Dash Cam Fitting

[andybanksuk]

I'm trying to fit a dash cam to my C7, and want to locate it behind the rear view mirror, run the cable along the top of the windscreen and down the front pillar.

On my previous car, there was enough space to tuck this behind the trim - but the trim seems a lot tighter fit on the C7.

Has anyone fitted on and got any suggestions please? Is the trim easy to remove and re-fit?

[Los_Cuentos]

The trim is normally just a clip system. Just pull it out or use something flat to pull it out.
I know they have special tools at the dealer which you can probably find on the web to remove trims etc.

[wildbore]

I never managed to get my A-pillar trim off, which would have made the whole job easier and neater. If anyone knows how to remove the A-pillar trim, that would be great information.

When you run your cable, be extremely careful not to run the cable across the top of the A-pillar trim (which it is tempting to do as that is an easy route from the front lip of the headlining down to the fuse box at the base of the A-pillar). There is an airbag mounted in the A-pillar that goes right up and over to the grab handle; tucking the cable into the top of the A-pillar effectively puts the cable over the top of the airbag, which will then either not deploy properly or will rip the cable out of the headliner and throw it straight at you, neither of which are desirable outcomes.

For my cable, I followed the front of the headlining and then the leading edge of the A-pillar. I then could not get the cable back along the base of the A-pillar (where it meets the dashboard) so in the end I just let it run along the edge of the dashboard. It irritated me for a while but now I don't even notice it.

[Vrs_MAJ]

I would like to know this also. Another question to the op is what dash cam have you got? Im looking at a few but not sure which to get?

[Dieseldoos]

I used a trim tool to pull the headlining down just enough to tuck the cable in.

On the a piller there is a little cap with airbag written on it. That pops out, behind it is a torx screw, remove the screw and then you can gently tuck the wire behind the trim before clipping it back, putting the screw back and popping the little cover back on. You do not need to completely remove the trim.

Regarding dash cam, mine is a Nextbase 402g pro.

[B5NUT]

be careful running the cable down the A-pillar the airbag system is behind that trim and you don't want the power cable trapping the airbag if it goes off.

[wildbore]

... behind it is a torx screw....

How on earth did I miss that?? Many thanks.

[andybanksuk]

I would like to know this also. Another question to the op is what dash cam have you got? Im looking at a few but not sure which to get?

I've got a Mio MiVue 658. Quality is great and there are manufacturer returns on eBay for £100.


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[nevbadger99]

I used a trim tool to pull the headlining down just enough to tuck the cable in.

On the a piller there is a little cap with airbag written on it. That pops out, behind it is a torx screw, remove the screw and then you can gently tuck the wire behind the trim before clipping it back, putting the screw back and popping the little cover back on. You do not need to completely remove the trim.

Top tip, thanks, I have been looking at that pillar in traffic jams for weeks trying to work out a better way of doing it!

[JannerAudi]

I never managed to get my A-pillar trim off, which would have made the whole job easier and neater. If anyone knows how to remove the A-pillar trim, that would be great information.

When you run your cable, be extremely careful not to run the cable across the top of the A-pillar trim (which it is tempting to do as that is an easy route from the front lip of the headlining down to the fuse box at the base of the A-pillar). There is an airbag mounted in the A-pillar that goes right up and over to the grab handle; tucking the cable into the top of the A-pillar effectively puts the cable over the top of the airbag, which will then either not deploy properly or will rip the cable out of the headliner and throw it straight at you, neither of which are desirable outcomes.

For my cable, I followed the front of the headlining and then the leading edge of the A-pillar. I then could not get the cable back along the base of the A-pillar (where it meets the dashboard) so in the end I just let it run along the edge of the dashboard. It irritated me for a while but now I don't even notice it.

Until reading this I was quite pleased with the way I had routed the 4 metre Nextbase extension lead I bought from Halfords. In the accompanying photograph I have drawn a blue line to represent the route of my cable (tucked behind the trim) and the red ellipse indicates the region across the top of the "A" pillar trim that I believe you are saying the cable should not pass. Could you confirm that this is the case. I continue the cable along the top of the drivers door behind the seal and across the top of the "B" pillar trim, across the top of the rear door behind the seal and into the boot 12V. socket.

I could try re-routing the cable down the leading edge of the "A" pillar and along the bottom of the doors and into the boot but I suspect my 4 Metre lead would not be long enough.

31517

[wildbore]

Sorry - that cable is passing right in front of the air bag.

Why take the power from the boot for a front-facing camera? There is power available at both sides of the dash from the fuse boards. From memory, left side is all ignition-switched power and right side is all permanent 12V. Got to go to a meeting, but I will post a couple of links to bits to buy from ebay to make this an easy install for power from the fuse boards, if that is helpful.

[wildbore]

I used two of these:
2 x Add A Circuit Piggy Back Fuse Tap Mini Blade Fuse Holder ATM ATP 12V | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-Add-A-Circuit-Piggy-Back-Fuse-Tap-Mini-Blade-Fuse-Holder-ATM-ATP-12V-/262247697355?hash=item3d0f2e4bcb:g:vpIAAOSwd4tT8HM h)

to power my camera. One in each fuse box - one provided 12V power off the ignition and the other provided permanent 12V as I have my camera set up to record in parking mode, too.

[silky6053]

Wildbore. I've used the same route as JannerAudi for my dash cam power cable - across the top of the A pillar and down to the right hand fuse via the door seal rubber. That seemed to be the easiest and neatest route. Is there a better way? Perhaps down the windscreen front edge of the A pillar and then across the right hand edge of the dash to the fuse box?
Thanks.

[silky6053]

Sorry. Just re-read your earlier post where you explain.

[JannerAudi]

Sorry - that cable is passing right in front of the air bag.

Why take the power from the boot for a front-facing camera? There is power available at both sides of the dash from the fuse boards. From memory, left side is all ignition-switched power and right side is all permanent 12V.

Thing is I am no electrician but I can plug and play hence extension lead to the boot socket.

Yes any further advice on how to connect direct to the fuse board would be helpful along with the parts required to make the connections. What also would be helpful is photos of your installation showing cable routing and connection to fuse board.

Thanks, Janner

[andybanksuk]

So, I managed to run my cable across the top of the windscreen towards the passenger. I the loosened the trim down the a-pillar but this only allows the cable to be tucked in until about 3/4 down the pillar.

Can this trim be fully removed, or has anyone got any ideas for hiding the cable at the bottom of the pillar?

For anyone interested, I'm running the cable almost full concealed along the top of the window, down the a-pillar, down the left of the dash, under the glove box and then under the trim down the drive shaft to the arm rest.

If I can conceal the bit shown in this photo then it's 100% concealed and away from the airbag.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160911/72d7bf4386d6f7e132bbb0696c9e358d.jpg


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[wildbore]

That's close to what I have currently - although I did get the cable all the way to the bottom of the A-pillar before it "broke cover" and then I go it tucked into the dash at the door opening, so it's a little neater than that.

Earlier in the thread, a post tells you how to remove the A-pillar trim. As soon as I get the chance (probably not for a couple of weeks) I am going to pop the A-pillar trim off and hopefully conceal the cable right down to the fuse box. I will take some note and pics and post back here.

[Alex jb]

I routed like andybanks, I did get it tucked all the way in by using a set of 99p trim tools from eBay.



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[soft]

Until reading this I was quite pleased with the way I had routed the 4 metre Nextbase extension lead I bought from Halfords. In the accompanying photograph I have drawn a blue line to represent the route of my cable (tucked behind the trim) and the red ellipse indicates the region across the top of the "A" pillar trim that I believe you are saying the cable should not pass. Could you confirm that this is the case. I continue the cable along the top of the drivers door behind the seal and across the top of the "B" pillar trim, across the top of the rear door behind the seal and into the boot 12V. socket.

I could try re-routing the cable down the leading edge of the "A" pillar and along the bottom of the doors and into the boot but I suspect my 4 Metre lead would not be long enough.

31517
Totaly of topic, how did you draw that blue line?, it looks so "hi-tec" :-)

[Alex jb]

That's not drawn, IMO it's the actual wire!


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[Alex jb]

Bottom you can't see
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160916/76ceaede2e5e7ccb27c66123c2523fb9.jpg

Top you can just about see the (black) wire
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160916/7c483c556f5fd313289991012c8fe218.jpg


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[soft]

That's not drawn, IMO it's the actual wire!


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"I have drawn a blue line to represent the route of my cable (tucked behind the trim) and the red ellipse indicates the region across the top of the "A" pillar trim"
thats why I thought it was drawn :-)

[Alex jb]

I'm a dumbass then, at least my fitting skills are better than my spotting skills!


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[Skezza]

I fitted a dashcam on a Lupo with ease, but whether it'll be quite as easy on the A4 I'll soon find out.

For those who aren't sure whether they're worth it though, I would thoroughly recommend fitting one, to every car your own (excluding any track motors obv). I've caught some very questionable antics on a dash cam, including someone who twice tried to reverse into me on a junction.... not saying they were trying to pull 'the shunt stunt' or crash for cash, but they flew off at about 85mph like some Lewis Hamilton clone after I peeped my horn. Odd for someone with 'poor' clutch technique or lacking in confidence eh?

[andybanksuk]

Bottom you can't see
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160916/76ceaede2e5e7ccb27c66123c2523fb9.jpg

Top you can just about see the (black) wire
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160916/7c483c556f5fd313289991012c8fe218.jpg


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Can you explain how you've route it around the bottom of the a pillar and over the dash? where have you plugged it in to?

The bottom of my a pillar trim doesn't feel flexible at all and there seems to be no space where the pillar meets the dash.

Thanks


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[JannerAudi]

That's not drawn, IMO it's the actual wire!

Not a real wire !! It's drawn using Adobe Illustrator. If routing the actual wire was as easy as drawing it with illustrator I could route it anywhere .... through a grommet into the headlining perhaps.... well maybe that's not such a good idea. See photo !!

31606

[Vrs_MAJ]

Bump....

[Akash]

Not sure what is being bumped but in my case, I have a thinkware front and rear cam with a hardwire kit
Front is next to the mirror on the left (passenger) but has good enough view albeit a little more on the left side.
Cable is routed across the top down the pillar and into the fuse box on the side. I used those plastic tools you remove panels from cars etc to insert the cable into the top + pillar and ran the rest behind the rubber door strip until it got to the bottom of the fusebox on the drivers side

No cables are shown for this one.

There is then another cable going from the front to the rear
This goes up and across the other side of the cam, down the pillar, across plastic covers/kick panels on the side of the doors all the way to the back, up the rear seat bench towards the rear side window, up that pillar and across to the rear cam.

Probably makes no sense explaining so I will try and take some pics

Only thing that I cant get working are the features on the camera such as lane assist because it's not central to the road. Same goes for the brake assist or whatever it's called because it's not central to the bonnet

[Vrs_MAJ]

Not sure what is being bumped but in my case, I have a thinkware front and rear cam with a hardwire kit
Front is next to the mirror on the left (passenger) but has good enough view albeit a little more on the left side.
Cable is routed across the top down the pillar and into the fuse box on the side. I used those plastic tools you remove panels from cars etc to insert the cable into the top + pillar and ran the rest behind the rubber door strip until it got to the bottom of the fusebox on the drivers side

No cables are shown for this one.

There is then another cable going from the front to the rear
This goes up and across the other side of the cam, down the pillar, across plastic covers/kick panels on the side of the doors all the way to the back, up the rear seat bench towards the rear side window, up that pillar and across to the rear cam.

Probably makes no sense explaining so I will try and take some pics

Only thing that I cant get working are the features on the camera such as lane assist because it's not central to the road. Same goes for the brake assist or whatever it's called because it's not central to the bonnet

Can you show me pictures of how you hard wired it into the fuse box. I have bought a next base cam and hard wire kit, would be nice to see you have don e this, I have also bought the piggy bank fuse too.

cheers maj

[Vrs_MAJ]

So I have finally fitted my dash cam, its a nextbase duo which is pretty cool if you ask me.

The pictures are as follows...


Behind the rear view mirror, the lens you can see is the rear camera
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc22/Rovermaj214i/Mobile%20Uploads/20161031_144444_zpsbzdexvi4.jpg (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/Rovermaj214i/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20161031_144444_zpsbzdexvi4.jpg.html)

From the outside of car
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc22/Rovermaj214i/Mobile%20Uploads/20161031_144413_zpsjkllczkp.jpg (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/Rovermaj214i/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20161031_144413_zpsjkllczkp.jpg.html)

Used a nextbase Hardwire kit from halfruads and tapped into the wipers fuse, so its constant live
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc22/Rovermaj214i/Mobile%20Uploads/20161009_145059_zpsh4md2ug2.jpg (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/Rovermaj214i/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20161009_145059_zpsh4md2ug2.jpg.html)

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc22/Rovermaj214i/Mobile%20Uploads/20161009_141937_zpsnbvyqyqh.jpg (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/Rovermaj214i/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20161009_141937_zpsnbvyqyqh.jpg.html)

Then ran the wire up the drivers side pillar. Really hard to pull off, so with a plastic tool and some force I tucked the wire behind the cover
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc22/Rovermaj214i/Mobile%20Uploads/20161009_141929_zpsjz670kg3.jpg (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/Rovermaj214i/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20161009_141929_zpsjz670kg3.jpg.html)

and finally this where i put it origanlly, really got in the way and became annoying lol
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc22/Rovermaj214i/Mobile%20Uploads/20161009_141923_zpsnzpqbrsz.jpg (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/Rovermaj214i/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20161009_141923_zpsnzpqbrsz.jpg.html)

And finally again The BEast

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc22/Rovermaj214i/Mobile%20Uploads/20160525_142041_zpsyidtjrfb.jpg (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/Rovermaj214i/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160525_142041_zpsyidtjrfb.jpg.html)

C+C welcome guys

regards
Maj

[El-Cap]

Good write up! Something I have considered doing. Looks fairly straight forward apart from the A pilar.


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[peter.metcalf72]

It's really easy the cable just tucks neatly behind the trims the only thing I did different is I plugged it into a switched fuse I didn't want it permanently on which could drain the battery


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[niedzial1983]

I did the same on my nextbase . Cabels just tucks in behind the trim. Hardwired to the heated windscreen jets http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161031/16accc07ebb2c85df98f9aefebaff487.jpg

2006 Audi A6 3.0TDI quattro sline le mans | Daytona Grey Pearl

[peter.metcalf72]

That's the same camera as mine nice little unit brilliant quality and I like that you can link to your phone to download media [emoji1303]


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[niedzial1983]

That's the same camera as mine nice little unit brilliant quality and I like that you can link to your phone to download media [emoji1303]


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Yep . Its really good with great quality picture and wifi. Software is also handy to review footage with gps location http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161031/2fa9b366b4e0522c627129fa62c3a726.jpg

2006 Audi A6 3.0TDI quattro sline le mans | Daytona Grey Pearl

[peter.metcalf72]

The only problem I have is I forget it's there and forget to take it out my worry is someone will pop a window to nab it


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[niedzial1983]

I used black marker pen to go over the white and chrome bits. Its beerly visible now

2006 Audi A6 3.0TDI quattro sline le mans | Daytona Grey Pearl

[peter.metcalf72]

That's a good idea


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[Alex jb]

I've seen some shabby rides with dash cams in these days, don't not think it's as likely to be stolen as satnavs were back when they were expensive and suction cupped to windscreens.


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[Vrs_MAJ]

Good write up! Something I have considered doing. Looks fairly straight forward apart from the A pilar.


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Thanks man,

Its soo strong I didnt want to end up snapping the clips lol, yea what PITA




It's really easy the cable just tucks neatly behind the trims the only thing I did different is I plugged it into a switched fuse I didn't want it permanently on which could drain the battery


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My nextbase has a feature where if the battery voltage drops then the camera will shut off


I did the same on my nextbase . Cabels just tucks in behind the trim. Hardwired to the heated windscreen jets http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161031/16accc07ebb2c85df98f9aefebaff487.jpg

2006 Audi A6 3.0TDI quattro sline le mans | Daytona Grey Pearl

YOU HAVE HEATED WINDSCREEN JETS!!??!?!?!
Also nice camera, how does the WiFi work??

[peter.metcalf72]

It has its own built in wifi you have to download an app so you can connect to the camera to download media from it, very useful instead of connecting to a computer, even though you can still do this.


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[niedzial1983]

Thanks man,

Its soo strong I didnt want to end up snapping the clips lol, yea what PITA





My nextbase has a feature where if the battery voltage drops then the camera will shut off



YOU HAVE HEATED WINDSCREEN JETS!!??!?!?!
Also nice camera, how does the WiFi work??
Yes mate, heated windscreen jets ! Thats how they look like

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161101/dfb22571cf140b033dfa4e15d0119000.jpg


Wifi is simple , you get an app on your phone , connect to camera and you can watch live, view recorded footage and download

2006 Audi A6 3.0TDI quattro sline le mans | Daytona Grey Pearl

[Vrs_MAJ]

Yes mate, heated windscreen jets ! Thats how they look like

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161101/dfb22571cf140b033dfa4e15d0119000.jpg


Wifi is simple , you get an app on your phone , connect to camera and you can watch live, view recorded footage and download

2006 Audi A6 3.0TDI quattro sline le mans | Daytona Grey Pearl

Damn should have got a wifi one then lol, How do I know if my car has heated washer jets, also how do I find what options my car has installed??

regards
Maj