How to: Install dashcam in 4th gen

[LazSlate]

Here’s what ticks me off. My 2023 Timberline has cameras around the entire vehicle. Why in the heck wouldn’t they set up a dashcam using the cameras already on it?

Thought the same thing and the reason is car manufactures do not want to deal with the legal BS. Dashcams laws vary everywhere, could be an invasion of privacy in some circumstances, security issues. The list is endless.

There is ZERO benefit or profit to having factory dashcams and dozens of legal reasons not to even mess with it. Its simply not worth the headaches associated with these for the manufacturers. I agree.

 

[garlicbreath]

This was a great write up, and it helped me install my dashcam on my new 2024 Expy. I went with the Redtiger F7N-PLUS with the optional hardwire kit. Took about 3 hours start to finish.

 

[LegalBrief]

Fitxcam installs in less then 5m, not noticeable at all. Uses existing wiring. I highly recommend

https://fitcamx.com/collections/for...h-cam-for-ford-lincoln?variant=42747282325676

Does show a bit of the hood, but has 4k resolution.

 

[KFordEx8]

Fitxcam installs in less then 5m, not noticeable at all. Uses existing wiring. I highly recommend

https://fitcamx.com/collections/for...h-cam-for-ford-lincoln?variant=42747282325676

Does show a bit of the hood, but has 4k resolution.

Only see for 2023 model year. Does it work for 2018-2022?

I have one of these in our other car. It blends in extremely well.

 

[glockmeister]

Wondering the same, if it will fit my 2019. I emailed them and will post when they reply.

 

[glockmeister]

Emailed with the Fitcam people. Camera will work on older models IF your mirror is held on with a screw that would mount the camera. Also, for power, if you have rain sensing wipers you can wire to the mirror with a small "Y" adopter. Otherwise, you would need to run wires to fuse block for power.

 

[Benztech]

Just installed a new dash cam on our new to us expedition. Thanks for the how to.

 

[gbobcat]

Thanks for this writeup! Very helpful to see how you've done it. I just completed the wiring for the front camera.

Remove the rubber door gasket from the top of the front and rear door and run the wire along there being careful not to put it where it will interfere with the airbags. Once you're past the doors tuck it into the headliner till you get to the rear lift gate.

Can anyone share how they did this without interfering with the airbags? Is it enough to just tuck the cable in right at the top of the plastic piece where it meets the headliner on the pillar? Any other spots to watch out for? Thanks!

 

[Ugh_J]

Can anyone share how they did this without interfering with the airbags? Is it enough to just tuck the cable in right at the top of the plastic piece where it meets the headliner on the pillar? Any other spots to watch out for? Thanks!

I just made sure to run mine behind the airbag. I think I zip-tied it to the moon roof drain tube if I recall correctly.

 

[Benztech]

I also ran mine behind the airbags (front and rear dash cam). I bought a fish tape. Made it much easier. I would suggest using the flat kind instead of rods if you use one.

 

[aksarben]

Thanks to @Kered and @phil2045 both for your posts. I had been struggling trying to find how to power the hardwire kit for my EXPY and with your posts and pictures I was finally successful. Find the ground was most difficult for me, just couldn't find anything in the area indicated by Kered's picture.

I had already installed my rear cam and went a totally different route than either Kered or phil2045 for the wire. I worked backwards once the camera was installed with the glass door open and used the plastic wire clips that cam with the hard wire kit to lay the wire inside the big cavernous area that exists when just the glass is open. Then I shut the glass and opened the whole tailgate and continued to work backwards to the interior plastic and headliner. It's not nearly as hidden as Kered's install but it works really well whether you open the whole tailgate or just the glass.

 

[CEverton]

Thanks to @Kered and @phil2045 both for your posts. I had been struggling trying to find how to power the hardwire kit for my EXPY and with your posts and pictures I was finally successful. Find the ground was most difficult for me, just couldn't find anything in the area indicated by Kered's picture.

I had already installed my rear cam and went a totally different route than either Kered or phil2045 for the wire. I worked backwards once the camera was installed with the glass door open and used the plastic wire clips that cam with the hard wire kit to lay the wire inside the big cavernous area that exists when just the glass is open. Then I shut the glass and opened the whole tailgate and continued to work backwards to the interior plastic and headliner. It's not nearly as hidden as Kered's install but it works really well whether you open the whole tailgate or just the glass.

Do you have any photos of the path you ran? I was eye balling working backwards today as well.

 

[axegrynder]

Bumping this thread. Very helpful for installing my dash cam, but I'm stuck on the step below. I can't figure out a way to get the rear cam cable through that conduit. Any suggestions or tips?

 

[HILLY]

Bumping this thread. Very helpful for installing my dash cam, but I'm stuck on the step below. I can't figure out a way to get the rear cam cable through that conduit. Any suggestions or tips?
View attachment 85943

If you haven't already, unplug the grommet from the both ends of the conduit. If you can't massage it in from there, take an object like fish wire and carefully pull it through. It'll work. I did mine over xmas break last year when it was a bit cold, but still managed.

 

[gbobcat]

If you haven't already, unplug the grommet from the both ends of the conduit. If you can't massage it in from there, take an object like fish wire and carefully pull it through. It'll work. I did mine over xmas break last year when it was a bit cold, but still managed.

This is it. The grommet has tabs on four sides and is a bit of a pain. I used a zip tie as a fishing tool to help guide the wire through. I don’t remember if I started under or over the wires on the right, but one way definitely felt better than the other when pulling/massaging

 

[HILLY]

This is it. The grommet has tabs on four sides and is a bit of a pain. I used a zip tie as a fishing tool to help guide the wire through. I don’t remember if I started under or over the wires on the right, but one way definitely felt better than the other when pulling/massaging

The zip tie trick is also a good call out.

A little grease also helps when shoving it in...

 

[newyorkistansux]

I just figured out the original fuse goes on the bottom and a new fuse goes on top.

Thanks for posting this.
I noticed something about your fuse taps. Can't really tell from the angle if you have both fuses installed.
If you do, then the OEM fuse should be in the inner slot.

View attachment 78382

 

[tominwi]

I'm in for the awesomeness of this thread and my own interest to add a dashcam in the near future.

 

[newyorkistansux]

I didn’t remove the passenger side plastic trim to get to the ground point tucked I there. I ran my ground up thru the fuse box area into the glove box area (removed the glove box with the two side tabs), tucked the ground cable into the existing cable holders, and attached it to the bare metal on the left side of the glove box area.

 

[AzteCypher]

Thanks for posting this. Made it easier to install our dash cam.