How to Install a Front and Rear Dash Cam in Your Car

A front and rear dash cam can be installed neatly without turning the job into a major project. The key is to test everything first, choose sensible camera positions and keep every cable away from the driver's view, moving parts and vehicle safety equipment.

Safety note: If the job involves an airbag area, a fuse box, permanent power, a reversing-light circuit or drilling into the vehicle, use a qualified automotive electrician or professional installer. Vehicle layouts and product connections vary.

What you will need

• Front dash cam, rear camera and supplied mounts
• Supplied 12V car charger and rear-camera cable
• Compatible microSD card
• Plastic trim tool and clean microfibre cloth
• Rear-camera mounting screws, only if supplied and suitable for the mounting surface

The MCNE TA-122-01, for example, includes a front camera, rear camera, adhesive mount, 32GB card, power cable and car charger. Other models may use different mounts or connectors, so check the supplied instructions.

1. Test the system before installation

Insert the memory card with the camera switched off, connect the rear camera and plug the charger into the vehicle's 12V socket. Start the vehicle in a well-ventilated location and confirm that the front camera records, the rear view appears and the card is recognised.

Set the date and time now. Testing before hiding cables avoids removing trim again because of a loose connector or incompatible card.

2. Position the front camera

A common position is high on the windscreen near the rear-view mirror. The camera must not obstruct the driver's normal view, and the lens should look through an area cleaned by the windscreen wipers.

Hold the camera in place and check the live view before removing the adhesive backing. Avoid stickers, sensor housings, heavily tinted areas and large sections of dotted ceramic material. Clean and dry the glass, attach the mount firmly, then leave the final lens adjustment until the vehicle is on level ground.

3. Route the power cable safely

For a standard plug-in installation, the power cable normally follows the headliner edge, an appropriate trim route and the lower dashboard towards the 12V socket. Keep it away from pedals, steering parts, sharp edges, seat rails and moving trim.

Do not route a cable over an A-pillar or side-curtain airbag. Airbag positions differ between vehicles. If you cannot identify a safe route behind the trim, stop and use a professional installer. Use only a plastic trim tool and leave a small amount of slack at the camera without creating a hanging loop.

4. Install the rear camera

For an internal rear camera, a high central position on the rear window usually provides a balanced view. Check that the lens is not blocked by a brake-light housing, head restraint, demister connector or dark tint around the glass edge.

Hatchbacks, wagons and SUVs need enough controlled cable movement for the rear door to open without pulling or pinching the lead. Routing through a factory rubber wiring boot often requires trim removal and may be better handled professionally.

If the bracket uses screws, check behind the mounting surface before drilling. Do not drill where wiring, airbags, weather seals, trim clips or the vehicle body could be damaged.

5. Route the rear-camera cable

Connect the rear-camera cable to the front unit and work towards the rear of the vehicle. A safe route may follow the headliner edge or lower door-sill trim, depending on the vehicle. Keep the cable clear of airbags, seatbelt mechanisms, moving seats and wet areas.

Do not pull the cable tight or cut a proprietary camera cable. Secure excess cable where it cannot rattle or interfere with vehicle equipment.

6. Treat the reverse-trigger wire as optional

Some rear-camera systems include a thin trigger wire that can change the display to the rear view when reverse gear is selected. It is separate from the video connection and is not required for normal front-and-rear recording on every installation.

The TA-122-01 material shows a reverse-trigger connection to the reversing-light circuit. Modern vehicle lighting may be electronically controlled, so this connection should be identified and completed by a qualified automotive electrician. A camera view is an aid only and does not replace mirrors or direct observation.

7. Decide whether you need parking monitoring

A camera powered only from an accessory socket will usually switch off when that socket loses power. The TA-122-01 product information states that its 24-hour parking function requires an external power supply.

A compatible 3-wire hardwire kit may provide controlled parking power, but compatibility, fuse protection and low-voltage battery protection must be confirmed. Permanent wiring should be installed professionally. See Dash Cam Parking Monitoring Explained for more detail.

8. Adjust and test the recording

On level ground, aim the front camera mainly at the road with only a small amount of bonnet or dashboard visible. Aim the rear camera at the road behind rather than filling the frame with the parcel shelf, bumper or sky.

Take a short drive and review actual files from both cameras. Confirm that the horizon is level, the date and time are correct, the cables remain secure and the camera starts and stops as expected. Repeat the check after dark. Night results depend on the camera, clean glass, vehicle lights and available ambient light.

When professional installation is the better choice

Use a professional installer when cables must pass near airbags, through a moving hatch, into a fuse box or onto a reversing-light circuit. Professional help is also sensible if you cannot find a secure route without forcing trim.

Still choosing a system? Read How to Choose a Dash Cam in Australia, or explore MCNE Dash Cameras to compare current options. Features and installation requirements vary by model.