Removing the Toyota Corolla Dashcam for a Viofo Dash Camera Upgrade
If you own a 2022 Toyota Corolla, you might be familiar with the factory-installed Toyota dash camera. While convenient, these original dash cams often come with limitations that may not meet every driver’s needs. Recently, we helped a customer upgrade their dash cam system to a higher-quality model, improving video resolution and functionality. Here’s a detailed walkthrough of removing the Toyota dashcam and installing the advanced Viofo A229 Pro dash camera with a 2K rear camera.
Why Upgrade from the Toyota Factory Dash Camera?
The Toyota dashcam that comes pre-installed in many Corolla models is a basic unit with some notable restrictions. For instance, it does not support a rear camera, which limits comprehensive coverage of your vehicle’s surroundings. Additionally, video quality tends to be lower compared to aftermarket options available today.
For this customer, the factory camera simply wasn’t performing well, so we recommended an upgrade to a dash cam system capable of delivering crisp 4K video quality for the front and 2K for the rear. The Viofo A229 Pro is an excellent choice, offering superior video resolution and enhanced features that provide more reliable evidence in case of incidents on the road.
Removing the Toyota Dashcam and Preparing for Installation
The first step in the upgrade process is carefully removing the existing Toyota dash camera. After detaching the device, it’s important to clean the windshield surface thoroughly to ensure proper adhesion of the new dash cam. We used an antiseptic wipe to remove any residue left behind by the old sticker, making sure the surface was clean and ready.
Understanding the Power Connections: Moving Away from Scotch Locks
One of the key parts of installing a dash cam is wiring it correctly to the vehicle’s power source. In this Toyota, the dealership had used Scotch locks to tap into the wiring. For those unfamiliar, Scotch locks are plastic connectors that clamp onto wires without soldering, allowing quick splicing by clipping over the wire.
While some consider Scotch locks acceptable for low-current applications, I personally prefer soldering connections. Soldering provides a much more secure and reliable electrical connection, reducing the risk of faulty wiring over time. In this installation, after identifying the constant power and ground wires at the back of the OBD2 connector, I stripped back the insulation and soldered the dash cam’s power wires directly.
Securing the Wiring for a Clean, Factory-Like Finish
After soldering the power connections, the next step is to protect and tidy up the wiring. I wrapped the soldered joints with electrical tape and reinforced the setup with 3M tape and Tesa tape. This not only provides insulation but also ensures that the wiring looks neat and factory-installed, maintaining the vehicle’s aesthetic and preventing loose wires.
Final Installation: Viofo A229 Pro in the Toyota Corolla
With the wiring complete and the windshield cleaned, the Viofo A229 Pro dash camera was installed securely. This model offers exceptional 4K video quality on the front camera and a 2K resolution rear camera, significantly enhancing the overall coverage compared to the original Toyota dashcam.
For drivers looking to upgrade their dash cams, especially those with Toyota vehicles, this is a great option that provides better video clarity and the added benefit of rear camera support.
Why Choose a Professional Dash Cam Installation?
Installing a dash cam properly requires attention to detail, especially when it comes to wiring and mounting. A professional installation ensures:
- Secure and reliable electrical connections, avoiding potential power issues.
- Clean, hidden wiring that preserves your vehicle’s interior aesthetics.
- Optimal placement of cameras for maximum field of view and recording quality.
- Peace of mind knowing your dash cam will function correctly in all conditions.
If you’re interested in upgrading your Toyota’s dash cam or installing a new dash cam system, consider professional services like those offered by Safe Drive Solutions. They specialize in dash cam installation for Toyota vehicles and many other makes and models.
Explore More Dash Cam Options and Upgrades
Looking for even more options? Check out the Viofo A229 Pro 4K front and 2K rear dash cam for detailed specs and purchasing information. For other high-quality dash cam selections, explore our collection of 4K dash cams and 2K dash cams to find the perfect fit for your needs.
And if you want to learn more about professional dash cam installation and its benefits, visit our comprehensive guide on getting your dash cam professionally installed.
Conclusion
Upgrading from the factory Toyota dash camera to a Viofo A229 Pro is a smart move for anyone wanting better video quality and full front-and-rear coverage. By removing the old dash cam, cleaning the installation area, carefully soldering power connections, and securing wiring neatly, you can achieve a professional-level upgrade that enhances your driving safety and peace of mind.
For those considering this upgrade or a new dash cam installation, trust the experts at Safe Drive Solutions to provide quality products and expert installation services.