I'm in the process of fitting dash cams in my SLK r171 i have routed the wire from the rear view mirror to the drivers side where the bonnet pull is. I took the cover off on the drivers side where the fuse box is supposed to be but I couldn't see one. As this is a UK vehicle would the fusebox be on the passenger side? I am a bit reluctant to try and see as there is an airbag sign on the cover although when I look underneath the area from the passengers footwell it looks like there is a fusebox here. Can someone who has found the interior fuse box please help?
The Master Sarge will be along shortly with some useful links and a request for you to update your user profile (it helps when we're trying to answer your questions..)
You've gone down the wrong side of the car - the fuse box you're talking about is one the PASSENGER side behind the flap - you're far enough away from the airbag to not worry about it.
However, there are no switched sources in there - the best and easiest route to get a switched source is from the cigarette lighter / aux socket in the passenger footwell (or centre console depending on the fit of your car) - it's switched and will have enough spare capacity to run a dashcam
Thanks for your reply i have found the fuse box but I am not sure which fuse i can use for constant supply when the engine is off. I am going to scotch lock into the cigarette lighter but do you know which cable the live is? as i don't have a multi meter.
If you install a dash cam in an SLK, there is a possibility it could interfere with your GPS. If the GPS gets lost, remove the dash cam to see if that fixes the problem.
I've been enjoying my R170 for the last year but I now have a lovely shiny 2011 R171 and am having all sorts of issues getting my dashcam plumbed in... or, i should say my husband is!!
We found the fusebox on the passenger side (it's a UK RHD) and proceeded to try the piggy-back fuse adaptor to all of the 5v.fuses.. found out after a load of huffing (because my husband didn't read the instructions), that everything on the passenger fusebox is constantly powered which would mean I'd have to reach across to turn the cam on/off all the time.
The obvious resolution for me is to try and get it plugged into a switched fuse but my model doesn't appear to have a cigarette lighter socket in the ashtray drawer.. it's just another drawer!
There is a socket in the foot well but how on earth is the easiest way to get a cable from the cam round the passenger side and plug it where it has to go? What needs to come out? Is there an easy way??? Preferably one that won't end up in divorce if I suggest it?
If not, how can we get from the inside to the switched fuses in the engine bay? Is that easier? I really don't want to be drilling holes..
Hope someone has a procedure that isn't too painful!
For general information, this is how I wired the dash cam on My old R171 - I used one of these 12volt to 5volt USB power converters: (Thought it rude not to have a look inside >)
....and mounted it here with a bit of double sided tape right next to the UK N/S fuse box:
Remove the panel under the glove box:
And using a multi-meter, used a scotch clip to pick up 12volt switched power from the 12volt power socket & then picked up an earth from behind the panel where the passengers left foot is, in the foot well.. Using a fuse for any additional items You add is also important, to protect ones SLK..!!
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