I purchased a 2016 Sienna XLE and I wanted an easier way to install a dash cam than I had done on my previous car. Having a dashcam feels like an added level of insurance in case someone runs a red light and hits me for example or other random things happen that I want recorded...
So, here are some pictures of the install. The specialized parts I ordered really made the difference. It saved me from long wire runs and adding circuits or in-lines fuses. So far, I've had it installed for 2 months and it's been working very well. No problems. Also, this is my first post ,so if I break rules, or don't do this right.. Sorry, I'll fix it if needed. 0
First off, I got this camera (a while ago, I think they have a newer one now):
Rexing V1 2.4" LCD FHD 1080p 170° Wide Angle Dashboard Camera Recorder Car Dash Cam with G-Sensor, WDR, Loop Recording
https://www.amazon.com/Rexing-Dashboard-Recorder-G-Sensor-Recording/dp/B00X528FNE
Second, ordered these parts:
SimpleUSB Automotive 12V to USB Adapter & Micro USB cable combo
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AYS4JZ4/
StarTech Micro USB to Mini USB 2.0 Adapter F/M
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002O1S8IE/
Next, find the ACC power and Ground on the connector for the auto-dimming rear view mirror. On my car it's the blue wire for ACC and white wire/black stripe for ground. Note, the orange/redish wire is constant power. I used the ACC power wire because it is electrified when the car is on or in ACC mode and turns off when the power is off. The dashcam is designed mostly for that application. It receives power and starts recording immediately, then when it senses the power is off (the car is off), it shuts down safely because it has a small built-in battery/capacitor. It's really "set it and forget it" hands-free and I really like that. I only go to it if I need to save a file off it if something happened on the road.
So, use the tapping pins to tap into the connector.
Connect the wires together and test it out. It should be working already if you have made a good connection.
If all is well, mount it up there and you're good to go.
Note: I tidied up the wires later with zip ties/wire ties. I also moved the camera up a few inches higher on my windshield to hide it more behind the top tinting & black dots. (Of course, making sure the camera lens is facing through clear glass)
Here's how this camera works. Simply, it has about 5 hours of record time. It records 3 minutes loops which over lap slightly so as not to lose any data or frames. When the memory card is full, it automatically deletes the oldest loops first. It's all automatic. If you see something you want to save for later, you press the OK button and it saves that file and nearby files (+ and - 3 minutes) onto a special folder on the memory card which will be saved and not overwritten. If you're in an accident, and cannot hit the button, a G sensor will detect that jolt and automatically do it for you. There's an add-on GPS sensor and rearview sensor that I may add in the future. For now, it works great for my needs.
Basically, I spent enough time on
https://www.reddit.com/r/roadcam to realize I want a dashcam!!
I bet you could use these parts for other applications. Phone chargers, radar detectors, etc.. I appreciate how these car forums have helped me in the past, so I figured it's time to contribute. Good luck!