Which dash cam do you have and can I use any ODB for parking mode? Also, my AC is no longer blowing

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Freeze Time, Mar 20, 2026 at 4:08 PM.

  1. Freeze Time

    Freeze Time Member

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    cold. What could be the issue? Simple as a blown fuse?

    I want to get a dash cam and reviews state that the Red Tiger F7np is the easiest to install but hardly any reviews or youtube videos show how to install for parking mode. I have read you need to buy a separate kit to hard wire in the fuse box which goes beyond my skill but you can also get an ODB kit that you simply just plug into the ODB. I can do that. My question is, which dash cams do you have and have any of you enabled parking mode? Are certain dash cams better for a 3rd gen pruis than others? If you don't know, parking mode means it will start recording if you are parked and someone hits you. It happened to me 2 months ago and since I didn't have a dash cam and there is no cam in my neighborhood and they didn't leave a note, I didn't catch them. Luckily, the headlights they ran into both still work. If I had a dash cam with parking mode enabled, I would have known the car that hit me. ODB kit is way easier than the fuse box one so I am curious if anyone here knows if any of them will work with whatever dash cam I do end up getting. I also saw a dash cam that went over your rear view mirror that had front and back cams. Those are supposed to be easy to install too.

    My AC is no longer blowing cold. Last year, I noticed that it took about 10 minutes for it to start working. Now, it only blows cold if it's cold outside. It's been hot here in Southern California so I have tried using the air cond but nope, the air is barely cold. It's a 2015 so what is likely the issue or what do I need to check for? I can youtube to find the fuse box and see if that is the case. That's the easiest fix for sure. Is there a more likely problema nd how much to fix it? What do you all recommend?
     
    #1 Freeze Time, Mar 20, 2026 at 4:08 PM
    Last edited: Mar 20, 2026 at 4:22 PM
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    I plan to buy a WolfBox... Seems like it would be the easiest to install and operate. OBD for power for parking mode would work fine, but if it stays on too long and drains 12v down it will take the car forever to recharge it so you need to have a charging plan!
     
    #2 PriusCamper, Mar 20, 2026 at 4:39 PM
    Last edited: Mar 20, 2026 at 5:06 PM
  3. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    I just put in a soundstream stereo with front and rear cameras that are pretty high res and all that nonsense. Not in my car but the customer loves it they told me to get whatever.
     
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  4. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Since you're on the horn have you seen this can fd adapter got like 8 plugs on it sposed to be able to make all the buttons work in our Prius etc all. Of it it's like 23bux
     
  5. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    It'll make a stereo work and a Lexus where a nakamichi high-end stereo was from the factory no problem.
     
  6. VelvetFoot

    VelvetFoot Active Member

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    I just put in two Viofo VS1 dashcams in my '26.
    Viofo VS1 DashCam | PriusChat
    I like 'em so far.
    I had two Viofo A119 a few years ago and like them, so I stuck with Viofo.
    I just have them plugged into usb ports, didn't want to risk warranty by hardwiring plus it's easier.
    I wouldn't use the obd port because I use it for getting gauge-type info.
    Also, easy to run down the battery-have to be careful.
    I bought two 512gB sd cards-more $ than the cams.
     
  7. Freeze Time

    Freeze Time Member

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    Will ANY OBD kit work with ANY dash cam? Yes, I have seen some youtube reviews and installation of the 840s. None have shown with OBD though. I found one video with OBD installation but he was saying he found it to be hit or miss if it actually turned on and it might have to do with the brands not getting along as he didn't have an official red tiger. He said his battery was fine after not using it for 2 days. I am not sure if it's different with a Prius though so that's why I made this post. Red tiger and Wolfbox seem to always come up as the easiest but it also seems most people couldn't care less to enable parking mode. Most OBD's I have read do not drain the battery and I could always just unplug it if I was going weeks without using my car.
    Any ideas with my AC?
    ?

    Still ?

    I really can't understand why you are trying to type.
    So you don't have parking mode enabled correct? I have read that most OBD's don't drain the batteries anymore. Plus, I could always just take out the OBD if I am going to be parked for like weeks at a time. Did you install them yourself? I am trying to find people that have installed a dash cam front and back and an OBD for parking mode. Any ideas with the AC not blowing cold?
     
  8. VelvetFoot

    VelvetFoot Active Member

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    No parking mode. You're powering the dashcam via the OBD port because it's always on, for parking.
    Yes, see the link I posted.
    They are two separate units.
    Refrigerant leak?
     
  9. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Oh, I thought you were referring to where to tap into 12v power on back side of plug so you have power when car is off... Plugging into the OBD2 is best for OBD stuff, not for a powering a camera monitoring system.
     
  10. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Stick the AC can on the big fat tube marked L with the gray cap whats reading standing off 100 psi???
     
  11. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    If it is with the can still connected turn on the car and put on the air conditioner did the gauge now get sucked down to about 37 psi ?
     
  12. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    I think OBD2 port always has power right. Ideal for can take off point seems like . Don't really understand how that's going to help me and usually getting plowed into. Parked ya get alot of nothing. But I guess you could get lucky these days some drunk will get out of the car and start cussing at your parked car or something least you'll be entertained
     
  13. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    You're talking a forward-mounted thing goes where your rear view mirror is some can fire back that the thing ? Why wouldn't you just pick up power from up in the roof the light you turn on . Etc take 5 minutes to pick up a wire in the ground .