Vehicle Battery Impact While Using a Garmin Dash Cam in Parking Guard or Parking Mode

A Garmin Dash Cam's Parking Guard or Parking Mode allows the device to be left in a parked vehicle and to record video only when impact (Parking Guard) or impact and motion (Parking Mode) are sensed.

Whether your dash cam offers Parking Guard or Parking Mode depends on the model you own.  See Differences Between Parking Guard and Parking Mode Features.

In order to use Parking Guard, a constant power source such as a Constant Power Cable, Parking Mode Cable, or an always-on 12V outlet is required (not included with the device). 

In order to use Parking Mode, a Parking Mode Cable is required (not included with the device).

• The Constant Power Cable will protect the battery by shutting down after 10 minutes if it detects the battery is low (less than 12V).
  • The Constant Power Cable will not turn back on until the power levels are restored.
  • Starting the vehicle and allowing it to charge the battery for a few minutes should help restore power to the Constant Power Cable.

• The Parking Mode Cable with microUSB connector and Parking Mode Cable with USB-C connector attempt to prevent the dash cam from draining the vehicle's battery to the point of being unable to start the vehicle.
  • However, the age and temperature of the vehicle's battery may decrease the battery's capacity, which could limit the effectiveness of this feature.
    
  • Garmin strongly recommends having an experienced installer with the proper knowledge of electrical systems install the Parking Mode Cable. 

The Parking Guard and Parking Mode features are not intended to be a low power mode.  The duration settings can be changed to limit the time the Constant Power Cable or Parking Mode Cable powers the dash cam on the vehicle's battery.  

To see how to access Parking Guard or Parking Mode settings, select the applicable link(s) below.

Parking Guard Settings:

• To change the Parking Guard Settings and Camera Settings in the Drive app, see: Garmin Dash Cam Owner's Manual 

Parking Mode Settings:

• Garmin Dash Cam™ 45 | Garmin Dash Cam™ 54 | Garmin Dash Cam™ 55 | Garmin Dash Cam™ 65W:
  • Parking Mode on a Compatible Garmin Dash Cam
    
• Garmin Dash Cam™ 46 | Garmin Dash Cam™ 56 | Garmin Dash Cam™ 66W:
  • Changing Parking Mode Settings in the Garmin Drive App
• Garmin Dash Cam™ Mini | Garmin Dash Cam™ Tandem:
  • Parking Mode on a Garmin Dash Cam Mini and Garmin Dash Cam Tandem

For more information, see your device's owner's manual.