Dash Cam Struggles to Turn On When Cold?

It's nice to wake up to a frosty morning, but it can be hard on your car's electronics. You get in your car to drive and see that something is wrong. Your dash cam struggles to turn on when cold. This guide will explain why this happens and show you how to fix your camera so you can use it again.

Cold weather can be hard on your electronics, and your dash cam is no different. When the temperature drops, it affects the inner workings of your camera, which can stop it from turning on. The first step to fixing this is to understand why it happens.

The battery in your dash cam is one of the biggest problems. Most dash cams have batteries that don't work as well when it's cold. The chemical reactions in your battery slow down, which makes it harder for your camera to turn on. You might notice that your phone battery dies faster in the winter. The same thing happens to your dash cam battery.

Another common problem is that condensation can build up inside your dash cam. When your car's temperature changes quickly, it can make the inside of your dash cam moist. This water can get on important parts like the circuit board. Water getting into places it shouldn't can cause electrical shorts or damage over time which could make your camera not turn on at all.

In very cold weather, the circuit board and connections on your dash cam can become weak. When the temperature drops, tiny solder points can shrink and break. This makes the connections between the wires unstable. These bad connections might stop working when you try to turn on your dash cam.

When your dash cam struggles to turn on when cold, it is usually because of a few specific issues.

The cold can really hurt the battery in your dash cam. When the temperature drops, the internal resistance of a lithium-ion battery goes up. This means that it can't give the device enough voltage to turn on. To start up, your dash cam needs a steady voltage. Even if it was fully charged, a cold battery might not be able to do this. This is the main reason for the dash cam power issue in cold weather.

In the cold, your car's electrical system has to work harder. The battery doesn't have as much power, and starting the engine takes a lot of current. This can cause the voltage to drop across the whole electrical system for a short time. During this first startup phase, your dash cam may not get enough power from the 12V socket. It may fail to turn on or get stuck in a boot loop.

There is also a working temperature range for SD cards to work in. When it's really cold, the memory card might not start up properly. For your dash cam to start recording, it needs to connect to the SD card. If the card doesn't respond, the camera might show an error message or not finish starting up at all. If your dash cam doesn't start in the winter, it's likely because the SD card is sensitive to cold.

When you start your car, you expect your dash cam to turn on right away. But if it's really cold, you might notice a long delay before it finally starts working. If your dash cam takes a long time to start in the cold, this is a clear sign of a dash cam struggling to turn on when cold.

Your dash cam might turn on, then quickly turn off and on again, over and over. This is called power cycling. It happens when your dash cam gets just enough power to try and start, but not enough to keep running. Your camera will keep doing this until it gets warm enough to get a steady power supply.

When it's cold outside, your dash cam's screen might freeze or not respond at all. When it's cold, the screen can slow down or even freeze. This can cause the screen to show a still image or not change at all.

Your dash cam needs an SD card to store videos. Your SD card might not work right when it's cold. Your dash cam may show "Card Error" or "Insert SD Card" even if the card is already in there.

If your dash cam has trouble turning on when it's cold, you can find out what's wrong with it by doing some simple troubleshooting.

Check your power source first as this is the most common point of failure. Look for any visible damage on the power cord. Check to see that the 12V adapter is plugged into the socket in your car. Check if the camera turns on with a portable power bank. If it works with a different power source, the problem is probably with the adapter or socket in your car.

Test the SD card next. Extreme temperatures can affect SD card performance. If you have a spare SD card try swapping it with the one in your dash cam. If the camera starts up with the new card then your original SD card is likely the problem.

You can also get clues by watching how the startup works. Does the camera try to boot up at all? Do you see a faint light or a flicker on the screen? Does it start up and then shut down right away in a loop? These partial boot attempts are often a sign of a power problem.

For those with a multimeter, you can measure the voltage at the dash cam's power input during a cold start. This can confirm if the device is receiving the correct voltage. A significant drop below the required level (usually 5V for USB-powered cameras) indicates a power supply problem.

When you are in your car and your dash cam refuses to start, you need a quick solution.

You should always check your power connections first, as this is often the easiest and most effective solution. Unplug the power adapter from your car's 12V socket and then plug it back in very firmly. Do the same for the USB cable that connects to your dash cam.

Next, you can gently warm up your car's inside. Turn on your car and use the heater, directing the warm air towards the windshield where your dash cam is. Remember, do not point the heat directly at the camera itself. It might take about 5 to 10 minutes, but this often fixes the problem.

If you notice any frost or water drops on the camera's lens, you need to carefully remove them. Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe the outside of the lens. If the moisture is inside, you will need to wait for your car's heater to warm up the device which will make the moisture disappear.

You can also try restarting your dash cam completely. If your camera has a power button, press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds to force it to restart. If your model doesn't have a button, just unplug the power for about a minute and then plug it back in. These steps should help when your dash cam struggles to turn on when it's cold.

Preventing cold-weather issues is better than fixing them in the moment. With a few adjustments you can make sure your dash cam is ready for winter.

One of the best long-term solutions is to pick a dash cam that uses a supercapacitor instead of a regular lithium-ion battery. Supercapacitors handle really cold and really hot weather much better. They work well in a wider range of temperatures, keeping your dash cam reliable. For example, models like the Redtiger F17 Elite use supercapacitors, which work normally between -4°F and 158°F (-20°C to 70°C), making them a great choice for winter. This ensures your camera always has power to start and save recordings, even when it's freezing.

Making sure your dash cam is installed correctly is also very important. You should use a good quality power cable and make sure it's connected tightly. Consider using a hardwire kit to get power directly from your car's fuse box. This avoids problems that can happen with the 12V accessory socket.

It's a good idea to do some simple maintenance before winter starts. Every month, you should format your SD card using your dash cam's menu. Also, check if your camera's software (firmware) is updated, as updates often fix performance issues.

A dash cam struggles to turn on when cold for several reasons, from a weakened battery to internal condensation. The cold affects the electronic components and the power supply in your car. By understanding these causes, you can quickly diagnose and fix the problem. Simple steps like checking your power connections and warming your car's interior can often get your device running again.

For a reliable long-term solution, consider a dash cam built for extreme weather. Dash cams with supercapacitors like those from Redtiger offer superior performance in both hot and cold conditions. They are designed to withstand temperature fluctuations and provide consistent power. With proper maintenance and the right hardware, you can trust your dash cam to protect you on the road no matter how cold it gets outside.

Do dash cams work in the cold?

Yes, most dash cams work in the cold, but their performance can be impacted. Your dash cam's battery might lose power in low temperatures, causing it to start slowly or not at all. You'll find dash cams with supercapacitors more dependable in cold weather.

How low is "too cold" for most dash cams to operate reliably?

Most dash cams work between 14°F and 150°F (-10°C to 65°C). You might see problems when it gets below freezing (32°F or 0°C). Below 14°F (-10°C), your battery-powered dash cam will likely struggle. Always check your device's temperature rating.

What is the best dash cam for cold weather?

The best dash cams for cold weather use a supercapacitor instead of a battery. Supercapacitors are not affected by the cold, giving your dash cam reliable power to start and stop. Redtiger dash cams are a great choice for winter as many models have supercapacitors.

Can I leave my dash cam in the car overnight in winter?

You can leave your dash cam in your car, but it might not start if it gets very cold. To avoid issues, you can bring your dash cam inside on cold nights. If not, a dash cam with a supercapacitor will likely work better after a cold night.

How can I prevent my dash cam lens from fogging up in winter?

To stop your lens from fogging, use your car's defroster to warm your windshield and the area around your dash cam. This helps clear any moisture. You can also try anti-fog sprays, but test them first. Keep your car dry to reduce condensation.