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 continuously. However, as with other tech, these cameras can experience issues and stop working randomly due to SD card errors, power issues, video playback failures, and more.
If you’ve ever wondered, "Why is my dash cam not working?" or "How can I keep my dash cam running 24/7?", this guide is for you. Today, we have prepared a guide to common dash cam problems and fixes to make your dashboard camera healthy and high-performing.Additionally, if you're looking for ways to fix corrupted videos or download dash cam footage, you'll find the information you need here.
In this article
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 your dash cam won’t connect to smartphone or constantly disconnects from WiFi.
Why is my dashcam not connecting? 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.
How to Fix Dash Cam Internet Connection Issues
- 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 try restarting both your phone and dash cam to fix connectivity problems.
- You can also try update firmware and app to help resolve software glitches and improve connectivity.
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.
How to Fix Dash Cam Not Working or Not Recognized?
- Check the Manual for Compatibility: Always refer to your dash cam's manual to ensure you're using a compatible SD card. Some models have strict requirements, such as a certain class or capacity for optimal performance.
- Choose the Right Memory Card: Look for an SD card that meets your dash cam’s specifications, including the required write speed and storage capacity. Cards with faster write speeds are ideal for continuous video recording.
- Replace Old or Damaged SD Cards: If your SD card is old or has been used in multiple devices, it may be time to replace it. Old or faulty SD cards can cause performance issues or data corruption.
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.
How to Fix Damaged Dash Cam Hardwiring?
- Inspect for Visible Damage: Carefully check the wiring of your dash cam for any signs of wear or damage. Look for frayed wires or loose connections that could be causing power disruptions.
- Replace Faulty Wiring: If you find damaged wires, consider replacing them. You can also purchase hardwiring kits online, but choose the right tools and wires for your camera model.
- Contact a Professional: It’s best to contact a professional technician to replace the damaged hardwiring and restore your dash cam as good as new.
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.
How to Fix Dash Cam Power Issues?
- Inspect the Car's Battery and Electrical System: Ensure your car’s battery, fuse box, and cigarette lighter socket are working properly.
- Examine the Dash Cam’s Cables: Check for damaged cables that could cause power issues.
- Test the Power Source: Plug the dash cam into a different power outlet to verify the issue.
- Replace Faulty Components: Replace damaged cables or connectors with compatible, high-quality parts.
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.
How to Fix Dash Cam Stopping Recording?
- Replace the SD Card: If your SD card is outdated or full, replacing it with a new one can resolve the issue.
- Check for Physical Damage: Inspect your dash cam and SD card for any visible damage that could disrupt recording.
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 Wondershare Repairit Video Repair, to give your videos a new life.
Use Repairit to Repair Your Corrupted Dash Cam Video Now
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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.
Attention:
Wondershare Repairit is a desktop software. If you just want to repair videos on your phone and the damaged video is no more than 3GB, please try the online version of Wondershare Repairit Online Video Repair. The online version of Repairit supports repairing your corrupted videos freely within seconds and also provides a nice video repair experience for you.
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.
How to Fix Dash Cam Blank Screen Issues?
- Restart the Camera: Restart your dash cam to check if it’s a temporary glitch.
- Replace the SD Card: Swap out the SD card with a new one to check for corruption or damage.
- Check Power Connections: Ensure you're using the original cables and high-quality power sources to avoid power issues.
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.
How to Fix Dash Cam Rebooting Issues?
- Check the Cables and Ports: Ensure the power cables and ports are securely connected and in good condition. Replace damaged cables if necessary.
- Ensure a Tight Connection: Make sure the power cable is firmly plugged into the socket to avoid disconnections while driving.
- Inspect the Power Supply: Check the power supply for stability. If your car's 12V socket is unreliable, consider using an adapter with a more stable connection.
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
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What Is Dash Cam Troubleshooting?
Dash Cam troubleshooting involves identifying and fixing issues with your camera, such as connectivity problems or video corruption. For example, if your videos are frozen, it might be due to file corruption, which can be fixed using software like Wondershare Repairit. -
What Are the Easiest Dash Cam Troubleshooting Methods?
Start with simple methods like restarting your camera or removing and reinserting the memory card. These quick steps can often resolve minor issues, especially if caused by bugs or temporary glitches. -
Can I Repair My Dash Cam on My Own?
Yes, many dash cam issues, like replacing a power cable or SD card, can be fixed without professional help. However, if you’re unsure or want to avoid further damage, contacting a professional is always an option. -
Does a Dashcam record all the time?
Most dash cams are designed to record continuously when the car is on. They typically start recording when the ignition is turned on and stop when the car is off. Some models also have parking mode, allowing them to record when the car is parked. -
Where can I get Dash Cam footage?
Dash cam footage is usually stored on the camera’s SD card. You can access the footage by removing the SD card and inserting it into a computer, or by connecting the dash cam directly to a device through Wi-Fi or USB.
