Introduction
You've been trying to use your Dashcam, but it just doesn't seem to work. You've tried turning it on using the power button, checking if the wires are well connected(for the wired ones), and making sure it is positioned properly, but your dashcam is completely unresponsive. In this article, we will show you 4 troubleshooting tips to resolve the “dashcam not working issue”.
A lot of the time reasons a dashcam doesn’t work can range from extreme temperatures (too high or too low car temperature), power outage, or power connection failure to a damaged power cord or a faulty memory card. Before you give up on it or decide to take your driving recorder to the repair store, read the troubleshooting tips below to diagnose the problem and probably fix it.
Reasons Why Your Dash Cam Doesn't Work
1. Overheating and Temperature
Overheating and imbalanced temperatures can stop your dashcam from working. For instance, If it's hot outside and the driving recorder is placed directly towards where there is much sunlight, chances are it will overheat. Most dashcams are built with a lithium-ion battery.
Overheating can also happen if it is running too long(recording from all sides for long hours is an intensive function).
An important warning sign of overheating is when it feels hot to touch. Overheating is bad for your dashcam, it can damage internal components.
2. Memory Card Failure
A bad memory card may be the reason your dashcam is not functioning. Possible causes are:
- The memory card in the dashcam may have bad sectors or read/write errors.
- Sometimes after formatting a memory card, some dashcams don't recognize it.
- A memory card that has previously worked on another gadget may not work on a dashcam when inserted.
- The memory card capacity may be too small or large for the dashcam system.
- A physically damaged memory card cannot work in a driving recorder.
Note: a full storage capacity or corrupted memory card cannot work on a dashcam.
3. Wire and Cable Failure
For dashcams that come with wires and cables, you can experience recording failure and intermittent disruption due to damaged cables. As small as driving recorder wires can be, they can also suffer corrosion.
Lack of proper connection to the power source can cause the dashcam not to work.
Dashcam wires that are resistant to not to electromagnetic interference or water can become easily faulty. Depending on the internal environment of your car, water and too much exposure to intense temperatures can cause cable failure.
4. Battery Failure
A dashcam battery can be either built-in or removable. A deformed battery or built-in batteries that are unable to hold a charge for long can cause loss of recording.
Key physical indicators for bad batteries or corrosion and broken terminals. Discoloration and overly used batteries can cause your driving recorder not to work.
Some batteries are built to last for 2 to 4 hours while some can last up to 24 hours when recording in the car. Depending on your battery capacity, if it no longer works as long as it used to, it might cause a loss of recording.
5. Firmware Glitches
The software that controls a dash cam can become outdated and corrupted, this can cause loss of recording or malfunction. Lack of proper firmware installation can also be the cause.
A study presented by 9 researchers at the 4th International Conference shows that the wireless networking features being used in some dashcams can disrupt recording.
Here is an experience from a user who later switched brands:
“I've been using my dashcam for 3 months now and decided to upgrade to the latest firmware. Ever since my upgrade, it stops randomly and starts working again after a while. Despite resetting it to default and using a high-end memory card, it continued, and I had to switch to HainaTech dashcams. Ever since my switch, I've had peace of mind.”
4 Troubleshooting Tips
1. Check Power Connection
If your dashcam has the traditional cigarette lighter connection, make sure the connections are not loose. Driving recorders that don't have the parking mode feature usually turn off as soon as you turn off your car, so don't panic when this happens.
For dashcams with parking mode, simply ensure it's properly fitted into the 12V power supply.
2. Check Memory Card Status
Try switching off the dashcam, remove the memory card, wait for 5 minutes, then insert it back. Switch it on again and see if it works.
If it doesn't, check the memory card status using a PC. A PC check will tell if it is corrupted or not functional. If it is full, try deleting some old footage and insert it back.
3.Equipment for Malfunction
The first step to handling a dashcam that doesn’t work is to check the installation guide or instruction guide provided by the manufacturer.
If the above doesn't work, try updating the firmware from the manufacturer’s website. Check if the lens is dirty or damaged. Try replacing an overused battery. Ensure the device is mounted properly and glued to the surface(not loose).
4. Check for Setup Issues
Before mounting the device, ensure that it is set up properly. For any feature that is not working properly, make sure it is turned on.
To avoid recording failure or loss of archived footage, always make sure the date and time are accurate. For driving recorders that feature motion sensors, it can only work when it is turned on.
The device may not also record if the memory is full or if the storage settings are not properly set up.
FAQ: Why My Dash Cam Don't Work
What can we do to reduce dash cam failures?
If your dashcam doesn’t work or malfunctions occasionally, always make sure it is updated according to the manufacturer’s instructions. One of the most common reasons for dashcam failures are wrongly installed firmware, wrong sd card and bad battery. Remember, if the storage is full, don't forget to delete old footage or get a new one.
Is a dash cam necessary for driving?
Yes it is. There have been cases of innocent people being victims of insurance fraud. For safety reasons, you can always get video evidence in the absence of an eye witness. It also helps to prove innocence if the other driver is at fault.
What steps can you take to troubleshoot a dash cam that won't turn on?
Just like the aforementioned, always check to make sure it is properly plugged in. Try a different power supply or try charging it inside the house using a usb. Also check the power cable and battery life, make sure it is running on the latest firmware.
How to check whether the rear camera of the dashcam is working properly?
Check if the device has a space for the output plug, connect the wire there, you should see “picture in picture” on the screen. There's always a turn on or off option in the dashcam.
Conclusion
Why your dashcam is not working may just be simpler than you think. It may be a plug in issue, bad or full memory card, needs a battery or you need to switch to a high-quality driving recorder. If you need more help with troubleshooting tips, check out HainaTech for more useful tips.