For Mercedes-Benz owners looking to enhance their vehicle’s security system with a dashcam, ensuring continuous power without draining the car’s main battery is a key concern. Many opt for a dedicated battery pack to power their dashcams, especially for parking mode recording. This article delves into integrating a Thinkware iVolt Mini battery pack into your Mercedes-Benz, focusing on the crucial role of Mercedes Benz Fuses in a safe and efficient installation. Understanding your vehicle’s fuse system is paramount for any electrical modification, and this guide will walk you through a fuse-centric approach to setting up your dashcam battery pack.
Understanding Mercedes Benz Fuses for Dashcam Battery Pack Integration
When installing a supplementary battery pack like the iVolt Mini, the goal is to charge it while the car is running and have it power the dashcam when the engine is off. This requires tapping into the Mercedes-Benz electrical system via the fuse box. A critical distinction to make is between “Accessory” and “Run” fuses. “Accessory” fuses are powered when the car is in accessory mode (typically one key click or a single press of the start button without starting the engine), while “Run” fuses are only active when the engine is running or in the ‘Run’ mode (usually indicated by two key clicks or a double press of the start button).
For optimal dashcam battery pack charging, it’s advisable to use a “Run” fuse. This ensures that the iVolt Mini primarily draws power for charging when the alternator is active and the engine is running, minimizing strain on the car’s starter battery when it’s most crucial for starting the vehicle. In this particular Mercedes-Benz model, after thorough testing of every fuse in both the engine compartment and passenger footwell fuse boxes, Fuse #29, designated for the “Trailer Recognition Control Unit,” was identified as a suitable “Run” fuse. Importantly, this fuse location was unused in this specific vehicle, providing a perfect point to tap into without affecting existing car functionalities. Although Thinkware recommends a 20A fuse port, the 15A Fuse #29 offers ample overhead for the iVolt Mini’s charging needs, as confirmed by Thinkware and community feedback.
Step-by-Step iVolt Mini Installation Guide Utilizing Mercedes Benz Fuses
This section outlines the practical steps to install the iVolt Mini battery pack, emphasizing the fuse connection and physical placement within the Mercedes-Benz.
Step 1: Locating the “Run” Fuse – Fuse #29
As mentioned earlier, Fuse #29 (“Trailer Recognition Control Unit”) serves as the “Run” fuse in this installation. Refer to your Mercedes-Benz owner’s manual for the precise location of the passenger footwell fuse box and the fuse diagram. Visually identify Fuse #29 as shown in the image.
Step 2: Connecting the iVolt Mini with a Fuse Tap
To safely draw power from Fuse #29 without cutting or splicing factory wiring, a fuse tap (add-a-circuit fuse holder) is used. This device allows you to insert the original 15A fuse for the “Trailer Recognition Control Unit” and add a fuse for the iVolt Mini’s power wire. Connect the iVolt Mini’s positive wire to the fuse tap and insert the tap into the Fuse #29 slot. Ensure the fuse tap orientation is correct, considering the polarity of the fuses in your fuse box. In this case, the orientation was reversed compared to previous installations in the same vehicle due to the fuse polarity difference at the top of this fuse box.
Step 3: Positioning the iVolt Mini Battery Pack
The iVolt Mini is designed to be compact. In this Mercedes-Benz, it fits snugly in the space behind the glove compartment. This location is ideal as it’s hidden, protected, and surprisingly spacious. The battery pack wedges itself securely without needing additional adhesives like Velcro. The existing padding in this area further ensures a rattle-free installation. Orient the iVolt Mini with its control buttons facing downwards for accessibility if adjustments or LED status checks are needed later.
Step 4: Modifying the Fuse Box Cover
Due to the added height of the fuse tap, a small notch needs to be created in the fuse box cover to allow it to close properly. Carefully cut a slot in the cover to accommodate the fuse tap wiring.
Step 5: Wiring Considerations
While the iVolt Mini comes with wiring, opting for higher quality, more flexible silicone stranded copper wire can improve the installation. The original wires might be longer and stiffer than necessary for this location. Using bullet connectors for all connections, including the fuse tap, facilitates easy removal or modification in the future. Soldering was used to transfer connectors to the new wires in this installation for a cleaner and more reliable setup.
Conclusion
Installing a dedicated battery pack like the Thinkware iVolt Mini for your dashcam is a worthwhile upgrade for Mercedes-Benz owners. By carefully selecting and utilizing mercedes benz fuses, specifically a “Run” fuse like #29, you can achieve a seamless and safe integration. This method ensures your dashcam receives continuous power for parking mode without unduly burdening your car’s main battery, contributing to the longevity and reliability of your vehicle’s electrical system, especially in colder climates. Remember to always consult your vehicle’s manual and exercise caution when working with automotive electrical systems.
