This photo blog will show how we installed a Thinkware U1000 4K 2-Channel dash cam 2021 Hyundai Elantra. If you're considering installing a dash cam, we recommend the Blackbox MyCar Essential Install Kit. The BlackboxMyCar Essential Install Kit comes with a circuit tester, trim remover tool, and other handy tools to make the project more manageable.
One of the common questions when it comes to hardwiring a dash cam in the Hyundai vehicle is, how to route the wires, how to pop open the A pillar and what is a good ground bolt to use. We will do our best to answer all your questions in this installation blog.
We installed a Thinkware U1000 dash cam into a 2021 Hyundai Elantra..
Before installing a dash cam in any car, check how far the wiper goes because if you mount the front-facing camera above the wiper's reach, it will not have a clear vision. You want to make sure you are mounting the dash cam in a spot so you can always get a clear windscreen in front of it. This also applies to the rear dash cam if wipers are on your back windshield.
Next, clean the windshield from the inside of the car to ensure the camera sticks properly and to clean off any marks or smears that might affect the video quality of your footage.
For this installation, we placed the Thinkware U1000 behind the rearview mirror.
We always recommend selecting fuse slots that are rated between 10A-30A in order to properly provide enough power to your dash cam. Always refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual to avoid fuse slots that could pertain to certain safety features within your vehicle.
For this installation, we are hardwiring the Thinkware U1000 to the vehicle’s fuse box, located in the driver’s side footwell. If you don't need parking mode capabilities, you can opt for a more straightforward installation using the 12V power cable and your vehicle's cigarette power socket.
Thinkware's hardwire kit is a 3-wire cable. Connect the red wire (the ACC wire) to a constant fuse (12V power), and the yellow wire (the Battery wire) to an ignition switch (12V source). The black wire with the C-shaped connector is the ground wire, which should be grounded to an unpainted metal bolt or stud in the vehicle.
Use the circuit testing in the BlackboxMyCar Essential Install Package to help you find a suitable continuous power fuse for the red/ACC wire, and a ignition fuse for the yellow. You can look for the empty fuse slots or ones you can piggyback off using the add-a-fuse kit included in the Essential Install Package. Always refer to the Fuses section in the vehicle's owner's manual to avoid fuse slots that could pertain to certain safety features within your car.
Can’ t find a good ground bolt? Take the side panel off to reveal the bolts inside. There should be a few for you to pick and choose.
You are not required to use the add-a-fuse when hardwiring your dash cam. You can simply wrap the wires around the leg of the fuse - wrap it numerous times so that the connection is tight and secure. However, by using add-a-fuses, you will turn one fuse slot in your fusebox into two for a cleaner install and added safety.
Prior to installation, check with your hardwire installation kit to see how many fuses you will need. If you are using the Thinkware, VIOFO, BlackVue, or FineVu hardwiring kit, you will need 2 fuses (one for constant and one for ACC). If you are using the Nextbase hardwiring kit, you only need 1 fuse, for the ACC wire.
Which add-a-fuse is right for my vehicle? That depends on the vehicle that you drive. You can either consult your vehicle owner's manual, Google the answer, or consult the dealership where you've previously purchased the vehicle. The BlackboxMyCar Essential Install Package comes with all 4 types of add-a-fuse (ATO, Mini Fuse, Low-Profile and the Micro 2)
For this 2021 Hyundai Elantra, we used the Micro 2 fuse taps.
You are not required to use the add-a-fuse when hardwiring your dash cam. You can simply wrap the wires around the leg of the fuse - wrap it numerous times so that the connection is tight and secure. However, by using add-a-fuses, you will turn one fuse slot in your fusebox into two for a cleaner install and added safety.
Prior to installation, check with your hardwire installation kit to see how many fuses you will need. If you are using the Thinkware, VIOFO, BlackVue, or FineVu hardwiring kit, you will need 2 fuses (one for constant and one for ACC). If you are using the Nextbase hardwiring kit, you only need 1 fuse, for the ACC wire.
Which add-a-fuse is right for my vehicle? That depends on the vehicle that you drive. You can either consult your vehicle owner's manual, Google the answer, or consult the dealership where you've previously purchased the vehicle. The BlackboxMyCar Essential Install Package comes with all 4 types of add-a-fuse (ATO, Mini Fuse, Low-Profile and the Micro 2)
For this 2021 Hyundai Elantra, we used the Micro 2 fuse taps.
Use the trim removal too to pull back the headliner trim gently to tuck in the cables.
Guide the power cable along the headliner and down the A-pillar on the driver’s side - it’s pretty straightforward; all you need to do is use the included prying tool to pry the headliner gently so there’s a gap just enough for the cable.
Use ziptie or cable clips at the corner of the headliner where the cable bends underneath the headliner - that’s going to keep the wiring in place in the A pillar and it keeps the wiring out of the way of the side airbags.
Take your time when popping open the A-pillar. Start by squeezing both sides of A pillar. Once it's popped, slide the trim removal tool underneath. You’re feeling for the tabs (or clips) inside the pillar - the A pillar will come out with minimal pulling while the tab is pressed. We recommend running the cables down the factory wiring harness. You don’t want to simply stuff the cable into the pillar because there’s an airbag inside the pillar and you don’t want to obstruct it.
Don't just run the cable under the rubber seal. Take the time to remove the B pillar cover or use a pry tool to carefully guide the cables under the trim.
Pick up the Thinkware U1000 rear camera connecting cable you have routed along the headliner with the power cable and run it along the A, B, and C pillars. Remember, don’t just stuff the cable under the rubber seal because it will create a little gap that might prevent the door from sealing properly - you will get wind noise, or worse, water can seep into the car. Take your time to guide the cable under the trim - remove the B pillar covers and use the pry tool to carefully tuck the cable underneath the panel covers.
When you get to the rear windshield, route the cable along the rear windshield headliner until you get to the rear camera. Plug the connecting cable into the rear camera and power on your car to turn on the dash cam.
Suppose you haven't done so, download and install the Thinkware Cloud app on your smartphone. Once your Thinkware U1000 is powered on, press the WiFi button on the front unit to switch it to Wi-Fi mode and then connect to the dash cam using the app to check the angle of the front and rear cameras and adjust as needed.
And there you have it, a Thinkware U1000 4K UHD Dual-Channel dashcam installed in a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The installation took under 2 hours, including routing the cables, and checking the front and back cameras using the mobile app viewer.
From the outside, looking in from the front of the vehicle, the U1000 blends in really well with the car. The U1000 rear camera is also very sleek and compact, small enough not to interfere with your visibility out the rear of the vehicle. And from the outside, looking in, it’s virtually invisible.
Planning on installing a dash cam in your 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.
Please see some of our other dash cam installations in the BlackboxMyCar Dash Cam Installation Gallery.
