I bought a dash cam for my Rav4 and had no idea what I was getting myself into when I decided I wanted to hard wire it. Your videos have been amazing in showing step by step everything I needed from plugging it into the fuse box to wiring it around the cabin. Thank you!
Thanks for this - I was able to run a few wires down the pillar behind the airbag and then through the dashboard. I did have a moment of fear when it wouldn't pop back in, but found those clips need a bit of care in ensuring that go back properly.
I just re-routed my cable to go behind the airbag. I don't think removing the whole pillar cover is necessary, I just pulled on the top until it unclipped (but still remained attached on both sides). This let me snake the wire behind the airbag and then I just popped the pillar cover back into place. My wire runs alongside the weatherstrip until it reaches the crack where the a-pillar and headliner meet, then it crosses under the airbag and runs along the headliner to the camera. This method only took a few minutes for routing the cable under the airbag.
I just bought a 2019 Rav4 Adventure, first car I've ever taken a tool to (besides a tire iron) and I wanted you to know that I really appreciate your videos. Very informative, straight to the point and unbiased. Followed you on insta too, hope you'll post more!
I agree that the wire wont get in the way of the airbag deployment. One youtuber with a rav4 showed that it will just pull the extra slack out of the weather strip. Thanks again for a great video!
As an auto body technician, I can assure that there is a large chance that the wire can/will interfere with the air bag deployment. If you are installing anything in this area, it needs to be behind the air bag. You do not want to be held liable for this, believe me, it can be the difference between going to prison or going home to your family.
@@jmackinjersey1 Thankyou. I do believe that would be more correct. I've always been afraid to touch any airbag area, and it is plain to see there would be some amount of interference.
I agree that this is the way to do it, but I’m also 100% sure it does not conflict with airbag when running it in front of it. The cable will just rip out of the headliner, as the airbag pops the whole A-pillar cover off.
Also, you don't need to remove the rubber seal. Simply pull on the top end of the trim piece, just above the little oval. Then once you have it out a few inches, leave it and route the wire.
Those clips are really hard to remove even with a screwdriver. Long needle nose pliers with pre-bent tips may help grab and pinch the little side tabs.
And No, that wire will not be "obliterated" by the deployment of the air bag. It absolutely will interfere with the deployment. It is essential that the wire feed behind the airbag.
Thank you for this! I was curious about crossing the wire over the airbag. You wrote in text “disconnect your battery & let it stay disconnected”. I’m wondering if this is something I have to do before removing the A pillar and how do you disconnect?
It is good practice to disconnect battery and let it stay disconnected because there could be capacitors that are still storing energy. To disconnect, just open up the hood and remove the negative terminal with a wrench
I heard in another video that these clips can be reused if they are not removed from the frame. so you would want to remove the clip from the A-pillar and keep it attached to the car. If the clip is removed from the frame of the car they should be replaced.
Depends on the car and what type clips are used. Those that he had were fine because they have the release tabs for that purpose. It's the people that don't pay attention and force them out without pressing the release tabs causing a break resulting in having to replace them.. As long as they still hold the pillar cover properly you're good to go. And the air bag won't get mad. It's an A pillar cover, not a wing on a plane.
Thanks for the informative video! Just a thought... would it be another option to hide the wiring between where the windshield and pillars meet (such as when going across the top), then down to the power source? (For those who might want the wires to go behind the air bags, but not having to hassle with removing the pillar covers, haha)
@@yondonn Most cars you you couldn't get it behind the pillar cover from the windshield side without removing it because of the lip of the sheet metal and the way that edge of the pillar cover tucks into that channel between the window and the lip on the sheet metal. Just remove the pillar cover, it's not that hard, be patient and know where the clips are and how they work.
You absolutely do Not need to remove the A-pillar trim piece. You only need to pull it out about two inches, to the limit of the top clip. I just did it today and will upload the video. No tools needed at all, you simply pull on the cover, or if you want to, you can use the plastic prybar to get it started.
Recommended of course (Heck I'm surprised they don't tell you to disconnect the battery when putting air in your tire now days). I've never disconnect my battery when taking the A pillar off, I just keep the car turned off with my FOB in a Faraday box (joke) and don't go hog wild and damage the air bag or wiring. But if you want complete POM, by all means, disconnect the battery.
Just so you know, you did a great job with the details especially. This is really helpful. Thank you for making this video.
Thank you very much sir, I could no longer put the airbag cover back on, once removed. But you saved my life by saving me from going back to Toyota.
😂 same here, just now removed the a pillar & watching the video to fit it back.
I bought a dash cam for my Rav4 and had no idea what I was getting myself into when I decided I wanted to hard wire it. Your videos have been amazing in showing step by step everything I needed from plugging it into the fuse box to wiring it around the cabin. Thank you!
Thank you for the accurate video on removing and reinstalling the airbag cover. 😊
Thanks for this - I was able to run a few wires down the pillar behind the airbag and then through the dashboard. I did have a moment of fear when it wouldn't pop back in, but found those clips need a bit of care in ensuring that go back properly.
I just re-routed my cable to go behind the airbag. I don't think removing the whole pillar cover is necessary, I just pulled on the top until it unclipped (but still remained attached on both sides). This let me snake the wire behind the airbag and then I just popped the pillar cover back into place. My wire runs alongside the weatherstrip until it reaches the crack where the a-pillar and headliner meet, then it crosses under the airbag and runs along the headliner to the camera.
This method only took a few minutes for routing the cable under the airbag.
My thought exactly. The airbag isn’t designed to be restricted. 🇦🇺👍
Exactly. I just did an install and I'll load up the video after I edit it to show the proper way to do this.
I just bought a 2019 Rav4 Adventure, first car I've ever taken a tool to (besides a tire iron) and I wanted you to know that I really appreciate your videos. Very informative, straight to the point and unbiased. Followed you on insta too, hope you'll post more!
Forgot something. Your videos are awesome! Super informative!
Exactly the information I was looking for. Very helpful, thank you!
I agree that the wire wont get in the way of the airbag deployment. One youtuber with a rav4 showed that it will just pull the extra slack out of the weather strip. Thanks again for a great video!
As an auto body technician, I can assure that there is a large chance that the wire can/will interfere with the air bag deployment. If you are installing anything in this area, it needs to be behind the air bag. You do not want to be held liable for this, believe me, it can be the difference between going to prison or going home to your family.
@@jmackinjersey1 also a wire flung into your face at high velocity could do damage if it came in contact with your 👀.
@@jmackinjersey1 Thankyou. I do believe that would be more correct. I've always been afraid to touch any airbag area, and it is plain to see there would be some amount of interference.
The pillar air bag once deployed , the force will easily rip the dash cam wire. I know this by experience.
I agree that this is the way to do it, but I’m also 100% sure it does not conflict with airbag when running it in front of it. The cable will just rip out of the headliner, as the airbag pops the whole A-pillar cover off.
Also, you don't need to remove the rubber seal. Simply pull on the top end of the trim piece, just above the little oval. Then once you have it out a few inches, leave it and route the wire.
This is very informing, i'm really having a hard time right now if my decision to DIY the dashcam or just pay for electrician to wired it
Those clips are really hard to remove even with a screwdriver. Long needle nose pliers with pre-bent tips may help grab and pinch the little side tabs.
Your videos are so informative buddy.keep up the good work 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
And No, that wire will not be "obliterated" by the deployment of the air bag. It absolutely will interfere with the deployment. It is essential that the wire feed behind the airbag.
Anyone have any idea what the part number is on the trim clips? I accidently broke one.
Thank you for this! I was curious about crossing the wire over the airbag. You wrote in text “disconnect your battery & let it stay disconnected”. I’m wondering if this is something I have to do before removing the A pillar and how do you disconnect?
It is good practice to disconnect battery and let it stay disconnected because there could be capacitors that are still storing energy. To disconnect, just open up the hood and remove the negative terminal with a wrench
Thanks for the great videos! The link to the dash cam is broken: What model is it?
I heard in another video that these clips can be reused if they are not removed from the frame. so you would want to remove the clip from the A-pillar and keep it attached to the car. If the clip is removed from the frame of the car they should be replaced.
Depends on the car and what type clips are used. Those that he had were fine because they have the release tabs for that purpose. It's the people that don't pay attention and force them out without pressing the release tabs causing a break resulting in having to replace them.. As long as they still hold the pillar cover properly you're good to go. And the air bag won't get mad. It's an A pillar cover, not a wing on a plane.
Thanks for the info 🙏
Hello,
Please let me know if you agree to take some frames from your video for my road safety channel. Tks a lot.
Very nice!!!!
Thanks for the informative video!
Just a thought... would it be another option to hide the wiring between where the windshield and pillars meet (such as when going across the top), then down to the power source?
(For those who might want the wires to go behind the air bags, but not having to hassle with removing the pillar covers, haha)
That should be fine. Might not be able to hide the wire completely but could be good enough.
@@Rav4Gen5 But what about dual cam? how do you get it behind without removing the A pillar?
@@yondonn Most cars you you couldn't get it behind the pillar cover from the windshield side without removing it because of the lip of the sheet metal and the way that edge of the pillar cover tucks into that channel between the window and the lip on the sheet metal. Just remove the pillar cover, it's not that hard, be patient and know where the clips are and how they work.
Just get the fit cam x for rav4. It’s made for the exact suv and installs in like 20 min tops. 168 on Amazon.
nice find.
You absolutely do Not need to remove the A-pillar trim piece. You only need to pull it out about two inches, to the limit of the top clip. I just did it today and will upload the video. No tools needed at all, you simply pull on the cover, or if you want to, you can use the plastic prybar to get it started.
Hi, I am looking forward to your video about how to put the wire behind the airbag without completely remove the a pillar. Thank you very much.
Am still waiting for your video!
@@PortofinoArts Me too, even checked for the video.
Do you need to disconnect the battery before trying to remove the airbag cover?
It is recommended. And wait 10 minutes to discharge capacitors
Got it, good videos btw thanks!
Oh and 1 more thing.. My car is a hybrid is there any damage to the computers if I disconnect the 12v battery?
No.
Recommended of course (Heck I'm surprised they don't tell you to disconnect the battery when putting air in your tire now days). I've never disconnect my battery when taking the A pillar off, I just keep the car turned off with my FOB in a Faraday box (joke) and don't go hog wild and damage the air bag or wiring. But if you want complete POM, by all means, disconnect the battery.
Why did you remove the Powerty Cargo Light install video?
Are you referring to the lights that go on the cargo door? I never installed them or made a video.
@@Rav4Gen5 Yeah these ones: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083ZDYTH3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Oh really? Sorry, I thought you did.
Yea. I don’t have those yet. I’ll look into it.
So many mistakes in this video...
Can you let others know what the mistakes are so that it can help them?
Thanks for this video. Very imformative. 🤍
You saved me the clips!!! And reinstall.way
Yikes thank you