Dash Cam Hardwiring to Mirror and Rear Cam Install

[Dan in Austin]

Does anyone have a video or detailed instructions showing how to get to the rear view mirror power source? I'm looking to connect a dash cam to it with one of those power adapters (also looking for suggestions of adapters). I'm afraid of messing with trim since that time 40 years ago when my dad and I replaced the speakers in his 1977 Toyota Corolla wagon and broke a lot of clips in the door panels : ) I'm also pretty good at breaking clips when I try and do anything under the hood, which is seldom and usually a bad idea. So, if you've got very detailed info/video for someone who is inexperienced, I'd sure appreciate it if you would share with me.

Even better if you have similar video/info about how to get all the way to the rear windshield - my dash cam has a rear camera, but I can't imagine how to hide the wire all the way to the back and onto the hatch.

Thanks,
Dan

 

[Bungle]

I opted to use a dongle to tap into the auto dimming power in the rear view mirror. No need to remove mirror, trim or headliner.

 

[C89]

Try this, should be a plug and play option:

https://dongar.tech/products/dca-10a

Unplug the cable on the back of your mirror, plug this adapter in, re-plug your OEM mirror cable to the back of the adapter, now you have a USB-C slot for your dash cam.

For the rear camera, you could just tuck wiring inside the roof liner.

 

[Dan in Austin]

Thanks for the replies, but I think you've overestimated me!!!

I was planning to use that Dongar device based on other threads here. Is there literally an exposed plug in the front-facing part of the mirror housing that I just can't see from inside? I had assumed that you need to remove a cover or housing or something at the base of the to get access to the port/plug. Now that I looked with my phone, I can see this plug back there. I thought other folks talked about hiding extra wiring under the cover, so I'm still curious about how to get that off.

When you say "you could just tuck wiring inside the roof liner," you are mistaken - that is not a skill that I possess. Is there a specific tool that I should buy and just use that tool to poke the cable and it magically disappears between the plastic trim and the headliner?

That's why I was hoping that someone had videos - I'm just not good at understanding without a clear visual, and I have zero experience.

 

[KrackaC8]

Thanks for the replies, but I think you've overestimated me!!!

I was planning to use that Dongar device based on other threads here. Is there literally an exposed plug in the front-facing part of the mirror housing that I just can't see from inside? I had assumed that you need to remove a cover or housing or something at the base of the to get access to the port/plug. Now that I looked with my phone, I can see this plug back there. I thought other folks talked about hiding extra wiring under the cover, so I'm still curious about how to get that off.

When you say "you could just tuck wiring inside the roof liner," you are mistaken - that is not a skill that I possess. Is there a specific tool that I should buy and just use that tool to poke the cable and it magically disappears between the plastic trim and the headliner?

That's why I was hoping that someone had videos - I'm just not good at understanding without a clear visual, and I have zero experience.

https://www.harborfreight.com/trim-and-molding-tool-set-5-piece-64126.html

Pop the plastic off the inside of the windshield around the mirror surround and you'll have access to power and the ability to hide the wires. Very very easy; pry gently and it will come right off. I had to remove mine to swap rearview mirrors.

Here's a good video that shows you how:

 

[C89]

Our mirrors/plugs are different in Australia, but from what I can see, I think you just squeeze down on that horizontal tab (highlighted with yellow arrow), and pull the plug outwards.

https://dongar.tech/cdn/shop/videos...5f514da5243.HD-1080p-2.5Mbps-26123062.mp4?v=0

The above link is a video from the Dongar website.

And the video below isn't on a Z, but should give you a rough idea on how to tuck the cable to the rear dash cam:

 

[chadgigachad]

Try this, should be a plug and play option:

https://dongar.tech/products/dca-10a

Unplug the cable on the back of your mirror, plug this adapter in, re-plug your OEM mirror cable to the back of the adapter, now you have a USB-C slot for your dash cam.

For the rear camera, you could just tuck wiring inside the roof liner.

I used this with a knockoff blendmount and a usb -> uniden RJ11 adapter to set up my Uniden R7. Works great and way easier then using wire taps.

 

[Dan in Austin]

https://www.harborfreight.com/trim-and-molding-tool-set-5-piece-64126.html

Pop the plastic off the inside of the windshield around the mirror surround and you'll have access to power and the ability to hide the wires. Very very easy; pry gently and it will come right off. I had to remove mine to swap rearview mirrors.

Here's a good video that shows you how:

Thanks for the video and instruction/endorsement of the ease - that's helpful and gives me the confidence to mess with it!!! The dash cam I bought came with one tool, but I'll run out to Harbor Freight today and grab the set you linked to.

 

[Dan in Austin]

Our mirrors/plugs are different in Australia, but from what I can see, I think you just squeeze down on that horizontal tab (highlighted with yellow arrow), and pull the plug outwards.

https://dongar.tech/cdn/shop/videos...5f514da5243.HD-1080p-2.5Mbps-26123062.mp4?v=0

The above link is a video from the Dongar website.

And the video below isn't on a Z, but should give you a rough idea on how to tuck the cable to the rear dash cam:

Both those videos were super helpful to me. Looks like the wire hiding thing really isn't that bad. And thanks for the pointer about the tab on the wiring harness. It's so hard to see anything inside this tiny little car...

 

[xyzdx]

What's the best dash cam to get that doesn't block the window much?

 

[Midz10]

Pinout for Nissan10 pin rear view dimmer connecter. Double check with a voltmeter or an LED light.