For car owners looking to install a dashcam, understanding your vehicle’s power options is crucial. Many wonder about using the Obdii Port Under Your Dash as a power source. This port, primarily designed for diagnostics, can indeed be utilized, but with considerations for your car’s battery and electrical system. Let’s explore how to safely and effectively power your dashcam using the OBDII port and cigarette lighter options.
Locating Your OBDII Port
The OBDII port, or On-Board Diagnostics II port, is a standardized connector found in most modern vehicles. It’s typically located under your dash on the driver’s side. You might find it near the steering column, above the pedals, or within the glove compartment area. Its trapezoidal shape with multiple pins is quite distinctive.
OBDII Port vs. Cigarette Lighter for Dashcam Power
While the cigarette lighter socket is a readily available power source, often staying powered even when the engine is off, it might not always be the ideal solution for a permanently installed dashcam. If your cigarette lighter turns off with the ignition, you’ll need an alternative power source for parking surveillance mode. This is where the OBDII port comes into play.
However, directly wiring into your obdii port under your dash for constant power isn’t recommended. The OBDII port is designed for diagnostic tools and not intended for continuous power drain from accessories like dashcams. Drawing excessive power could potentially interfere with your vehicle’s computer systems or lead to battery drain.
Safe Dashcam Power Solutions
Instead of direct wiring, consider using OBD power adapters or cigarette lighter adapters specifically designed for dashcams. These adapters often incorporate safety features like low voltage cut-off switches. These switches are crucial because they automatically cut power to your dashcam if your car battery voltage drops below a certain level (e.g., 11.6 volts), preventing your battery from being completely drained, especially during parking mode operation.
For cigarette lighter connections, devices like the Koolatron “battery saver” adapter offer a convenient male-to-female adapter with a built-in low voltage cut-off. Simply plug this into your cigarette lighter, then connect a cigarette lighter to USB adapter for your dashcam.
If your cigarette lighter is only powered when the engine is running, OBD power supply adapters available online provide a safer way to tap into the OBDII port. Again, prioritize adapters with low voltage cut-off features.
Maintaining OBDII Port Accessibility
A key advantage of using adapter solutions is that they don’t permanently occupy your obdii port under your dash. When you need to use a diagnostic scanner, simply unplug the adapter and connect your scanner. These dashcam power solutions are designed to draw a safe amount of power, well within the OBDII port’s capabilities (typically up to 4 amps, while dashcams usually draw 2 amps or less).
Conclusion
Powering your dashcam via the obdii port under your dash or the cigarette lighter socket can be straightforward with the right approach. Using adapters with low voltage cut-off switches is essential for protecting your car battery and ensuring reliable dashcam operation, especially in parking surveillance mode. Remember to prioritize safety and avoid direct wiring to the OBDII port to maintain the integrity of your vehicle’s electrical system.
