All, I want to install a dash cam on my 2002 X-type. My question is, is there any way to get constant power from the headliner console? I don’t want to run the wires down the A- pillar to the cigarette lighter because I use that for cellphone power, plus the outlet is switched. I want to be able to have the camera powered on when parked in public places. Also, how difficult is it to drop the console? I tried once to check the wiring in the console, but it didn’t seem to want to come away from the headliner, and I didn’t want to break anything. TIA

 

RBaczek, looking at the diagrams, I cannot find a constant 12 VDC source in the overhead console. EVen the vanity mirrors (sun visor mirrors) are on a switched circuit. So, your only option really is to run a wire up the A-pillar and get it into that area. Maybe someone else will find the wire that I missed.

 

I put my dashcam in front of the rear view mirror. The wire was run behind the headlining, down behind the A pillar trim, then down behind the side trim under the dash and straight into the fusebox. The wire is completely hidden behind the trims, there is nothing on show at all, it looks very neat and was very quick and easy.

 

If there is a courtesy light in the OHC, locate the hot wire (+) and splice for a connection, then use a ruler through the headliner as a guide to insert dash cam wires. NOTE: You must have a hardwire cable that came in with the dash cam or you can purchase it online. Connecting the positive wire without the hardwire will fry the dashcam./

 

The standard method for dashcam installs is a piggyback fuse to an always-live slot in the interior fusebox, this requires no soldering or splicing into the harness and lets you remove the wiring cleanly in the future.

 

RB, I was just about to address you as TIA, because that is what you signed your question with, but google knew that this means "Thanks in advance"...

So above replies say that there is no constant power supply to be found hidden in the headliner, which is probably for the better, because, as you mentioned in initial question/post, you don't want to break anything, and I am confident, that you would break the brittle plastic of the front dome lamp, if you were to try to pull that down.

So yes, piggy-bag a wire off any permanent power supply, maybe even off the battery plus directly, but obviously with a separate inline fuse right next to where the wire starts. And I would also add an inline switch somewhere in the car in that supply line, as you would not need that power supply, if you park your car eg in your garage, possible for a long time, unless you would pull the plug off your dash-cam anyway in such a scenario.