Dash cam query

Denno666

I have a Ford Ka and a few months back brought a dash cam. However, after several attempts I had to give up on using it, as it kept either blowing the cigarette lighter fuse or just not charging. I tried it in my dad's car and it worked fine, it was also ok when on charge at home. Does anybody know of any dash cams that definitely work in a Ka?

missile

What Dash cam were you using?
What is the rating of the cigarette lighter fuse?

Most draw very little current and should not overload a fuse, this would suggest a faulty short circuit in your dash cam.

However it works in your fathers car, which would suggest there is something wrong with your Ka.

Perhaps it is an intermittent fault with the dash cam?

thorganby

It is not the dash cam that is the problem here, so you don't need a new dash cam it is the socket fitted to the Ka. I sorted this problem for a friend by simply changing the cigarette lighter socket for a better quality one. The standard socket is not very good and if the plug is not inserted perfectly straight, the plug will short out and blow the fuse. A new socket is much cheaper than a new dash cam and this is the MSE way forward.

JP1978

You could hardwire it in.... not as daunting as it sounds.

All you need is access to the cars fuse box (sometimes below the steering column or by the glovebox) and a piggy back fuse,12v socket, 5a wire and a few connectors.

Took me about 15 minutes to do - frees up the normal 12 v socket for phone charging etc and keeps the wires from trailing across the dashboard - the idea been that you tuck it in the headlining and down the A-Pillar and then route to the fuse box. There is generally enough room to secure the new socket near the fuse board with cable ties etc and will likely be out of view.

Denno666

Thanks for the replies. I can't remember exactly what model dash cam it was but I got it off Amazon from a company called Old Shark. I contacted them about it and they sent a new cable to see if that made any difference, but no luck.

I'm going to have a look around to see if I can find a new socket and see if that works - fingers crossed!

missile

I believe the Ka has a USB socket, which you could use to power your Dash Cam.