Installing your dash cam

The ZeitRide Dash Cam plugs into your vehicle's OBD port, so there's no wiring to splice and no shop visit needed. Most installs take about 10 minutes per vehicle.

Before you start

Make sure you have:

• The camera
• The power cable (one end plugs into the vehicle, the other into the camera)
• The memory card
• The small adjustment tool that came in the box
• A clean cloth and some glass or surface cleaner

Park somewhere safe with the engine off.

Tip: Find the OBD port first. It's a 16-pin plug under the dashboard on the driver's side, usually near the steering column or above the pedals. If you can't find it, check the vehicle's owner manual for "OBD-II" or "diagnostic port."

Step 1: Plug the power cable into the OBD port

Push the vehicle end of the power cable firmly into the OBD port until it's fully seated. Don't force it at an angle.

Step 2: Insert the memory card

Slide the memory card into the card slot on the camera until it clicks into place. The camera won't record footage without it.

Step 3: Plug the power cable into the camera

Connect the other end of the power cable to the camera, again pushing gently until it's fully seated.

Step 4: Remove the protective film

Peel the clear protective film off the front and back of the camera. Left on, it blurs both the road and cabin views.

Step 5: Choose a spot and clean it

You can mount the camera on the dashboard or on the windshield. Pick a spot that:

• Doesn't block the driver's view of the road
• Gives the front lens a clear view through the windshield, and the cabin lens a clear view of the driver
• Lets the cable reach the OBD port without being pulled tight

Wipe the spot clean and let it dry, so the adhesive sticks properly. Dust or dashboard protectant will make the camera come loose.

Note: Some states limit what can be mounted on a windshield. If you're not sure, use the dashboard.

Step 6: Stick the camera in place

Peel the backing off the adhesive pad on the camera's base, then press the camera firmly onto the cleaned spot and hold it for about 30 seconds.

Step 7: Set the angle

Tilt the camera so the front lens looks straight down the road. Then use the included adjustment tool to tighten the mount so the angle stays put while driving.

Step 8: Tuck away the cable

Run the extra cable along the edge of the dashboard and tuck it behind the dash trim, so nothing hangs loose near the driver's feet, the pedals, or the steering wheel.

Step 9: Turn the vehicle on

Start the vehicle. The camera powers on by itself, and installation is done.

After installing: check it in ZeitRide

1. Go to Admin → Vehicles → Manage and open the vehicle.
2. Click the pencil (Edit vehicle) icon. In the Dash Cam section, pick the camera from the Dash cam device dropdown and save. (Skip this if ZeitRide already linked it for you.)
3. Open the vehicle's Telematics tab. The status should show Online within a few minutes of starting the vehicle.
4. Under Live, check that the Road and Cabin previews both look clear and point the right way.

For everything the camera can do once it's online, see Dash Cam and telematics.

If the camera shows Offline

• Is the vehicle running? The camera only reports while the vehicle is on.
• Is the cable fully plugged in at both ends? Push the OBD plug and the camera plug in again.
• Is the memory card seated? Take it out and push it back in until it clicks.
• Is the camera linked to the right vehicle? Check the Dash cam device dropdown on the vehicle's edit form.

Still offline after 15 minutes of driving? Contact ZeitRide support with the vehicle name, and we'll check the device from our side.

Moving a camera to a different vehicle? Contact ZeitRide support first so we can move the device to the new vehicle on our side. Then reinstall it using the steps above. If the adhesive pad no longer sticks, contact support.