or complicated fuse connections.

Why Hardwire a Dash Cam?

Many drivers choose to hardwire dash cam systems to enable advanced features like Parking Mode, which records incidents even when the car is off. Here’s why hardwiring is beneficial:

  • Continuous Recording: Keeps your dash cam powered even when the vehicle is turned off, providing 24/7 surveillance.
  • Automatic Power Cycling: The camera automatically powers on and off with the vehicle’s ignition, eliminating the need for manual management.
  • Cleaner Installation: With a car camera hardwire kit, you get streamlined cable management, ensuring no dangling wires.

Just like any other electronic device, dash cams need a source of power to record. Hardwiring a car dash cam is often the desired choice for those who want continuous recording.

While many dash cams require complex dash cam wiring with fuse taps, Nexar’s approach is much simpler. Using an OBD-II pass-through, Nexar allows for easy installation without the need for a traditional dash camera hardwire kit. This plug-and-play solution keeps your 12V power socket free for other uses while maintaining a professional look.

Why Choose Nexar’s OBD-II Pass-Through?

Nexar connected cameras such as beam 2 and beam2 mini (our compact dash cam) feature an easy plug and play installation. Our products utilize OBD-II pass through to keep your CLA port free and at the same time not blocking the OBD-II itself.

Nexar’s OBD-II power adapter is designed to simplify the process of how to hardwire a dashcam. Here’s why it’s the best option:

  • No Fuse Tap Required: Unlike traditional methods that require a fuse tap dash cam setup, Nexar’s OBD-II adapter connects directly to your car’s OBD-II port, eliminating the need to figure out how to wire a dash camera through a fuse box.
  • Plug-and-Play Convenience: The OBD-II adapter provides constant power to the dash cam without modifying your vehicle’s electrical system. Just plug it in, and you’re ready to go.
  • Preserves Your CLA Port: Unlike a standard hard wire kit dash cam that uses the cigarette lighter adapter, Nexar’s OBD-II solution keeps your 12V socket free for other uses, such as charging your phone.

This makes Nexar’s solution much easier and safer compared to traditional dashcam hard wire kits that require complex wiring through the fuse box.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Hardwire Dash Cam Using OBD-II

1. Gather Your Materials

Before learning how to hardwire a the dash cam, make sure you have the following:

  • Nexar Dash Cam (beam2, beam2 mini, or other compatible models)
  • Nexar OBD-II Power Adapter
  • Cable Clips for securing wires along the vehicle’s trim

Unlike traditional dashcam hardwire kit options that require a fuse tap for dash cam, Nexar’s solution is simpler and safer.

2. Locate Your Car’s OBD-II Port

  • The OBD-II port is typically located under the dashboard near the steering column.
  • This port provides a constant power source, which is essential for features like Parking Mode and continuous recording.

By using the OBD-II port, Nexar avoids the complexity of connecting a hard wiring kit dash cam to a fuse box, making installation faster and safer.

3. Connect the OBD-II Power Adapter

  • Plug the OBD-II power adapter into the OBD-II port.
  • Connect the Type-C cable to your Nexar dash cam.

This direct connection avoids the need to learn how to hard wire the dash cam to the car using a fuse box or fuse tap dash cam setup. It also provides constant power for continuous recording and Parking Mode.

4. Route the Cables for a Clean Installation

  • Use the cable clips to hide the wires along the vehicle’s trim, maintaining a clean and professional look.
  • Nexar’s streamlined design allows for excellent cable management, avoiding the messy appearance often associated with dash cam wiring setups.

Nexar’s plug-and-play approach eliminates the need for a complex dash cam with hard wire kit installation, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

5. Test Your Dash Cam

  • Start your car to check if the dash cam powers on automatically.
  • Turn off the ignition to confirm it powers off as expected.

This automatic power cycling feature ensures the camera is always ready when you need it, without requiring manual power management. This is a major advantage over traditional hardwire dash cam setups.

Why Use Nexar’s Hard Wiring Kit for Dash Cam?

Nexar’s OBD-II power solution is the best choice for several reasons:

  • No Fuse Taps Needed: Unlike traditional dash camera hardwire kit setups, Nexar’s OBD-II adapter doesn’t require a fuse tap dash cam connection. This makes installation easier and safer.
  • Preserves Vehicle Warranty: Since Nexar’s OBD-II solution doesn’t modify the vehicle’s electrical system, it preserves your car’s warranty.
  • Plug-and-Play Design: With no need to learn how to install dash cam hardwire kit through the fuse box, installation is quick and straightforward.

With Nexar, you get all the benefits of hard wiring dash cam setups without the complicated fuse box connections.

Advanced Features Enabled by Hardwiring

Continuous Recording with Parking Mode

  • Records incidents while your vehicle is parked, offering 24/7 surveillance.
  • The camera “wakes up” during impacts, ensuring critical moments are captured.

This is possible because Nexar’s OBD-II adapter provides a constant power supply without draining the battery, unlike traditional hardwire kits for dash cam setups that rely on fuse taps.

Automatic Power Cycling

  • Dash cam automatically powers on with the ignition and powers off when the car is turned off.
  • This eliminates the need for manual power management, ensuring reliable recording every time you drive.

This feature is seamlessly integrated with Nexar’s OBD-II adapter, unlike traditional dashcam hard wire solutions.

Voltage Protection for Battery Safety

  • Nexar’s OBD-II power adapter includes voltage protection to prevent battery drain.
  • This ensures your vehicle’s battery remains safe, even with continuous recording enabled.

This built-in protection is a major advantage over generic hardwire kit options that may not include this safety feature.

Why Choose Nexar for Hardwiring Your Dash Cam?

  • No Need for Fuse Taps or Fuse Box Connections: Nexar’s OBD-II solution simplifies installation without risking damage to your vehicle’s electrical system.
  • Seamless Integration with Nexar App: Receive instant alerts and view recorded incidents through the Nexar app.
  • Advanced Features: Continuous recording, Parking Mode, and automatic power cycling.

With Nexar, you avoid the complexity of traditional hard wiring kit for dash cam installations and enjoy a cleaner, more reliable setup.

Final Thoughts

Hardwiring your dash cam is now easier than ever with Nexar’s OBD-II power adapter. You get the benefits of continuous recording, Parking Mode, and a clean installation without the hassle of traditional dash cam hardwire kit methods.

Ready to experience the convenience of Nexar’s OBD-II hardwiring? Explore Nexar’s range of dash cams and OBD-II power kits today!

FAQs: Hardwiring a Dash Cam 

1. What is OBD-II pass-through, and how does it work with Nexar dash cams?

OBD-II pass-through is a plug-and-play power solution that connects directly to your vehicle’s OBD-II port, providing constant power to your dash cam. Unlike traditional dashcam hardwire kit setups that require a fuse tap dash cam connection, Nexar’s OBD-II adapter eliminates the need to modify your vehicle’s electrical system. This method is safer, easier to install, and keeps your 12V power socket free for other uses.

With Nexar’s OBD-II adapter, you can easily hardwire dash cam models like the Nexar Beam2 and Beam2 Mini, enabling continuous recording and Parking Mode without complicated wiring.

2. Why should I use OBD-II instead of a fuse tap for dash cam installation?

Traditional fuse tap dash cam installations require connecting wires to your vehicle’s fuse box, which can be complicated and may risk damaging the electrical system. In contrast, Nexar’s OBD-II adapter provides a simple plug-and-play solution that:

  • Preserves your vehicle’s warranty by avoiding modifications to the fuse box.
  • Eliminates the need for fuse taps or complex wiring found in traditional hardwire kit for dash cam setups.
  • Enables advanced features like Parking Mode and automatic power cycling without draining the battery.

By using Nexar’s OBD-II adapter, you simplify the installation process and ensure a safer connection.

3. Can I use Nexar’s OBD-II power adapter with any dash cam model?

Nexar’s OBD-II power adapter is designed specifically for Nexar dash cams, including:

  • Nexar beam2
  • Nexar beam2 mini
  • Other Nexar models with compatible power connectors

It may not be compatible with other brands or models that require a specific hard wiring kit dash cam connection. However, for Nexar products, it provides a seamless power solution without the need for a traditional dash camera hardwire kit.

4. Does OBD-II hardwiring affect my car’s warranty?

No, using Nexar’s OBD-II pass-through does not void your car’s warranty because it:

  • Does not modify your vehicle’s electrical system like a dashcam hard wire setup would.
  • Simply plugs into the OBD-II port, preserving the integrity of your vehicle’s wiring.

This is a major advantage over traditional hardwire dash cam installations that require fuse taps or other modifications.

5. Will using the OBD-II adapter drain my car’s battery?

No, Nexar’s OBD-II power adapter is designed with voltage protection, ensuring that the dash cam does not drain your car’s battery, even with continuous recording enabled.

  • It monitors battery voltage and automatically shuts off the dash cam when it detects low battery levels.
  • This feature provides peace of mind, unlike traditional hardwire kit setups that may not have built-in battery protection.

6. How do I enable Parking Mode with Nexar’s OBD-II adapter?

Parking Mode is automatically enabled when you hardwire dash cam using Nexar’s OBD-II adapter. Here’s how to activate it:

  • Connect the OBD-II power adapter to the dash cam.
  • Open the Nexar app and enable Parking Mode in the settings.
  • The dash cam will then use motion and impact sensors to “wake up” and record incidents while your car is parked.

This setup provides 24/7 surveillance and instant alerts through the Nexar app, enhancing vehicle security without the need for complex dash cam wiring.

7. How do I install Nexar’s OBD-II power adapter?

Installing Nexar’s OBD-II power adapter is easy and takes just a few minutes:

  1. Locate your vehicle’s OBD-II port, usually under the dashboard near the steering column.
  2. Plug in the OBD-II adapter and connect the Type-C cable to your Nexar dash cam.
  3. Route the cables along the vehicle’s trim using the provided clips for a clean installation.
  4. Start your car to check that the dash cam powers on automatically.

This installation method avoids the need to learn how to install dash cam hardwire kit using fuse taps, making it ideal for beginners and experienced users alike.

8. Can I install the OBD-II adapter myself, or do I need professional help?

Yes, Nexar’s OBD-II power adapter is designed for DIY installation. It’s much simpler than traditional dash cam hardwire kit setups, which often require professional help for connecting to the fuse box.

  • No tools or special skills are required.
  • No need for professional installation, saving you time and money.

With Nexar’s plug-and-play design, you can install the OBD-II adapter in under 10 minutes, even if you’re not familiar with dash cam wiring.

9. Can I still use the OBD-II port for diagnostics?

Yes, Nexar’s OBD-II adapter features pass-through technology, which allows you to:

  • Keep the OBD-II port free for vehicle diagnostics without disconnecting the dash cam.
  • Avoid interference with other devices that require access to the OBD-II port.

This is a significant advantage over other hardwire dash cam setups that permanently occupy the OBD-II port.

10. Is Nexar’s OBD-II power adapter compatible with Parking Mode?

Absolutely! Nexar’s OBD-II power adapter is fully compatible with Parking Mode, providing:

  • Continuous power supply even when the car is off, enabling 24/7 recording.
  • Impact and motion detection to automatically record incidents and alert you through the Nexar app.

This feature is seamlessly integrated without needing to figure out how to hard wire dash cam to car using a fuse box or traditional fuse tap dash cam.

11. Can I use the OBD-II adapter with a rear dash cam?

No, Nexar’s OBD-II power adapter is designed to power the front dash cam only. The Nexar Rear Dash Cam connects via the CLA (cigarette lighter adapter) port. If you're looking for a dual-camera setup, make sure to use the appropriate power source for each component.

12. Do I need to buy a separate hardwire kit for dash cam installation?

No, when using Nexar’s OBD-II adapter, you don’t need a separate hardwire kit for dash cam installation.

  • It eliminates the need for a dashcam hardwire kit with fuse taps or complex wiring.
  • The adapter is specifically designed for Nexar dash cams, providing an all-in-one power solution.

This saves you from purchasing additional hard wiring kit for dash cam products and simplifies the installation process.