Dash Cams or dashboard cameras became widely popular due to their beneficial features and life-saving properties. You can record everything on the road through your car, catch potentially threatening scenarios, and report dangerous drivers. Since these cameras can be highly beneficial, you want them to work 24/7, or at least while in the car. However, as with other tech, these cameras can experience issues and stop working randomly. Today, we have prepared a guide to understanding and fixing Dash Cam problems to make your camera healthy and high-performing.
Common Dash Cam Problems That Might Need Troubleshooting
Below is a list of the most common Dash Cam problems you can encounter.
Problem 1: Connectivity Problems
All dashboard cameras can connect to your smartphone – when you connect the camera, you can view the footage on your phone and check for dangerous scenarios. However, one of the most common issues you can encounter is related to connecting your camera to the smartphone device.
This issue may occur due to a poor internet connection. When you connect your camera to the phone, it will create a new WiFi network. Although your camera is supposed to connect to that network automatically, it won’t do so if it cannot detect the internet.
Fix: Turning your data on and off or entering the Airplane Mode on your device should fix the issue and make your camera connect. You can also try restarting your device to fix connectivity problems.
Problem 2: SD Card Not Working or Not Recognized
If you have just bought a new dash cam and tried using it with a random SD card you had at hand, it may cause issues with your camera. Every model will require different cards, so you should check the manual before setting up your device.
Fix: Sometimes, you will have memory requirements, and sometimes, there are no requirements your SD cards should fulfill. In both cases, reading the instructions and the manual is crucial for setting up your camera correctly and making it run smoothly.
Problem 3: Damaged Hardwiring
Since your camera will constantly be exposed to movements, such as shakes, it may damage the hardwiring on your device. Hardwiring makes your camera work properly while providing enough power to go about your day.
If the hardwiring becomes damaged, you may experience issues such as a frozen screen and on-and-off recording.
Fix: To fix this issue, you should check for damages and contact professionals who can replace the hardwiring and make your camera as good as new. You can also purchase hardwiring kits online, but choose the right tools and wires for your camera model.
Problem 4: Power Issues
Although dash cameras are designed to record continuously, they may not be able to do so with an unreliable power source. In most cases, dashboard cameras are connected to your car through the cigarette lighter socket or the fuse box. However, if these parts stop working, your camera will stop working, too.
Fix: Check your car’s battery and other electrical sources to ensure everything is working correctly on your car’s part. Then, you can check the camera’s cables and pay attention to physical damage to determine the source of the power issue.
Problem 5: Camera Stops Recording
If your camera suddenly stops recording, it may indicate several issues, such as physical damage or SD card problems. In most cases, this will happen if your SD card is outdated or has no memory left. The camera will instantly stop recording since it won’t have a place to store the freshly made videos.
Fix: Your card may fail, leading to the abovementioned issue. Try replacing your card to fix the problem. If this doesn’t help, you can check for physical damage that may cause your camera to stop recording suddenly.
Problem 6: Videos Won’t Play
At first glance, your camera may work perfectly, getting all the shots and filming your journey. However, when you try to replay the video, you encounter a black screen or a frozen image. Being unable to play your videos may be stressful, but you can quickly fix this issue.
Broken videos usually appear due to corruption or file damage. They may be choppy or frozen when you try to play them. If you have such an issue, you can try using a third-party software solution, such as Repairit, to give your videos a new life.
This program is designed to help you fix any issues you may have with your media, whether video, audio, or photo files – Wondershare Repairit is here to help. The best thing about this program is that you can fix files of any format and even repair multiple videos simultaneously.
Download Repairit from an official source and follow the steps below to fix your dash cam videos:
Step 1: Open Repairit and click the Add button to attach video files. You can also drag and drop your videos to the program.
Step 2: After adding your video(s), click the Repair button to start the process.
Step 3: You will see a completion notification once all the videos have been repaired. Click OK to continue.
Step 4: You can preview your files and determine whether you want to save them.
Step 5: Select the files you want to save and click the Save button.
Step 6: Choose where to save the new videos.
The process will only take a few minutes, but you will surely get the best dashcam videos.
Problem 7: The Screen Goes Blank When Recording
When you see a blank screen while recording, it may be a sign of both physical and software damage. For instance, your camera or power supplies may have become damaged, or your SD card may have become corrupted, leading to the abovementioned issue.
Fix: This issue may be the most complicated since you cannot instantly figure out why. You should first restart your camera to see whether it’s a random bug or something more serious.
You can also replace your SD card with a newer one to check for corruption or SD issues. One of the most common reasons is power, so use the original cables, high-quality sockets, and ports to avoid the problem.
Problem 8: Camera Rebooting on Its Own
If you see your camera constantly turning on and off while driving, you may experience power issues. The cables you are using, or the power supply may not be reliable, leading to the abovementioned issue.
Fix: You can try replacing your cables or ports to ensure your device gets a reliable power source.
Moreover, since the 12 V sockets in your car may not be the most practical thing, your power cable may slip in and out as you are driving, making your camera reboot every time this happens. You should make sure the camera is plugged in tightly and that there is no room for it to wiggle around.
How to Protect Your Dash Cam and Avoid Future Troubleshooting
To avoid further issues with your Dash Cam, you can check out some of the tips we have prepared for you:
- Use original hardware and cables – using the original tools and connectors can significantly impact your camera’s performance, protecting you from possible issues.
- Choosing the memory card – before purchasing a memory card for your camera, you should check the manual and find the card that fulfills the requirements. Moreover, you should change the card once a year to ensure the best performance and a healthy camera.
- Protect the camera from physical damage – direct sunlight, water, humidity, and other factors may impact your camera’s life. If overexposed to some of these factors, it will slowly fail and become unresponsive.
- Test before use – before going out to the open road, you should test your camera and ensure everything works perfectly. If not, take your camera to a professional or fix the issue independently to avoid problems.
- Clean the hardware – you should clean the lenses and areas that collect dust in your camera. Accumulated dirt can also cause issues with your camera’s performance.
Conclusion
Dashboard cameras have become an essential car part nowadays. People use it to record their favorite trips or on-road accidents. These tech pieces can be very beneficial if you travel a lot. However, as with any other tool or gadget, dash cameras can also fail and cause some issues.
We have presented some of the most common problems you can encounter using a dashboard camera. If you cannot fix the issues, you should consult with professionals who will make your camera as good as new.
FAQs
What Is Dash Cam Troubleshooting?
Dash Cam troubleshooting refers to the process of identifying and resolving issues with your camera. That includes recognizing the symptoms, realizing the causes, and trying solutions to get your camera up and running again.
For instance, if your videos are choppy or frozen, you should find a cause behind it. In most cases, the cause is corruption, and you can fix the issue using Wondershare Recoverit. That’s an example of the full cycle of dash cam troubleshooting.
What Are the Easiest Dash Cam Troubleshooting Methods?
The easiest Dash Cam troubleshooting methods include simple hardware processes. For instance, taking out your memory card or restarting your camera are among the simplest troubleshooting methods. In some cases, these easy methods can have the best results, especially if the cause of the issue is random, such as a random bug.
It is always a good idea to start with easy troubleshooting methods and work your way up to identify the issue without losing too much time.
Can I Repair My Dash Cam on My Own?
Yes! Most of the issues you may experience with your dash cam aren’t significant, and you can fix them yourself even with no previous experience. For instance, replacing the power cable or the memory card can fix your unresponsive camera.
However, if you fear damaging the product or don’t want to risk it, you can always contact professionals who will identify the problem and fix it efficiently.
