CLOSED: DashCam and OBD2 Adapter?

[ExplorerSTLine]

I have a 2025 Ford Explorer and would like to plug my DashCam into my OBD2. I have read that it is possible and found some on Amazon. Has anyone here used the OBD2 for power?

Thanks!

 

[Jeppo]

If you’re running the cable all the way to the OBD port, why not just hardwire it to the fuse block?

 

[ExplorerSTLine]

If you’re running the cable all the way to the OBD port, why not just hardwire it to the fuse block?

I won't have to worry about picking out a fuse, finding a good ground, etc. With the OBD Port - I just plug it in and if I want to disable it - just unplug it. I am so lazy...

 

[Combatvet]

Why not just run a mirror tap, so much easier.

https://blendmount.com/

 

[ExplorerSTLine]

Why not just run a mirror tap, so much easier.

https://blendmount.com/

I just don't have the nerve to try and remove the cover from the roof behind the mirror. I am afraid I will break something! Thanks for the suggestion though...

 

[Combatvet]

I just don't have the nerve to try and remove the cover from the roof behind the mirror. I am afraid I will break something! Thanks for the suggestion though...

It's so easy that even a caveman can do it. I've removed it 3 times, and have yet to break anything.

 

[ExplorerSTLine]

It's so easy that even a caveman can do it. I've removed it 3 times, and have yet to break anything.

Well...I put in a 2025+ ONLY Ford Explorer - Universal / Phone Mount - one of those "clips" pop'd out holding the trim in place and I still haven't found it! Thank goodness it wasn't needed to install the new mount since it replaced the trim. Unfortunately, I am not a "caveman" - just an old fart pushing 80! Thanks for the suggestion...

 

[Combatvet]

Damn your old, just kidding. As a younger fart pushing 60, I too am hesitant on doing some stuff on my own, hell installing a FENFAB intake was my limit. Find a whipper snapper to do it for you, I'm sure you can find someone in your area to help. The sounds the trim makes when removing it is a little disconcerting, but it'll give way eventually, trust me fingers on the outside edges, pull down briskly in one movement.

 

[ExplorerSTLine]

Damn your old, just kidding. As a younger fart pushing 60...

I picked up an OBD and it works great. Yea, I know - I'm a wimp! Thanks for all your suggestions. Have a great day.

 

[Rustofer]

I picked up an OBD and it works great. Yea, I know - I'm a wimp! Thanks for all your suggestions. Have a great day.

I used an OBD2 power cable on my new Aviator, and found that is was continuing to power the dashcam after the car was shut off. Thinkware brand (same as Ford uses as their "OEM" installation. The OBD2 adaptor had a switch built-in to choose Parking mode or not, and even with that switched off, I still had unacceptable power draw from the dashcam running overnight. It would start up for no apparent reason. The way I discovered it was on a very frosty morning, my windshield was defrosted where the dashcam was mounted. So I wired in an add-a-fuse, easy to do, and discarded the OBD2 cable. Parking mode may be fine if you drive every day, but I found being parked for a few days led to unacceptable battery drain.

 

[ExplorerSTLine]

I used an OBD2 power cable on my new Aviator, and found that is was continuing to power the dashcam after the car was shut off....

Thanks! I have a different OBD2 with Accessories and Stay On selection. I noticed the Accessories stayed on for 5 or so minutes after shutting off my ride (SEE: CUBBY STORAGE COMMENT BELOW). I also noticed while my interior lights shut off after a minute or so (after I left my car) BUT the Cubby Storage (center of console with USB connectors) remains on for about 5 minutes. That, is strange but I noticed that when I purchased my ride. Anyway - I have already had to replace my car battery once (yes - after a year my battery died - only problem I have had with my car) - so, I am very concerned about battery drain. After reading your find - I went ahead and removed the OBD connector and went back to the USB connector (with ON/OFF switch) to the Cubby Storage port. Until I build some confidence in the battery issue I had - I will just shut it off (via USB switch) when not using the car. Thanks for your reply.