Dashcam Not Recording? Common Fixes for Canadian Drivers

Dashcam not recording as expected? This is a common frustration among Canadian drivers but often simple to fix. Your dashcam is essential for capturing evidence during accidents or unexpected incidents, so keeping it working reliably is a priority.

Top picks for dashcams

We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Best Pick

Nexus 5S

4-Channel Full Coverage Four STARVIS 2 Sensors LTE Connectivity 10s Buffered Pre-Recording Motion Detection.

Check Price See More Picks

Best Value

Nexus 4 Pro S

Triple STARVIS 2 Sensors 3-Channel 4K+1080P+2.5K Recording PlatePix™ License Plate Capture Optional LTE Live Monitoring

Check Price See More Picks

E360 ACE

Front and Cabin: 5.2K 360-degree panoramic recording, Sony STARVIS 2 IMX675 Sensor, Quad-Core CPU offers greater efficiency Multiple recording modes 8 Infrared LED lights improve night vision capability.

Check Price See More Picks

Common Causes of Dashcam Recording Problems

Before assuming your dashcam is broken, check these frequent causes: faulty power connections, memory card errors, and settings misconfiguration. Power interruptions due to cigarette lighter sockets, loose mounts, or vehicle voltage fluctuations can stop recording. Memory cards can become corrupted or full, and settings like loop recording or parking mode may be accidentally disabled.

Step-by-Step Fixes to Try First

• Check power connection: Ensure your dashcam is plugged firmly and powered on. Test another power source if possible.
• Inspect and format memory card: Use a high-endurance microSD card, remove it, back up files, then format it within the dashcam or on a computer.
• Update firmware: Download the latest updates from the dashcam manufacturer to fix bugs.
• Review settings: Confirm loop recording and parking mode are enabled.
• Test in various conditions: Try recording while driving and when parked to identify specific issues.

Memory Cards: The Unsung Hero

Dashcams record continuously, putting heavy load on memory cards. Canada’s weather extremes can impact card reliability. Use cards branded as 'high endurance' rated for dashcams and format regularly. Avoid cheap or old cards, which are prone to failure and corrupted footage.

Parking Mode Setup Tips

Parking mode needs stable power to monitor your vehicle when off. Hardwire kits or dashcam batteries designed for parking use prevent draining your car's battery. Also, check your dashcam manual to enable motion or impact detection to activate recording while parked.

Winter Driving Considerations

Sub-zero temperatures in much of Canada can affect dashcam performance. Choose models built to operate at low temperatures. Some dashcams may shut down temporarily in extreme cold but resume normal function once warmed. Insulated mounts or locations shielded from direct cold can help.

When to Seek Professional Help

If problems persist after these checks, the dashcam hardware may be faulty or the wiring may have issues. Consider professional installation or contacting support for warranty or repair options.