Parking mode Tesla

[BlackboxMyCar]

I ain’t no veteran, and I ain't no expert.
I’m just obsessed with VIOFO products.

I started testing dashcams in 2018, out of my own need for one.
I’ve tested every major brand, and most of the "counterfeit crap” on Amazon, and my local Walmart.
VIOFO is the only brand I have a chance at understanding their operation from A-Z because they are the most simple / basic design.
K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid).

I’m not like all other testers who have Degrees in computers, electronics, photography, videography, software, coding, etc, and a lifetime of industry experience in those professional / specialized fields of study.
I’m just a failed car mechanic.

Another point of separation from other testers;
I’m not doing this to pay bills, or feed my family.
I have tremendous respect for those guys because they are under the stress of riding a fine line between being called an Influencer / fanboy / shill, and being overly critical to the brands, upsetting them, and having the test unit supply turned off.

I retired in 2015, and I don’t want another job.
Everything I do with dashcams is my funtime hobby.
If it ain’t fun, I ain't doing it.
-Chuck

Well, you are one relative to me 🙂

 

[BlackboxMyCar]

No need to apologize this can get confusing.

GPS is NOT used to enable / disable parking mode.
What you're describing is some models have the ability to enable / disable parking mode based on "no activity" from the image sensor.
This method is NOT "reliable" for parking mode.
Reliable parking mode requires ignition based trigger / signal, (like Hardwire cable, or dash cam battery pack).
Since you have a Tesla with no traditional ignition based trigger / signal there are a few ways to do this.
Stay tuned.
-Chuck

@SafeDriveSolutions
@BlackboxMyCar
@CaptureYourAction
@Aussiecams

One more thing I should've thought of and mentioned is that this method of parking mode also has the following issues:

• The dash cam can enter parking mode while you're still driving, e.g. when you're stuck in a traffic jam and haven't moved for 5 minutes.
• The dash cam will most likely not have low-voltage cutoff when operating this way, which means it could kill your battery. This is definitely the case if you're powering the cam from something like a port/circuit that's always on.
  • The only exception is if it's set up with an ignition-based method, but then, this operation method would only be able to occur when the vehicle is running, as it'll already be in parking mode when the vehicle is off.

With that said, one thing we also overlooked is the OBD cable and Teslas. VIOFO states the following about the OBD cable on their website:

An OBD constant power cable provides an easy and convenient method to enable parking mode. By simply plugging it into the vehicle's OBD-ll port, it offers constant power to the dash cam after the engine is off. When the OBD constant power cable is connected to VIOFO’s specific cable with ACC detection, the dash cam will immediately enter parking mode as soon as the ignition is off.

Everything You Need to Know About Parking Mode

A dash cam has become an indispensable tool for driving, providing constant surveillance of your vehicle on the road and enhancing security. Thanks to the modern feature of dash cams—parking mode, monitoring your vehicle while it’s parked becomes easier and more convenient. Parking mode is a...

www.viofo.com

You provided conflicting information that the OBD port both stays on and goes to sleep during sentry mode, and we don't know enough about Teslas to know which is true since we never install into them via the OBD port. However, if we assume the latter is correct, this means that the dash cam should enter parking mode as soon as the OBD port goes to sleep. However, the product page also states this:

Note: This cable is designed for traditional gasoline and diesel vehicles only. It is not compatible with hybrid or electric vehicles (EVs).

VIOFO OP100 OBD-II Power Cable for Dash Cam, 24H Parking Mode with Low Voltage Protection

B

www.viofo.com

Hence why you're finding that the dash cam is acting as it is. What we do know is that all OBD ports have pins that provide ignition switched and constant power, which is what the OBD cables leverage to send or cut the ignition signal to the dash cam while still being able to keep them powered in parking mode, so it seems like the pins used by the VIOFO cable are all constant in a Tesla.

Edit: Please see Chuck's reply below for a more detailed and accurate explanation of how OBD cables work.

The best option we've also found for Teslas and the one we use for local installations, at least the models that have an accessory socket (cigarette lighter) in the centre console, is a battery pack with a 3-wire spliced output. We know that the accessory socket will go to sleep in sentry mode, allowing the battery pack to cut the ignition signal to the dash cam and send it into parking mode. We get that you may not want wires coming out of the centre console but this would be the only way to achieve a reliable and safe setup if you don't want to drill, cut, or open things up.

If you are willing to open things up, Thinkware offers a "Tesla power bridge cable" that non-destructively diverts power from the accessory socket to a battery pack, while retaining its original functionality. We don't see why this wouldn't work for non-Thinkware battery packs (unless you're using one with a 3-wire input like the VIOFO BP100) as it just provides standard ignition power and ground connections. The installation will require you to disassemble the centre console, and you'll actually end up mounting the battery pack inside it, but Thinkware has thankfully made a video tutorial. We're not sure if this is available in Australia, but the main benefit is that it allows for a clean way to set it up with a battery pack that shouldn't cause any warranty issues (especially if Australia has similar automotive consumer protection laws to the US and Canada).

 

[Chuck McCoy]

all OBD ports have pins that provide ignition switched and constant power

Stop right there.
False & Misleading Statements.
Do not pass go.
Do not collect $200.

I didn’t even give you any rope this time, and you’ve already tied your own noose.
This statement is going to confuse your customers.
This may lead to purchases, that do not work for their application.
Upset / angry customers usually turn to social media to begin a scorched earth campaign to destroy a company's reputation.

OBD Ports are divided into two main categories.
OBD 1 (1981-1995)
OBD 2 (1996-current)
Some 1994 & 1995 vehicles have an OBD2 DLC (diagnostic link connector) aka “ OBD port”.
However they are not fully functional OBD2 compliant.
Starting in 2005-2008 CANBUS was added to further enhance / complicate the protocol.
You can think of CANBUS as “OBD2.5”.

Within these two main categories there are sub categories for vehicle type;
Passenger Car & Light Pickup (usually under 13,999lbs. GVWR) think Ford F-350 / Chevy 3500, and smaller.
Medium Duty & Heavy Duty Trucks & Commercial Vehicles, (usually over 14,000lbs. GVWR).
The second category of Medium Duty & Heavy Duty Trucks & Commercial Vehicles are not bound to the same ODB2 Port specifications, (different pins do different things).
Do you see where I’m going this this?
EV’s have been granted exemption from full OBD2 compliance for Passenger Car & Light Pickups.
Within these two categories, there are more sub categories for different countries / regions of the world.

all OBD ports have pins that provide ignition switched and constant power

There ain’t no “ignition pin” in any OBD2 Port.
All current OBD2 Power Cables from dash cam manufacturers use a mishmash different logic to “try” to get proper function of parking mode enable / disable.
All OBD2 Power Cables I’ve tested from VIOFO, Vantrue, 70mai, Vueroid, use a combination of, (System Voltage, Built-in G-Sensor, and Timers).
None of them are 100% reliable.
The most reliable OBD2 Power Cable I’ve seen is the one from IROAD.
That’s why Ben made a custom OBD2 Power Cable for VIOFO cameras using an HK4, and IROAD OBD2 Power Cable.

The best option we've also found for Teslas and the one we use for local installations, at least the models that have an accessory socket (cigarette lighter) in the centre console, is a battery pack with a 3-wire spliced output.

“3-Wire Spliced Output” no longer needed.
VIOFO just made this a whole lot easier.
For the first time ever VIOFO now offers a (Type-C to Type-C Power Cable) with necessary pins to enable / disable parking mode with Ignition / ACC based signal for 100% reliable operation.
However, this cable is only compatible with BP60, (included in BP60 Box).

Joseph sent me my first VIOFO dash cam for test & review back in September 2020, (A129 Plus Duo).
I’ve been meaning to make the drive up, and thank him personally for putting me in the “dash cam review game”.
Maybe we could have lunch, and geek out over all these details.
Actually, I’ll be at SEMA Las Vegas 2026 in 3 weeks, did you guys make any changes in attendance?
-Chuck

 

[BlackboxMyCar]

Stop right there.
False & Misleading Statements.
Do not pass go.
Do not collect $200.

I didn’t even give you any rope this time, and you’ve already tied your own noose.
This statement is going to confuse your customers.
This may lead purchases, that do not work for their application.
Upset / angry customers usually turn to social media to begging a scorched earth campaign on BBMC’s reputation.

OBD Ports are divided into two main categories.
OBD 1 (1981-1995)
OBD 2 (1996-current)
Some 1994 & 1995 vehicles have an OBD2 DLC (diagnostic link connector) aka “ OBD port”.
However they are not fully functional OBD2 compliant.
Starting in 2005-2008 CANBUS was added to further enhance / complicate the protocol.
You can think of CANBUS as “OBD2.5”.

Within these two main categories there are sub categories for vehicle type;
Passenger Car & Light Pickup (usually under 13,999lbs. GVWR) think Ford F-350 / Chevy 3500, and smaller.
Medium Duty & Heavy Duty Trucks & Commercial Vehicles, (usually over 14,000lbs. GVWR).
The second category of Medium Duty & Heavy Duty Trucks & Commercial Vehicles are not bound to the same ODB2 Port specifications, (different pins do different things).
Do you see where I’m going this this?
EV’s have been granted exemption from full OBD2 compliance for Passenger Car & Light Pickups.
Within these two categories, there are more sub categories for different countries / regions of the world.

There ain’t no “ignition pin” in any OBD2 Port.
All current OBD2 Power Cables from dash cam manufacturers use a mishmash different logic to “try” to get proper function of parking mode enable / disable.
All OBD2 Power Cables I’ve tested from VIOFO, Vantrue, 70mai, Vueroid, use a combination of, (System Voltage, Built-in G-Sensor, and Timers).
None of them are 100% reliable.
The most reliable OBD2 Power Cable I’ve seen is the one from IROAD.
That’s why Ben made a custom OBD2 Power Cable for VIOFO cameras using an HK4, and IROAD OBD2 Power Cable.

“3-Wire Spliced Output” no longer needed.
VIOFO just made this a whole lot easier.
For the first time ever VIOFO now offers a (Type-C to Type-C Power Cable) with necessary pins to enable / disable parking mode with Ignition / ACC based signal for 100% reliable operation.
However, this cable is only compatible with BP60, (included in BP60 Box).

Joseph sent me my first VIOFO dash cam for test & review back in September 2020, (A129 Plus Duo).
I’ve been meaning to make the drive up, and thank him personally for putting me in the “dash cam review game”.
Maybe we could have lunch, and geek out over all these details.
Actually, I’ll be at SEMA Las Vegas 2026 in 3 weeks, did you guys make any changes in attendance?
-Chuck

Sorry Chuck, thanks for the detailed explanation. I've always personally been under the impression that the OBD port is somehow used to get ACC and constant power, as well as a ground, but this makes a lot more sense. Edited the post above to point to your information instead.

Honestly, all of us up here would love to get to know you face to face and learn more about the ins and outs of dash cams and their accessories. Regarding SEMA, we're still undecided at the moment, but we'll keep you posted.

 

[VIOFO-Support]

Hi

I currently have my a329s connected to my Tesla via an obd usb port. The port stays active when the Tesla sentry mode is active. I use the viofo to supliment Tesla sentry short comings.

I noticed the a329s will enter parking mode after 5mins of no gps or g sensor activity.

Does changing the settings in the viofo affect this. Eg. if I turn off gps, or if I set the gsenor to off in driving mode it won't know to go into parking mode?

Also if I was to buy the Bluetooth remote to manually make it go into parking mode do I need to push the button again when I'm about to drive or will it sense the car moving and return to driving mode?

One other thing. If I manually push the button to enter parking mode will it respect the 90 second timer option in the dashcam or is that setting only for hardwired cams?

Sorry for all the questions but I'm trying to get my head around this?

Since your OBD supply constant power to the camera, the camera may enter the parking mode after five minutes of inactivity, which is not simply influenced by G-sensor or GPS since any moving event may trigger the camera during that five minutes and then prevent the camera from entering parking mode. But for exiting the parking mode, the camera will do this when the there is a GPS signal and speed reaches 8kph. Regarding the bluetooth button, you can only use it to turn on/off parking mode as you do in camera's menu, it cannot let the camera enter or exit the parking mode.