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Thread: 2015 mazda 3 (3rd Gen) - Got a dash cam as a present, not sure what to do.

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    Default 2015 mazda 3 (3rd Gen) - Got a dash cam as a present, not sure what to do.

    Hey guys,

    I've got a dash cam as a present which plugs in the power outlet via cord. The only power outlet I can see is located within the arm rest between driver and a passenger seats. Thus, if I install the cam on a dashboard or hook it to the front window, the cord will run across the half of cabin. I've also heard that this power outlet is always on, even when the car is turned off, which will require me plugging & unplugging the cam every time I turn on/off the car. Both problems are extremely inconvenient. I have two questions:

    1) are there any other outlets that I can connect the dash cam to in Gen3 Mazda 3?
    2) If not, Is there anything I can do about perpetually ON arm rest power outlet?

    It's a great cam and I like it a lot. I would like to keep it rather than bringing it back to the store. I hope there are some Gen 3 drivers who have successfully installed dash cams in their cars on this forum.

    Thanks

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    Laufeyson (06-04-2016)

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    Default Re: 2015 mazda 3 (3rd Gen) - Got a dash cam as a present, not sure what to do.

    Damn you photobucket.....

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    cwp_sedan (01-11-2016),Three (01-11-2016)

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    Default Re: 2015 mazda 3 (3rd Gen) - Got a dash cam as a present, not sure what to do.

    +1 to what Jeff said

    but if you are confident enough to do it yourself, its simple enough.

    there is a small fuse panel on the drivers side by your left foot. i put an add a fuse there to a fuse that only comes on when the car is on and added a cigarette lighter adapter from there and ran the wire up from there.

    took about 5 mins to do.

    i can take some pictures tonight if you want
    2004 mazda 3 GT Sedan Indigo Blue.

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    cwp_sedan (01-11-2016),FLIPDADY (01-11-2016),Three (01-11-2016)

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    Default Re: 2015 mazda 3 (3rd Gen) - Got a dash cam as a present, not sure what to do.

    Thanks Jeff and gabbygenier. It might be an easy job, but I am a sucker when it comes to working on the car, especially the new one. I think I'll go with LDS since they look to be cheaper than AH.

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    Default Re: 2015 mazda 3 (3rd Gen) - Got a dash cam as a present, not sure what to do.

    Had mine hardwired by Radioactive in Burlington for very cheap.
    2014 Mazda 3 Sport GT
    OEM Roof Rack | Tints | Gloss Black Vinyl Wrapped Roof and Side Mirrors | Dark Bronze Powder Coated OEM Rims | Yellow Fogs | Racing Beat Exhaust | Racing Beat Springs | Racing Beat FSB | Corksport SRI | Corksport RSB | Corksport FSTB | JL JX1000/1D | 2 JL 10TW3-D4

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    Default Re: 2015 mazda 3 (3rd Gen) - Got a dash cam as a present, not sure what to do.

    Got mine hardwired by Lockdown Security, no complaints/issues ever since.

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    Default Re: 2015 mazda 3 (3rd Gen) - Got a dash cam as a present, not sure what to do.

    Will hardwiring my dash cam/playing with the fuse box void my warranty?

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    Unclel88 (08-23-2016)

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    Default Re: 2015 mazda 3 (3rd Gen) - Got a dash cam as a present, not sure what to do.

    No...
    Modifications? I've forgotten more than I remember. Click here for the list.

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    Laufeyson (06-13-2016)

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    Default Re: 2015 mazda 3 (3rd Gen) - Got a dash cam as a present, not sure what to do.

    Buy an extender on amazon.

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    Default Re: 2015 mazda 3 (3rd Gen) - Got a dash cam as a present, not sure what to do.

    Quote Originally Posted by rockbottom View Post
    I hardwired mine on the fuse box on the driver side. I tapped the fuse block #7 with fuse tap (low-profile) which supplies the right amp of what my cam needed (so you need to check yours to know what block you can use).. You might need to buy a voltage converter if your cam doesn't use 12v, I believe that thing you plug into the lighter socket is an adapter for what ever your cam uses.. From the fuse box you can run the wire through dashboard up to the a-pillar onto the headliner and out to where ever you're placing your cam.. Fuse block #7 is for my moonroof switch so my cam is on only when my ACC/engine is..

    btw.. try to insulate your wire if you're running it through the headliner coz it gets very hot during summer, insulation of cheap wires might melt
    This is essentially what they did with mine at Audio Heaven. It works great!

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