This photo blog will show how we installed a Thinkware Q1000-2CH in a Lexus NX350H. This installation took place at our office in Richmond, BC. Mention this and receive 15% off your next installation with us! You can book an installation with us here.
For this installation, we will be using the base hardwire kit, and if you’re installing into this vehicle yourself, we recommend the BlackboxMyCar Essential install kit. The BlackboxMyCar Essential Install Kit comes with a circuit tester, trim remover tool, and other handy tools to make the hardwiring and installation process more manageable.
Thinkware has released a slew of new features and updated software in its newest model, the Thinkware Q1000-2CH. It’s no surprise that this brand-new Lexus 2023 NX350H+ wanted the best out there to keep their vehicle in excellent condition. The Q1000 records in crisp 2k image quality on both the front and rear unit, with new Sony STARVIS image technology.
If you’re upgrading from previous Thinkware models, this model will use the exact same power cable. It will also use the same front/rear cable as the F800, and Q800 PRO models.
The first step is to decide where you want to install your dash cam. The ideal location is behind the rearview mirror, in the center of the windshield. This placement allows for a clear view of the road ahead without obstructing your view while driving. We recommend powering the camera temporarily with the cigarette lighter adapter and pairing the camera with your phone. Through the Thinkware Dash Cam link app, you can live-view the camera, which will feature horizontal and vertical mounting lines which you can use to find the ideal mounting position and viewing angle for your camera!
Once you have chosen the location, mount the dash cam onto the windshield using the provided adhesive mount. If you’re in a warmer climate, feel free to put on the heat shield before the adhesive mount! Make sure the camera is level and pointing straight ahead. You can adjust the angle of the camera later if needed.
For this installation, we mounted on the passenger side of the vehicle, right next to the rear-view mirror.
Connect the hardwire cable to the dash cam and route it along the headliner and down the A-pillar. Use the pry tool or a flathead screwdriver to remove the plastic trim pieces along the A-pillar. Be careful not to damage any of the wires or components while removing the trim pieces, and wire behind/around the airbag as needed.
For the Lexus NX350H, the fusebox is located on the driver’s side of the vehicle, down by the footwell. This means we wired across from the passenger side of the windshield, through the headliner, to the driver’s side A-pillar, and down the A-Pillar to the fusebox.
The base hardwiring cable for the Thinkware Q1000 is a 3-wire connection, with one for ACC(Ignition-based), one for constant, and one for a ground connection. Here, you’ll be using the circuit tester that came with your essential install package to test out different fuses to determine which will be ideal for each connection type. The ground connection point should be a clear unfinished metal connection, such as an existing bolt in the vehicle. This setup will allow the camera to power on when the vehicle is off of the constant connection, and the ignition connection will tell the camera when the vehicle turns off, and for the camera to go into parking mode.
Now that the cable is at the fusebox, we can focus on getting it connected!
The base hardwiring cable for the Thinkware Q1000 is a 3-wire connection, with one for ACC(Ignition-based), one for constant, and one for a ground connection. Here, you’ll be using the circuit tester that came with your essential install package to test out different fuses to determine which will be ideal for each connection type. The ground should be a clear unfinished metal connection, such as an existing bolt in the vehicle. This setup will allow the camera to power on when the vehicle is off of the constant connection, and the ignition connection will tell the camera when the vehicle turns off, and to go into parking mode.
Once we’ve determined an appropriate fuse, we can get to connecting it, either using the add-a-fuse kit included with your Essential Install Package, or you can wrap the hardwire kit around the legs of existing fuses in the fusebox.
Now, the front camera should be powering up properly! But we still need to get the rear camera in place.
Connect the rear camera cable to the front camera, and let’s get to work! We’ll route the cable along the headliner, past the A, B, and C pillars. Continue routing the cable up to the hinge opening of the rear liftgate This Lexus NX350H has a rubber grommet between the liftgate and the chassis of the vehicle; we’re going to wire through this. For easier access you may want to remove the back panel cover, normally this piece is a snap-in top cover, which will also make routing the wire easier. You can also tuck any excess wiring into the hinge hole on the right side, leaving a bit of slack for when the hinge when the door opens and closes. Now, we can fish the cable through the rubber grommet, and pull it out the other side.
Examine the liftgate for 1 or 2 hoses that connect to it and lightly press on them to determine which one has more flexibility to run the cable through before attempting to thread the wire.
You don't need a dash cam battery pack for parking mode recording. You can also hardwire the dash cam directly to the fuse panel or use the car's OBD port with an OBD power cable. However, using a battery pack is better for the overall health of your car battery as it eliminates any wear and tear caused by the continuous charging and discharging of the dash cam.
Same as the front camera, you’ll want to check the live-view of the rear camera before mounting, making sure it’s up and running, and using the positioning lines accordingly.
Before hitting the road, test the dash cam to make sure it's working properly. Turn on the car and check that the dash cam turns on automatically. If it doesn't turn on, check the power connections and make sure the dash cam is properly mounted.
Now that our cameras are installed, and the wires are well-kept, let's return to the fuse box to clean up the wires. You can use electrical tapes or cable clips to keep the cables bundled up, close them and put the cover back.
That's it! With these simple steps, you can easily install a Thinkware Q1000-2CH Dash Cam in your 2023 Lexus NX350h. The dash cam will provide you with peace of mind knowing that you have a reliable witness in case of any accidents or incidents on the road.
Planning on installing a dash cam in a different car? Check out our Step-by-Step Dash Cam Installation Guide and our selection of handy installation accessories. And if you ever need a hand during the installation process, just call us; our dash cam specialists are available to help!
Looking to have your dash cam professionally installed, we do offer installation services at our Richmond BC location. Book here.
Please see some of our other dash cam installations in the BlackboxMyCar Dash Cam Installation Gallery.
