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Installation guide: Vehicle Data Device with Y-cable

This is a printed page that might be out of date. To read the most up-to-date help content, visit https://device-help.verizonconnect.com.

Skill level: Intermediate

Installers must be able to remove dash panels and instrument clusters, and mount and secure devices safely.

This guide explains how to install a Vehicle Data Device using a Y-cable.

Time required: 20 to 30 mins

The Y-cable allows you to keep the OBD-II port free for diagnostic tool scanning and to conceal the Vehicle Data Device.

If you are installing a road-facing camera in the same vehicle, you can use the Y-cable with the OBD-II passthrough cable in the camera kit to keep your OBD-II diagnostics port available.

The engine must be OFF when installing the Vehicle Data Device. Once the device is installed, wait 10 minutes before starting the vehicle.

Step 1. Check the box contents

Y-CablePackage.png

  • Vehicle Data Device (VDD)
  • OBD-II Y-cable (approx. 9ft)
  • 8" zip ties (x4)
  • 14" zip ties (x2)
  • Mounting adaptors
  • Core connector

Step 2. Identify the parts of the Y-cable

AboutYC.png

The cable consists of the following parts:

  • (A)Cable connector
  • (B)Bypass connector that plugs into the vehicle's OBD-II port
  • (C)Fuse holder with replaceable fuse
  • (D)Device connector for the Vehicle Data Device

The cable comes with the following parts:

Step 3. Record device and vehicle information

Record the device IMEI and the vehicle it's being installed into before continuing. You need this later to verify the installation.
Help-VDD.png
The IMEI can be found on the back of the device or on the box.

Step 4. Locate OBD-II port

LocateOBD_II-LeftHandDrive.png

  1. Move the vehicle to an area with good network coverage.
  2. Make sure your vehicle is turned off.
  3. Locate your vehicle's OBD-II port.
    The port is usually located under the dashboard or beneath the steering wheel column. If not located beneath the steering column, look for the port in the areas indicated in the image.
    For help finding the OBD-II port, read Find the OBD-II port.

Step 5. Unmount the vehicle's OBD-II port

  1. Remove the vehicle's OBD-II port from its mounting bracket by pressing the release tabs or by removing the screws that hold it in place.
    You might need to remove the dash panel to remove the OBD-II port.
    Warning:Use extreme caution when you unmount the vehicle's OBD-II port. Putting stress on the wires or otherwise damaging the port can cause performance issues with the vehicle.

Step 6. Attach core connector to mounting adapter

  1. Find the mounting adaptor (F) that matches the shape of your vehicle's OBD-II port.
    Make sure you choose the correct mounting adapter before attaching it to the core connector. Once attached, the parts are very difficult to take apart.
    What mounting adapters do I use with my Y-cable?
  2. Attach the core connector to the appropriate mounting adapter.

Step 7. Plug cable into core connector

  1. To assemble the replacement OBD-II port, plug the cable's replacement OBD-II connector (A) into the back of the core connector (E).

Step 8. Mount replacement OBD-II port

  1. Screw or snap the replacement OBD-II port into the vehicle's original OBD-II port location.

Step 9. Plug original port into bypass connector

  1. Plug the vehicle's original OBD-II port into the cable's bypass connector (B).
  2. Secure the bypass connector to the port with a zip tie.

Step 10. Connect the OBD-II passthrough (Optional)

  1. If you're installing a road-facing camera after the device, connect the OBD-II passthrough from the camera kit to the Y-cable's device connector (D).

OBD-II_passthrough.jpg

Step 11. Plug the Vehicle Data Device into the cable

.
  1. With the engine off, plug the VDD into the cable's device connector (D) or the OBD-II passthrough if you're connecting a road-facing camera.
  2. Listen for a beep sound.
    A single beep indicates your device is plugged in correctly and receiving power.
    Didn't hear the beep?

Step 12. Mount the Vehicle Data Device

Before you mount and secure the device:

  • Do not mount the device directly under metal surfaces as this can block the network and GPS signal.
  • Do not mount the device near a source of heat such as a heating vent or duct. This can damage the device and melt the cable.
  • You must secure the device firmly so it cannot move around. If the device is not secure, it will impact the accuracy of harsh driving events.
  • You must coil up and secure the cable so that it does not get in the driver's way or interfere with the driver's operation of the vehicle.

If you are installing a road-facing camera with the Y-cable in the same vehicle wait until after you have installed the camera to mount and secure the device.

To mount and secure the device:

  1. Look for a stable mounting location under the dashboard, such as a wire bundle or bracket.
    Mount_the_device.png

  2. Secure the device to the vehicle with zip ties.

  3. Tidy up the cable and secure it with zip ties.
  4. Check everything is fastened tightly and cut off excess length of zip ties if needed.
    WAIT 10 MINUTES BEFORE SWITCHING THE ENGINE ON. This gives the Vehicle Data Device time to download the latest updates.

Next steps

Disclaimer

Verizon Connect shall have no liability whatsoever for any damages that arise from, or are connected with, your use of our services, including the GPS tracking hardware and dash cams, in a manner contrary to the(se) instructions or in violation of law and/or our agreement. Tracking hardware connected to the diagnostic port in vehicles that have third-party devices present can cause the third-party device or vehicle to lose functionality. These third-party devices include, but are not limited to, wheelchair lifts, idle control modules and PTOs. If such a conflict exists, contact Verizon Connect support to have the tracking hardware configured to support the third-party device. Failure to do so relieves Verizon Connect of all liability for damages that arise from or are connected with your use of the devices. Installed devices may only be removed and transferred to another vehicle if the second has been tested for compatibility, as per the(se) instructions. Transfers between vehicles which do not follow the(se) instructions will void any and all warranties from Verizon Connect, and relieve Verizon Connect of all liability for damages that arise from or are connected with your use of the devices.

FCC compliance statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

  • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
  • Increase the separation between equipment and receiver.
  • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
  • Consult the dealer or install technician for help.

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