Installing THINKWARE U3000 Dashcam

[rocktheroad]

Hi guys,

I got a THINKWARE U3000 dashcam, and I need to figure out how to install it. My version comes with a hardwiring kit, which requires wiring to the fusebox, both a continuous power fuse and an ACC power fuse. And the Ground should be easy to do.

However, @ToyoTech808 did something similar (Blackvue Install) and had a hard time taping to one fuse, and he was able to close the cover, but without the fuse box cover. I am afraid that I might not be able to close either by piggybacking on two fuses.

Is there any way I can use the power from the rearview mirror, as I don't have a digital rearview mirror or a Towing package, but I have TRD Off Road Premium trim?

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[Maximus4R]

I had constant, switched, and a ground up top in my ORP without the tow package. I removed the sunglasses holder for easy access. The Dongar is a good option too if you don’t feel like splicing.

 

[rocktheroad]

I opened up the rearview mirror cover, and there I saw blue and pink connectors. The pink one goes to the mirror. On my TRD ORP, I have an autodimming mirror with HomeLink, and it looks like only three pins are wired:

I would say that the first pin is ground, and the second is probably 12V ACC. Does anyone know what is 6th pin is?

I can't use Dongar kit as it has a USB output, I only have a proprietary hardwiring kit that has a weird DC-in plug.

Where did you find a constant power line?

 

[dclear]

I’m thinking about putting the same dashcam into my SR5. It looks like the DOME fuse tap in the passenger fuse box might be best bet for constant power. Though as you mentioned, closing it up properly might not be possible..

I’m rethinking my dashcam choice entirely because I’d rather just hook into the 5 pin roof connector with a dongar setup than deal with Thinkware’s proprietary nonsense. Having to tap or splice wires in a new car for a new dashcam in 2025 just feels wrong.

I have a multimeter so I might see about just hooking into the 5 pin directly.

This is what ChatGPT said for the pins so take it with a grain of salt..

1	Red or white	Constant 12V (BAT)
2	Green or pink	Switched 12V (ACC)
3	Black	Ground (GND)
4 & 5	Data / signal lines (mirror, cameras, etc.) not used

 

[rocktheroad]

I feel your pain, tampering with a brand new car really feels wrong. However, I like how U3000 functions, and the radar/parking mode, despite its flaws, fits well with my needs. The most important aspect for me was the aesthetics and non-intrusive appearance.

I have placed an order for these connectors, so hopefully, I will be able to create a piggyback adapter if they are compatible. I also focused on the dome connector, which appears to have exactly what I need. I'll keep you updated on my progress.

BTW, another challenge is mounting a rear camera, and I am thinking instead of going for a headliner clip mount to mount on the back door frame... just have to figure out cable routing. I simply know that I would hit that thing all the time if it stuck to the headliner in the trunk.

 

[James Cole]

Where are you guys getting these connectors?

 

[rocktheroad]

I can share where I ordered those, not so sure that I will get them, though I'll share my findings once I get them, if you are impatient and want to risk, PM me - not sure if sharing links is allowed

 

[dclear]

This guy has it all figured out for the 4th gen Tacoma. He uses the 5 pin roof top connector without a dongar and gets constant power.

https://www.tacoma4g.com/forum/threads/dashcam-hardwire-w-o-fuse-box-almost-as-easy-as-dongar.9910/

Using the connectors will make it a much cleaner too. You can get them pre wired which I highly recommend. You won’t have to deal with crimping or creating pins.. female is all you need.
They’re called “6098-3802 90980-12365”

 

[TrdProGirl84]

I paid $150 to hsvd my dash cam hardwired

 

[rocktheroad]

This guy has it all figured out for the 4th gen Tacoma. He uses the 5 pin roof top connector without a dongar and gets constant power.

https://www.tacoma4g.com/forum/threads/dashcam-hardwire-w-o-fuse-box-almost-as-easy-as-dongar.9910/

Using the connectors will make it a much cleaner too. You can get them pre wired which I highly recommend. You won’t have to deal with crimping or creating pins.. female is all you need.
They’re called “6098-3802 90980-12365”

I did it! Can confirm this works! I got mine from here:

5Pin Connector Unsealed 0.7mm Male Female Connector Automobile Wiring Harness Sensor Cable Socket for Toyota 6098-3802 6098-3810

I picked up three pairs of connectors because I wasn’t sure if I wanted to make a piggyback connector or just plug them in directly. My first try didn’t go well, as I attempted to clamp the wire to the pins with pliers, but the wire was too thick. I couldn’t get the pins to go all the way into the 5-pin connector.

After that, I decided to get a crimping tool. I wasn't really sure what to buy, so I went for one with seven different types of dies. That did the trick, but again I had to push the pin further with thin, precise flat screwdriver. Here is the crimping die that worked, smallest 0.5mm (20 AWG)

And here is what it looks like:

Yellow -> Red = 12VDC constant
White -> Yellow = 12VDC ACC,
Black/White -> Black = ground

The Thinkware wire is pretty long, so I had to tie it up. It fits really well in that metal compartment above the dome lights. That is the one with four holes (you can see three of them in the next photo).

There’s a good amount of space between the headliner and the roof since I don’t have a sunroof. I was a bit worried about how to deal with the extra wire, but I ended up tucking it in there, and it fits pretty snug.

I ran the black dashcam wire along the existing wires over to the passenger side. The fixed wires attached to the headliner aren't really causing any problems, actually, they helped me to anchor my wire. I put the heat protector and base plate over the dotted part of the windshield, so the camera sits right underneath that area.

I had to put on a polarizing filter because the glare was pretty bad without it. Especially with all the shiny stuff, if you have dashboard storage.

I’m really happy with how everything looks so far. In the next few days, I’ll check out how it records and see if it’s worth keeping. If it is, I’ll tackle the rear camera installation. That’ll be a bit tricky since I’m not a fan of having anything hanging down from the headliner.

 

[goodem]

I paid $150 to hsvd my dash cam hardwired

Oof

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