MyMomSaysIAmCool t1_iy5hm9b wrote
Reply to comment by popsicle_of_meat in Dashcam install to Subaru Legacy with hidden wires by Rick91981
Usually the mirror area has constant power for things like emergency buttons and map lights. And there's usually switched power up there as well, although sometimes it can behave oddly. For instance, my V60 has switched power that comes on when you unlock or open a door, and stays on until the car is off and locked, or off and unlocked for several minutes. That was perfect for my use, because it meant that I could start the camera just by unlocking the car. If a scenario ever came up where I wanted to record events in front of the car, I could just tap the unlock button.
_BindersFullOfWomen_ t1_iy5it92 wrote
Yep. When I installed my Valentine1 many years ago I used the passenger airbag light as the source wire. Was right there next to the mirror and it only had power when the key was in the ignition.
FullLegalUsername t1_iy85wh8 wrote
Chiming in for anyone who might see this. Please don’t tap power from the airbag circuit. Sending power or ground, even using a test light, on the wrong wire could cause your airbags to go off. Wires in yellow/orange plugs and loom are a no no.
Source: professional installer for 20+ years.
_BindersFullOfWomen_ t1_iy86jjs wrote
It wasn’t the airbag circuit though. It was just the light that tells you whether the airbag is enabled or not. Or are you saying that’s all part of the same circuit?
FullLegalUsername t1_iy87a97 wrote
I’m only saying to stay off of the airbag circuit in general, especially for a DIYer. I’m honestly not sure how the indicator circuit would be tied into the rest of the airbag circuit without seeing a schematic of the specific car, but I wouldn’t risk it. It’s like the number one rule in install bay.
_BindersFullOfWomen_ t1_iy87m1w wrote
That’s fair. I remember when I swapped out steering wheels; I was so paranoid I waited like 6 hours after disconnecting the battery.
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