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I just installed the Toyota OEM dashcam this morning, and for something so straightforward, it was actually a bit painful. You don't have to disconnect your battery actually. I definitely would if I were splicing any wires, but since you're just plugging one harness into another, there's no need to be so cautious IMO. My big issue was the paper template. If you line up the TSS cover, the line for the headliner lines up with the frits on the windshield (the painted black enamel) instead of the headliner. I didn't think much of it and proceeded to stick the baseplate where indicated, but as others have said, the very edge of the base plate adhesive ended up sticking to some of the template, which meant that when I removed the template, some of the paper stuck to the adhesive, which you could see from the outside. It looked very stupid. Popping the TSS cover off is easy, you can just put your fingers in the edge closest to the windshield and pull down. You don't have to disconnect the cover (I didn't). Passing the dashcam wire through the headliner and plugging into the blue harness is also easy.

However, when I slid the dashcam into the base plate, the position was wrong, so the harness protectors (the little hooks on back of the dashcam) were in front of the headliner instead of under it. I couldn't stand the thought of living with this moronic install so I took the dashcam off the baseplate and tried to remove the baseplate. That adhesive is strong, let me tell you. I had to use clear fishing line to get it off. Then I removed the adhesive and just used a few strips of Gorilla mounting tape and redid the install.

I actually have no idea how to be precise with the template without getting some paper stuck to the adhesive. I ended up eyeballing the camera position so I could mount the base plate without the template under it.

So there you have it, I hope I'm able to save a few of you from this misery. I hope your install goes better than mine did.
 
Just wanted to report back, followed the instructions posted here and installed the OEM dashcam. I went with it over the Fitcamx because it does have parking mode, the fitcamx uses power from the rearview and can't stay on when parked. Tested out the video and it looks fine, I was worried that not being 4k would be a problem, it's fine. Getting it lined up is fairly easy, I read what other said about the using the paper guide, it's more of a guide, once you know where to place the camera, you just make it look clean. I only needed one zip tie to out the cord out of the way in the overhead console. No idea what the sticky foam they give you is, maybe you wrap it around the cable so that it doesn't rattle, not sure, didn't use it. The install went fairly fast, pull the overhead panel down hard.

I didn't bother to disconnect the battery before doing everything. One thing I noticed is that sound doesn't record automatically, you need to turn the sound on if you want it recorded, which is weird but video always records. The instruction manual says the sound should be automatic so maybe I have a setting wrong.
 
Just wanted to report back, followed the instructions posted here and installed the OEM dashcam. I went with it over the Fitcamx because it does have parking mode, the fitcamx uses power from the rearview and can't stay on when parked. Tested out the video and it looks fine, I was worried that not being 4k would be a problem, it's fine. Getting it lined up is fairly easy, I read what other said about the using the paper guide, it's more of a guide, once you know where to place the camera, you just make it look clean. I only needed one zip tie to out the cord out of the way in the overhead console. No idea what the sticky foam they give you is, maybe you wrap it around the cable so that it doesn't rattle, not sure, didn't use it. The install went fairly fast, pull the overhead panel down hard.

I didn't bother to disconnect the battery before doing everything. One thing I noticed is that sound doesn't record automatically, you need to turn the sound on if you want it recorded, which is weird but video always records. The instruction manual says the sound should be automatic so maybe I have a setting wrong.

Nice!

The foam stickers are to wrap around the connector. I didn't know it either. However, same camera is used in Venza. It's instructions say it to wrap it around connector.

Abot the sound auto recording, you can set it to do so from app settings. I have it that way.
 
Nice!

The foam stickers are to wrap around the connector. I didn't know it either. However, same camera is used in Venza. It's instructions say it to wrap it around connector.

Abot the sound auto recording, you can set it to do so from app settings. I have it that way.
Thanks, I went into the app and found where to turn on the sound. Ok, makes sense about the foam, it's pretty snug in there and I don't hear a rattle so I don't need it. I was surprised how easy it was to install. Looking at the instructions, I was worried about the headliner and how to get the cable through it, there's not much to it.

The silliest thing about all this is, I wish Toyota would go the Tesla route and let you record through all the cameras. I have a platinum and it has video 360 and you can't record any of it, instead you have to install a boxy camera in front, just to get a recording.
 
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The silliest thing about all this is, I wish Toyota would go the Tesla route and let you record through all the cameras. I have a platinum and it has video 360 and you can't record any of it, instead you have to install a boxy camera in front, just to get a recording.
They got another $250 out of you and me. Why would they they give it up! ;).

Seriously though, I have the same question, and wish it was possible.
 
Anyone buy the Thinkware U1000 front and back? Any tips on a clean install?
I got the Redtiger F7N front and rear dash cam. It has similar features as the Thinkware U1000 but fit my budget much better. I didn’t hardwire it though. I just plug it into the outlet under the center console and tucked the wires across, up, and back to the middle to hide them. It was easy to install, and it works great so far. It would be nice to get it hard wired some day so I could have monitoring while parked, but I’m glad to have the camera rolling when I’m driving.
 
Genuine Toyota Integrated Dash Cam - Edited!

I received my Toyota Integrated Dash Cam that is depicted in the 2021 Sienna brochure - the Toyota Part # for the Cam: PT949-08210 the wiring harness IS NOT required for Sienna! I am not promoting this particular Cam, as has been discussed in this thread there are other Cams that are perhaps a better value with enhanced features/performance. But I wanted to get this info out there in case it might help others who are interested. I have not installed it yet, but have reviewed the installation instructions and it is easily within the means of a DIY installer to do in under 1 hour. IMHO a dealer should offer to install it for the cost of the cam - if part of a new vehicle sale. My dealer didn't even offer to sell it to me so I ordered it online.

Install / Consideration Points:
  • The wiring harness is plug n'play with factory supplied connectors (no cutting, splicing, etc.), the cam itself does NOT operate off a standard mini/micro USB interface - hence the wiring harness is required. Was hoping the harness might have a USB interface - and could be used stand-alone for others to install a non-Toyota Cam.
  • The wiring harness is robust, tape wrapped and double fused - of very high quality. PS: it uses 10 pin connectors NOT 12 pin that has been discussed earlier in this thread with respect to a Tacoma install. The Cam and Harness shares a fitment with Venza, but the harness is NOT REQUIRED for Sienna.
  • The Cam connector plugs directly into the blue connector indicated in the attached instructions. Which means there is likely an appropriate power source in the connector to wire in a USB adapter for those wanting to tap this for a non-Toyota cam - I don't have my Sienna to test with a volt meter to see what is there.
  • The install requires no specialized tools or wiring runs other than bundling the excess harness lengths, zip-tying them, and placing inside the headliner near map light and door switch console - pics in Stingray250's post #15.
  • The Cam housing itself is very well designed has a distinctive quality feel and heft, it has some built-in ventilation slots, and well marked buttons - it looks like a factory device.
  • The box the Cam comes in has a label affixed that says: "ATTENTION - the installation instructions for this accessory are on the electronic Toyota Information System (TIS). Please see your dealer for a copy." When requesting the copy indicate your installation is for a 2021 Sienna. It is an e-mailable PDF document with pictures.
  • The instructions do specify disconnecting the 12V battery prior to installing - not sure if this step is a "just in case", or if this effects a re-boot/initialization to setup communication with the Sienna and Cam, but I'll follow that part as it's easy to do and a reasonable precaution.
  • I have attached the install instructions PDF for reference to those interested.
  • Anyone have a need for a PT949-48210 wiring harness kit for a Venza install - LOL.
If I find any tips/tricks from the actual install - I'll try to share those back with this thread - but my install won't be until my Sienna arrives about the 5th of May.
Any idea how I can quickly disconnect my integrated dash am on Toyota sienna 2021. Thank you!
 
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