What if my dash cam will not turn on?

Use this guide if the dash cam has no indicator light, no startup sound and, on models with a screen, no display. Under normal conditions, it turns on automatically when power is connected.

1. Check the original power connection

  1. Use the original car charger and power cable. Make sure the vehicle power socket is powered, then reconnect the charger and dash cam plugs firmly.
  2. Check the charger LED, cable and connectors for looseness or visible damage. If anything is damaged, disconnect power, stop using it and do not continue powered tests.
  • A lit charger LED does not prove that the charger output and cable are supplying power correctly. Continue if the dash cam still has no response.

2. Test without the TF card

  1. Unplug the dash cam power cable, remove the TF card, then reconnect power.
  2. If it turns on without the card, the original card may be faulty. Unplug power and test another working TF card, then note the result. If it still will not turn on without a card, continue to the next step.
  • The dash cam can turn on without an TF card, but cannot record. After testing, disconnect power before inserting a working card.

3. Test with the rear camera disconnected

If a rear camera is connected, unplug dash cam power, disconnect the rear camera, then reconnect power to the front unit. Otherwise, skip this step.

If it turns on, insufficient power or a rear camera/cable fault may be involved. Note this test result.

4. Cross-check with a 5V/2A power adapter

  1. If available, connect the original cable to a 5V/2A power adapter instead of the car charger. Leave the SD card and rear camera connections unchanged.
  2. If it turns on, the vehicle socket or car charger may be at fault. If not, and you have a working USB power cable with the correct connector, test that cable with the same adapter. If it now turns on, the original cable may be faulty.
  • If a suitable adapter or spare cable is unavailable, skip that test.

Use a 5V/2A adapter for direct USB power. Never connect a source above 5V directly to the dash cam. The original car charger accepts 12V/24V vehicle power and converts it to 5V.

  • Always disconnect dash cam power before inserting or removing an TF card or rear camera connection.

If the issue remains unresolved, contact KAWA Support with a video showing the power connections, charger LED and dash cam response, along with the results of the tests you completed.