Common Dash Cam Wiring Issues for
Lucid Vehicles

The fundamental issue is that many ACC circuits in Lucid vehicles are controlled by the keyless entry system, which energizes them if the key card, key fob, or connected smartphone is within range. While the range of Lucid’s keyless entry system is only about three feet around the vehicle, this is still a problem as dash cams require both a constant power connection and an accessory connection when hardwiring, while battery packs must only be hardwired to accessory power. This mainly applies to the ACC connections inside the internal fuse box, behind the glove compartment.

This accessory connection indicates to most cameras when to go into parking mode, a low-power state that draws power from the vehicle’s battery, monitoring the voltage so it doesn’t draw too much. If parking mode is not engaged, most cameras will not monitor the voltage and will draw significantly more power, potentially resulting in a dead car battery. For Battery Packs, the accessory connection instead is the only fuse it is wired to, and is used to communicate to the camera when to go into parking mode.

Many of Lucid’s ACC circuits are also delayed, continuing to operate for approximately 15 minutes after the key fob, key card, or connected smartphone goes out of range. Just like a BMW, Ford, or GM vehicle, they will get “tripped” and turned back on, thereby restarting the 15-minute countdown, whenever the keyless entry system is triggered again. This becomes an issue if you’re spending a considerable amount of time around or near the vehicle, without having it running or plugged in to charge, with one of these devices.

Consider an OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) power cable. While Lucid’s ACC fuses may be tied into the keyless entry system, the OBD port can still provide a properly switched power source. This method is often more convenient, eliminating the need for complex wiring, and can be accomplished relatively easily. OBD installation is an easy plug-and-play solution, which enables all the same features you get with hardwiring, including voltage monitoring. The most limiting factor is that OBD installation is only available for certain camera brands with OBD cables, such as Thinkware and FineVu. Learn more about OBD Power Installation here.

Consider a dash cam battery pack. Lucid vehicles have switched 12V cigarette sockets in their rear cargo areas, so you’ll have no problem installing a battery pack like our PowerCell 8 via the cigarette lighter adapter (CLA). The only drawback is that you may need an extended output cable for your dash cam as it’ll have to run from the rear of the vehicle to the front camera on your windshield. Aside from being another simple plug-and-play solution for parking mode, several perks come with using battery packs in your EV. Most electric and hybrid vehicles have much smaller 12V accessory batteries than their gas and diesel counterparts, meaning a hardwired or OBD-powered dash cam can only run in parking mode for a few hours before shutting off. A battery pack eliminates this issue by providing your dash cam with a dedicated power source for parking mode while removing all wear and tear on your accessory battery. Learn more about battery packs and EVs here.

While the following procedures can be done at home, provided you have the necessary skills, any mistakes can damage your electrical system, void your warranty, and leave your vehicle inoperable. If you are unsure of your technical abilities, we wholeheartedly recommend speaking to a professional. Any reputable auto electrician, particularly those familiar with EVs, should be able to complete the installation using these methods. Our in-house installers have completed installations into many vehicles doing so with no issues.

Your vehicle may have ACC connections in difficult-to-access fuse boxes. Wiring to these fuse boxes involves finding a suitable entry point to wire through, which often requires disassembly of the vehicle, such as behind panelling in the trunk. This will likely prove more difficult than splicing into existing wiring, but it is less invasive and maintains a preferable non-destructive approach.

Even if your vehicle doesn’t have any ACC fuses, ACC power still flows through the wiring in your vehicle, which can be spliced into. Splicing into existing wiring in a vehicle typically involves carefully cutting into the insulation of a wire in the vehicle's electrical system and then connecting another wire to it. It's important to identify the correct wires and use proper techniques to ensure a secure and reliable connection without causing damage to the vehicle's electrical system. That said, it’s important to note that splicing is a destructive process which may void your vehicle’s warranty. Options like T-taps can help with the process, and, and make it less intrusive.

Lastly, if you plan on getting a battery pack hardwired, consider having it set up with a relay. If your vehicle does not have any suitable ACC fuses for a battery pack installation, a relay setup interfaces with any non-essential ACC connection to act as a switch. It allows the battery pack to draw from a suitable constant connection only when the vehicle is running, acting as a countermeasure to protect your vehicle’s battery and electrical system. Depending on your vehicle, this may either be done with or without splicing.