In this installation photo blog, we will address a few common challenges when installing a dash cam in a Lincoln Nautilus, such as how to access the fuse panel and how to tidy up the cables and wires.
BlackboxMyCar | Dash Cam Installation: 2022 Lincoln Nautilus x Thinkware U1000 + Radar
Say hello to the Nautilus, Lincoln's mid-tier luxury SUV. Lincoln introduced the Nautilus as a replacement to the MKX for the 2019 model year and modernized the interior for 2021. Positioned just below the Aviator and Navigator, the Nautilus competes with other midsize luxury SUVs including the Lexus RX and the Cadillac XT5, and even the Genesis GV80, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE.
First Impression
The Nautilus got a massive interior upgrade last year, headlined by an enormous 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment display - the largest you’ll find in a Lincoln - positioned above the dashboard, within easy reach of eyes and fingers. Piano-key transmission controls line up in a row underneath the center air vents and above the center console.
Even though the Lincoln Nautilus is not a class leader in any area, it does a lot of things well - its standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine and its optional turbocharged V6 get class-competitive gas mileage on low-cost regular-grade fuel - a definite plus with the skyrocketing gas prices we are seeing lately across the continent. It would’ve been better if the Nautilus is available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, like the Corsair.
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Dash Cam Hardwire Installation in a Lincoln Nautilus
1. Locating the Fuse Panel
We are not going to lie, the fuse panel in the Lincoln Nautilus is in an extremely hard-to-reach spot. It is located under the instrument panel to the left of the steering column, above where the brakes are.
There is almost no room to access the panel, as if Ford/Lincoln don’t want you want to access the fuse panel yourself. The only way to get to it is with a lot of patience and precision - it's not user-friendly but it's not mission impossible either. Try to feed your fingers through holes and spaces that aren’t big enough, ie. oddly shaped crevasses.
Important: Use your owner’s manual to help you determine the correct fuse slot to use.
Source: Ford Service
2. Mounting the Cameras (and hiding the cables)
The Nautilus has a big sensor centered at the top of the windshield and we had to mount the dash cam’s front camera underneath it. This placement ensures that the dahs cam doesn’t interfer with the sensor, but unfortunately, there is no way to fully conceal all the cables. We routed the wires up and around the sensor before proceeding to the side of the vehicle.
We placed the RADAR module on the other side of the sensor. Luckily the cable for the RADAR module was thin enough to tuck under the headliner.
You can pop the sensor panel off, but we didn't want to risk tampering with the many sensors underneath.
The rear camera wiring placement was pretty standard: behind the A-pillar, airbags, and all the other pillars and panels, through the back through the rubber grommet, up the hatch.
Tips for an easier installation
Did you know that Lincoln offers dash cams on their website?
Yes, it’s an older Thinkware Full HD camera and yes, you are significantly overpaying for what you get:
- Thinkware 1080p Full HD front camera
- Thinkware 720p HD rear or interior camera
- microSD card
- OBD Power cable
You can get that same setup (but with an upgraded rear camera, plus GPS antenna and CPL filter) at BlackboxMyCar at half that price!
For the same investment, you can get a top-of-the-line 4K UHD Cloud-ready dash cam bundle complete with a 2K QHD rear camera, a max. capacity memory card (plus a bonus card), an OBD power cable plus the advanced Radar parking module.
A word from BlackboxMyCar
Just because a new car is a huge investment doesn't mean you need to overspend on dash cams as well. Check out our website for all current deals and promotions. We welcome price-matching as well - after all, it only makes sense to be a wise consumer. If you’re planning to install a dash cam in your car, check out our Step-by-Step Dash Cam Installation Guide and our selection of installation accessories. If you ever need assistance, give us a call to talk to our dash cam specialists today!