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Smax 2009 permanent dash cam fuse

Robert Gray
Robert Gray
in Ford S-Max Club

Featured Replies

Hi

I want to permanently wire a dashcam into my car via the passenger fuse box. I'm looking for the suggested "switched live" fuse. Having run the multimeter over each fuse I've only found 3 no. fuses that are dead (ie, 0 volts) when switched the engine is off and then come alive when the car is running (ie, 12 volts). I was wondering if anyone else had used any of these fuses without issue. I did want to use something a little less important, but I'd feel more confident if others are using the same.

Switched live fuses. Note the descriptions come from the Haynes manual which is slightly different to the car manual, but clearly the same:

F2:  Restraint control unit (RCM). 10A fuse. To do with air bags. FEELS LIKE THIS IS THE BEST OPTION AND LEAST CRITICAL.

F3: ABS control unit. 5A fuse

F4: Accelerator pedal sensor. 7.5A fuse.

I've got to say I'm slightly surprised there are only 3no. available. I did initially go for F17 (ignition relay) and F19 (ignition relay cigarette lighter) thinking you don't get anything more "switched" than the ignition.

One thing I noted was there appears to be a significant change to the fuse box for 2009 Smaxs built in the first 1/2 of 2009 than the 2nd 1/2. I have the layout from the 2nd 1/2 of the year. I've checked the fuse layout in my car and it matches the attached.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Rob

fuse box Smax manual pg 1.JPG

2fuse box Smax manual pg 1.JPG

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    • Author

    Hi All

    Posting in case it helps others. I went for it and attached via piggy backing onto fuse F2. Works perfectly.

    I also put a kit in my 2006 Skoda Fabia. Weirdly more than 1/2 the fuses were switched live, making the whole process much quicker and easier as I put it on the rear wiper fuse.

    My advice to anyone doing this is to just get your multimeter out and test.

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