Installation guide: Xirgo with SDLC cable for light-duty Ford vehicles on Reveal

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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 Xirgo device on light-duty Ford vehicles with a Smart Data Link Connector (SDLC) cable. It also includes steps for installing the tracker in a vehicle that has a kill switch or master shut off.

Time required: 20-30 minutes

An ECMD connection requires an updated ECM-enabled configuration script parameter file to correctly identify ignition time. (At Step 18, you will call Reveal support for this.)

In this guide:

Step 1: Position the vehicle
Step 2: Gather your tools
Step 3: Check the kit contents
Step 4: Identify the parts of the Xirgo device
Step 5: Identify the parts of the SDLC cable
Step 6: Identify the parts of the I/O harness
Step 7: Record the device serial number
Step 8: Locate the SDLC module in the vehicle
Step 9: Connect the SDLC cable to the vehicle
Step 10: Connect the SDLC cable to the device
Step 11: Use the LED lights to identify the device status
Step 12: Plug the I/O harness connector into the Xirgo device
Step 13: Connect the I/O harness's white wire (vehicles with a kill switch)
Step 14: Connect optional peripherals or sensor inputs
Step 15: Route and secure the cabling
Step 16: Mount and secure the device
Step 17: Link the device and verify operation
Step 18: Update the vehicle tracker configuration
Step 19: Update the vehicle tracker configuration (vehicles with a kill switch)

Step 1: Position the vehicle

Position the vehicle in a location that has good network coverage.

The engine must be off when you are installing the device.

Step 2: Gather your tools

Depending on the vehicle type, you may need the following tools:

Work light
Dash panel removal tools
Driver bits and socket set
Zip ties
Wire stripping tools
Digital voltmeter

Step 3: Check the kit contents

Xirgo device
SDLC cable
I/O harness (required for vehicles that have a kill switch or master shut off, or installations with optional peripherals)

Step 4: Identify the parts of the Xirgo device

(A) Fastening tabs
(B) 14-pin Y-cable diagnostics connector
(C) 24-pin I/O harness connector
(D) Amber LED for cellular network
(E) Blue LED for Bluetooth (if equipped)
(F) Green LED for GPS
(G) Device label

Step 5: Identify the parts of the SDLC cable

(1) Connector for the back side of the vehicle’s SDLC module
(2) Connector for the vehicle’s factory connector
(3) Connector for the Xirgo device

Step 6: Identify the parts of the I/O harness

(A) OBD-II 24-pin I/O harness (RFID compatible), connects to Xirgo device
(B) Input 4 - black/green wire (ground trigger)
(C) Input 2 - black/orange wire (negative trigger)
(D) Input 1 - purple wire (positive trigger)
(E) Panic/privacy - 4-pin connector
(F) Driver ID reader - 2-pin connector
(G) Garmin - 10-pin connector
(H) Driver ID buzzer - 3-pin connector
(I) RFID reader - 6-pin connector
(J) Software controlled ignition input/output - white wire (use only for vehicles with kill switch or master shutoff, or when specified by Verizon Connect)
(K) 3-amp fuse

Step 7: Record the device serial number

Record the device's ESN/serial number (you will need it in a later step).

Verizon Connect installation partners can scan the device's ESN/serial number using the Reveal Hardware Installer (RHI) app.

The device serial number (called "ESN on Reveal) is on the information label on the top of the device.

Step 8: Locate the SDLC module in the vehicle

Front view of SDLC module

Rear view of SDLC module

The SDLC module, also known as the Ford Gateway Module, is already mounted on the vehicle. It is typically located along the driver side knee panel.

Step 9: Connect the SDLC cable to the vehicle

The SDLC cable is used to connect between the factory harness and the back of the SDLC module (Ford Gateway Module).

Unmount the SDLC module and disconnect the factory harness from the back side of the SDLC module.
The SDLC module is typically located along the driver side knee panel.
Snap the SDLC cable in place between the factory connector and the back side of the SDLC module.
The completed cable connections should be as in the following image.
Remount the SDLC module back into place.
Secure the cabling along its length, keeping it clear of any moving parts.
Ensure cable placement does not interfere with the driver's operation of the vehicle or with any vehicle controls (such as brakes, pedals, or steering).

Step 10: Connect the SDLC cable to the device

Plug the SDLC cable's 14-pin Molex connector into the Xirgo device.
You may need to route harnesses to the mounting location through tight spaces before connecting them to the device (see Step 15).
Confirm the device is receiving power (LEDs are illuminated).
You may need to turn on the ignition for the device to receive power.

Step 11: Use the LED lights to identify the device status

The Xirgo tracker has three LEDs that are used to identify the status of the device.

(A) Amber LED (Cellular Network)

OFF: No power to device
Flashing: Ignition is OFF
Fast Flashing: searching for cell signal / Ignition is ON
Solid: Cell signal acquired / Ignition is ON

(B) Blue LED (Bluetooth), only for Bluetooth-enabled devices

OFF: Bluetooth is not connected
Flashing: Bluetooth is connected

(C) Green LED (GPS)

OFF: Searching for satellites
Flashing: Satellite count +1
- The LED flashes once to indicate a GPS signal is acquired.
- The LED continues flashing to indicate the number of satellites visible to the device.

Step 12: Plug the I/O harness connector into the Xirgo device

Plug the I/O harness connector into the Xirgo device.

Refer to the Xirgo I/O harness versions article for details about I/O harness versions.

Step 13: Connect the I/O harness's white wire (vehicles with a kill switch)

This step should only be performed if you are installing the tracker in a vehicle with a kill switch or master shut off.

(A) Xirgo device
(B) I/O harness (connects to Xirgo's 24-pin connector)
(C) White wire (connects to vehicle's ignition source)

Familiarise yourself with approved methods for making wire connections:
For information about poke-and-wrap, butt connectors, posi-tap and add-a-circuit fuse block adapters: see Verizon Connect electrical connection standards and installation policy guidance.
For information about poke-and-wrap: see FAQ: How to make a poke and wrap connection (solderless splice).
In the vehicle, locate the true ignition source. This can be an ignition switch, a factory spare wire connector labelled for ignition supply, or an ignition supply labelled on the fuse box.
Use a digital multimeter to verify the voltage does not drop below 9 VDC while the engine is cranking.
Connect the harness’s white wire to the vehicle’s ignition source using an approved connection method.

Step 14: Connect optional peripherals or sensor inputs

Connect optional peripherals as described in the relevant Peripherals section.

Pinout and wiring diagram for I/O harness

Step 15: Route and secure the cabling

Route the cables to the mounting location and connect them.

Coil and secure any loose cabling using zip ties to ensure it will not interfere with the driver or normal operation of the vehicle.
Check everything is fastened tightly, and trim zip ties if they have excess length.
Use caution when trimming the zip ties. Accidentally cutting or nicking nearby vehicle wires will cause performance issues with the vehicle.
Make sure the installation does not interfere with the driver or normal operation of the vehicle. If you have removed the dash panel, do not replace it until the network connection is confirmed (see Step 17).

Step 16: Mount and secure the device

Find a suitable location to mount the device. Suggested mounting locations are shown below.

(A) Behind the driver's side knee panel
(B) Behind the instrument cluster
(C) Behind the centre console
(D) Behind the glove box

To ensure strong network coverage, consider the following when choosing the mounting location:
- The device should be mounted label-side up and skyward-facing for best signal.
- The device should not be mounted directly under large metal parts.
- The device will work through glass, plastics, and composites.
Fasten the device securely to a stable mounting bracket or wire bundle using zip ties, VHB tape, or industrial strength Velcro. Do not cover the ESN/Serial Number with two-sided tape, the label will peel and be unreadable when the tape is removed.
The device must be fastened securely to prevent it from moving and generating erroneous harsh driving event reporting.

Step 17: Link the device and verify operation

Use Spotlight or the Reveal portal to link and verify successful installations. Learn how to Verify an installation in Reveal.

If you’re a Verizon Connect installer using Reveal, use the Reveal Hardware Installer app.

Step 18: Update the vehicle tracker configuration

Call Reveal Support at 866-908-1165 to update the device configuration so ignition is sensed through the SDLC cable.

Step 19: Update the vehicle tracker configuration (vehicles with a kill switch)

This step should only be performed if you are installing the tracker in a vehicle with a kill switch or master shut off.

To prevent erroneous Reveal statuses such as false towing notifications, the device must be configured correctly as Ignition (3-wire, hardwired).

To update the tracker configuration, you can do one of the following:

In Reveal, update the power source tracker setting for the vehicle. For more information on updating this setting, see Update the power source tracker setting for Xirgo vehicle trackers.
Call Reveal Support at 866.908.1165 to update the device configuration so ignition status is sensed for the white-wire installation.

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 any vehicle that has third-party devices also connected to the diagnostic port can cause interference or loss of functionality of the third-party device. These third-party devices include, but are not limited to, wheelchair lifts, lifesaving equipment, emergency lighting, and radar guns. 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 vehicle 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.