Running additional power to mirror for camera/removing A column

I'm planning on putting a dash cam in and would prefer to not have the power line running out of my 12v so I'm planning on tapping the fuse box and adding a line.

Are there instructions on removing and replacing the A column to do this? I was planning on running up through there and into the roof liner.

kruuth said:

I'm planning on putting a dash cam in and would prefer to not have the power line running out of my 12v so I'm planning on tapping the fuse box and adding a line.

Are there instructions on removing and replacing the A column to do this? I was planning on running up through there and into the roof liner.

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You don't need to remove, you can just tuck the wire in with a plastic tool. The rubber trim around the door pulls off easily and there's way more than enough room.

If you really want, I'm running off memory as I don't have the Civic anymore, but the little "ABS" tab on the pillar is a clip. Pry that off and there should be a bolt underneath it. After that just rip off the pillar cover, as they're all clipped in. Be careful as there are airbags in there.

I used this guide (granted, for auto-dimming mirror install, but wire routing procedure is the same) to route the wire. Technically, yeah, you can just tuck the wire like @inv4zn mentioned, but I followed that guide so I could zip tie the wire out of the way, as to not interfere with the side curtain airbag. Peace of mind, at the very least.

PDF guide was from this DIY guide: https://www.civicx.com/threads/diy-front-rear-dashcam-hardwire-install-on-17-hatchback.9209/

How about the dome light? Can I get in there? I've got a spare buck converter that switches 12v to 5v and it's pretty small.

kruuth said:

How about the dome light? Can I get in there? I've got a spare buck converter that switches 12v to 5v and it's pretty small.

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stick a small trip tool/flathead into the part of the pillar where it says "srs" or "airbag". it will pop out revealing a 8mm bolt. remove the bolt and tug up on the a pillar and it will slide out.

Edit: I've installed a Front and Rear dashcam(thinkware) let me know if you have any more questions.

How about takingt the front done light? I can't seem to find anything on getting it open.

Pull off the clear lenses. Remove 2 screws. Should be able to pull front side down a bit and slide entire assembly down/forward to remove. Or was it drop the back and slide down/backward to remove. Its one of those two ways. Lol

Look up the diy guide for the map light mod on lower trims and you should be able to find pics of how to do it

xRiCeBoYx said:

Pull off the clear lenses. Remove 2 screws. Should be able to pull front side down a bit and slide entire assembly down/forward to remove. Or was it drop the back and slide down/backward to remove. Its one of those two ways. Lol

Look up the diy guide for the map light mod on lower trims and you should be able to find pics of how to do it

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Guide is great. I can see how to get in there now. Question though.....are there key-activated hot lines in there that I can use? The 12-5v transformer I'm using is small enough to cram in there, it'd be easier I think to tap inside of one of those three plugs.