OBD2 Port power supply for Dash Cam?

[Cwbyfan62]

All,
I think I found the Dash Cam I want.
They have an accessory to run power from the ODB2 port.
Is this a good choice? Are there any negative concerns?

This is an excellent option for me.
I'm fairly tech challenged.
Also somewhat physically challenged.
If I don't use this option, I would probably pay to have the power cord ran.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_1501253023/Garmin-Constant-Power-Cable.html

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[RangerVol]

That looks expensive.
I thought about going the ODB2 port for power for a dash cam.
You just would need to know the usb type plug the cam has
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RXTJK4...olid=1NF3RMG7CZAAI&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

[Trigganometry]

I run mine that way. Works really nicely. The parking mode stays on for a few days if I don’t use the truck and then shuts down when battery voltage gets to 11.9V

 

[Cwbyfan62]

That looks expensive.
I thought about going the ODB2 port for power for a dash cam.
You just would need to know the usb type plug the cam has
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RXTJK4...olid=1NF3RMG7CZAAI&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Sometimes it's better to pay a little more. This is an add-on to the camera I'm considering. Won't void any warranties or anything. Trusted manufacturer.

 

[AzScorpion]

Ive had mine like this for over a year and its worked out great. No adding extra batteries and no splicing into wires or tapping the fuse box, just plug and go.

 

[AzScorpion]

Here's the one I bought which is the same price as yours just a little different style. Mine has a male end that plugs into the dash cam.

https://www.blackboxmycar.com/collections/hardwiring-kit-clips-cables/products/iroad-power-obd-ii

 

[Sariandan]

The only issue I’d have with running power from the OBD2 port is it being disconnected while the vehicle is in for service. Look at the way some of these service techs abuse these vehicles. I think it was on here that it was posted where a guy had his dash cam footage of the tech doing a lot of wear to his clutch, because he didn’t know how to drive a stick.

 

[AzScorpion]

The only issue I’d have with running power from the OBD2 port is it being disconnected while the vehicle is in for service. Look at the way some of these service techs abuse these vehicles. I think it was on here that it was posted where a guy had his dash cam footage of the tech doing a lot of wear to his clutch, because he didn’t know how to drive a stick.

True but if they really wanted to they could just turn the dash cam off with the power button while it's there for service. Of course they'll just tell you they did it to help preserve the battery when we all know they didn't want themselves being recorded.

Plus now with all the delays a lot of dealers want your truck for a week just to look at it. Most cams have a low battery cut off which would most likely shut it down after a few days of sitting there.

 

[Sariandan]

True but if they really wanted to they could just turn the dash cam off with the power button while it's there for service. Of course they'll just tell you they did it to help preserve the battery when we all know they didn't want themselves being recorded.

Plus now with all the delays a lot of dealers want your truck for a week just to look at it. Most cams have a low battery cut off which would most likely shut it down after a few days of sitting there.

That is true, but you could also request that they leave it on. If your battery dies, they have the means to start your truck and charge the battery. Then, if you see them on footage turning it off, wonder what's up. But, plugged into the OBD2 port, it's a matter of course that they are going to d/c the camera to scan the truck (depending on what you brought it in for, of course).

This is just my feeling on the situation. I'm not saying using one of these is wrong. To each, his own.

 

[cfhgarza]

I have one of those in both my vehicles. Different brand though. They work great but I wish I could manually set the low voltage cutoff, mine shuts off at 11.8v which is too low for my liking.

That one you linked looks much nicer since it has a timer. I might replace mine with that.

 

[mk842766]

Why not use a mirror tap....no wires to run at all.....

 

[Cwbyfan62]

Why not use a mirror tap....no wires to run at all.....

For two reasons. I have no clue what or how. As I said, I'm somewhat tech challenged.
And second, my local Ford dealership where I take my truck for warranty service looks for reasons to not cover a repair. I have a feeling if I open my mirror or whatever they will find it as a reason not to cover any electrical or software issues.

 

[AzScorpion]

For two reasons. I have no clue what or how. As I said, I'm somewhat tech challenged.
And second, my local Ford dealership where I take my truck for warranty service looks for reasons to not cover a repair. I have a feeling if I open my mirror or whatever they will find it as a reason not to cover any electrical or software issues.

The OBD cable is super easy to instal. You don't even need to pry and plastic parts off just tuck it through the headliner, down the A pillar (trim tools do help) and over to the OBD port. I left a little slack at the end because I'll pull mine out of the port if I know it's going to be sitting for a while. No sense in recoding the garage wall. lol

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