VW Vortex - Volkswagen Forum banner

Power access for dash cam - from fuse box or from ceiling console?

4.7K views 17 replies 6 participants last post by  Ludachriss  
#1 ·
I want to install my dashcam in my 2018 Passat. When I researched this on my 2010 Jetta I was not able to find a suitable switched 12V+ in the light console in the ceiling. Is that also likely the case with the 2018 Passat?

I suppose what I'll be doing is installing it the car by tucking it into the A-pillar trim and windshield trim between the trim and the glass. I suppose a better way would be to remove the trim and route the wire under airbags, but I don't know how to remove that and I'm a little terrified of breaking some plastic slip that holds something in.

If people have suggestions please let me know.

thanks
Scott
 
#9 ·
Used to install electronics in cars back in the day and a somewhat stiff but flexible wire is used to fish the cable through. This way you can ensure you are routing close to other factory harnesses minimizing any rattle. I just use a heavy gauge wire that has the tip wrapped in interior cloth tape to prevent scratching. I use this method for routing the wire for ASR/ESC off wire to the ABS module as well.
 
#12 ·
Dash cam - fuse box

Hello all.
I see this thread was started much earlier this year and was hoping because it started in 2019, someone might be able to help or at least point me in the correct direction.
New to this forum but not forums. I tried searching all over and cannot find anything on what I need some help with. This isn't my first rodeo with dash cams, radar detectors, day/night mirrors, stereos... but this 2019 Passat is giving me headaches. My first VW, a company car, and hasn't really been a joy from the remote start issues to the easy open trunk, through the electrical issues and back to the amp that rattles the entire rear shelf and doesn't end with the endless rattles of the interior. But... I do like the looks of the car and the fuel economy.
So, I'd like to install my dash cam. That's it, just the dash cam. Easy job or so I thought. What fuse can I add it to and how do I know where it is?! I read that the locations might be different in different 2019 Passats? No fuse diagram anywhere? Not on the box cover. Not marked on the panel. Nothing in the Owner's manual. Nothing on-line or YouTube.
I'd like it to only turn on when the car is started and off when turned off. I know I can test each fuse but does anyone know which one it might be to save a little time?
I greatly appreciate any help.
 
#13 ·
Hello all.
I see this thread was started much earlier this year and was hoping because it started in 2019, someone might be able to help or at least point me in the correct direction.
New to this forum but not forums. I tried searching all over and cannot find anything on what I need some help with. This isn't my first rodeo with dash cams, radar detectors, day/night mirrors, stereos... but this 2019 Passat is giving me headaches. My first VW, a company car, and hasn't really been a joy from the remote start issues to the easy open trunk, through the electrical issues and back to the amp that rattles the entire rear shelf and doesn't end with the endless rattles of the interior. But... I do like the looks of the car and the fuel economy.
So, I'd like to install my dash cam. That's it, just the dash cam. Easy job or so I thought. What fuse can I add it to and how do I know where it is?! I read that the locations might be different in different 2019 Passats? No fuse diagram anywhere? Not on the box cover. Not marked on the panel. Nothing in the Owner's manual. Nothing on-line or YouTube.
I'd like it to only turn on when the car is started and off when turned off. I know I can test each fuse but does anyone know which one it might be to save a little time?
I greatly appreciate any help.
All you need it to purchase an "add a fuse" like you see above in yogibear's post and plug it into a switched fuse in the fusebox. You can find these on Amazon for example by searching for "12V Car Add-a-circuit Fuse TAP Adapter". If you dont know which fuses are switched or not, you can use one of these cheap tools to verify it. The process is ridiculously simple. Connect the tester to ground, turn the ignition off, and find a fuse that isnt powered. Then turn the ignition on and retest the same fuse to confirm it now powered. You'd be wise to avoid certain circuits like airbags and ECU for safety reasons. There are also postings of fuseboxes on the forums to tell you which is which (and yes, VW is a pain in the ass for not telling us these things).

If you wanted to get really clean on an install you could purchase the VW parts to add a circuit into your fuse box so you dont even see an add-a-fuse device. But I wont cover that here, although thats how I wire things in my Passat so the dash cam, for example, is on its own circuit.
 
#14 ·
Thank you for the reply DK2392.
Yes, I've done the add-a-circuit many times I was just hoping to speed things up by knowing what fuse was what. I have a test light and will do it that way. Airbag fuse? ECU fuse? Right. Glad VW labeled them on the cover and has a section in the Owner's book like every other manufacturer. I cannot find a single post on a fuse schematic or diagram for a 2019 Passat anywhere on any forum or website.
 
#15 ·
#17 ·
Yes, I did find those photos when I was searching for info first. Unfortunately it is nothing like my 2019. That is, the fuse location and size per slot. I've also read that VW doesn't have any set way of installing the fuse locations and technicians at the dealer have issues and must check individually if needed. Ridiculous.
I'll figure it out.