Installing the Thinkware U3000 2-Channel via Hardwiring in a Jaguar F-Pace

Before we start, do note that the Thinkware U3000 comes standard with an OBD cable instead of a hardwire kit like previous models such as the Thinkware U1000. More importantly, the Thinkware U3000 uses a unique front and rear cable, which is incompatible with any previous Thinkware models. So if you wish to hardwire it, you must get a separate hardwiring kit.

Like any other installation, the first step is to decide where you want to mount your dash cam. For us, we try to place cameras as centred on the windshield as possible, while keeping the unit both accessible and out of the way. The ideal location is behind the rearview mirror, in the center of the windshield, off to the passenger side. It allows for a clear view of the road ahead without obstructing your view while driving.

Since this dash cam is screenless, we recommend powering the camera temporarily with the cigarette lighter adapter, then pairing the dash cam with your phone. Through the U3000’s dedicated Thinkware Dash Cam Link app, you can live-view from the camera, which will feature horizontal and vertical mounting lines that you can use to find the ideal mounting position and viewing angle for your camera. While the body of the U3000 is not adjustable for mounting the front plate can be rotated vertically, to best fit your windshield.

Once you have chosen the location, mount the dash cam onto the windshield using the provided adhesive mount. The Thinkware U3000 comes with a Heat Blocking Film in every package, so make sure to install this too for better protection from direct sunlight – although the U3000 is already a real winner for heat resistance! Then, make sure the camera is level and pointing straight ahead.

Now that your dash cam is mounted, let’s get it wired.

For the Jaguar F-Pace, the fusebox is located in the trunk on the passenger side. This means we wired across from the passenger side of the windshield, through the headliner, along the vehicle’s roofline, and down to the fusebox located in the trunk. You can use the pry tool or a flathead screwdriver covered in tape to remove the plastic trim pieces along the pillars.

European cars have really tight and rigid trims, so this could be one of the toughest challenges to encounter when hardwiring. But with the right tools (and patience), we’re sure you can do it. Just be careful not to damage any of the wires or components while removing the trim pieces, and wire behind/around the airbag as needed.

The hardwiring cable for the Thinkware U3000 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. The most common ignition connection our installers look for immediately is the Cigarette fuse. Cigarette fuses are normally very consistent in how they operate, and offer a clear way to test their powering parameters. However, for this Jaguar F-Pace, we noticed that it did not have a CLA fuse, so we had to thoroughly test other fuses for an ACC connection. Again, a little more patience!

Remember, the fuse tap that you choose is dependent on the car that you use, from ATO, Micro2, Low-Profile and Mini-Fuse. For this Jaguar F-Pace, it uses Mini Fuses. Do consult your user manual or vehicle fuse diagram to find which one is right for you, and also, make sure the fuse tap you’re adding is equal to or lower than the fuse tap you’ve chosen. We also advise you not to use any of the fuse slots used by any of your vehicle's critical components, such as the airbags and engine modules, for safety reasons.

And once you have 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 unit of the Thinkware U3000 should already be working, ready to give you that clear UHD footage. Still, we have to work on the rear camera for maximum coverage.

For this step, connect the rear camera cable to the front camera. 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. 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, leaving a bit of slack for 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.

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.

Of course, after the mounting and wiring, we want to test the dash cam to make sure it's working properly. Turn on the car engine and check if 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. Also, be sure to initialize the ADAS of your Thinkware U3000 once set up, which will need to be calibrated to your vehicle.

Finally, 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.

Now that everything is connected, and the main camera has been connected to our vehicle's fuse box - this means you’re all set to enjoy the convenience of having parking mode. Beyond front-and-rear protection, you can also make the most out of your dash cam experience - through whatever weather - with the BlackboxMyCar Safety Essential Kit. This new bundle from BlackboxMyCar includes all safety-must-have-accessories like the BlackboxMyCar Aqua Shield for better rain visibility, SmoothPress Vinyl Scraper for installing films with no bubbles (like the Aqua Shield and Heat Blocking Film, EdgeSight Mirrors to avoid blindspots, plus a Pencil Tire Gauge!