Mach-E Dashcam and Sentry Mode Updates

[DaMeatMan]

I ended up going with the Vantrue N4 3 channel camera. It records the front, the interior, as well as the rear for a total of 3 cameras.

Here is the link if anyone is interested:
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B0861M2VXT?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_image

I also added the adhesive GPS mount, because it's more compact and less obtrusive, and it actually stays in place. Whereas suction cups always tend to fall during temperature extremes, which is super annoying and potentially dangerous.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B08K8NP6L1?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_image

I also added a dedicated lithium iron phosphate battery for the camera that will run this 3 channel setup for about 19 hours continuously after ignition has been turned off and your vehicle is parked. The battery itself tucks away nicely under the passenger seat with adhesive velcro to keep it from sliding around.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B06ZZ4W66R?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_image

I really didn't initially plan to spend this much money on a dash cam setup, but I also don't want to hold my breath for a sentry mode function that may or may not come from Ford. I think the tipping point for me was finding a small ding on my new ride that obviously came from my neighbors car door while parked in our underground condo parking lot. I couldn't exactly accuse them without evidence, and after spending so much on the vehicle, the camera setup is a small price to pay for peace of mind, especially if something happens again now that I know I can easily capture high definition footage even when the car is parked.

Sponsored

 

[SteveUk]

was it a tough job hiding the power wires?

 

[DaMeatMan]

was it a tough job hiding the power wires?

Not really. I just took my time with it and everything looks nice and professionally installed.

 

[SteveUk]

It looks professional. I dont think I could do that without ending up with some bits visible.

 

[MTNestr]

I installed the Thinkware U1000 2 Channel using a OBD Cable for power.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P5HW1JV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Everything works great except that the Dashcam is not getting power when the ignition is off or in accessory. The Dashcam does work in accessory when I use the cigarette lighter for power.

Should the OBD supply power with the ignition off?

 

[Untamed]

I had a similar problem in my BMW i3, but I got it resolved. The OBD2 port should be able to provide power even when the car is off and the doors are locked.
If this does not happen, check a couple of things:

1. Does the OBD2 port fuse receive voltage when the car is off?
2. Is it possible to activate parking mode in the dash camera settings?

Number 2 option worked for me with i3, but I haven't tested this on mach-e because i haven't got my car yet ?

 

[fayt349]

What I ordered is on the ford accessories web site as a Mach-E accessory. I will advise if I hit a wall.

Any update? I was thinking of ordering the dashcam from Ford using the rewards points but not sure if it's actually compatible with the Mach-E even though it says it is.

 

[louibluey]

I installed the Thinkware U1000 2 Channel using a OBD Cable for power.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P5HW1JV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Everything works great except that the Dashcam is not getting power when the ignition is off or in accessory. The Dashcam does work in accessory when I use the cigarette lighter for power.

Should the OBD supply power with the ignition off?

OBD should be always power on, I have been using this NOCO OBD plug with the end cut off for my 12V monitoring (data logging) projects since I realized that that the 12V accessory plugs turn off after some time:

https://www.amazon.com/NOCO-GC012-X...ld=1&keywords=obd2+noco&qid=1618938456&sr=8-2

I need to mount my old Thinkware U1000 as well. Tempted to use the mirror tap, possibly for the switched power, then just run another fused wired from the battery for the power always on. Been stalling until I get the 12V update that is supposed to do a better job monitoring and maintaining the 12V LVB battery. I know the Thinkware has the low voltage cutoff feature built in, still I want to make sure I don't end up with a flat LVB from the dashcam. I think parking mode may be okay once I get the dealer software/firmware update - TSB 21-2091 - 12-Volt Battery Becomes Discharged While The Vehicle Is Plugged In During the High Voltage Charging Process .

 

[MTNestr]

OBD should be always power on, I have been using this NOCO OBD plug with the end cut off for my 12V monitoring (data logging) projects since I realized that that the 12V accessory plugs turn off after some time:

https://www.amazon.com/NOCO-GC012-X...ld=1&keywords=obd2+noco&qid=1618938456&sr=8-2

I need to mount my old Thinkware U1000 as well. Tempted to use the mirror tap, possibly for the switched power, then just run another fused wired from the battery for the power always on. Been stalling until I get the 12V update that is supposed to do a better job monitoring and maintaining the 12V LVB battery. I know the Thinkware has the low voltage cutoff feature built in, still I want to make sure I don't end up with a flat LVB from the dashcam. I think parking mode may be okay once I get the dealer software/firmware update - TSB 21-2091 - 12-Volt Battery Becomes Discharged While The Vehicle Is Plugged In During the High Voltage Charging Process .

OBD should be always power on, I have been using this NOCO OBD plug with the end cut off for my 12V monitoring (data logging) projects since I realized that that the 12V accessory plugs turn off after some time:

https://www.amazon.com/NOCO-GC012-X...ld=1&keywords=obd2+noco&qid=1618938456&sr=8-2

I need to mount my old Thinkware U1000 as well. Tempted to use the mirror tap, possibly for the switched power, then just run another fused wired from the battery for the power always on. Been stalling until I get the 12V update that is supposed to do a better job monitoring and maintaining the 12V LVB battery. I know the Thinkware has the low voltage cutoff feature built in, still I want to make sure I don't end up with a flat LVB from the dashcam. I think parking mode may be okay once I get the dealer software/firmware update - TSB 21-2091 - 12-Volt Battery Becomes Discharged While The Vehicle Is Plugged In During the High Voltage Charging Process .

I’ve decided to hardwire my Thinkware U1000 directly to the interior fusebox once I get my fuse taps from Amazon. The fuse box is easy to access and there are several unused slots in the fuse box.

 

[louibluey]

I’ve decided to hardwire my Thinkware U1000 directly to the interior fusebox once I get my fuse taps from Amazon. The fuse box is easy to access and there are several unused slots in the fuse box.

That's a good option too. It is a very strange fuse box, only easily accessible with the frunk bin entirely out. I keep meaning to post pictures of the different layers that come apart, it is a very unusual fuse box. Maybe someone will post some, or I will see what I can sort out now.

found the fuse box snapshots, here is a tour of the LVB fuse under the hood 12V Fuse Box a.k.a. the battery junction box (BJB).

So the tough part for DIY connections, including fuse taps is that +12V from the battery is provided to the fuse panel, by that one very large leaf contact in the upper corner (comes open when you open the fuse panel). Then, all the +12V distribution is out those multi pin connectors. The fuse panel can be removed by taking off the two multi pin connectors. But, with fuse taps and wires (IF the box will still close with fuse taps), then the fuse panel becomes tethered to the car by the add on wires.

Here is to open box, the large leaf contact is upper right in the picture:

 

[louibluey]

Another fuse panel - Tutorial for Hardwiring a Dashcam and Radar Detector

@MachDoc , nice job!

 

[MachDoc]

Another fuse panel - Tutorial for Hardwiring a Dashcam and Radar Detector

@MachDoc , nice job!

Thanks! It was a blast!

 

[crownmountain]

Any update? I was thinking of ordering the dashcam from Ford using the rewards points but not sure if it's actually compatible with the Mach-E even though it says it is.

The dealer service department is slammed and cannot get in until May 10th. Since dealers are running out of new cars folks are getting what they have fixed.

 

[fayt349]

Each day I go without a dashcam feature is a day where I could get hit and not have evidence

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

Each day I go without a dashcam feature is a day where I could get hit and not have evidence

If you're waiting on Ford to enable that feature, you might have a long wait. As a person with no inside information, my guess is there are quite a few other current and planned features they want to debug, improve and add before they implement the Ford "Watchman System."

So what's preventing you or causing you concern, if any, about an aftermarket solution?

Sponsored