Under normal conditions, a dash cam should not drain your car battery if it is installed and configured correctly.
In most cases, battery drain is caused by incorrect wiring or improper voltage protection settings.
Most dash cams connected via a hardwire kit (fuse box connection) or through the OBD port include a built-in battery protection system. This system continuously monitors your vehicle’s battery voltage and automatically shuts off the camera when the voltage drops below a user-defined threshold.
How Does Battery Protection Work?
When properly installed:
- The dash cam constantly monitors the vehicle’s battery voltage.
- Inside the camera settings, you can select a voltage cutoff level, such as:
12.0V, 11.8V, 11.6V, or 11.0V (varies by model).
- Once the battery voltage drops to the selected threshold, the camera will automatically power off to prevent excessive battery drain
If configured correctly, the camera should not fully discharge your battery.
Most Common Cause of Battery Drain
In most cases, the issue is caused by:
- Connecting wires to the wrong fuse slots
- Incorrectly wiring the ACC wire and the constant power (B+) wire
If the ACC wire is connected incorrectly, the dash cam may not detect when the vehicle is turned off. As a result, the camera may assume the engine is still running and continue operating normally—leading to continuous power draw and battery drain.
What Should You Check?
1. Verify correct wiring:
- ACC wire must be connected to a fuse that only receives power when the ignition is ON.
- BAT or B+ wire must be connected to a fuse with constant power (even when the vehicle is OFF).
- Ground wire must be securely attached to clean, bare metal on the vehicle chassis.
2. Check the voltage cutoff setting in the dash cam menu and ensure it is set to a safe level.
3. Review the installation manual specific to your dash cam model for the correct fuse connection diagram.
Important Note
If your vehicle battery is old or weak, it may drain faster than normal—even if the dash cam is installed correctly. In that case, it is recommended to test or replace the battery.