Power for rear view mirror replacement (dashcam)

I am planning on installing a wolfbox rear view mirror dashcam. I want to take the old mirror off and use the mirror bracket by wolfbox so that I don’t need to rubber band (secure) it to the old rearview mirror.

Essentially it will replace the rear view mirror instead of fitting over it.

I know if I keep the OEM mirror in place, I can use the Dongar adapter to plug into the OEM mirror to supply power to the dashcam. However, if I remove the rearview mirror altogether, how can I hook up power without running a new power line or vampire tapping any wires.

Is there a plug and play solution or a harness like the Dongar adapter that can be used if the OEM mirror is removed?

 

Why not use the Dongar adapter anyway? That's what I am going to try and then just not plug it in to the rear view that you have removed?

 

The Dongar adapter plugs into the 12 pin connector on the back of the mirror. If I remove the mirror, doesn’t that connector on the back of the mirror also go away? Are is it still there after the mirror is removed?



I might as well just take it off and check.

 

The cord is still there.

 

Ya, you can unplug the OEM rear view, let the cord dangle or hide it, and plug the dongar in and use the USB. The dongar even comes with 3 short cords. I need to figure out where to mount the rear camera with my bed rack and swing out in the way, ha. Also need to decide if I even need this or if I just succumbed to the advertisement barrage. First world problems, ha.

 

Dashcam will keep working even after you forget it is there. That is good. If you are "confused" or (worse) unconscious after an accident the dashcam will speak for you ... assuming you want that story told and you are not at fault.

 

I just installed this last month. I LOVE IT by the way. I couldn't find any way of doing what you are attempting to do. But it's SUUUUUUPER easy to just run the wire over to your fuse box by the driver door. I have like zero skills with stuff like this and got it done fairly easy.

 

Thats awesome. The wolfbox is on the way and the dongar sounds like the cleanest scenario.

 

I already have two accessories using add-a-fuse in the fuse panel. I’d rather a wood having to go to the fuse panel if I don’t need too.

 

But with the dongar there is no power when the ignition is off, thus no protection from parking lot thieves, hit and run, etc. I am wrestling with that as the dongar is a cleaner install, but a straight line to the fuse box with an add-a-fuse might be worth the trouble….

 

I was back and forth on enabling the parking monitor feature. I’m not sure if I want anything drawing power while the vehicle is not being used. I may end up wanting that feature at some point, but it is definitely a debate going on in my head.

 

I Have a wolfbox G900. I also wanted to completely replace my rearview mirror.

I did some research and found that there is 12V ACC and 12V constant on the wiring harness that goes to the OEM mirror.

Beige - 12 volt ignition (only voltage when ignition is on, aka engine running)
Blue - 12 volt constant
White (w/Black) - Ground

I then purchased this adapter and cut off all the excess wiring as I only needed the female connector and the wires coming out of it, then I soldered on the wolfbox hardwire kit.

I made all my wires shorter and hid the power adapter right above the overhead center console.

It makes for a super clean install and I can utilize the parking mode without cutting into any factory wiring.

Additionally, this hardwire kit has low voltage protection so if your battery gets too low, it will cut power to the camera and prevent it from draining your battery.

I can upload some pics and a wiring diagram if you are curious.

 

that is a good idea. I might go that route. How has it worked out and have you had any issues after the fact?

thanks

 

It has worked out extremely well. I forwent hooking up the GPS and turned off the clock so the display is truly just the rear image.

The camera works as it should with parking mode as well as "powers" up for normal driving recording.

The only thing I wish this camera had was the ability to watch/download the videos without removing the SD card as it is kind of a pain to get out with it being at the top of the mirror.

 

Here is the harness I made:


Here is the pinout:


I recommend getting

$7 MENKEY Terminal Removal Tool Kit for Car, 39 Pieces Wire Connector Pin Release Key Extractor Tools Set for Most Connector Terminal

this if you don't already have a tool for it. It makes removing the pins in the harness a lot easier.

I also use

$8 SinLoon USB C Extension Cable Type C Male to Female Short Cable Right Angle 90 Degree USB 3.1 10Gbps Fast Charging 4K HD Video Audio Data Transfer Cord for Laptop & Tablet & Mobile Phone (-)

this so the connection to the actual mirror pokes out the rear instead of the side. I think it makes for a cleaner installation.

LMK if you have any questions.

 

You are the man. I am totally doing it this way. Thanks

 

I had the pinouts for 10pin and 12pin mirrors documented here also with pics: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...age-cia-tracking-method.660450/#post-23098322

 

Toyota makes a harness that is plug and play for the OEM dashcam, which will give you +12v always on and +12v ignition wire. I used that for my 23. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/pin-out-wiring-diagram-oem-dashcam.821892/#post-29473639